Tokyo Annual Event Calendar – Seasonal Festivals and Events Throughout the Year
Tokyo is a captivating city that hosts a diverse array of events throughout the year, from traditional festivals to contemporary celebrations. From historic festivals dating back to the Edo period to cutting-edge entertainment events, each district offers unique cultural experiences.
Before or after attending events, exploring Tokyo’s streets with Street Kart is highly recommended. This public road go-kart experience lets you enjoy the city’s landmarks from a unique perspective. For details about the driver’s license required for operation, please check the official website.
Major Events in Spring (March-May)
Spring in Tokyo is a season when numerous events begin alongside cherry blossom season. The mild climate makes it ideal for enjoying outdoor events.
Ueno Park Cherry Blossom Festival is one of Tokyo’s premier hanami (cherry blossom viewing) events, held from late March to early April. The park features approximately 1,200 cherry trees, attracting crowds day and night. Ueno Park is also home to cultural institutions like the Tokyo National Museum and Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, allowing visitors to combine art appreciation with cherry blossom viewing. After hanami, touring the Ueno and Asakusa areas by Street Kart is a popular activity.
Sanja Matsuri is one of Edo’s three great festivals, held at Asakusa Shrine in May. The energy of the mikoshi (portable shrine) bearers and the Edo-era atmosphere make this festival special, with the entire Asakusa area buzzing with excitement. You can enjoy a go-kart tour of nearby attractions including Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise Shopping Street, and Tokyo Skytree.
Summer Festivals and Events (June-August)
Tokyo’s summer is marked by fireworks displays and summer festivals. Despite the hot and humid climate, refreshing events are held throughout the city.
Sumida River Fireworks Festival, held in late July, is a historic fireworks display dating back to the Edo period. Approximately 20,000 fireworks launched from both banks of the Sumida River are a beloved summer tradition in Tokyo. The Asakusa and Mukojima areas offer prime viewing spots, attracting many visitors.
The Odaiba area hosts various summer events. Centered around the seaside park, food stalls and live music performances create an open atmosphere against the backdrop of Rainbow Bridge’s night view. The Odaiba area is also popular for Street Kart tours, allowing you to enjoy the waterfront scenery while driving.
Autumn Cultural Events and Festivals (September-November)
Autumn features pleasant weather and numerous cultural and artistic events. You can experience Tokyo’s culture alongside beautiful autumn foliage.
Kanda Used Book Festival is held in the Jimbocho used bookstore district from late October to early November. With about 100 participating stores, visitors enjoy searching for rare finds among books displayed on the streets. Jimbocho retains a strong publishing and literary culture, with many cafes and coffee shops, making it especially appealing to book lovers.
Tokyo Game Show, held at Makuhari Messe in late September, is one of the world’s largest video game exhibitions. Featuring hands-on demos of upcoming games and new announcements, it’s an unmissable event for gaming enthusiasts. With both business days and public days, it caters to industry professionals and general visitors alike.
Autumn festivals held throughout the city feature mikoshi and festival floats parading through the streets, offering opportunities to experience local traditional culture. Touring festival areas with a Street Kart experience helps you discover Tokyo’s diverse character.
Winter Illuminations and Events (December-February)
Winter Tokyo is brilliantly decorated with illuminations and Christmas events. Despite the cold, warm and festive events are held throughout the city.
Tokyo Michiterasu is an illumination event held around Tokyo Station from late December to early January. The Marunouchi area is adorned with light displays, creating a magical atmosphere. A night tour of illumination spots by Street Kart offers a special experience. For details about the required driver’s license, please check the official website.
Tokyo Marathon, held from late February to early March, is Japan’s largest citizen marathon. The approximately 42km course from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to the Tokyo Station area includes major tourist spots like Tokyo Tower and Kaminarimon Gate. This urban marathon is characterized by the unity between runners and spectators cheering along the route.
Roppongi and Omotesando feature large-scale illuminations throughout winter. These areas offer shopping and dining while enjoying spectacular light displays.
Year-Round Regular Events and Markets
Tokyo also offers regularly scheduled events throughout the year. These community-rooted events are popular with tourists as well.
Tsukiji Outer Market Morning Market features fresh seafood and ingredients on weekends. Bustling with shoppers from early morning, it captures the unique vitality of Tsukiji. After morning market shopping, touring nearby attractions by go-kart is popular.
Yoyogi Park Flea Market is held on Sundays, featuring diverse items from vintage clothing to handmade crafts. After the flea market, a Street Kart tour of the Harajuku and Shibuya areas is recommended. You can enjoy the streetscapes of Harajuku, a hub of youth culture, while driving.
Tsukishima and Asakusa occasionally host local festivals and markets on weekends. These offer valuable opportunities to experience the shitamachi (old town) atmosphere while getting a glimpse of local life.
Event Preparation and Access Information
Advance research and preparation are essential for enjoying events. Official websites of Tokyo’s wards and tourism associations provide detailed information about dates, locations, and participation fees. Social media and tourism magazines also share real-time updates, so check for the latest information.
Popular events may require advance reservations or lottery applications, so early registration is recommended. For large-scale events like fireworks festivals and marathons, expect crowds and plan travel with extra time.
Public transportation is convenient for accessing event venues in Tokyo. Traffic restrictions may be implemented around venues during major events, so check official websites in advance. Combining a Street Kart experience before or after event participation can enhance your Tokyo sightseeing. With public road go-karts, you can explore landmarks around event venues while enjoying Tokyo’s streets from a fresh perspective.
