Discover Tokyo’s 30 Best Festivals: A Guide to Top Matsuri in Japan’s Capital City

Posted by MT Lee

Matsuri is the Japanese word for festival, and it is an integral part of Japanese culture. It is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Japan and its people.

Matsuri are usually held at a local shrine or temple and can last from a few hours to several days.

They typically involve traditional dance performances, parades, portable shrines, and other cultural events. Matsuri also feature an abundance of street food, festival snacks, and shopping streets, creating a festive atmosphere.

The sound of drums is often heard throughout the festival, adding to the excitement. Many of the festivals have a long history, with some dating back to the Heian period.

They offer a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture and to see the Japanese people in their traditional attire.

The biggest festivals, such as the Kanda Matsuri and Sanno Matsuri, are held in Tokyo and attract large crowds from all over Japan and the world.

Other notable festivals include the Fukagawa Festival, Sanja Matsuri, Tanabata Festival, Natsu Matsuri, Mitama Matsuri, Chichibu Yomatsuri, and the Azabu Juban Noryo Festival. Matsuri in Japan are exciting events that offer a unique insight into the country’s rich culture and history.

The following is a list of Tokyo’s top 30 festivals held each year:

  • Kanda Matsuri: This festival is one of Tokyo’s three major festivals and is held in mid-May in the Kanda area of Tokyo. It features a large procession of portable shrines (mikoshi) and floats through the streets of Kanda, as well as various events and performances. The festival is held once every two years and is known for its grandeur and historical significance. The next Kanda Matsuri is scheduled to take place in 2023.
  • Sanja Matsuri: This festival, also known as the Asakusa Matsuri, is held in May in the Asakusa area of Tokyo. It is one of the biggest and most famous Matsuri in Tokyo and features a lively procession of mikoshi, portable shrines, through the streets of Asakusa. The festival also includes a variety of performances and events such as traditional music, dance, and taiko drumming. The next Sanja Matsuri is scheduled to take place on May 13-15, 2023.
  • Sanno Matsuri: This festival is one of Tokyo’s three major festivals and is held in mid-June in the central Tokyo area. The festival features a procession of mikoshi through the streets of central Tokyo, as well as various events and performances. The festival is held once every two years and is known for its elegance and historical significance. The next Sanno Matsuri is scheduled to take place in 2024.
  • Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri: This festival is held in mid-August in the Fukagawa area of Tokyo. It is one of the biggest festivals in Tokyo and features a procession of mikoshi through the streets of the Fukagawa area, as well as various events and performances. The festival is also known for its water parade, where participants carry portable shrines through a river. The next Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri is scheduled to take place on August 14-15, 2023.
  • Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi: This is a modern festival that takes place in late August in the Harajuku and Omotesando areas of Tokyo. It features lively dance performances by teams from around Japan and overseas, who perform to the beat of traditional Japanese instruments such as taiko drums and shamisen. The festival attracts a large crowd of both locals and tourists, who come to enjoy the energetic and colorful performances. The next Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi is scheduled to take place on August 25-26, 2023.
  1. Yushima Tenjin Matsuri: This festival is held in early June at Yushima Tenjin Shrine in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. The festival is known for its colorful parade of mikoshi and traditional dance performances by shrine maidens. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The next Yushima Tenjin Matsuri is scheduled to take place on June 4-5, 2023.
  2. Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri: This festival is held in late July in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. It features a parade of colorful eisa dancers, who perform to the beat of traditional Okinawan drums. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The next Shinjuku Eisa Matsuri is scheduled to take place on July 30-31, 2023.
  3. Asakusa Samba Carnival: This festival is held in late August in the Asakusa area of Tokyo. It features a parade of colorful samba dancers, who dance to the beat of Brazilian music. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The next Asakusa Samba Carnival is scheduled to take place on August 27, 2023.
  4. Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival: This festival is held in mid-November at Jingu Gaien Park in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo. The festival is known for its beautiful ginkgo trees, which turn golden yellow in the autumn. The festival features food stalls, music performances, and other activities, and attracts a large crowd of visitors who come to enjoy the autumn foliage. The next Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival is scheduled to take place from November 18-27, 2023.
  5. Oeshiki Festival: This festival is held in mid-October at various Buddhist temples in the Tokyo area. The festival celebrates the death anniversary of Nichiren, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism. The festival features a procession of lanterns, taiko drumming, and traditional dance performances. The largest Oeshiki Festival is held at Ikegami Honmonji Temple in Ota Ward, Tokyo, and attracts a large crowd of visitors. The next Oeshiki Festival is scheduled to take place on October 11-13, 2023.
  1. Komazawa Olympic Park Festival: This festival is held in early May at Komazawa Olympic Park in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. The festival features a variety of sports and cultural activities, including music performances, dance shows, and sports competitions. The festival also includes food stalls and a flea market. The next Komazawa Olympic Park Festival is scheduled to take place on May 7-8, 2023.
  2. Koenji Awa Odori: This festival is held in late August in the Koenji area of Tokyo. It features a parade of lively Awa Odori dancers, who dance to the beat of traditional music. The festival also includes food stalls and other activities. The next Koenji Awa Odori is scheduled to take place on August 27-28, 2023.
  3. Tokyo Game Show: This festival is held in mid-September at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo. The festival is a major event for video game enthusiasts, featuring the latest games, consoles, and technology from leading game developers. The festival also includes game competitions, music performances, and other activities. The next Tokyo Game Show is scheduled to take place on September 15-18, 2023.
  4. Tokyo International Film Festival: This festival is held in late October at various venues in the Tokyo area. The festival is a major event for film enthusiasts, featuring a wide range of films from around the world, including feature films, documentaries, and shorts. The festival also includes workshops, Q&A sessions, and other events with filmmakers and actors. The next Tokyo International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from October 22-31, 2023.
  5. Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Festival: This festival is held in early November at various venues throughout Tokyo. The festival is a celebration of Tokyo’s culture, cuisine, and tourism industry. The festival features food stalls, traditional performances, and other activities that showcase Tokyo’s unique attractions and traditions. The next Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Festival is scheduled to take place from November 4-6, 2022.
  1. Roppongi Hills Bon Odori: This festival is held in mid-August at Roppongi Hills in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The festival is a modern take on the traditional Bon Odori festival, featuring a lively dance party with music, food stalls, and other activities. The festival attracts a large crowd of locals and tourists alike. The next Roppongi Hills Bon Odori is scheduled to take place on August 19-21, 2023.
  2. Kanda Myojin Matsuri: This festival is held in mid-May at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The festival features a parade of portable shrines and traditional performances by shrine maidens and other performers. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The next Kanda Myojin Matsuri is scheduled to take place on May 14-15, 2023.
  3. Odaiba Oktoberfest: This festival is held in early October at Odaiba in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The festival is a celebration of German beer and cuisine, featuring a variety of imported beers, sausages, and other German dishes. The festival also includes live music performances and other entertainment. The next Odaiba Oktoberfest is scheduled to take place on October 7-10, 2023.
  4. Setagaya Hachimangu Autumn Festival: This festival is held in late September at Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. The festival features a parade of portable shrines, traditional performances by shrine maidens and other performers, and a flea market. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The next Setagaya Hachimangu Autumn Festival is scheduled to take place on September 24-25, 2023.
  5. Edo-Tokyo Tatemono Matsuri: This festival is held in late October at Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum in Koganei City, Tokyo. The festival is a celebration of traditional Japanese architecture and culture, featuring a variety of performances, workshops, and demonstrations. The festival also includes food stalls and other activities. The next Edo-Tokyo Tatemono Matsuri is scheduled to take place on October 22-23, 2023.
  1. Tokyo Auto Salon: This festival is held in mid-January at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo. The festival is a major event for car enthusiasts, featuring the latest cars, custom cars, and aftermarket parts from leading car manufacturers and tuners. The festival also includes car competitions, music performances, and other activities. The next Tokyo Auto Salon is scheduled to take place on January 13-15, 2023.
  2. Tokyo Tower Highball Garden: This festival is held in summer at Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The festival is a celebration of Japanese highball cocktails, featuring a variety of highball drinks made with different spirits and mixers. The festival also includes food stalls, live music performances, and other entertainment. The next Tokyo Tower Highball Garden is scheduled to take place from June to September 2023.
  3. Tokyo Midtown Christmas: This festival is held in December at Tokyo Midtown in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The festival is a popular destination for Christmas lights and decorations, featuring a large Christmas tree and light installations. The festival also includes food stalls, holiday markets, and other activities. The next Tokyo Midtown Christmas is scheduled to take place from November to December 2023.
  4. Nihonbashi-Kyobashi Matsuri: This festival is held in late October at Nihonbashi and Kyobashi in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. The festival is a celebration of the local culture and history, featuring a parade of portable shrines and traditional performances by local residents. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The next Nihonbashi-Kyobashi Matsuri is scheduled to take place on October 29-30, 2023.
  5. Nakameguro Awa Odori: This festival is held in mid-August in the Nakameguro area of Tokyo. It features a parade of lively Awa Odori dancers, who dance to the beat of traditional music. The festival also includes food stalls and other activities. The next Nakameguro Awa Odori is scheduled to take place on August 6-7, 2023.
  1. Koenji Awa Odori: This festival is held in late August in the Koenji area of Tokyo. The festival is a celebration of traditional Japanese dance and culture, featuring a parade of Awa Odori dancers from various dance teams. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The next Koenji Awa Odori is scheduled to take place on August 27-28, 2023.
  2. Asakusa Tori-no-ichi: This festival is held in November at Asakusa Shrine in Taito Ward, Tokyo. The festival is a traditional fair for good luck and prosperity, featuring a variety of lucky charms and decorations for sale. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The festival is held on the day of the Tori (rooster) in November, which occurs on November 6 and November 18 in 2023.
  3. Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival: This festival is held in early November at Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. The festival is a celebration of autumn, featuring a parade of portable shrines and traditional performances by shrine maidens and other performers. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The next Meiji Jingu Autumn Grand Festival is scheduled to take place on November 3, 2023.
  4. Tokyo Game Show: This festival is held in late September at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo. The festival is a major event for video game enthusiasts, featuring the latest video games, hardware, and software from leading game developers and publishers. The festival also includes game tournaments, cosplay contests, and other activities. The next Tokyo Game Show is scheduled to take place on September 15-18, 2023.
  5. Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri: This festival is held in early July in the Asakusa and Ueno areas of Tokyo. The festival is a celebration of the Tanabata (Star Festival), featuring traditional decorations of bamboo and colorful papers. The festival also includes food stalls, games, and other activities. The next Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri is scheduled to take place on July 1-10, 2023.

Summary

Tokyo is home to a diverse array of unique and exciting festivals, which showcase traditional Japanese culture and draw visitors from all over the world.

These festivals feature an abundance of festival snacks and street food, theatrical performances, traditional dance performances, and the sound of drums.

Some of Tokyo’s most significant festivals, such as the Kanda Matsuri, Sanno Matsuri, and Fukagawa Festival, take place in the summer and highlight the city’s traditional attire, portable shrines, and festive atmosphere.

Check Out Japan National Tourism Organization for even more Information on Matsuri

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of the largest festivals in Tokyo, attracting crowds to the banks of the river for a fireworks display that is truly unforgettable.

Meanwhile, the Tanabata Festival and Sanja Matsuri are annual events that celebrate the cherry blossoms and the end of summer, respectively.

Visitors to Tokyo during the festival period, which spans from early April to late September, will also have the chance to attend the Natsu Matsuri, which is Tokyo’s biggest music festival, and the Mitama Matsuri, which takes place at the Yasukuni Shrine.

Those looking for a unique festival experience should consider attending the Chichibu Yomatsuri, which is a Shinto festival that dates back to the Heian period, or the Takigi Noh, which is a festival of Noh theater that is held at night.

Noteworthy festivals in Tokyo include the Azabu Juban Noryo Festival, which features local shops and food stalls, and the Tokyo International Film Festival, which showcases the best in Japanese and international cinema.

Learn Japanese Phrases Before You Go Japanese Pod 101

Whether you’re interested in traditional costumes, traditional Japanese culture, or exciting events, Tokyo’s festivals offer something for everyone.

MT Lee
View More Posts
My fascination with Japan began several years back at a roadside bonsai stand while on vacation. I became more interested in the where and why's more than the trees themselves. My love of Bonsai led me to further research my interest in the gardens where they originated from and the places and people that surrounded those little trees. My curiosity was well rewarded upon visiting Saitama where the National Bonsai Museum was located and Omiya Village the bonsai mecca for lovers of this ancient art form. Exploring many towns and villages and even making my way to Japan's furthest southern prefecture of Okinawa. I hope to share my love of this wonderful and exotic place with all those who want to know more about Japan.