Traditional Japanese festivals in Tokyo – 2017 Summer
Post: Wednesday May 31, 2017
Matsuri is the Japanese word for a festival. It is a local festival celebrated by the local people in different areas in Japan. In the summer time, matsuri is held everywhere all across Japan and dates vary from area to area. The usual matsuri are often based on one event with many different food stalls, entertainment, carnival games or performances. Today, it seems like matsuri is held to unite the community through an event that brings the young and old together. If you see a Yagura which is usually set up in the centre of the matsuri, do not hesitate to join others who are dancing. This is called the “bon-odori” dance giving the honor to the departed soul. Every matsuri has a different theme so you should be able to enjoy new taste of different matsuri food each time!
Below are the most popular matsuri you can experience in Tokyo this summer!
Iriya Asagao Matsuri
Iriya Asagao Matsuri is held from July 6th to 8th every year around the Iriya Kishimojin temple. The festival is dedicated to morning glories. Around 400,000 people joins to celebrate every year.
| Date | Address | Access | More Info. |
|---|---|---|---|
July 6th - July 8th 5PM-11PM |
1-12-16 Shitaya, Taito-Ku, Tokyo In & Around Iriya Kishimojin |
5 min walk from JR Yamanote Line/ Keihin Tohoku Line Uguisudani Station |
Hozuki-Ichi at Senso-ji Temple
Senso-ji Temple was built in 628 and is known as the oldest temple in Tokyo. You will see many stalls selling Ground Cherry Pods and hear the breezy sound of wind bells (Fu rin) and see many people wearing colorful Yukatas experiencing the Shitamachi atmosphere.
| Date | Address | Access | More Info. |
|---|---|---|---|
July 9th - July 10th |
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-Ku, Tokyo Senso-Ji Temple |
5 min walk from Asakusa sta. "Kaminarimon" the Grand Gate is very near Asakusa sta. |
http://www.asakusaguide.jp/funky/column01.html |
Kagurazaka Matsuri Festival
Kagurazaka Festival lets you experience the old Tokyo atmosphere. The highlight of this festival is the Awa-Odori dance.
Image: From 神楽坂通り商店街
| Date | Address | Access | More Info. |
|---|---|---|---|
July 26th - July 29th |
Around Bishamonten Zenkoku-ji temple Between Kagurazaka 1-chome and Kagurazaka-dori street. |
1 min walk from JR Iidabashi Station |
http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shinjuku/event/kagurazaka.html |
Mitama Matsuri
Mitama matsuri started in 1947. You can witness the beautiful 30,000 Chochin (lanterns) decorated every year for this festival. The lanterns will light up from 6PM.
Image: From 靖国神社ホームページ
| Date | Address | Access | More Info. |
|---|---|---|---|
July 13th-16th |
Yasukuni Shrine 3-1-1, Kudan-Kita, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo |
10 min walk from Ichigaya and Iidabashi stations. Sobu line and Chuo line / 5 min walk from Kudanshita station |
Azabu-Juban Matsuri Noryo-Matsuri Festival
The Azabu-Juban shopping district has been hosting the Azabu-Juban Noryo-matsuri festival for more than 40 years. You must experience this local matsuri organized by the shop owners.
Image: From 麻布十番商店街
| Date | Address | Access | More Info. |
|---|---|---|---|
August 26th - 27th |
AzabuJuban Shopping Street, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
Short walk from Azabu Juban Station Tokyo Metro/ Toei Subway |
http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/minato/event/azabujuban_nouryoumatsuri.html |
Asakusa Samba Carnival Parada and Contest
This festival held in Asakusa is the largest samba festival in Japan. Authentic samba dance teams from across Japan performs on this day.
Image: From 浅草サンバカーニバル
| Date | Address | Access | More Info. |
|---|---|---|---|
August 26th 2017 |
Umamichi-dori Street and Kaminarimon-dori street Asakusa Taito-Ku, Tokyo |
Short walk from Tokyo Metro Tawaramachi Station/ Asakusa station, Toei Asakusa Station, Tobu line Asakusa Station |
Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi Festival 2017
One of the largest festivals in Tokyo, you get to see the traditional yosakoi dance from Kochi city in Harajuku Omotesando. 830,000 people came to see this performance past year.
Image: From 原宿表参道元気祭
| Date | Address | Access | More Info. |
|---|---|---|---|
August 26th - 27th |
Around Harajuku Omotesando and Yoyogi Shibuya-Ku |
1 min walk from JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit |
http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/shibuya/event/super_yosakoi.html |
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