July is a great time to be in Tokyo, especially if you want to attend Japanese festivals. Despite being the peak time for heat and the occasional rain, it’s still quite a pleasant experience to travel and explore the city. It’s the time when the city goes into full summer mode with firework displays, Bon Odori celebrations, and other festivals taking place all over the city. Here’s a short list of things you can expect to enjoy in July 2024 in Tokyo.
One of the teams dancing in the Awa Odori festival – Photo Credit: Julianne Hide
Asakusa Awa Odori
If you love traditional dances, the Asakusa Awa Odori which takes place in July in Tokyo is the festival for you. Odori means dance in Japanese, and as the name suggests, this summer festival is all about dancing. According to legend, the festival began when the local daimyo (feudal lord) in the Tokushima district in Shikoku hosted a party during which the locals danced to their heart’s content, after an evening of heavy drinking. The area itself, where the celebrations began, was known as Awa in the pre-Meiji period, which gave the festival its name. Soon, the festival spread throughout Japan, and one of the more popular versions of this festival happens in Asakusa, Tokyo. The highlight of the festival is the superbly choreographed performances, the enthusiastic participants in colorful costumes and tatami hats, as well as the overall electric atmosphere that envelopes the participants and the spectators. The main performances will be held around the Asakusa area, especially the Yokocho and Rokku Broadway. This year there will be around 10 dance teams participating in the festival, including the popular local group, Asakusa Thunder Ren.
Dates: Early July (Official Dates TBC)
Location: Around Asakusa Yokocho, Tokyo
Website: https://asakusarokku.jp/newstop/news43
For more details, please check the official website
Enjoy the 300-year-old Narita Gion Festival – Photo Credit: gu3ree
Narita Gion Matsuri
For over 300 years, for three days in July, the residents of Narita have been gathering at the Shinshoji Temple to celebrate the summer planting and to seek the blessings of Buddha Dainichi Nyorai. Like many other Japanese festivals, the Narita Gion Matsuri also involves a parade of intricately decorated floats as well as a mikoshi, or portable shrine, across the neighborhood. Generally, the celebrations begin around mid-day on the first day and continue into the evenings, when the floats are lit by participants carrying lanterns. All three days will involve a lot of dancing and singing, and without a doubt, there will be a lot of food and snacks one can enjoy.
Dates: 5th – 7th July, 2024
Location: Around Naritasan Temple, Narita
Website: https://www.naritasan.or.jp/english/
For more details, please check the official website
Feel the energy at one of Japan’s top festivals – Photo Courtesy: Creema Website
Handmade in Japan Festival 2024
The Handmade in Japan Festival (HMJ) 2024 will be held on the 13th and 14th of July at Tokyo Big Sight. This event celebrates Japanese craftsmanship with a variety of handmade products, live performances, and workshops. It hosts over 3000 creators and is a gold mine for accessories, interior design artworks, tableware, and many other original items. Whether you want to do your Christmas shopping early or just buy some unique things for yourself, this is the perfect spot to visit. Tickets can be purchased in advance for ¥1,500 for a one-day pass or ¥2,500 for a two-day pass. Same-day tickets are also available but may cost slightly higher as compared to pre-booked tickets.
Dates: 20th – 21st July 2024 (11.00 am – 7.00 pm)
Location: West Hall 1 and 2 of Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba
Website: https://lp.creema.jp/event/hmj/en
A Bon Odori Performance – Photo Credit: KenSoftTH
Ebisu Bon Odori Festival
If you’re visiting Tokyo in late July, make sure to check out the Ebisu Bon Odori Festival on the 26th and 27th. This dance festival happens in front of Ebisu Station and is a popular Japanese summer festival. The streets are adorned with beautiful pink lanterns, creating a picturesque and welcoming environment. Starting around 5:00 pm, the festival kicks off with an energetic taiko drumming performance, followed by traditional Bon Odori dancing around the yagura stage until 9:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to join the dance, and many attendees don yukatas, traditional summer kimonos, adding to the festive atmosphere. After the dancing, treat yourself to special summer treats like yakisoba and kakigori (shaved ice).
Dates: 26th – 27th July, 2024
Location: Ebisu Bus Station Rotary
Website: https://ebisubondance.jp/
Fireworks set the night sky ablaze in Tokyo – Photo Credit: Krunja
Enjoy the Spectacular Tokyo Hanabi (Firework Displays)
In July, Tokyo gets all set to light up the night skies with spectacular fireworks festivals all across the city. For visitors, these festivals offer more than just visual spectacles. They are an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture, enjoy local street food, and participate in the summer festivities. While there are several of these festivals in various parts of Tokyo in summer, here are just a few of them that we can recommend:
The Adachi Fireworks Festival
Dates: 20th July, between 7.20 pm to 8.20 pm
Location: Arakawa Nishirai Bridge Green Space
Website: https://www.adachikanko.net/en/adachi_no_hanabi46
The Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival
Date: 23rd July, between 7.20 pm to 8.20 pm
Location: Shibamata Baseball Ground, near Shibamata Station
Website: https://www.city.katsushika.lg.jp/tourism/1000064/1000065/1031830.html?hl=en
The Sumida River Fireworks
This is one of Tokyo’s oldest and largest fireworks festivals and traces its origins back to the Edo period. If you have to catch one of these unique celebrations when you are in Tokyo, you should try going for this one!
Date: 27th July, between 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Location: Along the Sumida River banks
Website: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/venue/
Visit the melodious wind chime festival – Photo Credit: Kazuhiro
Kawasaki Daishi Furin-Ichi
The Kawasaki Daishi Fūrin-Ichi, or Wind Chime Market, is an annual summer market held at the Kawasaki Daishi Temple in Tokyo. Located about 30 minutes outside of Tokyo, features a large number of wind chimes from around Japan, showcasing a variety of designs and sounds unique to different regions. Beyond the delightful music of the chimes, the festival offers an experience of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and local food. If you don’t mind taking a short trip outside the city, this market is definitely worth the trouble.
Dates: 17th – 23rd July, 2024. 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Location: Kawasaki Daishi Temple, Tokyo
Website: https://www.kawasakidaishi.com/english/events.html
For more details, please check the official website
Japan in July offers a vibrant range of things to do, from the Narita Gion Matsuri to the awe-inspiring Sumida River Fireworks Festival and even windchime festivals. Whether you’re captivated by dazzling fireworks or elaborate floats, there’s always something happening in and around Tokyo. Embrace the lively atmosphere, savor the unique festivals, and make unforgettable memories in Japan. And if you get hungry on the way, and want to experience some great food with a local expert, remember that you can always join one of our many food tours in Tokyo. Arigato!
Feature photo credit: Benny Marty
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