With August consistently being the hottest month in Tokyo, with temperatures at least in the 30s, sometimes 40 degrees (C), it’s understandable that a lot of people struggle when planning a trip to Japan in the summer months. However, despite the heat, August is also one of the liveliest months Japan sees with many festivals, events, and traditions taking place up and down the country, and Tokyo is no exception! Today, we’ll go over some of the best things to see and do if you’re spending time in Tokyo this summer, whether that be to kill time during hiking season or just enjoying the heat.
Hand Engraved Silver Ring – Photo Credit: Tokyo Jewelry Fes Official Website
Tokyo Jewellery Festival
If you’re looking for handcrafted, functional souvenirs, then it’s definitely worth checking out the Tokyo Jewellery Festival! Going strong for several years now, this festival highlights small businesses and artisans from all over by bringing them together in a celebration of craft and culture! As well as learning more about the different crafts and skills that are needed to get from raw materials to wearable jewellery, you’ll be sure to find unique one-of-a-kind pieces here as well as an incredible atmosphere that will certainly make your trip memorable.
Date: 1st – 3rd August
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Address: 3 Chome-11-1 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Admission: ¥2000
Website: https://www.jewelry-fes.jp/tokyo/en-gb.html
The Great Wave Off Kanagawa – Photo Credit: The MET Museum
Hokusai: Another Story Exhibition
Extended due to popular demand, the Hokusai: Another Story exhibit is an immersive experience encapsulating Katsushika Hokusai’s works and life. Best known for his piece The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Hokusai’s works showcase a mastery of the woodblock method as well as paint a picture of Edo Period Japan that is sure to inspire and amaze. What better way to gain an understanding of an artist and their process than to see the world through their eyes? Well, the Another Story exhibition allows you to do just that!
Date: 1st February – 11th August
Location: Tokyu Plaza Shibuya
Time: 11 am – 7 pm
Admission: $20 (general admission), $14 (student price), $10 (elementary school/ children)
Website: https://hokusai.anotherstory.world/en/
Sri Lankan food – Photo Credit: Metropolis Japan
Sri Lanka Festival
If you’re looking for tasty food and an interesting blend of cultures, look no further than the Tokyo Sri Lanka Festival. Based in the iconic Yoyogi Park, not only does this event offer yoga classes, workshops and a variety of goods from ceramics to spices, but you can also find a great variety of Sri Lankan foods at this festival, such as hoppers and vaddai, which makes the whole experience feel like you’ve been transported across the globe. It’s a great way of being able to experience multiple cultures during your stay in Japan and who knows? Maybe it will inspire your next trip abroad.
Date: 2-3rd August
Location: Yoyogi Event Plaza
Time: 9 am – 8 pm
Admission: Free!
Website: https://srilankafestival.jp
Fireworks over Meiji Jingu Gaien – Photo Credit: eventia.site
Meiji Jingu Firework Festival
There are lots of different firework festivals all across Japan during August, on account of the month being part of the ‘fire season.’ However, if you’re looking for one that will seamlessly fit into your itinerary, why not tick off the iconic Meiji Jingu shrine and a traditional Japanese festival all in one day! Taking place right in the middle of the month and only 20 minutes away from the iconic shrine, this is a great festival to really get a feel for a grand firework show, as well as taking in some Japanese history at the same time.
Date: 16th August
Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien Stadium & Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium
Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: ¥7000 – ¥14,000
Website: https://www.jinguhanabi.com
Crowd enjoying music at Summer Sonic – Photo Credit: Summer Sonic Official Website
Summer Sonic Music Festival
Whilst a little pricier than some of the other festivals on this list, Summer Sonic is known across the globe for its electric atmosphere and wide range of performances. Featuring everything from rock to K-pop, there’s something for everyone at this 2 day festival. Nothing says quite like summer like a music festival where everyone can enjoy the surroundings and let their hair down. Plus if you miss your favourite artist, you can catch them in the Osaka show as well!
Date: 16th – 17th August
Location: ZOZO Marine Stadium
Time: All weekend! (Check the website for specific artists.)
Admission: ¥20,000 – ¥38,000
Website: https://www.summersonic.com
Whale float for the Akishima festival – Photo Credit: Japan News
Akishima Citizen Whale Festival
We couldn’t make an August Things To Do list without at least one other fireworks festival; however, this one has a bit of a twist. Marking the anniversary of a 1.6 million-year-old whale fossil being found in the area, the Akishima whale festival kicks off with a big fireworks display named the ‘Dream Fireworks’ that’s followed by other festivities such as a parade and vendors. This interesting and unique festival is a great way to experience the individuality of the areas surrounding central Tokyo, while still enjoying the festival feel that the summer months bring to the capital.
Date: 23rd – 24th August
Location: Showa Kinen Park
Time: 1:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Admission: Free!
Website: https://akishima-kujiramatsuri.jp
Discussing toys at Tokyo Toy Show – Photo Credit: TOKYO TOY SHOW 2025
International Tokyo Toy Show
Perfect for those travelling with kids, or those who are a child at heart themselves, the International Tokyo Toy Show aims to display a wide variety of toys from all across the globe. Whilst the 28th and 29th are trade-only days for the businesses themselves, the show is open to the public all weekend for you to browse trending new and retro toys alike, including winners of the Japan Toy Awards!
Date: 28th – 31st August
Location: Tokyo Big Sight
Time: (closed to the public 28th, 29th), 9am – 5pm (30th), 9am – 4pm (31st)
Admission: ¥1,800 (general admission), free for children
Website: https://www.toys.or.jp/jigyou_toyshow_ex_en.html
Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art – Photo Credit: Art & Culture Information in Taito City Official Website
Tokyo Summer Night Museum Scheme
Want to hit up that museum but can’t bear the thought of being inside when the weather is this good? Or alternatively, maybe you don’t want to make the trek across Tokyo in the heat of the day, well you’re in luck! Taking place across the summer, a variety of museums and art galleries (including ones such as the Tokyo National Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art) extend their hours into the evening so that you can live out your Night At The Museum dreams and explore the exhibits after dark!
Date: July – September (see website)
Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT)
Tokyo Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery in Shibuya
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
Time: Museum dependent! (Check out this website for a full list of dates and times for all involved museums: https://tokyocheapo.com/events/summer-night-museums/)
Website: Organizer Website
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Website
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum Website
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum Website
Tokyo Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery in Shibuya Website
Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Website
As you can see, there’s still plenty to see and do all across Tokyo (and the areas around the city itself) in the month of August. With lots of traditional festivals, firework displays and international shows, you’re sure to find something that all the family will enjoy. Just make sure to take care if you’re out in the sun for too long and, above all, have fun! With good food, fun dancing, and lively music, even just one of these is sure to make your trip to Japan unforgettable. Happy summer!
Featured Photo Credit: Arnie Papp
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!
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