Tokyo Summer Festivals: Bon Odori, Digital Festivals, and Theme Park Events for August 2024

Sanrio Puroland Neo Summer Festival (Tama City) (Jul 12 – Sep 3)

© 2024 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN | Copyright SANRIO CO., LTD.

Sanrio Puroland, an indoor theme park in Tama City featuring Sanrio characters, will transform into a vibrant summer festival. On the first floor of Puro Village, enjoy “Neo Bon Odori” and a new parade, “Sanrio Puroland Neo Summer Festival WA☆SHOWI BEAT!,” set to neo beats. Characters in colorful new summer costumes, like yukata and happi coats, will parade through the park. The first floor’s Entertainment Hall will host “Neo Ennichi,” featuring unique stalls. Participate in the “Kawaii Ennichi” to win badges based on game results or create custom neon signs with “KAWAII♡ Neon Shop” that will be displayed on the venue’s screens. Enjoy themed food like the “Kakigori-style♡ Fromage Mont Blanc Parfait.”

Event Details
・Venue: Sanrio Puroland
・Dates: July 12–September 3, 2024
・Hours: Varies by day
・Admission:
Adults: Day Passport 3,900–5,900 yen, Afternoon Passport (entry after 2 PM) 2,500–3,800 yen
Children (ages 3–17) and Seniors (65+): 2,800–4,800 yen, Afternoon Passport (entry after 2 PM) 2,200–3,500 yen
*Additional event participation fees may apply. See the official website for details.

NAKED “OMATSURI” Eat, Play, and Dance! (Jul 26 – Aug 16)

At the Marunouchi Building Hall on the 7th floor of the Marunouchi Building, directly connected to Tokyo Station, the creative company NAKED, INC. is hosting a summer festival. This unique event combines advanced technology with traditional Japanese summer experiences and culture.

The Omatsuri Ukiyo-e allows you to digitally select and wear items from famous festivals across Japan, such as the Nebuta Festival in Aomori and the Namahage in Akita. These selections will project Ukiyo-e-style backgrounds, creating an immersive experience. Other highlights include the Bon Odori Time, featuring the AI BIG DARUMA, a large daruma doll brought to life through AI and projection mapping.

Festival stalls offer unique activities like obtaining yakisoba toppings through a digital shooting gallery, apple candy wrapped in original daruma packaging, and Japanese-style shaved ice with flavors such as matcha and yuzu. The Bar & Snack stalls will sell classic festival foods like frankfurters and takoyaki skewers.

Event Details
・Venue: Marunouchi Building Hall (7th floor)
・Dates: July 26 – August 16, 2024
・Time: 11 AM – 10 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM)
– July 26: 5 PM – 10 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM)
– August 16: Closes at 2 PM (Last entry 1:30 PM)
・Tickets (include 1 welcome drink and 1 dessert or food item, excluding yakisoba):
– Early Bird Tickets: Mon-Thu: 3,800 yen (middle school and above), 3,400 yen (elementary school); Fri-Sun, holidays: 3,900 yen (middle school and above), 3,500 yen (elementary school)
– Regular Tickets: Mon-Thu: 3,900 yen (middle school and above), 3,500 yen (elementary school); Fri-Sun, holidays: 4,000 yen (middle school and above), 3,700 yen (elementary school)

The Asagaya Bali Dance Festival (Aug 3-4)

The Asagaya Bali Dance Festival first took place in 2002. It is a delightful showcase of beautiful dance and musical performances from Bali, Indonesia. The festival offers a wonderful blend of traditional and modern Balinese dances performed by talented dancers from Bali and Japan. You can also savor the local cuisine at various food stalls serving Indonesian specialties, beer, and more. The festival’s enchanting atmosphere will transport you to the beautiful island of Bali.

Event Details
・Venue: Asagaya Shinmeigu
・Dates: August 3-4, 2024
・Time: ５-7:40 PM
・Admission: Free

65th Itabashi Fireworks Festival (Aug 3)

The fireworks festival on the southern bank of the Arakawa River in Itabashi, Tokyo, takes place alongside the Todabashi Fireworks Festival in Toda, Saitama. With the launch site close to the audience, you’ll feel the full impact of the fireworks’ sound. A highlight of this festival is the Shakugosundama, the largest firework in Tokyo. This massive 45 cm, 35 kg shell explodes 400 meters high, higher than Tokyo Tower. While other Tokyo festivals typically use 4 to 8 inch shells (11.5 to 23.5 cm), the Itabashi Fireworks Festival features 54 10 inch shells (29.5 cm) and 72 including Todabashi. Together, over 15,000 fireworks will light up the sky.

Event Details
・Venue: Itabashi Arakawa Riverside, Todabashi Green Space
・Date: August 3, 2024 (canceled in case of severe weather; no rescheduled date)
・Time: 7 PM–8:30 PM
・Admission: Free (Paid seats with programs available (Athletic Field Seats: 5,500 yen, Prime Seats: 6,000 yen, S Seats: 5,000 yen, A Seats: 4,500 yen, see the official site for details))

Nakameguro Summer Festival (Aug 3 & 4)

The Nakameguro Summer Festival, held near Nakameguro Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Tokyu Metro Hibiya Line, is a summer tradition with over half a century of history. This festival offers a chance to enjoy two major traditional dances from Shikoku while staying in Tokyo. On the first day, you can watch the Awa Odori from Tokushima, and on the second day, the Yosakoi from Kochi.

This year, 19 groups will perform the Awa Odori, and 34 teams will showcase the Yosakoi, dancing along the 900-meter stretch of Meguro Ginza Shopping Street. The area will be filled with lively cheers and the powerful sounds of drums and flutes. Numerous groups from outside Meguro Ward will also participate, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. Note that spectators cannot join the dances.

The local Meguro Ginza Ren (Megugin Ren) will captivate with their energetic and sharp original performances. Their dancers express unity through intricate interactions of percussion and melody instruments. Some shops along the shopping street will have special sales, so you can enjoy shopping while experiencing the festival. Free drinks will be distributed to the first 7,000 visitors, and the first 1,500 will receive a complimentary fan.

Event Details
・Venue: Meguro Ginza Shopping Street and Nakameguro GT
・Dates: August 3–4, 2024
・Time: 6 PM–8:30 PM
・Admission: Free

Nakano Station Grand Bon Odori Festival 2024 (Aug 3 & 4)

The Bon Odori Festival at Nakano Station features a wide range of traditional folk dances from across Japan, including Nakano’s own “Nakano Ondo,” “Tokyo Ondo,” “Tanko Bushi” from Fukuoka, “Dodarebachi” from Aomori, and “Kagoshima Ohara” from Kagoshima. Unlike typical festivals that use recorded music, this event showcases live performances by the Nakano Folk Song Federation.

Last year, the festival drew around 60,000 visitors and featured guest appearances by DJ KOO and DJ Celly a.k.a. Bon Jovi. The 2018 event gained fame when a Bon Odori dance was performed to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer,” leading to the creation of the viral hashtag ‘#BonJovi’ after the band’s official account responded. The festival alternates between traditional Bon Odori dances and guest performances, ensuring an engaging atmosphere.

Event Details
・Venue: Nakano Central Park and Park Avenue
・Date: August 3-4, 2024
・Time: 10 AM–9 PM (planned)
・Cost: Free

43rd Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival (Shinjuku Ward & Minato Ward) (Aug 10)

(C) Nikkan Sports Newspaper Company

The 2024 Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival will take place in August at two locations: Jingu Stadium and Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in the Meiji Jingu Gaien area. The event draws approximately one million visitors each year. Unlike other fireworks festivals, this one features live music performances by various artists. At Jingu Stadium, Japanese actor and singer Ken Matsudaira will perform, while at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, K-pop idol CHANSUNG from 2PM and voice actress Nagisa Aoyama are scheduled to appear (with updates on the official website).

Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium offers excellent access from nearby stations, and the fireworks viewed over the rugby field are stunning. The event kicks off with opening acts, so plan to arrive early. Tickets are required for viewing.

Event Details
・Venue: Jingu Stadium and Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo
・Date: August 10, 2024 (rescheduled to August 11 in case of severe weather; light rain will not cancel the event)
・Time: Fireworks display from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM at both venues
・Jingu Stadium: Gates open at 4:00 PM, performances start at 5:00 PM
・Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium: Gates open at 3:00 PM, performances start at 3:30 PM
・Admission:
・Jingu Stadium (all seats reserved): Arena SS seats 13,000 yen
・Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium (all seats reserved): Stand seats 7,000 yen
・General ticket sales start at 10:00 AM on July 13, 2024, via Ticket Pia WEB and other platforms

Sumida River Toro Nagashi (Lantern-Floating Ceremony) (Aug 10)

In 1946, lanterns were floated on the Sumida River to honor the spirits of those who perished during events like the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Tokyo air raids. This historic event continues as people gather near the Sumida Park Riverside Terrace, close to Azuma Bridge, to release lanterns onto the river. The lanterns gently drift from Kototoibashi Bridge to Azuma Bridge, creating a magical scene as they illuminate the water.

Today, the Sumida River Toro Nagashi (Lantern-Floating Ceremony) is held on both banks of Taito and Sumida wards, attracting participants of all ages and nationalities. In recent years, people not only float lanterns in remembrance but also write wishes on them, hoping for their fulfillment like during Tanabata. Lanterns are available for purchase on the day of the event (limited quantity), and it’s recommended to buy them in advance due to high demand. Additionally, sightseeing and cruise boats operate during the event, offering a unique experience of releasing lanterns from the water.

Event Details
・Venue: Sumida Park Riverside Terrace (both banks of Azuma Bridge)
・Date: August 10, 2024 (event held rain or shine, postponed to the following day in case of severe weather)
・Time: Ceremony and lantern floating from 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM
・Cost: Free

Yokohama Sparkling Twilight (Aug 10 & 31)

(Photo: Yokohama Visitors Guide)

Around Yokohama Harbor, “Yokohama Sparkling Twilight” is held year-round, including during winter. This event features a five-minute fireworks display, launching around 150 fireworks at 8 PM on weekends. By March 2025, the fireworks will be showcased on about 27 different days, making it the largest number of displays in the metropolitan area. Although five minutes may seem brief, the simultaneous launch of 150 fireworks creates an impressively dynamic show.

One of the highlights is enjoying the fireworks alongside the stunning night view of Yokohama. The finale features even more spectacular fireworks. While the launch location varies, on August 10 and 31, the fireworks will be launched from Shinko Pier Cruise Terminal. The best viewing spot is recommended to be the seaside area around the Red Brick Warehouse.

Event Details
・Venue: Shinko Pier
・Date: August 10 and 31, 2024
・Time: 8 PM–8:05 PM
・Cost: Free

65th Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori (Suginami Ward) (Aug 24 & 25)

On August 24 and 25, 2024, from 5 PM, the 65th Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori will take place along the shopping streets north and south of Koenji Station and Kohnan Street. Originating from the Bon Odori held in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture during the Obon season, this Tokyo version began in 1957 to revitalize the local shopping area.

The festival features eight performance stages spread across the shopping streets and Kohnan Street near JR Koenji Station. Groups known as “ren” dance to lively music played with flutes, drums, and shamisen, filling Koenji with vibrant energy. In 2023, about 156 ren, including some from Tokushima, and approximately 10,000 dancers performed over two days, drawing around 930,000 spectators.

For those who can’t wait until the evening, there are also indoor performances during the day (2,200 yen per performance). The first part starts at 11:30 AM, and the second part at 2 PM. There are two venues: the “Odore Koenji Session 2024” at Suginami Hall (a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Higashi-Koenji Station or a 7-minute walk from Shin-Koenji Station), and the “2024 Summer Za-Koenji Awa Odori” at Za-Koenji 1 (a 5-minute walk from JR Chuo Line Koenji Station North Exit).

Event Details
・Venue: Shopping streets around Koenji Station and Kohnan Street (8 performance stages including Chuo Stage, Higashi Stage, and Junjo Stage)
・Date: August 24-25, 2024
・Time: 5 PM–8 PM
・Cost: Free, with paid special viewing seats available (15,000 yen or 10,000 yen)

Azabu-juban Summer Night Festival (Aug 24-25)

As one of Tokyo’s most popular festivals, the Azabu-Juban Summer Night Festival attracts around half a million visitors every year. Attendees enjoy strolling down the street and indulging in various snacks throughout the night. Azabu-Juban is renowned as a shopping street, home to many famous luxury and brand stores near the numerous embassies. The festival also features an area called “Oragakuni Jiman,” which showcases over 50 cities, towns, and regions from across Japan, offering regional produce and specialties. Visitors can savor local dishes, sake, and beer. Additionally, the event includes a stage at Patio Juban where dance and music performances entertain the crowd.

Event Details
・Venue: Patio Juban and surrounding area
・Date: August 24-25, 2024
・Time: 3 PM–9 PM
・Cost: Free

Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri: Super Yosakoi 2024 (Aug 24-25)

The Yosakoi festival originated in Kochi Prefecture in 1954 as a way to boost the local economy. Yosakoi involves energetic dancing by people in colorful outfits, accompanied by small instruments called naruko. This tradition gained popularity throughout Japan, and yosakoi festivals are now held across the country. The Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri: Super Yosakoi festival, first held in 2001, is a shrine festival dedicated to Meiji Shrine.

In Tokyo and its surrounding areas, August is filled with vibrant summer festivals and events such as fireworks displays and Bon Odori dance festivals. Many events, including Bon Odori and lantern floating, allow for spontaneous participation on the day. These activities provide a wonderful opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand, so be sure to join in!

Written by:

Kaori Kimura

Kaori Kimura is a Japanese travel writer with roughly 20 years of experience in editing and publishing travel guides. After graduating from university, she worked at a publishing company for about 10 years, specializing in travel guides. She has undertaken numerous assignments both internationally, including in places like Paris, France, and Taiwan, as well as domestically in areas such as Hokkaido and Kyushu. Following this, she lived in Guangzhou, China for about two years as an expatriate spouse and contributed to local media, writing on economics and travel guides. Upon returning to Japan, she gained experience in editing and writing for web media. A key strength of hers is her involvement in creating travel guide articles for both inbound and outbound tourism. She possesses the highest level (HSK-6) of the standardized Chinese language proficiency test, level 2 in Japan’s French language test, and EIKEN Grade Pre-1.