The capital city of Japan is a bustling metropolis with vibrant landscapes and a rich cultural tapestry. June is the month of festivals and parades, honoring century-old traditions as well as the beginning of new traditions and celebrations. Let’s see what exciting events June has to offer.
Fireflies are a wonderful summer tradition in Japan – Photo credit: Japan’s Fireworks
Kugayama Firefly Festival
Held annually every June, Kugayama Firefly Festival gives a chance to see fireflies dance around in the unlikely metropolis of Tokyo. This festival has been going on for over twenty years and is typically held on the first weekend of June. The time of naturally occurring fireflies in Tokyo has sadly passed, so these fireflies are being released into the area. There will be two main venues to catch sight of the fireflies: Kanda River and Tamagawa Aqueduct near Kugayama Station but there will be other opportunities to see them at Kugayama Inari Shrine, too. The festival officially starts at 1 pm, but of course, it is most lively after sunset as people crowd along the banks to catch a glimpse of these luminescent creatures. During the festival, there will be several shops and stores lining the streets selling beer, yakitori and firefly souvenirs.
Date: June 1st – 2nd
Location: Kugayama Station
Start/End Time: Both days 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fees: Free Admission however food and beverage prices may vary
Website: Kugayama Town
Shimokitazawa Line Street – Photo Credit: Senrogai
Shimokita Senro Matsuri
Over nine railway companies join together to organize a new festival in Shimokitazawa focusing on unique facilities, shops and areas with this year’s festival theme of “enjoying culture by walking,” allowing you to experience the neighborhood’s charm. Shimokitazawa Line Street is a “new town” being developed along a 1.7 km stretch between Higashi-Kitazawa Station and Setagaya-Daita Station. The streets of this town are filled with many trees and flowers, making it a pleasant place to spend time just walking around.
The festival offers a variety of unique limited menus created by individual shop owners, as well as live music performances and other aspects of Shimokita culture. In addition, there will be new attractions such as a large craft beer festival, making it a special event with a combination of cultural dissemination and festival elements. With approximately 50 special programs available only on this day, it is an event that families love.
Date: June 1st – 2nd
Location: The entire area between Higashi-Kitazawa Station and Setagaya-Daita Station
Start/End Time: Both days 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Fees: Free Admission however food and beverage prices may vary
Website: Senrogai
Sengan Mikoshi – Photo Credit: Tokyo Graphic
Torigoe Matsuri
This festival features one of the largest mikoshis (portable shrines) in Japan, weighing over four tonnes, being paraded through the streets near Torigoe Shrine in Asakusabashi. Torigoe shrine’s roots are a mix of birds and warriors and has a tremendous history that is said to go back to the 7th century. At that time the legendary Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto is said to have stayed in the area fighting barbarians from the north. Locals founded a shrine in memory of his stay called the Shiratori (“White Bird”) Shrine.
Then, about 400 years later the samurai warrior Minamoto no Yoshiie again defended against the northern barbarians. Legend has it that Minamoto received advice from a white bird that told him of the existence of a nearby sand bar. Thanks to this, he was able to maneuver his army and achieve victory. From this came the name “Torigoe” with tori meaning “bird” and goe meaning “going over.”
Date: June 9th
Location: Torikoe Shrine
Start/End Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Fees: Free Admission
Website: Torikoe Shrine
Tsukiji Lion Dance Parade – Photo Credit: kazkinkh
Tsukiji Lion Dance Festival
Originating from the stuff of legends, the Tsukiji Lion Dance Festival is a huge parade of floats featuring a dragon, tiger and lion. Located in Tsukiji, the Namiyoke Inari-jinja Shrine has long been known as a place to pray for protection from disaster, safety at sea, economic prosperity, and safety in construction work.
According to legend, a divine entity emerged from the ocean one stormy night. As the people began praying to it, the waves and winds calmed down, and construction work was safely completed in 1659. The Tsukiji Shishi Festival is held to commemorate this legend with its parade of floats featuring a dragon that controls the clouds, a tiger that controls the winds, and giant Shishi lion heads that compel the entire world to obey them with a single roar.
Date: June 10th
Location: Namiyoke Shrine
Start/End Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fees: Free Admission
Website: Namiyoke Shrine
Sanno Festival Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine – Photo Credit: hieizan
Sanno Festival
Held in mid-June, the Sanno Festival is one of the three most famous festivals in Tokyo, alongside the Kanda Matsuri and Fukagawa Matsuri. A full version of the festival is held only in even-numbered years, alternating with the full version of the Kanda Matsuri, which takes place in odd-numbered years.
During the Edo period, mikoshis were paraded through the streets and were allowed into the grounds of Edo Castle where the shoguns and military commanders worshiped. The Jinkosai, a Shinto ritual procession held every other year, will be returning to the festival in 2024 for the first time in six years.
The festival is celebrated over the course of eleven days and includes numerous events such as a historically important, dignified ceremony where prayers are offered for the safety of the Imperial Palace and peace in Tokyo. There is also traditional Japanese entertainment of Shinto music-and-dance performances, a Sanno drum performance, and a parade of young children dressed as court pages.
Date: June 7th – 18th
Location: Hie Shrine
Start/End Time: Times may vary depending on the day
Fees: Free Admission
Website: Sanno Matsuri
Tokyo is an amazing city, brimming with life and activity, making it one of the most popular picks amongst travelers visiting the country. With events and festivals taking place across the capital, there is enough to see that you’ll likely wantto come back for another visit. But, of course, with so much going on it can always seem a little overwhelming to find that perfect event for you. That’s exactly why we put together this list so you can look at what we feel are some of the best things to do in Tokyo this month. Whether you want to bathe in the beauty of a million fireflies or discover one of Tokyo’s most famous festivals, there is definitely something for everyone. And this is just the beginning! There is so much more to find and see and we look forward to discovering them with you.
Feature photo credit: Erik Eastman on Unsplash
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