What to do in Tokyo - Events Guide

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"Stay updated on all the exciting events happening in Tokyo, Japan with our daily podcast. From festivals and cultural events to food markets and outdoor activities, we bring you the latest news on what’s happening in Tokyo."

  1. 4D AGO

    Tokyo's Vibrant September Weekend: Music, Festivals, and Cultural Gems Await

    Tokyo is buzzing this September weekend, so get ready for an incredible lineup of events and experiences. Today, September 13, kicks off with an unbeatable fusion of music, tradition, and quirky Tokyo surprises. If you love high-energy electronic music, Ultra Japan takes over Odaiba’s Ultra Park with big-name DJs and epic production all weekend. The party starts at 11 AM both Saturday and Sunday, making this Tokyo’s must-hit electronic dance music festival according to Japan Concert Tickets and the official Ultra Japan site. Dance under the sky and feel the global rhythm right here in the heart of the city. For those seeking something more traditional, it is the perfect weekend for matsuri. The 53rd Kichijoji Autumn Festival is one of Tokyo’s real neighborhood gems. Today and tomorrow, portable shrines are paraded through the streets, with crowds cheering and plenty of delicious Japanese street food at Musashino Hachimangu in Kichijoji. Expect local dance, food stalls, and the unique atmosphere that only a true Tokyo festival can deliver, as Ryokougirl highlights. Live music fans are spoiled for choice. Catch the effervescent Masayoshi Takanaka in Katsushika if you’re into jazz and J-pop at 4:30 this afternoon. Meanwhile, Atarashii Gakko bring their infectious energy to Hitomi Memorial Hall, and RIIZE headline Yoyogi National Stadium. For rock enthusiasts, Zepp DiverCity hosts Novelbright this evening at 6 PM, promising a pulse-raising show as tracked by Japan Concert Tickets. Those craving something fun and offbeat should swing by ZeroBase Shibuya for the Tinja Pop-Up Shrine Exhibition until September 15. Tinder Japan invites you to leave baggage from past relationships behind in a playful, art-driven setting with free entry. It’s part healing, part social—and wholly Tokyo Weekender-unique. On September 15, Ueno’s iconic Tokyo National Museum swings open its doors for free admission day. Roam through galleries stretching from ancient samurai armor to exquisite ukiyo-e prints, wander peaceful gardens, and dive into over a thousand years of Japanese history. Arigato Travel recommends this as a can’t-miss cultural gem, perfect for anyone from art aficionados to the just-curious. Looking ahead, Sumo fever returns to Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Arena starting September 14. This is your chance to witness Japan’s national sport in its most powerful form, says Ryokougirl. If you’re in the mood for something different, don’t miss the Tokyo China Festival at Yoyogi Park this weekend, celebrating Asian cultures with music, food, and performances, as Arigato Travel notes. Tokyo pulses with energy, tradition, music, and hidden pockets of wonder right now. Thank you for tuning in and be sure to subscribe so you never miss Tokyo’s top picks. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    3 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Tokyo Buzzes with Diverse Events: Philharmonic, Fiesta Mexicana, World Athletics Championships, and More

    For listeners tuning in and wondering what to do in Tokyo today and into the weekend, the city is buzzing with special events and unique experiences to discover. Today, the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra is performing at Suntory Hall, so classical music fans can catch an inspiring subscription concert by one of Asia’s leading orchestras. Starting on Saturday, Fiesta Mexicana kicks off a three-day celebration at Odaiba Marine Park. According to Arigato Travel, you’ll find everything from authentic tacos and churros to mariachi bands and piñata games set against stunning views of Tokyo Bay. This annual event is perfect for families and anyone craving Mexican culture, live music, and lots of dancing. This Saturday also marks the launch of the World Athletics Championships 2025, which brings athletes from over 200 countries to the National Stadium and venues across Tokyo. As reported by Arigato Travel, the championships run until September 21 and showcase track, field, and relay events, cementing Tokyo as the stage for some of the season’s most thrilling moments in sport. Looking for something uniquely Tokyo? This weekend, check out the Kichijoji Fall Festival, where teams carry colorful mikoshi portable shrines through lively streets in a tradition beloved by locals, as highlighted by Tokyo Cheapo. Art lovers should note that Tokyo National Museum offers free admission on Monday, making it the ideal moment to wander through centuries of Japanese art and history in Ueno Park. For night owls and festival seekers, the Chofu City Fireworks Festival will light up the Tama River bank. According to Truly Tokyo, it’s set to dazzle up to 35,000 people, with 10,000 fireworks set to both movie soundtracks and current hits, making it an unforgettable Tokyo night out. If shopping is your calling, this Sunday brings the Shinjuku Chuo Park Flea Market and the famous Oedo Antique Market, where you can browse vintage treasures and rare finds amidst the city’s urban parks. Tokyo Iroha also points to the Frente Sasazuka Station Plaza Flea Market, open Saturday and Sunday, just a short hop from Shinjuku. Sports fans can also catch the start of the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday at Ryogoku Kokugikan and cheer for your favorite rikishi as they clash in one of Japan’s oldest sporting spectacles. Whether you want music, food festivals, local traditions, thrilling athletics, or quirky flea markets, Tokyo this week offers a world of choices. Thanks for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai

    3 min

  3. SEP 6

    Weekend in Tokyo: Festivals, Concerts, and Cultural Celebrations

    Start your Tokyo weekend with a burst of culture and color right in Asakusa at the Kaminarimon Bon Odori on Saturday, September 6. According to Time Out Tokyo, from 5:30pm to 8pm, the area around the iconic Kaminarimon Gate will turn into a lively dance hub with locals twirling in yukata around a specially built yagura turret. The street is closed off for the event and lined with lanterns, so whether you love to dance or just want to soak up the classic summer festival energy, this is the place to be. If you’re in Yoyogi, this weekend is the Tokyo China Festival at Yoyogi Park, one of the city’s most vibrant international celebrations. Arigato Travel reports it’s running September 6 and 7 and is a showcase of authentic Chinese food, music, arts, and tradition. Make sure you go hungry—there are baozi and xiaolongbao aplenty, plus performances from opera to lion dance. On the music front, Japan Concert Tickets lets us know you have major acts in town this weekend. Saturday, September 6, catch Dreams Come True at Ex Theater Roppongi at 5pm, or legendary idol group Nogizaka46 over at Meiji Jingu Stadium at 6pm. Also at 6pm, popular singer Yuuri takes the stage at Yoyogi National Stadium. If J-Pop is your jam, these are all top picks. Looking for something a little more traditional? September is matsuri season, and Kitazawa Hachiman Shrine in Setagaya is hosting its festival on September 6 and 7. GaijinPot and Time Out Tokyo highlight the crowd-friendly festivities with mikoshi parades, street food, and classic matsuri games for families and night owls alike. If you’re an arts lover, don’t forget Tokyo Handmade Marché Autumn, happening at Tokyo Dome City Prism Hall. Time Out Tokyo notes you can catch scores of local artisans and crafters selling everything from jewelry to ceramics—perfect for scoring a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Next week, get ready for the opening of the Sumo Grand Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan, which starts September 14 and runs for two full weeks. According to Truly Tokyo, tickets go fast, but if you’re curious about this grand spectacle of sport and ritual, you can still grab same-day tickets if you arrive early. For museum fans, September 16 is Free Admission Day at the Tokyo National Museum, a chance to enjoy world-class exhibitions without spending a yen. And there’s still more—if you’re staying longer, mid-month brings the Nezu Shrine Festival and the Kichijoji Fall Festival, both promising gorgeous mikoshi processions, dance, and a real taste of local Tokyo life as autumn approaches. Thanks for tuning in to your Tokyo event guide. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates and tips on making the most of this city. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    3 min

  4. SEP 4

    Tokyo's Buzzing with Live Music, Festivals, and Sporting Events

    Listeners, Tokyo is absolutely buzzing with excitement this first week of September, so let’s dive straight into the best things to do around town today, tomorrow, and through the weekend. Tonight, music lovers have a treat waiting as Macaroni Empitsu lights up Shelter starting at 8 PM, a must for J-Pop and pop rock fans. Tomorrow, get ready for J-Pop icons Misia at NHK Hall at 2:30 PM, as well as a much-anticipated Nogizaka46 concert at Meiji Jingu Stadium in the evening. It's a big weekend for live music, with Atarashii Gakko! bringing their energetic show to Ichikawa City Cultural Hall on Saturday at 5 PM. If traditional Japanese festivals are calling to you, Akasaka is hosting its famous Hikawa Matsuri. This three-day event fills Minato with vibrant floats, locally paraded shrine mikoshi, and bon odori dances. Expect lively street food stalls and a truly local atmosphere all weekend, especially around Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. Over in Suginami Ward, Ōmiya Hachiman Festival offers classic autumn matsuri energy with music, performances, and that unmistakable festive Tokyo spirit. Kichijōji turns lively with its Fall Festival, where portable shrines parade through the narrow district streets. If history’s your thing, it’s a vivid window into long-running neighborhood traditions. Plus, autumn is bringing flower festivals to gardens across the city. You’ll spot dazzling blooms and seasonal displays, especially in parks around Shinjuku and Ueno. Yoyogi Park is going global with Namaste India 2025, Japan’s largest Indian festival. It’s a weekend showcase of Indian cuisine, performances, and crafts, so make sure to swing by for some cross-cultural fun and spicy bites. The World Athletics Championships kick off in Tokyo on September 13, transforming the National Stadium and surrounding venues into a real stage of international competition. Over 2,000 athletes from 200 countries compete for glory in various track and field events, and it’s the perfect spot for sports fans who crave electrifying action and dramatic finishes. For those who want to see a side of Japan almost untouched by time, mark your calendar for the Nezu Shrine Festival, where the shrine grounds are transformed by traditional music, dance, scrummy food stalls, and the famous omikoshi procession. The main dance performances happen at 7 PM Saturday and 2 PM Sunday, and it’s free to join in. Sumo is back at Ryogoku Kokugikan starting September 14, with matches running throughout the month. Tickets are still available—feel the earth shake as sumo wrestlers clash for glory and national pride. Art and vintage fans, don’t miss the Hanazono Shrine Antique Market for rare finds under the open sky or the Oedo Antique Market, the largest outdoor vintage event in Japan. And flea market aficionados can pick up vintage treasures at Shinjuku Chuo Park all weekend. Ultra Japan, Tokyo’s premier EDM festival, brings world-class DJs and an electrifying crowd to Odaiba. If you’re ready to dance, this Saturday is a sonic celebration you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re grooving at a concert, joining in a matsuri, cheering at the National Stadium, or simply strolling through blooming gardens, Tokyo’s mix of culture, sport, and entertainment is unbeatable this week. Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Be sure to subscribe for the very best Tokyo picks, and remember: This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    4 min

  5. AUG 30

    Samba Carnival, Concerts, Toy Show: Tokyo's Vibrant Weekend Lineup

    Listeners, if you are in Tokyo on Saturday, August 30th, and through the weekend, you have a spectacular line-up of fun and unforgettable events awaiting you. The biggest buzz today is the Asakusa Samba Carnival, now in its 37th year, drawing half a million people and filling the streets around Kaminarimon with 18 teams of samba drummers, dazzling dancers, and vibrant floats until 6pm. Bring water, claim your spot early, and prepare to dance alongside locals – just keep those selfie sticks and drones at home, as festival organizers have banned them for safety, according to Truly Tokyo. If you love music and live shows, catch Hawaiian legends Kalapana at Cotton Club tonight, with reserved seats starting at 9000 yen. For pop music fans, Nanase Aikawa and Shota Shimizu are performing at Zepp DiverCity and Nippon Budokan, respectively, both beginning at 5pm as noted by Japan Concert Tickets. Families and toy collectors, the International Tokyo Toy Show at Tokyo Big Sight is open for browsing today and tomorrow. Dive into new and retro toys, including winners of the Japan Toy Awards. General admission is 1800 yen but free for children. The event runs until 5pm on Saturday and 4pm Sunday. Art lovers, head to Marunouchi for the LEGO Festival Botanical Garden, or see master koto player Leo Konno performing for one night only at Blue Note Place. For a late night out, Tokyo Love Hotels presents ‘A Loveho Biome’ at Hven in Nakameguro, featuring art installations and live music from 9pm till dawn. Families with young kids will adore the Sanrio Puroland Neo Summer Matsuri in Tama. Neon decorations, festival games, unique workshops, and character greetings are on offer, and the festivities run until September 2nd. Entry starts at 4300 yen. Looking for something chilled? The Midtown Summer festival in Roppongi Midtown Garden has a free ashimizu foot bath, open from 3pm to 9pm, with summer sweets and treats for when you need to cool off. Time Out Tokyo highlights the treats, including shaved ice and delicious fruit desserts. If you’re into community happenings, the Shimokitazawa Flea Market is perfect for finding vintage treasures, while Minato Mirai’s Bon Odori delivers traditional Japanese summer dance and food stalls into the night. The city is also aglow with fireworks – Koto Ward’s annual fireworks festival, Jingu Stadium fireworks, and Sunamachi Riverside’s epic displays promise a beautiful end to summer evenings. And don’t miss the Asagaya Tanabata Star Festival for a local neighborhood celebration, or Ueno Summer Festival with food, games, and performances. Tokyo is pulsing with summer energy, music, art, dance, and festival spirit this weekend. Dive in, make memories, and let yourself be swept up in the rhythm of the city. Thank you for tuning in, listeners. Don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    3 min

  6. AUG 28

    Tokyo Summer Sizzles with Music, Dance, and Neon Wonders

    For listeners searching for the freshest ways to fill their Tokyo days and nights right now, here’s your guide to standout events happening Thursday, August 28 through the end of the weekend. Tonight Tokyo’s concert scene is buzzing. Head to Nippon Budokan for a high-energy J-Pop show from breakout star Kvi Baba at 7 PM, or hit Spotify O-EAST for shytaupe’s blend of rock and pop at the same time. If you crave dance, hip hop, or R and B, Toyosu PIT hosts Kaytranada on Friday night at 7 PM, providing an international groove right in the Tokyo Bay area, according to Japan Concert Tickets. For something truly unique, Friday brings one-night-only magic from leading koto artist Leo Konno, better known as LEO, at Blue Note Place. Doors open at 6 PM, and the atmosphere blends cool jazz with cutting-edge Japanese sound. Each guest needs at least one order, and entry is 3,300 yen, notes Tokyo Weekender. Also on Friday and Saturday, Cotton Club welcomes Hawaii’s beloved Kalapana on their Timeless Voyage 50th Anniversary Tour. Whether you catch the early or late show, expect pure nostalgia and legendary island vibes. Families looking for something vibrant should check out Sanrio Puroland’s Neo Summer Matsuri festival, running through early September. Experience retro-futuristic neon decor, games, workshops, special menu treats, and plenty of adorable character moments, all themed for the summer. Entry starts at 4,300 yen, as covered in Tokyo Weekender. Saturday explodes with color as the Asakusa Samba Carnival storms through Kaminarimon from 1 to 6 PM. This joyous parade draws half a million people each year and features 18 teams of samba dancers and musicians. Tip: stake out your spot early and ditch the tripods, selfie sticks, and chairs—these are strictly not allowed along the parade route. Time Out Tokyo reports it’s now in its 40th year and is the city’s boldest late-summer street festival. Art and music lovers, don’t miss Tokyo Love Hotels’ A Loveho Biome event at Hven in Nakameguro on Saturday night from 9 PM until dawn. Expect eclectic installations, live music, and the city’s coolest crowd. If you’re eager to browse antiques, the Nogi Shrine Antique Market is a local favorite, typically held on the fourth Sunday of the month. For food fans, late summer bar hopping tours in Shinjuku and Shibuya are highly recommended for cooling off and socializing after dark. With Tokyo sizzling this August, night events and festivals are the way to go. Whichever adventure you pick, you’ll discover something only Tokyo can offer—from global music legends to neon wonderlands and the wild samba spirit. Thanks for tuning in, don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    3 min

  7. AUG 23

    Tokyo Bursts With Festivals, Music, and Markets This August

    Welcome to Tokyo where August is peaking and the city is absolutely bursting with festivals, live music, and unique markets you can’t find anywhere else. If you’re in town today, the Koenji Awa Odori is the place to dive into the city’s most famous dance festival. Tonight and tomorrow, more than 150 energetic Awa Odori groups will parade through Koenji’s bustling shotengai shopping arcades. You’ll also catch dazzling traditional taiko drum performances at 8:50 tonight—those drums signal the grand finale for an evening of joyful dance, music, and festival food classics like yakisoba, takoyaki, and kakigori. If you want to groove along, the Bon Odori session for all comers starts just before six. That’s according to Time Out Tokyo, which says these Koenji streets are set to be absolutely electric all weekend. If you’re after something a little different but equally vibrant, swing by Harajuku for the Super Yosakoi festival. This event transforms the Harajuku-Omotesando area into a colorful spectacle with energetic yosakoi dancing and over 100 teams participating, each bringing their own flair and costumes to the heart of Tokyo. It’s a family-friendly event loaded with street food and game stalls. If you’d rather browse for hidden treasure, the Nogi Shrine Antique Market happens Sunday. This classic Tokyo market lines the approach to Nogi Shrine with an amazing assortment of antiques—think old-school toys, vintage kimonos, and quirky curiosities. It’s local, lively, and perfect for those who like their souvenirs with some history. Looking ahead to next week, mark your calendars for the Asakusa Samba Carnival next Saturday, August 30. Now in its 37th year, it’s Tokyo’s answer to Rio, drawing enormous crowds and featuring dazzling samba floats, drummers, and costumed dancers moving through Kaminarimon. This parade is loud, joyful, and so infectious you’ll be dancing in the street before you know it. Arrive early because prime spots fill up fast and note, selfie sticks and drones are a no-go. For music fans, Yoshiki, the legendary pianist and drummer from X Japan, is playing two shows at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, one tonight and another tomorrow afternoon according to JapanConcertTickets dot com. If you prefer the J-pop scene, MAZZEL and Phantom Siita are both performing at Ariake Arena and Toyosu PIT respectively on Sunday. There’s plenty more to discover: hand-fan decorating workshops to beat the summer heat, the stylish Shimokitazawa flea market, or the Ueno Summer Festival for a taste of local tradition. Whether you want to dance, shop, eat, or just wander and soak up the Tokyo summer, there’s something unforgettable around every corner. Thank you so much for tuning in and don’t forget to subscribe. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    3 min

  8. AUG 21

    Tokyo Summer Sizzles with Vibrant Festivals, Lanterns, and Music

    Listeners, Tokyo is bustling this week with some of the biggest and most colorful events of the summer. Whether you're in the mood for energetic festival dances, the serenity of floating lanterns, family-friendly exhibits, or live music, there is something in every corner of the city. Starting Friday and running all weekend, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant summer street festivals returns: the Koenji Awa Odori. Timeout Tokyo reports over 150 dance troupes will parade through the arcades and main streets around Koenji Station from the early evening, drawing huge local and international crowds. The festival’s roots reach back centuries and are all about wild dancing and infectious festival energy, perfect for those who want to feel the true pulse of Tokyo summer. Just a short train ride away, come Saturday evening, Sumida Park by the Azumabashi Bridge sets the magical scene for the Asakusa Toro Nagashi. According to Truly Tokyo, this Obon lantern-floating event features thousands of glowing candle-lit lanterns drifting down the Sumida River in a beautiful memorial to ancestors. For listeners looking for a peaceful, wholly Japanese summer night, there’s nothing quite like seeing the river aglow. If you’re strolling through Marunouchi with the family, the Lego Festival Botanical Garden at Marunouchi Building runs until Sunday. As Tokyo Weekender reports, free interactive workshops and impressive Lego sculptures are on display, perfect for kids or adults who are young at heart. The city’s music scene stays lively this week as well. For jazz and traditional music fans, mark your calendars for August 29th. According to Tokyo Weekender, Leo Konno, also known as LEO, one of Japan’s top koto players, is putting on an intimate show at Blue Note Place. And if you prefer classic vibes, legendary Hawaiian band Kalapana celebrates their 50th anniversary at the Cotton Club, with reserved seats available for shows on both Friday and Saturday of next week. For market-goers and night owls, the Shimokitazawa Flea Market promises vintage finds and local crafts—you never know what treasures you might discover. Over in Ginza, there’s a unique Peanuts exhibition letting guests dive into Snoopy’s world, exploring what the character means to local and international creators. Remember, Tokyo summers can be scorching, so bring your fans and water bottles—especially if you’re joining any outdoor festival or attending the evening dance parades. Thanks for tuning in and letting us guide you through Tokyo’s sizzling week. Don’t forget to subscribe for more event updates and local tips. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

    3 min
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"Stay updated on all the exciting events happening in Tokyo, Japan with our daily podcast. From festivals and cultural events to food markets and outdoor activities, we bring you the latest news on what’s happening in Tokyo."

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