Tokyo Autumn Festival Guide

What Are Tokyo's Autumn Festivals?

Presented by local residents, who take pride in showcasing their neighborhood to the rest of the city, Tokyo's autumn festivals fill neighborhoods across the city each autumn. From mikoshi (portable shrine) processions and traditional folk dances in September and October to the Tori no Ichi fairs in November, where lucky kumade rakes are sold, many of these festivals have been proudly organized and passed down by local communities for generations. They offer a rare opportunity to experience Tokyo's everyday culture, customs and long-standing traditions up close. Admission is free, visitors of all ages are welcome, and attending one is one of the easiest ways to experience Tokyo's traditional culture firsthand. This guide introduces some of Tokyo's most popular autumn festivals.

Kichijoji Autumn Festival

For over 50 years, locals in Kichijoji have kicked off the start of fall season with a bang during the Kichijoji Autumn Festival, carrying portable mikoshi shrines through the streets and gathering around Musashino Hachimangu Shrine. The festival takes place on the second Saturday and Sunday in September.

Shinagawa Shukuba-matsuri Festival

Experience Tokyo's vibrant culture and history at the Shinagawa Shukuba Matsuri. This festival is held annually in late September to celebrate the traditions and culture of Shinagawa, which was a post town along the Tokaido road during the Edo period (1603-1867). Various events are held, including a parade featuring people dressed in traditional costumes of the era.

Fukuro Matsuri

The Fukuro Matsuri is an annual festival that has been held in Ikebukuro since 1968. The festival consists of two parts: the mikoshi (portable shrine) parade in September and the Tokyo Yosakoi dance festival in October. Along with the large portable shrine parade, there will be traditional lion dances, hayashi music performances, stage shows, and more.

Tokyo Yosakoi

Tokyo Yosakoi is a festival held in October as the conclusion to the Fukuro Matsuri. This yosakoi dance event features around 100 teams from all over Japan. The teams wear traditional costumes and perform routines to the standard yosakoi folk song, as well as folk songs from other areas.

Asakusa Tori no Ichi

Tori no Ichi events are held on select days in November at various shrines in the city. The most spectacular version of this traditional festival is the "Tori no Ichi" held at Ohtori Jinja Shrine and Chokoku-ji Temple in Asakusa. Locals and travelers alike gather to pray for good fortune and health. The lively calls of vendors on the grounds can be heard as they sell charms and good-luck rakes. Nearby stalls offer hearty food and souvenirs until late into the evening.