July and August mark summer in Tokyo which means various summer festivals (a.k.a. natsu matsuri) are happening. During this time, events where families, friends, and even lovers can participate dressed in their best yukatas are scheduled all over the city. Food stalls filled with must-try festival foods like yakisoba, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kakigori, and more are also ready to be enjoyed. But how exactly can you make the most out of your Tokyo summer festival experience? Don’t miss out on the festivities with our guide. 

 

 

Events to add to your itinerary

 

During summer, seasonal activities like flea markets, beach-themed shop installations and the like can be easily spotted in almost every corner of the city. That’s why whether you have anything planned or not, chances are you’ll get a taste of how summer festivities feel like even through casual strolls around Tokyo. 

 

As for scheduled events, there’s the Iriya Asagao Festival which is celebrated annually every 6 to 8 July. It’s dedicated to morning glories (asagao) which became the object of fondness of low-ranking samurais in the late Edo Period (1603 - 1867) for its humble beauty. Since then, the flower has grown into a popular decorative plant which led to this event being made in its name. Summer festival goers in Tokyo can witness the event in Okachimachi, in and around Iriya Kishimojin Temple, where more than a hundred stalls are temporarily erected to sell varying types of this flower. 

 

 

On or around 7 July, there’s also the Shitamachi Tanabata Festival held on the 1.2-kilometer stretch between Ueno and Asakusa. Tanabata is celebrated not just in Japan but also in other countries like China, Brazil, and the U.S., specifically in Los Angeles. The event celebrates the romance of deities Orihime and Hikoboshi who are separated by the Milky Way. They are only allowed to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Lunar calendar. However, since the date of the Tanabata varies per region, the celebration is usually held anytime between 7 July (Gregorian calendar) to around mid-August. 

 

©Taito City

 

During this event, Kappa Hashimoto Dori which is 1.2-kilometer stretch between Ueno and Asakusa are decorated with lanterns and bamboo decorations, and  create a perfect breezy night atmosphere. This event is usually celebrated with parades, and food stalls all around the vicinity, and street performances. People are also encouraged to write their wishes on small pieces of paper, usually in the form of poetry called tanzaku, which are tied to bamboos decorating the vicinity. 

 

Lastly, summer festivals in Japan are not complete with fireworks. In Tokyo, some of the major events to watch out for are the Edogawa and the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festivals. 

 

The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is held every last Saturday of July by Sumida River in Asakusa. The event highlights a gorgeous fireworks display contrasted against Tokyo’s cityscape featuring one of the city’s most famous landmarks, Tokyo Skytree. 

 

 

The Edogawa Fireworks Festival, on the other hand, is annually held on the banks of Edo River every first Saturday of August for over 40 years. It’s actually two fireworks events in Ichikawa City in Chiba and Edogawa in Tokyo held together, making a beautiful lights display mirrored in the clear river water.

Unfortunately, these events are postponed for 2022. However, it’s still worth adding to your future travel plans. 

 

Tokyo summer festivals that take place every year: 

• Iriya Asagao Festival every 6 to 8 July
• Shitamachi Tanabata Festival around 7 July 
• Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival every last Saturday of July
• Edogawa Fireworks Festival every first Saturday of August

 

Summer festival foods to try

 

 

Summer festivals in Japan are never complete without food stalls lined up in the vicinity. And spoiler: it’s not just treats on sticks like karaage (bite-sized fried chicken) and grilled corn can be enjoyed in a natsu matsuri, there are full appetite-filling meals too. 

 

 

There’s the festival staple yakisoba, which are pan-fried noodles tossed with vegetables, pork, and a sweet-sour savory sauce. Takoyaki (ball-shaped snack made from octopus and flour batter) and okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake usually containing meat and vegetables) are also popular food choices. Candied fruits like strawberries and apples are also available for sweet-toothed festival-goers. Lastly, beat the heat with some kakigori (shaved ice with syrup) with flavors like strawberry, melon, milk, matcha, and more to choose from. 

 

Japanese delicacies to try during summer festivals: 

• Yakisoba (pan-fried noodles)
• Karaage (bite-sized fried chicken)
• Grilled corn
• Takoyaki (ball-shaped snacks made with octopus and flour)
• Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)
• Candied fruits
• Kakigori (shaved ice with flavored syrup)

 

Where and how to rent yukatas in Tokyo

 

 

Most of yukata rentals in Tokyo can be found in areas with temples and shrines nearby, with Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku being the most popular locations. These shops usually have English-speaking staff or service menus so no need to worry if you don’t speak Japanese. 

These rental studios usually have storage services to secure your belongings as you play dress-up for the day, as well as hair and makeup services if you really get the full yukata experience. Some yukata rentals also offer photography packages that will help document your look with the festive city as your background. 

 

All yukata rental studios have varying terms and conditions to take into consideration depending on your intended use. Make sure you take note of deadlines on when to return your yukata as some shops have penalties for delayed returns. Some also have options of overnight rentals and have varying prices for certain yukata designs so make sure you inquire about those as well before proceeding. 
 

Japanese summer yukata rental reminders: 

• Yukata rentals are usually found in popular tourist locations in Tokyo like Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku.
• Most yukata rentals have English-speaking staff or English service menus.
• Some rental studios have storage services for your belongings and offer special photography packages.