Get ready to chase petals, catch fireworks, and soak up lantern light as you explore Tokyo seasonal festivals in every corner of the city. Whether you’re craving the pink haze of cherry blossoms or the glow of winter illuminations, this ultimate guide promises insider tips, unmissable highlights, and a few packing must-haves to make each visit shine.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which matsuri (festivals) to mark on your calendar, how to blend tradition with modern flair, and where to find the tastiest yatai (food stall) treats along the way.
Experience spring celebrations
Spring in Tokyo is all about renewal, petals, and lively shrine parades. Let’s dive into what makes this season so special.
Cherry blossom hanami
Ever wondered why Tokyo goes pink in early April? You’ll find about 1,200 cherry trees blooming in Ueno Park, creating a tunnel of pale blossoms that feels straight out of a movie. Head to:
- Ueno Park
- Inokashira Park
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Bring a picnic blanket, grab some sakura-flavored snacks from nearby stalls, and join locals for hanami (flower viewing). For more details on prime viewing spots, check out our guide to Tokyo parks cherry blossoms.
Major shrine spring matsuri
Shrines kick off spring with energetic processions, portable shrines (mikoshi), and floats. Here’s where you can join the fun:
Sanno Festival at Hie Shrine
Held every June in Nagatachō, the Sanno Festival features a vibrant parade through central Tokyo. Expect colorful banners, traditional music, and a sense of community that’s hard to beat.
Sanja Festival at Asakusa Shrine
One of Tokyo’s biggest matsuri, Sanja Festival rolls around in mid-May with thunderous chants and hundreds of mikoshi paraded through Asakusa streets (Wikipedia). Need tips on getting to the shrine? See our Sensoji temple Ueno access guide.
Kanda Matsuri at Kanda Myojin
Held every odd-numbered year in mid-May, Kanda Matsuri brings elaborately decorated floats and a crowd of thousands to Chiyoda-ku. If you’re in town, don’t miss this chance to feel Tokyo’s festive heartbeat.
Furusato Matsuri tasting tour
If you’re a foodie, the Furusato Matsuri in January at Tokyo Dome City feels like 47 prefectures rolled into one. Sample specialties from Hokkaido seafood to Okinawa sweets, all while supporting disaster relief efforts in Japan (JRailPass.com). It’s the perfect way to get a bite-sized tour of regional flavors without leaving the city.
Dive into summer events
When Tokyo heats up, the city cools down with fireworks, dance, and immersive art. Here are your summer must-dos.
Sumida River fireworks festival
One of Japan’s oldest fireworks shows lights up the Sumida River on the last Saturday of July. You’ll see about 20,000 shells explode over the water, drawing over a million viewers along both banks (Wikipedia). Pro tip, book a riverside seat early or snag a spot on a fireworks cruise.
Kōenji Awa Odori dance festival
Ready to dance? Kōenji’s take on the famous Awa Odori festival brings street performers and visitors together on the last weekend of August. Watch or join the rhythmic footwork that’s been passed down for centuries (Wikipedia). No registration needed—just bring your energy.
Oi Donutaku summer festival
On August 23–24, 2025, Oi Station Central Street transforms for the 71st Oi Donutaku Summer Festival. With closed roads, live performances, and local stalls, it’s a neighborhood celebration you won’t want to miss (Oi Donutaku).
Roppongi Hills summer showcase
Modern art, design, and pop culture collide at Roppongi Hills each summer. Highlights include:
- Sky Festival: stellar views from June 20 to September 7, 2025 (Roppongi Hills)
- Tove and Moomin Exhibition: July 16 to September 17, 2025, featuring rare wall paintings
- Gourmet Burger Grand Prix & ICE! ICE! ICE! Ice Cream Fest: June 28 to August 31, 2025
For more on Tokyo’s contemporary side, see our modern Tokyo culture guide.
Embrace autumn traditions
Autumn brings crisp air, fiery leaves, and a mix of old-school rituals alongside modern thrills.
Fall foliage viewing
From late November to early December, Tokyo’s parks turn into a tapestry of reds and golds. Top spots include:
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Mt. Takao trails
- Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen gardens
Slip on comfy shoes and chase the color—you’ll find perfect photo ops around every bend. If you’d rather wander manicured paths, our traditional Japanese gardens Tokyo guide has the details.
Chrysanthemum display at Meiji Shrine
Late October brings the Kiku Matsuri (Chrysanthemum Festival) at Meiji Shrine. Intricately arranged blooms line the approach to Harajuku, creating a peaceful contrast to the busy weekend crowds (Meiji Shrine Harajuku guide).
Halloween street celebrations
Yes, Tokyo goes all out for Halloween. Shibuya’s scramble crossing transforms into a costume spectacle every October 31. Curious about how Japan blends spooky with kawaii? Check out our modern Japanese pop culture post for inspiration.
Tsukimi moon-viewing parties
In September, you may spot pop-up gatherings under full moons, enjoying dango (rice dumplings) and sake as poets once did. Parks and cultural centers host gentle moon-viewing events—perfect if you want a serene break from city buzz.
Celebrate winter festivities
When temperatures dip, Tokyo warms up with lights, rituals, and cheerful gatherings.
Hatsumode shrine visits
Have you ever joined millions in a one-night pilgrimage? That’s Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji welcome crowds from New Year’s Eve to Jan 1, offering omikuji (fortune slips) and festive foods (Magical Trip). For other sacred stops, explore our Tokyo religious sites guide.
Winter illumination shows
Tokyo’s evening skyline sparkles in December. Highlights include:
- Marunouchi Illumination
- Keyakizaka Winter Illumination
Both events turn avenues into glowing tunnels of light, drawing locals and travelers alike (Magical Trip).
Setsubun bean-throwing celebrations
On February 3, shrines across Tokyo host Setsubun, where priests toss roasted soybeans to ward off evil spirits. You’ll hear “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi” (Demons out, good luck in) as you catch your own lucky beans.
Christmas markets and Valentine’s Day
While Christmas isn’t a religious festival in Japan, department stores and station plazas host charming winter markets with mulled wine and crafts. By February, Tokyo embraces Valentine’s Day and White Day with chocolates galore (Kokugakuin University). You’ll see heart-shaped displays everywhere—so why not join the fun?
Savor festival flavors
No matsuri is complete without yatai treats. Here’s what to try:
Savory bites (under 500 yen each) (MATCHA-JP)
- Yakisoba (stir-fried noodles)
- Takoyaki (octopus balls)
- Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)
- Ikayaki (grilled squid)
- Yakitori (chicken skewers)
- Karaage (fried chicken)
Sweet delights (MATCHA-JP)
- Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry)
- Kakigori (shaved ice)
- Chocolate-covered banana
- Sweet potato sticks
Grab napkins—you’ll want seconds.
Plan your festival journey
A little prep goes a long way. Follow these steps to make every matsuri memorable.
- Check the Tokyo festivals calendar early
- Pack essentials: comfy shoes, cash (yen only), portable fan or hand warmer, portable charger
- Learn basic etiquette: bow when you enter a shrine, wait your turn for food stalls—our Tokyo cultural etiquette guide has the dos and don’ts
- Use public transport: trains run later during big events, but plan for crowds and follow station announcements
- Book hotels well in advance—festival weekends fill up fast
With a bit of planning, you’ll be free to focus on what matters most—soaking up every moment.
Frequently asked questions
Q: When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo?
A: Late March to early April, depending on the year’s weather. Aim for the first week of April for peak bloom.
Q: Do I need to buy tickets for matsuri events?
A: Most are free to watch. A few special events, like fireworks cruises or VIP viewing areas, may require a ticket.
Q: How can I find accessible festival information?
A: Check official festival websites for wheelchair access details. Major parks and shrines often offer rental wheelchairs and accessible restrooms.
Q: What should I wear to a Japanese summer festival?
A: Light, breathable fabrics are key. If you want to blend in, try renting a yukata (casual summer kimono) from a Japanese traditional clothing rental shop.
Q: Are English guides available at Tokyo matsuri?
A: At major festivals, you’ll often find English signage or volunteers. For smaller events, download a translation app or join a guided tour.
Enjoy every season—Tokyo’s rhythm pulses with centuries of tradition and a dash of modern flair. See you at the next matsuri!
