While it’s usually one of Tokyo’s more peaceful neighbourhoods, Kagurazaka gets a little frenetic each July, as hordes of yukata wearers and Awa Odori dancers flood the streets for four days of traditional festivities. Last year marked the ceremonial 50th anniversary, and this year, organisers promise to bring back the same vibrant energy for the festival’s 51st edition.
The festival will kick off on Wednesday July 23, and the food stalls will be open from 5pm until 9pm on July 24. Children can partake in traditional festival games, like fishing for colourful water balloon yo-yos, while adults can register for a guided tour of Kagurazaka’s back alleys (¥1,000) in their yukata, or pick up a Chinese lantern plant at the market at Bishamonten (Zenkokuji) Temple.
The main festivities will take place over the weekend, with a two-hour Awa Odori procession scheduled at 7pm on both Friday and Saturday. On Saturday, there will also be a children’s Awa Odori procession from 6pm to 7pm on the main street.