Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, August 18, to Sunday, August 24, 2025.
This week has some of the last (and biggest) traditional summer festivals of 2025, including Kōenji’s Awa Odori, Roppongi Hills Bon Dance, Azabu Jūban Festival, and the Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi.
The 39th Sancha Latin Festival has two days of dancing, food, and fun, and if you still haven’t had your summer fireworks fix, there’s plenty of those left to see at the Enoshima and Shōnan Hiratsuka fireworks festivals.
Enoshima Summer Fireworks Festival
See a short fireworks show as part of the Miami Beach Show Summer Fireworks in Enoshima. A bonus if you’re already on a day trip from Tokyo.
Shōnan Hiratsuka Fireworks Festival
For one summer night, the banks of the Sagami River light up with booms, crackles, and hisses. Expect a parade of glittering star mines — this is pyrotechnic artistry at its finest.
Tokyo Otsuka Awa Odori
Held every summer since 1972, this year the Tokyo Otsuka Awa Odori will celebrate its 51st event. Over 1,000 performers dance through Minami-Otsuka Street, with Shinshi-ren, a group of dancers known for their powerful dance style, performing the opening ceremony.
Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Dance
At the Chuo Ward Bon Dance, local groups come together to put on a rehearsed and masterful performance. You’ll have a chance to see the traditional Bon dance, along with dancers clad in flowing robes and one of the largest festival towers (yagura) around.
Sancha Latin Festival
Held in Sangenjaya (often called Sancha or Sanja for short), this two-day celebration features live performances, amazing costumes, and a great atmosphere.
Roppongi Hills Bon Dance 2025
The sleek concrete of the Roppongi Hills Arena will be taken over by kimono-clad Bon dancers for the weekend. This festival boasts a unique dance — the Roppongi Ondo — roughly translated as the Roppongi Workman’s Dance.
Yōga Summer Festival
No, this festival isn’t celebrating the bendy, spiritual exercise of Yoga, but the neighborhood in Setagaya. This local, student-led festival will once again celebrate the community of Yōga at Yōga Kusunoki Park.
Kōenji Awa Odori Festival
Taking place outdoors on the closed-off streets of Kōenji, this summer festival knows how to put on a traditional dance party. The Kōenji Awa Odori Festival fills two days with shedloads of dancing.
Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi
Dance teams descend on the Harajuku/Omotesando area in late August. The two days of the festival see a huge dance contest between these teams taking over the area.
Azabu Jūban Festival
Officially, this is the Azabu Jūban Nōryō Festival. Although “nōryō” means “cooling evening”, this festival is held during the heat of the last weekend of August in the fashionable Azabu-Jūban neighborhood, and it’s all about the food.
Akishima Citizen Whale Festival
The Akishima Citizen Whale Festival takes place in Showa Park (athletics stadium) and includes fireworks and a large whale parade. Highlights include a giant whale being pushed through the streets and a fireworks display, which takes place on the Saturday night.
13th Tokyo Artisan Exhibition
Tokyo Artisan Exhibition brings together some of Tokyo’s finest young traditional craftspeople. Stalls featuring handmade goods will also be available throughout the event, so you can take some of your favorite pieces home with you.
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