Tokyo is a fascinating, fast-paced, and ever-evolving city that is often associated with modernity and technology. I mean, if you want to buy the newest smartphone at a reasonable price, there’s no other place to go than Tokyo. However, the reality is far beyond mere preconceptions, as the charming capital has a lot to propose. Indeed, it offers a myriad of fun activities to those who seek thrills, but also, to the wandering souls, longing to find a unique experience that will remain with them for a lifetime. But beyond all of this, it gives you a chance to explore and discover unique events, ranging from traditional ones, historically passed down from generation to generation, to modern ones. And boy you are lucky, because today, I will list for you all the wonderful activities that you can partake in during the month of September.
Anisama Festival – Photo Credit: Animelo Summer Live
Anisama Festival
Let’s take a break from the routine of daily life and instead get transported to another world through music and Anime. Anisama, also known as Animelo Summer Live, is a huge three-day music festival meant to celebrate anime and their soundtracks. If you are seeking a fun time while enjoying various performances with talented guest stars and want to discover a gathering of massive improvised Karaoke, you may have found your haven. Granted, it is a little further away from the main city of Tokyo than others on this list, but believe me, if you are an anime-lover you do not want to miss this event!
Dates: 30th of August – 1st of September 2024
Location: Saitama Super Arena
Website: Animelo Summer Live 2024 -Stargazer-
For more details, please visit the website
Ultra Japan – Photo Credit: Knife Party
Ultra Japan 2024
Let’s stay on the path of music for now. If anime soundtracks are not your thing and you would rather go to a different kind of jamboree, then let me grant you your wish. I present to you: Ultra Japan. Ultra is a very famous and widely acclaimed electronic and EDM music festival meant to blow your mind with high-quality performances, renowned DJs, and immersive stage set-ups, all leading towards a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Let the rhythm take over your body and dance, dance, dance! To top it off, the event closes with a beautiful display of fireworks, so make sure to stick around until the end.
Dates: 14th and 15th of September 2024
Location: Odaiba Ultra Park
Website: Ultra Japan – Sept. 14, 15 2024
The Google Maps listing for Ultra Park is no longer available, but the exact location is right next to West Promenade linked above. Check this pin that we’ve dropped here.
For more details, please visit the website
An Erhu: A traditional Chinese Instrument – Photo Credit: MichaelKWH
China Festival 2024
Do you perhaps want to see a bit of a different scene whilst on your trip, and get involved in a bit of diversity? No problem, our next event on the list is a beautiful festival that doesn’t just celebrate the gorgeous culture of Japan, but China as well. Be sure to be amazed by the beautiful decorations that will adorn the surrounding areas. Enjoy the various traditional and modern spectacles that will ensue. Be dazzled by the Martial Arts and Erhu (traditional Chinese two-string instrument) performances. And most importantly, fill your stomach with all the delicious food that this unique matsuri has to offer.
Dates: 7th and 8th of September 2024
Location: Yoyogi Park Event Square
Website: チャイナフェスティバル2024
For more details, please visit the website
Asakusa Samba Carnival – Photo Credit: Taito Spirit of Tokyo
Asakusa Samba Carnival
Let’s dive right into another cultural combination: Brazil and Japan. Allow me to introduce you to the Asakusa Samba Carnival. The festival actually got its inspiration from the Rio Carnival and is in reality a contest. Various teams parade and show off their talents through performances, dances, and costumes, from which a panel of judges will then decide which team has won. It is one of the most well-known and highly anticipated festivals. You are sure to be amazed by all the vivid colors of the dancers’ costumes and floats.
Dates: 15th of September 2024
Location: Kaminarimon
Website: 浅草サンバカーニバル
For more details, please visit the website
Asakusa Kaminarimon Bon Odori – Photo Credit: kaminari-bonodori
Bon Odori
Obon has a very important meaning to the Japanese people. It is a period in which the country takes the time to honor and pray to their ancestors. Bon Odori represents the traditional dance that is performed to guide the spirits of the departed to obtain salvation. It is a beautiful and poetic dance that not only celebrates those who are no more but also gives life to those who are still here.
You can enjoy Bon Odori via two festivals. One is the Akasaka Hikawa Festival, where you can also enjoy a procession of Mikoshis (portable shrines) and traditional floats. And the second one is the Asakusa Kaminarimon Bon Dance.
Akasaka Hikawa Festival
Dates: 15th – 17th of September 2024
Location: Hikawa Shrine
Website: 令和５年 赤坂氷川祭
For more details, please visit the website
Asakusa Kaminarimon Bon Dance
Dates: 7th of September 2024
Location: Kaminarimon
Website: 雷門盆踊り-夢灯篭-【公式サイト】
For more details, please visit the website
Sweet Potato Cake – Photo Credit: GConner Photo
Snack Time: Sweet Potato Cake and Chestnuts
While you are at Asakusa, take the time to stroll around Kaminarimon and let your nose guide you towards the myriad of amazing food stalls, wagashi (traditional sweets), and food shops surrounding the area. However, if you have trouble deciding which snack to try, allow me to recommend two delicious snacks. Both are adored by the locals, and both represent the arrival of the fall season. Perfect timing, right?
The first one is a mouth-watering sweet potato cake/tart made with sweet potatoes, as you might have guessed, melted butter, milk, and sugar. It is a dessert that simply melts into your mouth, releasing all the flavors and tenderness of the Japanese yam. The second one is drumroll please, the Japanese chestnut. Indeed, these nuts are only available during fall and winter, making them very popular during these two seasons. The bonus point? It is an ingredient that allows the cook to explore their creativity. Plus, honestly, you can never go wrong with it!
To try Sweet Potato cake:
Dates: In particular during autumn
Location: Oimoyasan Koshin Asakusa Kaminarimon
Website: おいもやさん｜株式会社 川小商店｜創業明治9年の甘藷問屋
For more details, please visit the website
Chestnut sweets from Waguriya (this specific one is available in the Ueno store) – Photo Credit: Waguriya
To try sweets made out of Japanese chestnuts:
Dates: In particular during autumn
Location: Waguriya
Website: 総合TOP – waguriya ページ！
For more details, please visit the website
Chofu City’s fireworks – Photo Credit: Makoto_Honda
Kichijoji Fall Festival and Chofu City’s Fireworks Display
We can’t complete our list without talking about the wonderful Kichijoji fall matsuri, where there will be a procession of sacred mikoshis parading all through the neighborhood. The area will be illuminated with various lanterns, and you will be able to enjoy a plethora of traditional performances and taste local deliciousness. What more could you ask, honestly? Maybe a fireworks display to top it off? But of course, what a wonderful idea! And what a coincidence! The city of Chofu is honoring your wish by putting on a beautiful fireworks show with around 10,000 fiery sparkles just to awe you.
Kichijoji Fall Festival
Dates: 15th of September 2024
Location: Kichijoji; Musashino Hachimangu Shrine
Website: 第50回 吉祥寺秋まつり – 武蔵野市観光機構（むー観） 武蔵野市（吉祥寺・三鷹・武蔵境）の観光イベント情報
For more details, please visit the website
Chofu City’s fireworks
Dates: 21st of September 2024
Location: Around the Tamagawa River
Website: 調布花火2024－ 第39回調布花火 －
For more details, please visit the website
From musical events to festivals highlighting the beautiful combination of local and international cultures. Whether you hope to experience life through dances and music or protect the deep spiritual link that unites the living with the departed souls, Tokyo has it all. Especially during the wonderful month of September, when the heat finally cools down and Mother Nature starts painting her scenery in beautiful shades of red. So if you’re in Japan this month, why not make your way to the capital? We guarantee it’ll be an experience of a lifetime.
Feature photo credit: Taito Spirit of Tokyo
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