Tokyo Festivals
Sanno Matsuri Festival
The Sanno Festival, one of Tokyo’s “three great festivals,” alternates with Kanda Matsuri every other year, while Sanja Matsuri takes place annually.
2024 Schedule
June 13-15 (Thu.-Sat.): A three-day Bon dance festival in front of Tameike-Sanno Station starts at 6:00 p.m. with night stalls and visitors dressed in yukata.
Background & History:
A cornerstone of Tokyo’s cultural heritage, Sanno Matsuri is part of the trio of esteemed festivals alongside Kanda Matsuri and Sanja Matsuri. Originating from the Edo period, it reflects centuries of tradition and reverence.
During its prime, the festival was among the select few permitted to enter the sacred grounds of Edo Castle, alongside esteemed events like the Nezu Shrine festival. Its historical significance extends further as Hie Shrine, its primary venue, held a prominent position as one of the top-ranked official government shrines from 1871 to 1946.
Despite its evolution over time, marked notably by its smaller scale in modern times, the Sanno Festival maintains its cultural importance. It offers a window into Japan’s past, showcasing traditional customs, vibrant celebrations, and a profound connection to the country’s imperial history.
| Website | Sanno Festival |
| Location | Hie Shrine |
| Dates | 06/07/2024 – 06/15/2024 |
| Start/End Time | 18:00 -21:00 |
Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival
During the rainy season, Bunkyo hosts one of the best hydrangea festivals at Hakusan Shrine.
Festival Highlights:
- 3,000 hydrangeas in bloom at Hakusan Shrine and nearby Hakusan Park
- Free entry
- Concerts, mikoshi (portable shrine) processions, weekend stalls
- Free toothbrushes for the first 100 visitors
- Sketching meetups
| Official Website | Bukyo Hydrangea Festival |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 06/15/2024 – 06/16/2024 |
| Start/End Time | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Tokyo Art
Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia
The SSFF & Asia festival showcases 200 short films worldwide, spanning fiction, animation, and non-fiction, with a focus on films under 25 minutes. Originating in Japan in 1999 with just six films, it has grown to become one of Asia’s largest film festivals. Accredited by the Academy Awards, selected films qualify for Oscar nominations. Most tickets are free, except for the opening ceremony priced at ¥3,500, and can be reserved online. All online viewings are also free.
| External Website | Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia |
| Location | Laforet HarajukuOmotesando HillsRippongi Hills Mori Tower |
| Dates | 06/04/2024 – 06/30/2024 |
Kagaya Starry Sky World Exhibition
Renowned starry sky photographer, planetarium video creator, and digital artist Kagaya is hosting a special exhibition in Yokohama. With the aim of popularizing astronomy and offering viewers a fresh perspective, the exhibition will showcase approximately 100 pieces of Kagaya’s work, featuring 32 new creations alongside notable favorites like Starry Sky of the Four Seasons, Sky with the Moon, and Aurora. Additionally, attendees can anticipate a captivating new video presentation projected on a 16-meter screen.
| Official Website | Sogo |
| Location | Sogo Museum of Art (6th Floor) |
| Dates | 05/01/2024 – 07/01/2024 |
| Start/End Time | 10:00 – 22:00 |
Junji Ito Exhibition: Enchantment
Experience the must-see Junji Ito exhibition, marking his first major showcase in Japan. Discover his renowned macabre artistry up close, featuring iconic scenes from acclaimed manga like “Tomie” and “Uzumaki.” Delve into his unique style through hand-drawn artworks on various mediums, alongside unseen pieces. Immerse yourself in spine-chilling 3D models, including a captivating display centered on “Uzumaki.”
| Official Website | Junji Ito Exhibition |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 04/27/2024- 09/01/2024 |
| Start/End Time | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Markets
Shimokitazawa Flea Market
At the Shimokitazawa Flea Market, you can find handmade crafts, secondhand clothes, jewelry, and other unique, high-quality items (note: this is usually reflected in the pricing!). This neighborhood is well known for thrifting and second hand shopping so expect to find lots of trendy goodies! The market operates every weekend and includes a café and food truck for refreshments.
| Official Website | Shimokitazawa Flea Market |
| Location | Shimokita Senrogai Open Space |
| Date | 06/15 – 6/16 |
| Start/End Time | 12:00 – 17:30 |
The Oedo Antique Market
If you love antique shopping, don’t miss “the largest outdoor antique market in Japan,” held on the first and third Sunday of each month. You can find ¥1,000 yukata, kimono, jimbei, and accessories like belts, ties, and bags. The market also offers a variety of ornaments, tea ceremony bowls, watches, and other knick-knacks.
The Oedo Antique Market is held at the Tokyo International Forum, adjacent to Yurakuchō Station on the JR Yamanote Line. Nearby coffee shops are available if you need a break. Note that the market is canceled if it rains.
| Official Website | Oedo Antique Market |
| Location | Tokyo International Forum |
| Dates | 06/16/2024 |
| Start/End Time | 9:00 – 16:00 |
Cafes and food
Detective Conan Pop-Up Café
Ready to solve a mystery? Step into a themed cafe around the iconic manga series Detective Conan! There are several locations around Tokyo such as Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Ikebukuro, as well as several locations outside of Tokyo. Be sure to check the official website as operating hours between locations may vary. Reservations are highly advised and cost ¥715.
| Official Website | Conan Cafe |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 3/29/2024 – 07/21/2024 |
| Tickets | ¥715 |
| Start/End Time | 11:20 – 21:40 |
Forest Beer Garden
The popular Forest Beer Garden returns to Meiji Shrine’s Outer Garden for another year of outdoor drinks and relaxation. Enjoy a cold drink, grilled food, and the natural surroundings right in the heart of the city.
| Official Website | Forest Beer Garden |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | Ends 07/16/2024 |
| Start/End Time | Weekdays: 16:00 – 22:00 (last order 21:00)Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 – 22:30 (last order 21:30) |
| Tickets | Online reservations are available for the all-you-can-eat plan (2 hours): ¥5,880 for adults, ¥5,000 for ages 12-19, and ¥2,800 for elementary school students. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance. A-la-carte options are available for walk-ins. |
Sri Lanka Festival 2024
Over 35 vendors will be offering spicy Sri Lankan food including rice and curry, string hoppers, hoppers, egg hoppers, kotturotti, cutlets, rotti, and vaddai. There will also be yoga classes, workshops, and a market selling everything including jewelry, carvings, ceramics, and Sri Lankan spices.
| Official Website | Sri Lanka Festival |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 6/15 – 6/16 |
| Start/End Time | 9:00 – 20:00 |
Other Activities
Weekend Comedy at Tokyo Comedy Bar
Head to TCB for a night of laughter with the city’s top comedians. Enjoy an unforgettable evening as 4 comedians deliver some of the best comedy in Tokyo. Tickets start at ¥2,000 depending on the day.
| External Website | Tokyo Comedy Bar |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | 6/14/2024 |
| Start/End Time | 19:30 – 22:00 |
| Tickets | ~¥2,000 |
Alice’s Blooming Carnival at Keisei Rose Garden
From mid-April to mid-June, the Keisei Rose Garden undergoes a transformation based on Alice in Wonderland. With an astounding array of 1,600 varieties of roses, it becomes a beautiful sight during this season. Guests of all ages can delight in the festivities, including a lively mid-day parade that imbues the park with the spirit of an amusement park.
| Official Website | Alice’s Blooming Carnival |
| Location | Maps |
| Dates | Ends 07/16/2024 |
| Start/End Time | 9:00-18:00 |
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Tokyo
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are traveling in, our knowledgeable and friendly guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo, where you will have the chance to try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake along with your friendly English-speaking guide!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Shinjuku Bar Hopping Tour: Experience Tokyo’s Nightlife in Izakaya
Check out the best spots in Shinjuku while bar hopping through the lively and vibrant area. Try some delicious local food and drink as you explore the narrow yet photogenic alleys that the town has to offer. Experience Japanese izakaya culture and drink in Shinjuku like the locals!
