My Favorites

My Tokyo Guide

See something interesting? Click on the heart button in the article to add a page from this site to My Favorites.

Main content starts here.

Updated: July 19, 2023

Is August a good time to visit Tokyo?

August marks the height of summer festival season in Japan, so there are plenty of events to enjoy.

What is the weather like in Tokyo in August?

Tokyo gets hot in August, with average temperatures around 27ºC (81ºF) during the day, and 23ºC (73ºF) at night. Bring light, airy clothing to help beat the heat, especially in mid- to late August. Downpours and typhoons are possible, so be prepared—keep a folding umbrella handy. Rainfall is 155 mm (6 in) on average.

Best events, festivals, and other things to do in August

Koenji Awa-odori Dance

The Koenji Awa-odori Dance is one of Tokyo's most famous summer festivals. Held over two days during the last weekend of August, the festival features around 10,000 dancers and a million spectators. Traditional music and dance, combined with an exhilarating atmosphere, make this event truly memorable.

 

Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival)

The Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) is held for five days every year in early August. It's hosted by the Asagaya Pearl Center Shopping Street, a 750-meter-long shopping arcade at the south exit of JR Asagaya Station. The street will be covered in bamboo decorations and elaborate papier-mâché sculptures. The displays change each time, and are made with incredible attention to detail, giving visitors a reason to come back year after year.

 

Fukagawa Hachiman Festival (Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine Festival)

The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival (Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine Festival), typically held around August 15, is one of the three great festivals of Edo (the old name for Tokyo). During the festival, you can take in a stunning view of the procession of participants carrying mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets. If you're lucky, you may even be asked to join in—spectators "purify" the mikoshi carriers by splashing them with water, giving the event its nickname: the "water-splashing festival." The 2023 procession will be held on August 13.

 

Bon-odori in Tokyo

Bon-odori, a traditional dance, is an integral part of Japanese summer festivals. Dances differ by region, and you can experience a broad assortment in Tokyo. At the Noryo Bon-odori event at Tsukiji Honganji Temple, visitors can participate in a "bon-odori medley," and learn dances from different communities around Japan. With food stalls from the famous Tsukiji outer market making an appearance, the organizers of Noryo Bon-odori have called it "Japan's best catered Bon-odori event."
Please visit the official website for more information

 

Sumida River Toro Nagashi (Lantern-Floating Ceremony)

Experience the sight of a thousand paper lanterns floating down the tranquil Sumida River. For one night in August, visitors to Asakusa make wishes and release lanterns from Shinsui Terrace. Contact the Asakusa Tourism Federation or the Sumida Tourism Association for details about how to get your own lantern.
Sumida River Toro Nagashi (Lantern-Floating Ceremony)

 

Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival

The Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival is held every August at Meiji Jingu Gaien. It is a major summer event where visitors can enjoy the sight of 10,000 fireworks at two venues: the Jingu Stadium and the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium. The main venue, Jingu Stadium, typically hosts live performances from popular artists. Come and be entranced by the fusion of fireworks and music in the heart of Tokyo.

ⒸNikkan Sports News, Inc.

 

Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival

The Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival, hosted by Azabujuban Shotengai, has been an institution for over 50 years. Famous local stores and new favorites set up impressive booths for the event. For the 2023 festival, an array of specialties from all over Japan will be sold at the "Oragakuni Jiman" market, and there will be performances on the "10-BANG" stage.
Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival

 

Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi

The largest Yosakoi festival in the Greater Tokyo Area blends traditional Yosakoi dance from Kochi Prefecture with the latest trends from Harajuku and Omotesando. Teams of dancers from Kochi, across Japan, and around the world gather to put on an incredible show.
Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi

Event on This Month

 

Calendar

Find Out More