Explore Summer in Tokyo: A Guide to Festivities and Activities

Tokyo’s hot, humid summers can get locals grumbling; however, there’s a wealth of seasonal fun to be enjoyed with both traditional and modern experiences that make the most of warm summer nights while helping you to stay cool. Seasonal festivals bring joyous colors and explosive sounds throughout the city.

This season is when conventional sightseeing takes a backseat, so travelers should simply revel in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Read on for the best things to see and do in Tokyo during the summer.

Catch a Firework Show

Hanabi (fireworks) literally means ‘fire flowers’ and Tokyo showcases several stunning displays each summer. The most notable, featuring around 20,000 fireworks, is the Sumida-gawa Fireworks Festival in Asakusa (2019 date: 27 July). Arrive early for a good viewing spot, but even with a less-than-ideal view, the experience is thrilling. Additional shows, both large and small, take place throughout the city from July to August; check Go Tokyo for listings.

Experience O-bon Festivities

O-bon (13–15 August in 2019) is one of the most significant events on the traditional calendar, alongside the New Year celebrations. Taking place over three days in mid-August, it is a time believed to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors returning to the living world.

Many Tokyo locals return to their hometowns to join family for rituals and local festivities. However, public O-bon events occur in the city as well: Yasukuni-jinja hosts its annual Mitama Festival, featuring tens of thousands of lanterns, occurring from 13-16 July (O-bon according to the old lunar calendar). During Kōenji’s Awa Odori, thousands of folk dancers fill the streets, drawing over a million spectators during the last weekend of August.

Note that some smaller businesses may close for O-bon, typically for the entire week.

Enjoy Summer Beer Gardens

Wandering the streets of Tokyo in the summer may give the impression that everyone is hiding in air-conditioned spaces; nevertheless, this is because al fresco options aren’t always obvious from street level. Each year, many major department stores host rooftop beer gardens. For a drink in an actual garden, Forest Beer Garden stands out as a summer favorite, offering great all-you-can-drink and -eat deals. Alternatively, elevate your experience at Beer Terrace Sekirei, set on a beautiful lawn typically used for weddings. Another classic option is the Mt Takao Beer Garden, perched on a mountain in the western part of the city.

Beer gardens typically operate from May through September (mid-June to mid-October for Mt Takao Beer Garden), ensuring even those not visiting during the peak heat can enjoy outdoor clinking of glasses.

Celebrate True Love during Tanabata

Tanabata, rooted in the Chinese Qixi Festival, occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month. According to legend, this is when stars Vega and Altair, symbolizing two star-crossed lovers, reunite across the Milky Way. Colorful lanterns and streamers, representing the Milky Way, adorn shopping areas throughout the city. Look for vibrant displays at Harajuku’s Takeshita-dōri and Shibuya’s Center-gai.

Asagaya’s Pearl Centre showcases creative displays of paper mache lanterns, often featuring pop culture themes, crafted by local businesses, community groups, and schools.

Tanabata is primarily celebrated on and around 7 July, although Asagaya follows the lunar calendar and holds its celebrations in August.

Enjoy a Bay Cruise on a Yakatabune

Taking to the waters aboard a yakatabune, a traditional wooden pleasure boat, is yet another of Tokyo’s cherished summer customs. While generally chartered for private parties, Tsukishima Monja Yakatabune offers group cruises starting from just two people.

Shop for a Yukata

During summer festivals, it’s common to spot Tokyoites dressed in yukata, which are colorful, lightweight summer kimonos. During this season, department stores and even chains like Uniqlo feature attractive selections. Specialized shops also sell yukata; the punk-inspired options at Tsukikageya and the bespoke styles from Y. & Sons are particularly popular. Although easier to wear than their silk counterparts, the obi (sash) of a yukata can still be tricky to tie; therefore, some shops offer pre-tied sashes for convenience.

Enjoy Outdoor Music Festivals

Summer signifies the arrival of outdoor music festivals, with some of the best events requiring a short getaway from Tokyo. Japan’s largest event, the three-day Fuji Rock Festival, takes place in late July at Naeba, a ski resort in Niigata prefecture (just about 90 minutes from Tokyo by bullet train). This massive festival is so popular that during its occurrence, Tokyo experiences a noticeable drop in visitors.

Closer to Tokyo, Summer Sonic unfolds over a weekend in August in nearby Chiba prefecture (40 minutes from Tokyo Station) and showcases a blend of pop and international performers. For fans of homegrown music, the Rock in Japan Festival, located in Ibaraki, roughly two hours northeast of Tokyo, is an excellent choice.

Cool Off with Refreshing Summer Dishes

The ultimate summer delicacy is kaki-gōri, a dessert made of shaved ice topped with colorful syrup (and sometimes enhanced with fruit, condensed milk, or adzuki beans). A local favorite is Himitsu-dō, known for its use of ‘natural’ ice sourced from rivers outside Tokyo; expect to queue on hot days.

For a savory option, look for hiyashi-chuka at ramen shops, which features chilled noodles adorned with crisp vegetables like cucumber, and potentially topped with shrimp, sliced ham, or slivers of omelette. Fresh edamame (young soybeans) are also a classic summer snack, serving as the ideal pairing with beer.