Discover Ginza's Top Traditional Festivals and Matsuri 2025: Unmissable Cultural Experiences
Located west of JR Tokyo Station, Ginza is Tokyo's premier commercial district. It forms a luxury shopping area where flagship stores of world-renowned luxury brands like Gucci and Chanel converge.
Ginza has prospered as a mint since the Edo era began in 1603. It was also a merchant district where money accumulated. This history explains why Ginza has flourished as a commercial area since ancient times. As people gathered in Ginza, performing arts such as Kabuki and Shinbashi Karyukai developed as entertainment spectacles. Additionally, many shrines offering benefits for commerce and entertainment exist in the area.
Today, we'll introduce unmissable traditional festivals and events held in Ginza. Use this information to plan your visit or decide when to travel to Tokyo for matsuri 2025 experiences.
Ginza: A District Rich in Traditional Events Within Tokyo
While known for its luxury stores, Ginza is also recognized for having particularly numerous tradition-related events within Tokyo. Another characteristic of Ginza is the abundance of shrines and temples established to protect Edo (old Tokyo) at the beginning of the Edo era in 1603. These shrines and temples regularly host seasonal traditional events.
Furthermore, Kabuki and Azuma Odori dance are known as traditional Japanese performing arts representative of this area.
8 Traditional Ginza Festivals Specially Recommended by This Festival-Loving Writer
Dankiku Festival May Grand Kabuki (May)
Source:Official website
"Kabuki" is a traditional Japanese performing art where you can enjoy music, dance, and actors' skills. The cast consists entirely of male actors, and the "Onnagata" – glamorous female-role players performed by men – are one of Kabuki's popular features.
Every May, the "Dankiku Festival" is held at Kabuki-za. This Kabuki festival aims to honor "Ichikawa Danjuro IX" and "Onoe Kikugoro V," who were active during the Meiji era from the late 1800s to early 1900s. These two pioneers modernized Kabuki and laid the foundation for contemporary Kabuki.
Kabuki follows a hereditary system where actor names are passed down through generations. The Dankiku Festival matsuri 2025 will feature not only Kabuki performances but also the name succession ceremony for Onoe Kikugoro VIII and Onoe Kikunosuke VI. Since name succession is a rare and precious event, those interested in Kabuki should definitely participate.
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- Dates: May 2-27, 2025
- Closed: May 12, 22
- Venue: Kabuki-za
- Access:
• 1-minute walk from Exit 3 of "Higashi Ginza" Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or Toei Asakusa Line
• 5-minute walk from Exit A7 of "Ginza" Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line
- Price: ¥6,000-¥25,000
- Website: https://www.kabukiweb.net/
Azuma-Odori (May)
Source:Tokyo Ginza Official
Next to Ginza, in Shinbashi, there has been a vibrant world of performing arts called "Shinbashi Karyukai" since the late Edo era in 1857. Female geisha would gather and perform dances and songs when invited to high-class restaurants.
Even today, you can encounter them at exclusive Japanese restaurants. However, these establishments typically have a "No first-time visitors allowed" policy, making it impossible to enter without connections or introductions.
Therefore, while it's difficult for tourists to meet Shinbashi Karyukai geisha, everyone can witness their songs and dances at the "Azuma Odori Dance" held in May at Shinbashi Enbujo. The "Azuma Odori Dance" has been performed annually since Shinbashi Enbujo opened in 1925, and this year marks the memorable 100th performance.
It's one of the events I'm looking forward to, where you can see a spectacular, quintessentially Japanese stage with beautiful kimonos and the melodious sounds of shamisen.
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- Dates: May 21-27, 2025
- Venue: Shinbashi Enbujo
- Access:
• 5-minute walk from Exit 6 of "Higashi Ginza" Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or Toei Asakusa Line
• 3-minute walk from Exit A3 of "Tsukiji Shijo" Station on Toei Oedo Line
- Admission: ¥2,000-¥10,000
- Website: https://azuma-odori.net/ (This is the 2024 site as of February 19)
Summer Purification Ritual (June)
Source:Official website
"Oharae" is an event where negative energies of the mind and body, such as sins and mistakes, are exorcised and purified at a shrine. Oharae is performed twice a year, on June 30 and December 31. The one held on June 30 is called "Nagoshi no Oharae" and is performed with gratitude for safely spending the first half of the year and with the hope of spending the remaining half of the year with a refreshed spirit.
The most distinctive feature of "Nagoshi no Oharae" is the large ring made of Japanese nutmeg tree known as "Kaya," which is installed at the entrance of the shrine and is large enough for people to pass through. People walk through the Kaya ring three times, tracing a figure-eight pattern: left, right, left. This Shinto ritual is called "Wakuguri," and it is said that by performing Wakuguri, one can escape illness and calamity.
Wakuguri is performed at various shrines on June 30, not just at Hie Shrine. If you see a Kaya ring while walking around town, please try passing through it with a sense of gratitude.
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- Date: June 30, 2025
- Venue: Hie Shrine
- Access:
• 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of "Akasaka" Station on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
• 3-minute walk from Exit 7 of "Tameike Sanno" Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Namboku Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.hiejinja.net/events/oharai/
Tanabata Star Festival (July)
Source:Official website
"Tanabata" is one of Japan's traditional festivals. It is also called the "star festival" because it involves praying to stars. Tanabata comes from a Chinese legend. Stars are viewed as lovers, and it's said that Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair) meet once a year. People celebrate their reunion and write wishes on cards that are tied to bamboo branches, sending their wishes to the stars.
At Namiyoke Shrine in Tsukiji, "Dream Come True Amulets" go on sale in July. When purchased, you receive three cards on which to write wishes. The bamboo branches with many cards attached are colorful and very photogenic. If you're visiting Japan during this season, please participate and make a wish upon the stars.
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- Dates: July 1-7, 2025
- Venue: Namiyoke Shrine
- Access:
• 7-minute walk from Exit 1 of "Tsukiji" Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
• 5-minute walk from Exit A1 of "Tsukiji Shijo" Station on Toei Oedo Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://www.namiyoke.or.jp/index.php
Cooling-off Bon Odori Festival in Kyobashi Park (July)
Source:Ginza Official Instagram
When summer arrives in Japan, the country enters a period called "Bon," when ancestral spirits are welcomed back. "Bon odori dance" is a traditional dance performed during the Bon period to honor ancestors. Communities gather together for matsuri (festivals) where these dances are performed. The choreography of Bon Odori dance consists of simple, repetitive movements, so even without practice, you can easily join in and dance on the spot.
The bon odori dance held at Kyobashi Park is a traditional matsuri organized by local community members. Food stalls line the area, and the sight of local children eagerly gathering hasn't changed over the years. The Kyobashi bon odori dance, which makes you feel like you've time-traveled back to Japan's good old days, is one of my favorite events. Please join in and enjoy the bon odori dance together with the local people.
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Schedule: Planned for late July 2025
Venue: Kyobashi Park
Access:
• 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of "Shintomicho" Station on Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
• 5-minute walk from Exit A1 of "Takaracho" Station on Toei Asakusa Line
Fee: Free
Website: https://fes.kyoubashi-journal.com/ (2024 information)
Tsukiji Hongwanji Bon Odori (August)
Source:Official website
The bon odori dance held at "Tsukiji Hongwanji" is said to be one of the largest in Japan, and the venue is crowded with many people. The stage called "Yagura," decorated with Japanese lanterns called "Chochin," is one of the largest in Japan and is a must-see.
Bon dance performances are accompanied by traditional local songs such as "Tsukiji Ondo" and "Tokyo Ondo." Food stalls are also set up at the venue, so you can enjoy dining as well. It's also known as "the bon odori dance where Japan's most delicious foods gather," with famous shops from Tsukiji market setting up stalls, so I look forward to it every time. Please enjoy a hot Japanese night of dancing and eating.
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Schedule: Early August 2025
Venue: Tsukiji Hongwanji
Access:
• 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of "Tsukiji" Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
• 5-minute walk from Exit A1 of "Tsukiji Shijo" Station on Toei Oedo Line
Fee: Free
Website: https://tsukijihongwanji.jp/global/guide/
AUTUMN GINZA (October)
Source:Official website
Autumn Ginza is an autumn festival taking place in Ginza traditional festivals district. The "Traffic Safety Golden Parade," which has over 50 years of history promoting traffic safety, is the main event of the festival. The performances by more than 20 groups, including university students and local volunteers, are truly impressive.
During the event period, Tea ceremonies are also held on the streets of Ginza. The tea sweets prepared especially for this day are cute and photogenic. They pair well with matcha, allowing you to enjoy Japanese tradition through both sight and taste. The tea ceremony in 2024 was a lottery reservation system through the website, so if you're interested, please apply once the website is updated for matsuri 2025!
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Schedule: October to November 2025
Venue: Ginza
Access:
• Immediately accessible from Ginza Exit of "Yurakucho" Station on JR Yamanote Line and Keihin Tohoku Line
• Immediately accessible from "Higashi Ginza" Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or Toei Asakusa Line
• Immediately accessible from "Ginza" Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line
Fee: Free
Website: https://www.ginza.jp/en/event/29299 (2024 website)
Ginza Hatcho Shrine Walk Rally (November)
Source:Official website
As part of the AUTUMN GINZA events, the "Ginza hatcho shrine walk rally" will be held in November 2025. Throughout Ginza, small shrines are enshrined on street corners and atop buildings. Many are "Inari shrines" believed to bring good fortune in business, and have been worshipped by people working in Ginza for generations.
Shrines that are normally closed will have their doors opened during this period. Depending on the year, you may also receive unique "goshuin" stamps that serve as proof of your visit to these shrines and temples. These charming and creative goshuin make wonderful souvenirs of your Japan trip. Walking around the streets while participating in the rally to visit all 13 hatcho shrines is a highly recommended way to enjoy traditional festivals in Ginza during matsuri 2025.
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- Date: November 2025
- Venue: Ginza hatcho shrine
- Access:
• JR Yamanote line, Keihin tohoku line "Yuraku cho" station, immediately from Ginza Exit
• Tokyo metro Hibiya line or Toei Asakusa line "Higashi Ginza" Station, immediately upon exit
• Tokyo metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line "Ginza" Station, immediately upon exit
- Fee: Free
- Website: https://www.ginza.jp/event/25509 (2023 website)
Joya no Kane at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple (December)
On New Year's Eve, the sound of "Joya no Kane" resonates from Tsukiji Hongwanji. The Joya no Kane bell rings a total of 108 times. According to Buddhist teachings, humans are said to have 108 evil desires. By ringing the bell 108 times before the new year, it is believed that the previous year's evil desires are purified, allowing one to welcome the new year with a refreshed spirit.
During the Joya no Kane ceremony at Tsukiji Hongwanji, along with the bell-ringing, there are organ performances and free distribution of "Amazake," a sweet non-alcoholic drink. Just before the new year arrives, everyone participates in the countdown together. Experience a traditional Japanese New Year at Tsukiji Hongwanji, one of the ginza traditional festivals that continues to attract tourists for matsuri 2025.
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- Date: December 31, 2025
- Venue: Tsukiji Hongwanji
- Access:
• Tokyo metro Hibiya line "Tsukiji" Station, 1-minute walk from Exit 1
• Toei Oedo line "Tsukiji shijo" station, 5-minute walk from Exit A1
- Fee: Free
- Website: https://tsukijihongwanji.jp/global/guide/
Major Traditional Festivals Near Ginza
Kanda Matsuri (Kanda to Nihonbashi)
Source:PR TIMES
Every year in mid-May, the "Kanda matsuri festival" is held at Kanda Myojin Shrine. The Kanda matsuri festival is considered one of the three largest festivals in Japan, alongside Kyoto's "Gion matsuri festival" and Osaka's "Tenjin matsuri festival."
The Kanda matsuri festival is held to honor the deities of Kanda Myojin Shrine who protect Tokyo. The major events include the "Shinko sai," where 500 people dressed in Heian era costumes (which began in 794) parade through the streets, and the energetic "Mikoshi parade" featuring a total of 200 portable shrines or "Mikoshi."
The sight of traditional customs mixing with Kanda's modern yet retro streets reminds visitors that Japan's traditions are carefully preserved. This is a perfect opportunity to experience one of the most authentic ginza traditional festivals during matsuri 2025.
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- Date: May 8-15, 2025
- Venue: Kanda Myojin Shrine
- Access:
• JR Chuo-sobu line "Ochanomizu" station, 5-minute walk from Hijiribashi Exit
• Tokyo metro Marunouchi line "Ochanomizu" station, 5-minute walk from Exit 1
• Tokyo metro Ginza line "Suehirocho" Station, 5-minute walk
- Fee: Free
- Website: https://kandamatsuri.com/
- Kanda Myojin Shrine: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/
Tomioka Hachimangu Reitaisai Festival
Source:Koto City
Every year in mid-August, the "Tomioka Hachimangu Reitaisai Festival" is held. It is one of "The Three Largest Festivals of Edo," conveying the atmosphere of the Edo Era that lasted from 1603 to 1868. The Edo Era was a time when Japan's capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, bringing vitality to Tokyo.
During the grand festival held once every three years, a magnificent parade of 120 Mikoshi (portable shrines) takes place. While this year is not a grand festival year so the Mikoshi parade won't be held, there will be traditional performance stages featuring dancing and Japanese musical instruments, along with food stalls lining the streets. Last year, although not a grand festival year, a Mikoshi parade performed by children was held. The schedule for this year is undetermined at this point, but let's look forward to it.
If you're interested in experiencing traditional festivals in Japan, the Tomioka Hachimangu Reitaisai is one of the most authentic matsuri 2025 events you can attend. Located not far from the ginza traditional festivals route, this celebration offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
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- Date: Mid-August 2025 (Schedule will be updated periodically)
- Venue: Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine
- Access:
• JR Keiyo Line "Etchujima" Station - 15 minutes walk
• Tokyo Metro Tozai Line or Toei Oedo Line "Monzennakacho" Station - 5 minutes walk from Exit 1
- Fee: Free
- Website: http://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp/annai/maturi/maturih1.html
- Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine: http://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp/
Sanja Matsuri (Around Sensoji Temple)
Source:Official website
Every year in mid-May, the "Sanja Matsuri Festival" is held at Asakusa Shrine. It is the most important event of the year for Asakusa Shrine, held to pray for bountiful harvests and to exorcise evil diseases. The dance performed in the Shinto ritual is called "Binzasara Dance." The Binzasara Dance takes place on the first day of the festival, featuring performances to traditional Japanese music.
The main event of the Sanja Matsuri Festival is the Mikoshi parade. Around 100 Mikoshi travel through the streets of Asakusa over the course of a day. The sight of the carried Mikoshi is energetic and powerful. It's a powerful festival where just watching can give you energy.
For tourists planning their 2025 Japan itinerary, this matsuri is a must-see cultural experience. While enjoying the Sanja Matsuri, you might also want to explore nearby ginza traditional festivals that happen throughout the year, showcasing Japan's dedication to preserving its rich heritage.
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- Date: May 16-18, 2025
- Venue: Asakusa Shrine
- Access:
• Tsukuba Express "Asakusa" Station - 5 minutes walk
• Tobu Skytree Line "Asakusa" Station - 7 minutes walk
• Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line "Asakusa" Station - 7 minutes walk from Exit 3
- Fee: Free
- Website: https://www.sanjasama.jp/ (This is for 2024)
- Asakusa Shrine: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/english/
For those interested in Japanese traditions, I also recommend a Ginza tour where you can learn about traditional Japanese food culture
I'd like to introduce you to the traditional festivals happening in Ginza. Ginza is also famous as a spot where many renowned restaurants gather.
Magical Trip offers tours in Ginza where you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine with commentary from local guides. Why not enjoy learning about food culture while experiencing it?
Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza
On this tour, you'll visit highly-rated luxury Sushi and Tempura specialty restaurants in Ginza. Both establishments offer counter seating, so you can watch the chefs prepare your dishes right before your eyes. While proper etiquette is required at high-end restaurants, your local guide will provide instruction, allowing you to relax and enjoy the cuisine.
A special course prepared specifically for this tour and one drink at each restaurant are included in the tour price. This tour is perfect for a dinner to conclude a day of enjoying Ginza traditional festivals and matsuri 2025 celebrations.
- Meeting point: Lion Statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi
- Tour area: Ginza
- Start time: 16:30
Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza
While in Japan, why not try "Wagyu" raised in Japan? Wagyu refers to Japanese beef. It's characterized by its moderate fat content and melt-in-your-mouth tender texture. On this tour, you'll visit an all-you-can-eat Wagyu steak restaurant. Seasonal dishes and soups that complement the steak are also included in the all-you-can-eat deal, making it recommended for those who want to eat plenty.
Before visiting the Wagyu restaurant, you'll also stop at a bar operated by Nara prefecture, which is considered the birthplace of Sake. You can enjoy an all-you-can-drink variety of beverages from sweet fruit wines to bitter Sake.
All food and drink costs are included in the tour price. As you'll be accompanied by a local guide knowledgeable about food and local culture, this tour also offers you the opportunity to learn about Sake and Japanese cuisine, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary when exploring ginza traditional festivals and matsuri 2025 events.
- Meeting point: Shimbashi Station North Exit, in front of black pillar near SAZA Coffee in Ecute Edition
- Tour area: Ginza
- Start time: 17:00
