This is it! The rain has finally passed, and summer is finally here! Despite what you might hear about the temperatures in Japan during the summertime, July and August are also well-known to be the festival months in Japan and with all different types of events and food to try out, I can guarantee there’s still plenty to do and see in the fast city of Tokyo in the hotter months. Today, we’ll go through some of the top things for you to do to either avoid, or make the most out of the nice weather, depending on your preference, as well as a few family-friendly activities now that the kids are finally on summer vacation!
Shaun the Sheep 30th anniversary banner – Photo Credit: Aardman Japan Official Website
Shaun the Sheep Anniversary Cafe
Whilst they may not be distinctly Japanese, Aardman Animations are loved by many people around the world, including the people at Sunday Brunch. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the first appearance of the iconic character Shaun the Sheep in the Wallace and Gromit episode The Close Shave, Sunday Brunch and Ardman Japan have come together to create an adorable popup cafe including all the key characters! Enjoy some Shaun’s jumper spaghetti or Gromit shaped bread with your soup whilst looking back on decades of stop motion animation.
Website: https://aardman-jp.com/shaun/gromit-30th/news/?page=1
Dates: July 3rd – October 26th
Time: 11 am – 8 pm (last orders at 7 pm)
Admission: Free + food
Location: Sunday Brunch Parco – Google Maps
Manga illustrators at Design Festa – Photo Credit: DESIGN FESTA Official Website
Design Festa Vol 61
Continuing the theme of animation and the wider field of art, this art event dates back to 1994 and is considered one of the largest in Asia. For anyone interested in art or animation this is a must see, with around 15,000 artists’ works on display across the two day period across many different genres, age groups, nationalities and professions, there’s surely something that will inspire everyone to nurture their inner artist, or at least appreciate other people’s.
Website: https://m.kkday.com/en-us/product/127714?cid=15153
Dates: July 5th – July 6th
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Admission: ¥800
Location: Tokyo Big Sight – Google Maps
Shitamachi Tanabata Festival – Photo Credit: Asakusa Tourism Federation
Shitamachi Tanabata
Perhaps one of Japan’s most famous myths, Shitamachi Tanabata celebrates the one time a year when the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet upon the Milky Way. Whilst decorations can be seen in the streets for the majority of the week leading up to the festival, on the weekend of the event, there are many performances and even a few parades, as well as the opportunity to write your own wish on a strip of paper and tie it on some bamboo. You just have to hope it doesn’t rain, as it’s said if it does, the magpies that form the bridge in the sky for the deities to cross cannot come and the lovers will have to wait another year.
Website: http://shitamachi-tanabata.com/index.html
Dates: Early July (around July 7th)
Time: 10am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Location: Kappabashi Street – Google Maps
Yurakucho Flea Market – Photo Credit: Yurakucho flea market official website
Yurakucho Flea Market
Considered Tokyo’s ‘best flea market,’ Yurakucho’s vast sea of stalls is the ideal place to find some great souvenirs. With impressive ceramics, second-hand kimonos and stunning jewellery, the finds at this flea market also make for ideal gifts (if you can bear to part with them!). Located only a short distance from Tokyo Station, you can really take in the vast city as you browse and this market will slip into your itinerary as if it was always meant to be there!
Website: https://www2.recycler.jp
Dates: July 13th
Time: 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Location: Tokyo International Forum – Google Maps
Live painting at handmade in Japan festival – Photo Credit: Handmade In Japan Official Website
Handmade in Japan Festival
If you want something a bit more personal or new than the finds at Yurakocho’s flea market but still want something authentic to take home at the end of your trip, then the Handmade In Japan festival is a great place to find some unique keepsakes! Showcasing some of the best craftsmanship in Japan, this festival aims to bring attention to the incredible handiwork of locals with everything from woodwork to live music, textiles to baked goods. I can guarantee you’ll fall in love with at least one of the many stands at this festival.
Website: https://hmj-fes.jp
Dates: July 19th – 20th
Time: 11 am – 7 pm
Admission: ¥1,300 (advance sales), ¥1,500 (on the day tickets)
Location: Tokyo Big Sight – Google Maps
People catching goldfish in a crate – Photo Credit: Ryutaro Tsukata
Edogawa Ward Local Goldfish Festival
Whether the beautiful fish in Japan have beguiled you, you are looking for something a bit more kid-friendly, or you recently watched the Japanese show Fishbowl Wives and, like me, came away kind of wanting a goldfish of your own, the Edogawa Ward Goldfish Festival is a great summer activity! Celebrating its 54th year and a tradition dating all the way back to the late 1800s, this is a great place to get advice from professional goldfish handlers, admire the vivid colours of the different breeds of fish, or try your hand at ‘goldfish scooping’. Taking place in the stunning Gyosen park, next to the local fishing pond, this is the ideal place to bring a picnic lunch and make a day of admiring nature.
Website: https://www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp/e032/sports/kankomidokoro/kingyo/index.html
Dates: July 19th-20th
Time: 10 am – 5 pm (Sat); 10 am – 4 pm (Sun)
Admission: Free
Location: Gyosen Park
Fireworks at Sumidagawa festival – Photo Credit: GO TOKYO
Sumidagawa Firework Festival
In Japan, the summertime is most well-known for its fireworks festivals. With multiple fireworks festivals happening up and down the country in July and August, what better way to experience the festivities than to go to one of the biggest of the season? Lasting over an hour and with an incredible view of Tokyo Skytree in the background, this breathtaking display is sure to put a smile on people’s faces.
Website: https://sumidagawa-hanabi.com
Dates: July 26th
Time: 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: Free
Location: Taito Riverside Sports Centre – Google Maps
Honey and tea – Photo Credit: Valeria Boltneva
Tokyo Honey Festival
For those of you with a sweet tooth who aren’t too keen on the idea of an ice cream expo, look no further than the Tokyo honey festival! With an entire 3-day event dedicated to the art of beekeeping and making honey, it’s no wonder this event causes such a buzz! You can even book workshops in advance to learn more about the craft, as well as purchase lots of different products and types of honey! Fancy a floral-infused spread or maybe a sweet honeycomb to snack on? This festival has you covered!
Website: https://83m.info/apps/note/2025-honeyfesta/
Dates: July 25th – 27th
Time: 2 pm-8 pm (25th), 10 am-5 pm (26th), 10 am-4:30 pm (27th)
Admission: Free
Location: Ginza – Google Maps
Different types of sake being sold – Photo Credit: Sake Festival Official Website
Sake Festival
If you are a drinks connoisseur, or maybe just need something to wash down all the food from the other festivals, the Tokyo Sake festival is for you! Whilst you can find Japan’s well-known rice wine in just about any restaurant or conbini (convenience store), this festival goes beyond your typical bottle to show off the best of the best in alcohol. There’s no better way to relax on a warm summer’s evening than with good company and a good drink!
Website: https://sakefes.com/tokyo28/
Dates: July 26th – July 27th
Time: 12 pm – 5:10 pm
Admission: ¥3,400 (must reserve in advance)
Location: Kamimeguro – Google Maps
Boats and lanterns on Chidorigafuchi moat – Photo credit: Chidorigafuchi Lantern Festival Website
Chidorigafuchi Moat Lantern Festival
Most well-known for its cherry blossoms in the spring, Chidorigafuchi can also be enjoyed in the summertime for picnics, scenic walks, or for the moat lantern festival at the end of the month. Whether you manage to get a boat for yourself or you’re just there to spectate, there’s no better way to close out the month than to sail around the Imperial Palace to the romantic light of 2,000 lanterns and people making wishes at this incredibly picturesque festival.
Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/en/floating.lantern/
Dates: July 30th – 31st
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Admission: Free entry or £51.03 per boat (book in advance)
Location: Chidorigafuchi Park – Google Maps
And there you have it! As you can see, there’s still plenty to do in the warmer months and plenty of different types of festivals to enjoy throughout July! With lots of food to try, places to shop, and lots of firework displays, hopefully now you can add some of these to your itinerary and find something for the whole family to enjoy over summer vacation. Happy adventuring!
Featured Photo Credit: BaLL LunLa
Now that we’ve talked about Tokyo, find out what you can do across Japan this summer with one of our amazing Summer Food Tours!
PIN THIS FOR LATER
