Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, September 8, to Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Although it may not feel like it yet, summer is coming to an end, and this week is packed with festivals celebrating the arrival of cooler weather. Shibuya, Kichijōji, Ogikubo, Ōmiya, and Setagaya are just some of the places holding multi-day autumn festivals this weekend. Meanwhile, Citta’ Matsuri Festival will hold its 20th event in Kawasaki, and Tokyo International Comedy Festival will appear at various venues throughout the city.
Citta’ Matsuri Festival
La Cittadella is celebrating the 20th edition of its annual festival. The three-night event fuses Japanese matsuri traditions with international flair.
Tokyo International Comedy Festival
Tokyo International Comedy Festival is back for 11 days of laughs. This year’s event brings together Japanese and international comedians performing across the city in all manner of solo shows, improv, roast battles, stand-up competitions, and live podcast recordings.
Discover Japanese Calligraphy — Beginners’ Lessons
Experience Japanese calligraphy firsthand with the help of expert instructors. These beginner workshops will introduce you to the world of calligraphy from the absolute basics to creating your very own piece of art.
| Advance sales: ¥10,000 | At the door: ¥10,000 | |
258th Sakaki Festival
The very first Sakaki Matsuri was held in 1767. As part of the ceremony, a large Sakaki (it’s a variety of tree) mikoshi (portable shrine) is tied with strips of paper, then carried and shaken rather vigorously on its way through the town to the shrine.
Asakusa Kokusai Street Beat Festival
Drums are a part of every traditional Japanese festival, and they’re loved for a reason. Listen to the beats hit the street at the Asakusa Kokusai Street Beat Festival.
Tokyo Wasshoi
You’ll see Edo-period firefighter acrobatics, sacred kagura performances, yosakoi dancing, thundering taiko drumming — performed by both hearing and Deaf groups — and more.
Tokyo Gendai
Tokyo Gendai convenes leading galleries, artists, and collectors from Japan and abroad. It has quickly carved out a central role in Asia’s contemporary art circuit.
| Advance sales: ¥3,850 | At the door: ¥4,500 | |
| Advance sales: ¥2,250 | At the door: ¥2,700 | |
Shibuya Konno Hachimangū Annual Festival
Every autumn, Konno Hachimangū Shrine holds one of the biggest festivals in Shibuya. Street vendors will also be at the shrine over the weekend, meaning you can grab food and get into the festival spirit.
Ogikubo Hachiman Grand Festival
For lovers of Japanese culture and traditional festivals, the Ogikubo Hachiman Grand Festival is a dream come true. You’ll get a chance to explore everything from tree exhibitions to takoyaki outside the Ogikubo Hachiman Shrine.
Ultra Japan
Ultra Japan is the biggest EDM festival in the country, and you don’t even need to head out to a paddock in the middle of nowhere to enjoy it. The festival is part of the Ultra Music Festival global circuit and brings more than a handful of global EDM superstars to Odaiba.
Motoshinmei Shrine Annual Festival
The Motoshinmei Shrine Festival happens over two days in mid-September. Both days feature food booths and activities, with the main portable shrine (mikoshi) procession happening on Sunday.
Hie Shrine Annual Festival
The festival is held in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, on the weekend before Japan’s Respect for the Aged holiday. See a Shinto prayer ceremony on Friday, as well as traditional dress and decorations.
Kichijōji Fall Festival
On both days of the festival, the mikoshi (portable shrines) from the various neighborhoods of Kichijōji will be jiggled and jostled around the streets.
Setagaya Hachimangū Fall Festival
The unique feature of the Setagaya Hachimangū Shrine Fall Festival is the ritual sumo that takes place on a dohyo sumo ring in front of the shrine. The ritual sumo — known as hōnōsumo — is usually open to the public and takes place on the Monday public holiday this year.
Fiesta Mexicana
Fiesta Mexicana takes place along the West Promenade next to the Aqua City shopping center in Odaiba. The festival runs for three days and is filled with food, fun, and entertainment.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Grand Festival
This festival takes place across three consecutive days, featuring a variety of religious ceremonies and cultural events. Having started around 800 years ago, this festival holds great significance and offers a rare opportunity to see Shinto traditions firsthand.
Ōmiya Hachiman Festival (Autumn Grand Festival)
The Ōmiya Hachiman Festival, also known as the Autumn Grand Festival, is held every September at Ōmiya Hachiman Shrine and is one of the most important matsuri (festivals) of the year.
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