Must-see festivals in Tokyo in September
- Published on : 01/09/2025
- by : Ph.L
- Youtube
Fukuro Matsuri (ikebukuro)
@elmimmo on Flick,CC BY 2.0
Last chance to enjoy the season's matsuri! September marks the end of summer, and with it a period rich in festivals. To prolong the pleasure, Japan Experience offers you a selection of not-to-be-missed events in Tokyo this month.
Kaminarimon Bon Odori
September 5-6, 2025, Asakusa
In front of the Kaminarimon gate of the Senso-ji Namiki-dori street comes alive on festival nights. Take part in traditional dances and discover Japanese culinary specialties at street stalls.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032
SCHEDULE: 5:30-8pm
Good Odori
@wikimedia
Geisei
September 5-7, 2025, Ueno
Every year, the Tokyo University of the Arts organizes its festival: three days of festivities where students demonstrate their creativity. With exhibitions, parades and concerts, this local matsuri is one of the most eagerly awaited events in Ueno! The theme of the 2025 edition is "tamayura," a word meaning "fleeting moment." Stroll the aisles of the university. Each workshop is an opportunity to discover Japanese culture through the eyes of the younger generation.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 12-8 Uenokoen, Taito, Tokyo 110-8714
HOURS: 09h-19h
Tokyo University of the Arts
@Daderot on Wikimedia, royalty-free
Setagaya Hachimangu Aki Matsuri
September 14-15, 2025, Setagaya
At the shrine Setagaya Hachimangu, drums resound and mikoshi cross the streets, accompanied by dancers in traditional dress. Don't miss the hono-sumo fights on Sunday at 2pm!
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1 Chome-26-3 Miyasaka, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-0051
HOURS: 10 a.m.-8 p.m
Sumo match
@Artem Zhukov on Pexels, royalty-free
Kichijoji Aki Matsuri
September 14-15, 2025, Kichijoji
In the lively Kichijoji district, mikoshi (traditional floats) parade to the rhythm of songs and drums. While the festivities are in full swing for two days, we recommend that you don't miss the parade of the eleven mikoshi on Sunday at around 2pm.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: the festival takes place throughout the Kichijoji district (Chuo line)
TIMETABLE: 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Kichijoji Aki Matsuri
@Dick Thomas Johnson on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
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Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Reitaisai
September 14-16, 2025, Kamakura
The biggest festival in Kamakura is located 1 hour by train from central Tokyo. Renowned for its processions, dances and Shinto ceremonies, it's especially worth a visit for its yabusame (archery on horseback) competition. This military technique was developed during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), before being perfected during the 250 years of peace in the Edo period (1603-1868). The competition closes the festival on September 16.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa
SCHEDULE:
Sunday: 6pm-8pm
Monday: 10am-8pm
Tuesday: 1pm-5pm
Yabusame
@S.R.G - msucoo93 on Flick,CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Daradara Matsuri Daimon
September 11-21, 2025, Daimon
Japan's longest festival! Over eleven days, watch mikoshi processions and traditional dances all over the district. You'll also find food stalls, traditional games for children, and a ginger market!
Food stall (yatai)
@mrmayat on Flick,CC BY-NC 2.0
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: around Nishiarai Daishi Shrine, 1-12-7 Shibadaimon
Minato, Tokyo 105-0012 (varies by event)
HOURS: 10am-6pm (varies according to event)
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: more information here
Akasaka Hikawa Matsuri
September 19-21, 2025, Akasaka
Immerse yourself in a traditional atmosphere. With richly decorated floats, Bon Odori dances and festive music, it's a real trip back in time that awaits you in the heart of Tokyo.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 6 Chome-10-12 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo 107-0052
HOURS:
Friday: 6pm-9pm, Saturday: 1pm-9pm, Sunday: 10am-9pm
Hikawa Shrine Akasaka Matsuri
@Edomura no Tokuzo on Wikimedia, royalty-free
Nakanobu Yosakoi Matsuri
September 20, 2025, Nakanobu
In the Nakanobu district, discover Yosakoi, the traditional dances from Shikoku. Dance troupes come from all over Tokyo—and sometimes even from other surrounding areas—to perform their art and make the event a unique moment of celebration, both communally and culturally!
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 2-9-12 Higashinakanobu, Shinagawa, Tokyo
HOURS: 12h-19h45
Yosakoi
@Peter Thoeny on Flick,CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Nezu Jinja Matsuri
September 21-22, 2025, Nezu
Every year, the Nezu Jinja Matsuri transforms the historic Bunkyo district into a spectacle of festive music and color. Celebrated at the Nezu Shrine, one of Tokyo's oldest shrines, it attracts locals and visitors alike eager to discover bugaku, the classic court dances. Try your hand at this traditional art form, over 1500 years old, and enjoy Japanese street food at the street stalls.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1 Chome-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0031
HOURS: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Nezu Shrine Matsuri
@Guilhem Vellut on Flick,CC BY 2.0
Fukuro Matsuri
September 27-29, 2025, Ikebukuro
One of the capital's most dynamic festivals! For three days, Ikebukuro hosts mikoshi, dances and street performances. Take advantage of the effervescent atmosphere and visit the stalls all around.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: around Ikebukuro station (1 Chome Minamiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 171-0022)
HOURS: 12pm-8pm
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