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Although we are already more than halfway through August, Tokyo’s summer festival season is still going strong, with plenty of lively celebrations taking place across the city. If you happen to be in Tokyo this weekend, you’re in luck, as it’s shaping up to be an exciting one, with everything from traditional Bon Odori and Awa Odori dance festivals to Latin music and dancing. Here are five festivals to check out from Friday August 21 to Sunday August 23.
Roppongi Hills Bon Odori
August 21-23
One of the largest in all of Tokyo, this lively Roppongi Hills festival features traditional Bon Odori dance by yukata-clad performers in the shopping centre’s central event arena.
Traditional Japanese lanterns add to the festive atmosphere while the surrounding food stalls cater to hungry crowds. You can expect a varied gourmet selection prepared by popular restaurants in the area, including Roppongi Barbacoa, Shinanoya, Rigoletto Bar and Grill, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Gelateria Raffinato and more. There will also be plenty of activities like yo-yo fishing, ring tossing and a face mask stall for children and adults to enjoy.
While there's no Bon Odori dancing on Friday, you’ll get to watch a modern interpretation of Gigaku (masked drama performance) and Dengaku (traditional Japanese dance) instead. The show is put on by Roppongi Raku, the venue’s performing arts group that consists of about 150 people, starting at 7pm.
Bon Odori dancing takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 8pm.
Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Odori Festival
August 21-22
Head over to Hamacho Park for some communal dancing at the Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Odori festival. Held on August 21 and 22, this annual event marks the end of summer and honours ancestral spirits with a unique song and dance called the Chuo City Ondo – you can learn the steps here.
As with similar festivals across Japan, you’ll find food stalls serving crowd-pleasing street eats. Programme-wise, watch out for a traditional performing arts presentation at 4pm on Saturday. And make sure you catch the special taiko drum performances on Friday at 5.30pm and Saturday at 8.50pm – they mark the beginning and end of the Bon Odori festivities respectively.
If you’re looking to partake in the Bon Odori dance, the session starts at 5.50pm on Friday and 6.20pm on Saturday.
Shimokitazawa Ichibangai Awa Odori
August 22-23
Granted, it's a minnow compared to the Koenji Awa Odori that takes place at the end of the month, but Shimokitazawa's version of the famed dancing-in-the-streets fest (originally from Tokushima) has a unique charm of its own.
Now into its 58th year, the two-day Shimokitazawa Awa-Odori sees 25 dance teams passionately romp along the neighbourhood's north-side main shopping streets in the evening, and dazzle the crowds with their special routines. Be sure to hang around afterwards, when the area is engulfed in a joyous party mood.
Check the event website for the latest details.
Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival
August 22-23
One of Tokyo's favourite traditional festivals, the annual Azabu-Juban Noryo Matsuri (noryo translates as 'cool of the evening') has been going on for over 50 years now. The festival is returning this year on August 22 and 23 at Patio Juban Square, the nearby Amishiro Park and along the streets of the fashionable Azabu-Juban shopping district.
There will be plenty of dancing, performances and live music, along with food and game stalls, some of which are set up by local businesses. While you’re there, you can also expect the nearby Juban Inari Shrine to host a traditional ohayashi music performance, accompanied by Ise Ondo folk dancing. Dust off your yukata and prepare to mingle with the crowds.
Visit the website for the festival map and programme.
Sancha Latin Festival
August 22-23
Sangenjaya, known affectionately as Sancha among locals, holds its annual Latin Festival, with several performances taking place over the two days. Enjoy traditional festival food while taking in the live shows, amazing costumes and celebratory atmosphere.
Of course, the highlight is the spectacular samba parade, which takes place on the second day (August 23) from 1.30pm to 4pm along Chazawa Street. You’ll also find stage performances and outdoor food stalls at Sangenjaya Fureai Square.
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