What's on in Tokyo
Next three months, refreshed 20 June 2026
Festivals, markets, art exhibitions, seasonal garden openings, fireworks, and traditional performances coming up over the next three months. Worth planning a trip around, and refreshed every week as new ones are announced.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Ueno
28 Apr - 5 Jul
Special exhibition at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum commemorating the museum's 100th anniversary, featuring the American master's pivotal works exploring the intersection of landscape and portraiture through his distinctive tempera technique.
Mori Art Museum, Roppongi
29 Apr - 23 Sept
Major retrospective of Australian artist Ron Mueck's hyperreal sculptures, famous for eerie life-like realism achieved through altered scale. Exhibition includes rare works displayed previously in Paris, Milan, and Seoul before coming to Tokyo.
Tokyo Tower Main Deck, Shibakoen
11 May - 6 Sept
Immersive projection mapping display combining summer imagery with Tokyo's night view. Features hydrangeas, summer skies, sunflowers, and fireworks projections with firefly-inspired laser lights and floor effects creating Japanese summer festival atmosphere.
SCAI THE BATHHOUSE, Kuramae
29 May - 11 Jul
Contemporary art exhibition at SCAI THE BATHHOUSE featuring experimental works exploring light and perception. Located in historic Kuramae district in converted bathhouse space showcasing cutting-edge contemporary Japanese art.
Yakushiike Park, Machida
30 May - 28 Jun
A beautifully landscaped venue featuring over 2,200 irises in 175 varieties in purple, white, and blue alongside approximately 1,000 hydrangeas in 42 varieties. Visitors enjoy informal guided tours led by local tourism volunteers.
Hakusan Shrine and Hakusan Park, Bunkyo
1 Jun - 30
Over 40 years of tradition celebrating approximately 3,000 hydrangea plants blooming from shrine grounds to adjacent park. The fujitsuka is specially opened to the public only during the festival period, revealing its historical significance.
National Theatre of Japan, Chiyoda
1 Jun - 30 Sept
Traditional kabuki performances presented by Japan's national theatre with English audio guides and assistance. Features authentic performances by top-notch practitioners of 400-year-old theatrical art form.
Wonderful Nature Village, Akiruno
6 Jun - 5 Jul
Over 45 years of tradition at this western Tokyo site showcasing approximately 15,000 hydrangeas in 60 varieties. A hillside filled with fluffy white Annabelle snowball hydrangeas is the main draw, with comfortable footwear recommended.
Tokyo Tower Main Deck Observation Level, Shibakoen
8 Jun - 12 Jul
A seasonal projection mapping show on the Main Deck combining nighttime city views with immersive light displays. Features vibrant firework projections on windows, floor gobo lights creating fireworks patterns, and yellow laser lights mimicking glowing fireflies.
Koiwa Iris Garden, Edogawa
10 Jun - 20
Approximately 50,000 Japanese irises in 100 varieties bloom profusely across the expansive Edogawa riverbed. The vivid contrast of irises against the open sky and river landscape creates a liberating stroll experience.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Ueno
10 Jun - 1 Jul
Exhibition featuring three artist groups selected through jury process exploring new perspectives on contemporary art. Part of the museum's 100th anniversary celebration, showcasing diverse artistic practices and innovative use of museum spaces.
The National Art Center Tokyo, Roppongi
10 Jun - 21 Sept
Around 80 works including Blue Period portraits and Harlequin series arranged in a playful, personal, alive space. Picasso's work seen through designer Paul Smith's lens, marking 50 years since the artist's death.
Tokyo Tower Main Deck, Shibakoen
12 Jun - 5 Jul
The Main Deck features around 30,000 lights representing the Milky Way during Tanabata season. Visitors can write wishes on tanzaku (paper strips) and tie them on the Main Deck, with candle nights held in early July.
Tokyo Tower, Shibakoen/Minato
12 Jun - 7 Jul
Seasonal illumination event transforming Tokyo Tower's main deck with the Milky Way theme featuring 30,000 lights. Visitors can write wishes on tanzaku paper and hang them on bamboo branches; nightly candle displays from 7-10pm create magical atmosphere.
Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Ginza
13 Jun - 23 Sept
Around 130 works by Monet, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Picasso exploring how cafés, cabarets, and dance halls shaped modern art. Features Van Gogh's iconic Terrace of a Café at Night, back in Japan for the first time in roughly 20 years.
Zojoji Temple, Shibakoen
15 Jun - 5 Jul
Traditional Tanabata festival where visitors write wishes on tanzaku from mid-June. Ceremonies and events are held evening of July 6-7 with washi paper candles decorating the temple grounds, creating an ethereal Milky Way scene.
Tokyo National Museum, Heiseikan, Ueno
16 Jun - 23 Aug
Thematic exhibition in the Heiseikan exploring Japanese archaeological discoveries and cultural heritage. Part of Tokyo National Museum's ongoing programming with focus on Japan's ancient history and material culture.
The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, Marunouchi
16 Jun - 13 Sept
A major solo exhibition of contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto focusing on his long engagement with silver gelatin photography, a medium disappearing in the digital age. Explores the future of art shaped by AI.
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Meguro
18 Jun - 21 Sept
Photography exhibition highlighting work of prominent female photographer. Explores women's perspectives and artistic achievement across extended summer months at this major photography institution.
Creative Museum Tokyo, Shibuya
20 Jun - 31 Aug
Exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' with original storyboards, layouts, and drawings from acclaimed animation director Mamoru Hosoda's creative process and visual development.
Shinjuku area gallery, Shinjuku
20 Jun - 31 Aug
Annual LGBTQ+ artist exhibition spotlighting expressive photography, mixed media, and personal storytelling during Tokyo's Pride season. Community-driven showcase of local creatives with authentic alternative to mainstream gallery culture.
Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza
22 Jun - 25
Kabuki performances daily from June 3-25 with matinee at 11am and evening shows at 4:30pm. Single-act tickets available require no prior knowledge. Performances closed June 10 and 18. Refreshing summer-themed productions.
Sunpearl Arakawa, Arakawa
22 Jun - 30
An introductory kabuki performance specifically designed for beginners, breaking down the traditions and theatrical conventions of this 400-year-old art form. English audio guide available for June performances.
Tokyo Square Garden, Ginza
22 Jun - 5 Jul
A convenient lunchtime food market featuring fresh produce, specialty snacks, and regional specialties from local vendors. The rotating lineup offers something new with each visit to this heart-of-Ginza location.
Yarai Nohgakudo, Kagurazaka
22 Jun - 5 Jul
One of Tokyo's oldest active Noh stages, entirely unchanged in atmosphere for decades. An intimate wooden venue offering a deeply immersive experience of traditional Japanese mask theatre and sophisticated performance.
Asakusa Geisha District, Asakusa
22 Jun - 5 Jul
Traditional geisha performances and dances held throughout the month in the historic Asakusa district. A chance to witness authentic traditional Japanese performance art in its original cultural setting.
Mizuma Art Gallery, Chiyoda/Ginza
24 Jun - 4 Jul
Contemporary art exhibition at Mizuma Art Gallery featuring works commemorating the artist. Part of Tokyo's vibrant Ginza art scene with focus on contemporary Japanese and international artists.
The National Art Center Tokyo, Roppongi
25 Jun - 5 Jul
Multiple free calligraphy exhibitions featuring works by Japan Calligraphic Art Academy and Aen-kai artists, showcasing traditional sumi-e brush painting and contemporary calligraphic art.
Sanyabori Square, Sumida Park, Asakusa
27 Jun
A newly established festival in the Oku-Asakusa district with traditional bon odori circle dancing around a lantern-laden yagura scaffold. Features food stalls, taiko drum performances, and Tokyo Skytree as a scenic backdrop.
United Nations University, Shibuya
27 Jun - 28
A weekend market bringing together organic farmers, artisan food producers, and craft vendors in the spacious UNU plaza. Features seasonal vegetables, handmade goods, and a community-driven atmosphere.
Tokyo International Forum, Marunouchi
28 Jun
Japan's largest outdoor antique market with over 250 vendors selling Edo-era ceramics, vintage kimono, Western antiques, and ukiyo-e prints. Held monthly on the first and third Sundays, attracting collectors and curious explorers alike.
Hanazono Shrine, Shinjuku
28 Jun
A charming weekly fair with 25-40 vendors offering vintage kimonos, pottery, old art scrolls, and retro collectibles within the peaceful shrine grounds. Runs from sunrise to mid-afternoon, weather permitting.
Shibuya Garden Tower Plaza, Shibuya
28 Jun
An outdoor market set in leafy plaza with 100 vendors featuring antiques, vintage treasures, handcrafted accessories, fine art, plants and organic food from Japan and around the world.
Asakusa Shrine, Asakusa
30 Jun - 5 Jul
The shrine grounds transform with vibrant Tanabata decorations and a stunning Milky Way representation, magically illuminated at night. Visitors write wishes on tanzaku and tie them to bamboo branches, collecting exclusive limited-edition Tanabata goshuin.
Asakusa Shrine, Asakusa
30 Jun - 7 Jul
Week-long summer purification festival at Asakusa Shrine with temple fair, traditional entertainment, and nighttime illuminations. Visitors pray for peace and safety in the second half of the year with performing arts including ancient Japanese dance and traditional music.
Setagaya Literary Museum, Setagaya
30 Jun - 6 Sept
First large-scale exhibition dedicated to creator of Anpanman, one of the most beloved characters in Japanese history. Traces Yanase's wide-ranging career as manga artist, poet, illustrator, and editor with hundreds of works on display.
Various parks in Tokyo, Multiple neighborhoods
1 Jul - 12
Seasonal market promoting ecological living with organic produce, earth-friendly wares, and sustainable crafts. Features live music performances and wellness activities celebrating environmentally conscious shopping and community connection.
Asagaya Pearl Center Shotengai, Asagaya
1 Jul - 12
Preview displays for the 70th edition of this major Tanabata festival. Historic shopping street transforms with competition-grade handmade papier-mâché decorations created by local residents reflecting deep hometown pride and traditional artistry.
Ota City Residents Hall (Aprico), Ota
1 Jul - 31
Introduction to traditional kabuki theatre featuring beginner-friendly performances with English audio guide available. Part of Japan Arts Council's mission to make classical arts accessible, with explanations of acting techniques and dramatic storytelling.
Shimokitazawa area, Shimokitazawa
1 Jul - 30 Sept
Regular flea market in bohemian Shimokitazawa neighbourhood featuring vintage clothing, antiques, and artisan crafts among eclectic mix of vendors. Cultural shopping experience in historic theatre district.
Tokyo Summerland amusement park, Amusement Park Area
1 Jul - 30 Sept
Regular flea market at water park facility featuring around 250 vendor stalls with mix of vintage items, fashion, and collectibles. Established casual outdoor shopping experience.
Taka Ishii Gallery, Roppongi
1 Jul - 30 Sept
Gallery specializing in photography and video expression featuring works by renowned photographers including Hiroshi Sugimoto and Daido Moriyama. Located in architecturally significant Piramide Building with contemporary art focus.
Kappabashi-dori and surrounding streets, Asakusa
3 Jul - 5
Tokyo's downtown Tanabata celebration transforms historic streets with colorful paper streamers, bamboo decorations, and illuminated lanterns. Visitors write wishes on tanzaku (colored paper strips) and tie them to bamboo branches.
Nezu Shrine, Ueno
4 Jul
A small, community-style market held on the first Saturday of most months featuring fresh produce, local goods, and antiques. Part of the shrine's low-key weekend experience away from major matsuri crowds.
Ohi Racecourse, Shinagawa
4 Jul - 5
One of Tokyo's largest and most frequent flea markets featuring up to 600 vendors on busy days. Merchandise ranges from used clothing and vintage kimonos to fossils, gemstones, Japanese antiques, and secondhand electronics; bargaining is common.
Setagaya district, Setagaya
4 Jul - 5
Early July firefly viewing festival celebrating the brief season of hotaru (fireflies). Combined with local artisan market featuring handmade goods and seasonal products from Setagaya craftspeople.
Ueno Park, Fountain Plaza area, Ueno
4 Jul - 8
Summer food festival celebrating regional Japanese cuisine with regional gourmet offerings and craft beers from across Japan. Features traditional Bon Odori dancing mixed with contemporary anime music; local brewers and sake producers participate.
Sensoji Temple grounds, Asakusa
9 Jul - 10
Iconic two-day summer market with approximately 120 vendor stalls selling hozuki (Japanese lantern plants) and traditional crafts. July 10 is Shijuman-rokusen-nichi, a prayer on this date is believed to grant 46,000 days of spiritual merit, drawing thousands of visitors.
Sensoji Temple, Asakusa
9 Jul - 10
Summer market selling hozuki (Japanese lantern plants) with approximately 100 stalls on temple grounds. July 10 is especially auspicious as a prayer on this date is believed to grant 46,000 days of spiritual merit. Traditional festival atmosphere with wind chimes and seasonal charms.
Ueno Park, Ueno
12 Jul - 12 Aug
Month-long festival recreating Edo period atmosphere with bon odori dancing, food stalls, taiko drum performances, and traditional entertainment. Open-air celebrations across park grounds celebrating Japanese summer culture.
Shibuya Garden Tower, Shibuya
12 Jul - 27 Sept
Monthly outdoor flea market in leafy plaza featuring around 100 vendors from Japan and worldwide selling antiques, vintage treasures, handcrafted accessories, fine art, plants, and organic food on 2nd and 4th Sundays.
Yasukuni Shrine, Chiyoda/Kudanshita
13 Jul - 16
Four-day Obon festival honoring ancestral spirits with 30,000 illuminated lanterns creating a spectacular approach promenade. Features Aomori Nebuta floats, Awa Odori traditional dancing, brass band performances, and kappore street entertainment from the Edo period.
Yasukuni Shrine, Kudanshita
13 Jul - 16
One of Tokyo's most photogenic festivals featuring over 30,000 paper lanterns illuminating Yasukuni Shrine grounds. Visitors experience Obon traditions with lantern displays, kappore street performances, Awa dance, and the Nebuta float parade from Aomori Prefecture.
Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi
15 Jul - 30 Aug
Summer cooling festival featuring Ashimizu stream for foot soaking with added ice, garden cooling, sunshades, and 2,000 sunflowers (Himawari Mid Garden). Night illuminations transform the garden with workshops and games for children.
Mori Arts Center Gallery, Roppongi
17 Jul - 14 Sept
Major exhibition celebrating the popular Fate franchise with original artwork, character designs, and interactive displays from the acclaimed game series. Features conceptual art and production materials across multiple gallery spaces.
Kagurazaka Dori Shopping Street, Kagurazaka
22 Jul - 25
Four-day summer festival combining a hozuki market and traditional Awa Odori dance. The first two days feature ground cherry plants and seasonal snacks at Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, while the final nights showcase 1,200 dancers performing the graceful traditional Tokushima dance.
Sumida River near Asakusa and Sumida Park, Asakusa/Sumida
25 Jul
Tokyo's most historic fireworks festival with approximately 20,000 fireworks launched from two sites along the river. Dating back to 1733, rivals pyrotechnic groups compete with traditional, modern, and creative designs over 90 minutes of display.
Sumida River, Asakusa, Asakusa
25 Jul
Tokyo's oldest and most atmospheric fireworks festival with approximately 20,000 shells launched from two sites along the Sumida River. Nearly one million spectators gather for this iconic summer event featuring creative fireworks competitions and traditional displays.
GT Tower Square, Nakameguro
25 Jul - 26
Tasting festival featuring over 200 sake varieties from giant companies to micro-breweries and distilleries. Opportunity to speak with brewers about unique flavours, plus traditional drinking snacks, meals, and live performances.
JR Ebisu Station Front, Ebisu
26 Jul - 27
Historic 70-year Bon Odori tradition held at Ebisu Station with traditional and contemporary dance music. Features local food stalls serving karaage, ramen, and summer specialties; simple dance moves encourage participation from all ages.
Katsushika Ward Riverside, Katsushika
28 Jul
Major Tokyo summer fireworks display featuring thousands of shells launched over the river. Traditional festival atmosphere with food stalls and crowds along the riverside.
Edogawa Riverside, Edogawa
1 Aug
Celebrating its 50th anniversary with 14,000 fireworks synchronized to music in seven themed segments. Features record-breaking Mt. Fuji-style display and dramatic effects by historic fireworks company Souke Hanabi Kagiya. Dynamic crowd-designed fireworks from a public contest.
Kabukiza Theatre, Ginza
2 Aug - 26
Daily kabuki performances at Japan's only theatre dedicated exclusively to the art form. Traditional Japanese theatre with 400 years of history featuring English subtitles and audio guides for international audiences.
Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Street, Asagaya
7 Aug - 11
Marking its 70th edition, this is one of Japan's three largest Tanabata festivals featuring massive papier-mâché decorations of anime and cartoon characters alongside traditional bamboo displays. Fully covered arcade protects from summer heat and rain with festival games and diverse street food.
Jingu Gaien area, Shinjuku
8 Aug
All-ticketed fireworks event in prime Shinjuku location near Meiji Shrine. Premium reserved seating available for this popular summer display with thousands of shells.
Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, Fukagawa
13 Aug - 17
One of Tokyo's three great Edo festivals held once every three years (2026 is a honmatsuri year). Over 120 portable shrines are carried through streets while spectators splash purifying water on bearers. Known as the 'water-splashing festival' with taiko drums, music, and shrine performances.
Azabu Juban district, Minato
22 Aug - 23
Lively summer festival in upscale Azabu Juban district with local restaurants setting up food stalls and embassies from nearby areas contributing international atmosphere. Traditional festival atmosphere with international cultural elements.
Shinjuku streets, Shinjuku
29 Aug - 30
Traditional Awa Odori dance festival with numerous groups performing the fluid, graceful dance originating from Tokushima Prefecture through Shinjuku's streets. Energetic late-August celebration featuring hundreds of dancers in colorful costumes.
Asakusa streets, Asakusa
29 Aug - 31
Unique fusion of Japanese and Brazilian cultures featuring colourful samba parades through traditional Asakusa streets. International dance troupes perform elaborate costumes competing in energetic displays for over 40 years.