Written by Patrick Balfe
Researched by Alexandra Ziminski
Summer festivals may be drawing to a close, but the autumnal equinox means there are plenty of events to check out in September.
The slightly less humid weather makes BBQs and beer gardens bearable, and you’ll be itching to get out and see parades with floats, music, and dancers.
There are also the unique flowers that pop up at this time of year. If you’d rather stay inside, you can watch the sumo wrestle to the top, or play around at the Tokyo Game Show, one of the most anticipated gaming expos of the year.
For the top events in Tokyo throughout the year, check out our complete guide — organized by month.
1. September Grand Sumo Tournament
September 14–28Ryōgoku Kokugikan, Sumida
Watch the biggest wrestlers in Japan fight for the title
September sumo season is upon us. You could just catch the highlights on TV, or you could take yourself down to Ryōgoku Kokugikan and get up close and personal with sumo’s biggest (literally) stars.
Important: The tournament will last for two weeks, but make sure to get your tickets early to secure a seat.
Pro tip: If you can’t score tickets, consider a sumo restaurant for another kind of fun.
2. Tokyo Game Show
September 25–28 (public days 27–28)Makuhari Messe, Chiba
The latest from the top games companies in Japan
Japan’s largest gaming event (and one of the major entries on the global gaming calendar) continues to grow in scale and visitors each year, so be sure to arrive early to make the most of the day.
The who’s who of the gaming industry participate, as well as rising talent such as indie developers. Be prepared for long lines as exhibitors offer test-plays of upcoming games, release event-exclusive merchandise, and more.
The event also has a dedicated cosplay area where some of Japan’s most elite-level cosplayers gather. The ticket price will get you access to the cosplay area, but you’ll need to pay a separate fee if you’re planning to bring your own getup.
| Advance sales: ¥3,000 | ||
3. Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri
September 19–21Hikawa Shrine, Minato
Large floats at a traditional local festival
If you like floats, you’ll love Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri. There will be plenty happening over three days in and around Akasaka, but the parades showing off the shrine’s traditional wheeled floats are a highlight.
Once the floats have gone by, check out the street food and market stalls, feel the rhythm at the Bon Odori dance festival, and take in some traditional performing arts.
4. Ikebukuro Fukuro Matsuri (Mikoshi)
September 27–28Ikebukuro
Portable shrines in one of Tokyo’s busiest spots
This two-part festival takes place over the entire neighborhood of Ikebukuro. The first section is known as the Owl Festival (Fukuro Matsuri), while the second half is known as the Tokyo Yosakoi Festival — and they usually take place around a month apart.
The Owl Festival will take place from September 27 to 28, with the highlight mikoshi (portable shrine) parade taking place on the 28th.
5. Shimokitazawa Moon Art Night Festival
September 19–October 5Shimokitazawa
A gigantic moon and many more art installations throughout the town
Tokyo’s thrift-store mecca will come to life for the fourth edition of Shimokitazawa Moon Art Night. In addition to the giant full-moon installation at the popular Senrogai Open Space, various other art installations will pop up across the town.
New additions this year include an immersive theater performance and traditional Noh happening throughout the roughly two-week event.
6. Chōfu City Fireworks Festival
September 20Tamagawa Ryokuchi Park, Chōfu
Fireworks continue into fall
10,000 fireworks will burst into the sky above Tamagawa River in Chōfu this September. With both free and paid seating, this event sees hundreds of thousands of spectators (last year saw 360,000).
If you are looking for a free spot, make sure to get there early. You can start laying out a blanket from midnight on the day (yes, you read that right), but you may have to play tag team to secure it.
If you don’t mind splashing out a little cash for peace of mind, there’s a variety of paid seating options available via the official website.
7. Shibuya Konno Hachimangu Annual Festival
September 13–14Shibuya 109
Shibuya gets rowdy
Shibuya gets a bit rowdier (if that’s possible) every September during the Konno Hachimangu Shrine Annual Festival. The biggest day is Sunday, when 14 portable shrines converge in front of Shibuya 109.
Take advantage of food and drink stalls, check out traditional performances, and indulge in the crazier-than-usual atmosphere of Shibuya in festival mode.
8. Ōhara Naked Festival
September 23–24Isumi, Chiba
Lively Edo-period festival that draws big crowds
The Ōhara Naked Festival is one of Greater Tokyo’s more energetic portable shrine festivals. Each year, hundreds of locals carry more than a dozen shrines into the sea, where they throw them into the air in prayers for a good harvest and successful fishing season.
Afterwards, the shrines are rambunctiously paraded throughout the local shopping district, where the streets are lined with stalls selling local foods, crafts, and festival treats.
Wondering what other festivals are coming up? Take a look at our list of Tokyo festivals you shouldn’t miss.
This post was first published in August 2017 and is updated every year. Last updated in August 2025 by Patrick Balfe. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
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