Tokyo in June 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
This article was made by my own wish to find a comprehensive guide to events at travel destinations. I was born and raised in Shibuya. All the events I'm featuring here are ones that I personally recommend to international visitors, based on my own experience in Tokyo.
Since Tokyo has so many must-see spots that it can be overwhelming, you need to plan efficiently to cover all the attractive locations. That's why Magical Trip offers various Tokyo tours guided by locals.
In particular, our "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" (Ranked #1 among all TripAdvisor tours in 2024) and "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo" take you to local favorites that tourists rarely discover on their own. When planning your Tokyo trip, include a Magical Trip tour in your itinerary.
Introduction
In June, Tokyo's temperature rises as summer approaches, with most days warm enough for short sleeves. This attracts many tourists participating in seasonal Tokyo Events June 2025. However, as it's a rainy season with some lingering coolness, it's advisable to bring a light jacket for outdoor activities.
Tokyo, Japan's capital, is the nation's center for politics, economy, and tourism. As one of the world's major metropolises, Tokyo constantly draws crowds for both business and tourism.
In this world-class city, June features events showcasing Japanese culture, including traditional shrine ceremonies, seasonal natural beauty, and fusion cuisine.
This guide will introduce highlights, basic information, schedules, and access details to event locations.
2025 Year-round Event Schedule in Tokyo↓
・Tokyo: List of Events & Festivals for 2025
Yasuhiro
Traditional Tokyo Events June 2025
Sanno Matsuri / Jinko Sai
Source:Official website
The Sanno Matsuri Festival, a traditional ceremony at Hie Shrine, is one of Japan's most prominent festivals.
The current Imperial Palace location was formerly home to Edo Castle, residence of the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan for an extended period. Hie Shrine, once the guardian shrine of the Tokugawa shoguns, is now revered as the protector of the Imperial Palace and is one of Japan's most prestigious shrines, with worshippers nationwide.
The shrine's major festival, particularly the Jinko Sai Festival held in even-numbered years, is especially famous. A grand procession of participants dressed in traditional samurai costumes departs from Hie Shrine and parades through central Tokyo, passing the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station. The modern metropolis transforms, creating an otherworldly experience like stepping back in time.
In odd-numbered years, including Tokyo Events June 2025, the festival is called "Inkasai" and offers different attractions. The Child Procession, featuring young children in traditional Japanese attire, is a must-see. This ceremony, praying for children's healthy growth, charms visitors with the adorable sight of little ones in traditional clothing.
Those interested in experiencing one of Japan's largest festivals should not miss this event.
Location: Hie Shrine
Address: 2-10-5 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minute walk from Tameike-Sanno Station (Tokyo Metro)
Website: https://www.hiejinja.net/
Tsukiji Lion Festival [Shadow Festival]
Source:Central Tokyo for Tourism
The "Tsukiji Lion Festival" is a traditional event held annually at Namiyoke Shrine, and will be one of the most anticipated Tokyo Events June 2025.
In Japan, lion-shaped headpieces, symbolizing strength, have long played an important role in traditional ceremonies praying for protection from evil and family safety. Namiyoke Shrine houses a massive lion statue, which is the origin of the festival's name.
True to Namiyoke Shrine's iconic lion statue, during the festival, participants carry either the lion or the Mikoshi (portable shrine) adorned with stunning golden decorations through the streets. During the main festival held every three years, both the Mikoshi and lion are carried, while in other years (shadow festivals), either the Mikoshi or the lion is carried.
It's an impressive sight to see adults dressed in traditional happi coats carrying the lion and Mikoshi while chanting loudly. If you want to experience a quintessentially Japanese festival atmosphere that's both majestic and lively, please join this remarkable Tokyo Event June 2025.
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Date: Early June 2025
Access:
5-minute walk from Tsukiji Market Station (Toei Subway)
7-minute walk from Tsukiji Station (Tokyo Metro)
Admission: Free
Website: http://namiyoke.or.jp/shishimaturi.php
Torikoe Festival
Source:Go Tokyo
The "Torikoe Festival" is a traditional event at Torikoe Shrine with approximately 1,370 years of history, making it another highlight of Tokyo Events June 2025.
Torikoe Shrine, dedicated to the legendary Japanese hero "Yamato Takeru," has long been beloved by locals as a deity for protection from evil, military fortune, and career success.
The festival's main attraction is one of Tokyo's heaviest Mikoshi. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular sight of a large group of people working together to carry this massive portable shrine decorated with magnificent golden phoenixes.
The festival reaches its climax at night when the Mikoshi's lanterns are lit. The gentle light of the lanterns illuminates the darkened streets, creating a sublime and mystical atmosphere.
If you want to experience a vibrant festival where the streets echo with the chants of Mikoshi carriers, don't miss this exciting Tokyo Event June 2025.
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Date: Early June 2025
Access:
6-minute walk from Kuramae Station (Toei Subway)
8-minute walk from Shin-Okachimachi Station (Toei Subway)
8-minute walk from West Exit of Asakusabashi Station (JR)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/torikoematsuri.html
Tenno-sai Festival
Source:SHINAGAWA TOKYO
The Tenno-sai Festival is a three-day grand festival held at Shinagawa Shrine in Tokyo. This prestigious Tokyo Event June 2025 attracts numerous tourists from around the world.
Shinagawa Shrine is famous for being a place where Tokugawa Ieyasu, the legendary ruler who governed Japan for many years, prayed for victory in battle. In gratitude for his prayers being answered, he dedicated a Mikoshi (portable shrine) and a bright red mask to the shrine. The Tenno-sai Festival features this valuable mask worn during the Mikoshi procession.
The festival's highlight is the ceremonial carrying of the Mikoshi up and down the 53 stone steps at the shrine's entrance. Tourists can witness the impressive sight of the heavy Mikoshi swaying dramatically in all directions as the carriers navigate the steep stairs.
The audience can also enjoy the traditional music performed during the Mikoshi procession, featuring Japanese taiko drums and bamboo flutes.
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Dates: June 6-8, 2025
Access:
1-minute walk from North Exit of Shimbamba Station (KEIKYU Line)
15-minute walk from Takanawa Exit of Shinagawa Station (JR)
Admission: Free
Website: https://shinagawajinja.tokyo/event/
Natural Beauty of Tokyo in June
Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival
Source:Official website
The Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, another notable Tokyo Event June 2025, is held at Hakusan Shrine and Hakusan Park, showcasing beautiful hydrangeas in their peak season.
Hydrangeas, which thrive in humid conditions, symbolize Japan's rainy season. At this festival, tourists can enjoy the spectacular view of approximately 3,000 colorful hydrangea plants in full bloom.
One of the unique characteristics of hydrangeas is that their color changes depending on the soil's acidity. Visitors to this event can admire various colored hydrangeas, from purple and blue to pink, making it a perfect attraction for the audience seeking natural beauty.
During the festival period, the "Fujizuka" (miniature Mt. Fuji) within Hakusan Shrine is specially opened to the public. Tourists can experience a unique view of hydrangeas covering one side of the Fujizuka, a sight exclusive to this location.
For those wanting to experience Japan's seasonal natural beauty, this is a must-visit destination.
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Dates: Early to mid-June 2025
Access:
2-minute walk from Exit A3 of Hakusan Station (Toei Subway)
6-minute walk from Exit 1 of Honkomagome Station (Tokyo Metro)
Admission: Free
Website: https://b-kanko.jp/event/419
Katsushika Iris Festival
Source:Official website
The Katsushika Iris Festival is a limited-time event where visitors can enjoy the elegant iris flowers in their peak blooming season, making it one of Tokyo's most anticipated events in June 2025.
The festival takes place at two venues: Horikiri Iris Garden and Mizumoto Park, showcasing a spectacular view of 20,000 iris plants in various varieties. Among the magnificent purple flowers, visitors can appreciate more than 200 different types of irises displaying diverse shades from deep to light purple, making this event truly unique.
At Horikiri Iris Garden, one of the attractive points is the view of TOKYO SKYTREE, Tokyo's iconic landmark, alongside the vibrant iris flowers. You can spend a special time enjoying the fusion of Tokyo's symbolic cityscape and seasonal nature.
Furthermore, at Mizumoto Park, hydrangeas also reach their peak blooming season. Why not immerse yourself in the beautiful natural scenery of June 2025, where irises and hydrangeas create a stunning collaboration?
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Date: Late May to Mid-June 2025
Access:
[Horikiri Iris Garden] About 10 minutes walk from Horikiri-shobuen Station on the Keisei Line
[Mizumoto Park] Take the Keisei bus from JR/Keisei Kanamachi Station and get off at "Mizumoto Koen" bus stop (about 5 minutes walk)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.katsushika.lg.jp/tourism/1000064/1028427.html
Firefly Evening
Source:Official website
"Firefly Evening" is an enchanting event where visitors can witness countless fireflies emitting brilliant yellow lights as they dance through the air.
This special occasion is one of the rare opportunities in metropolitan Tokyo to observe fireflies, which typically inhabit clean waterways and forested areas. In the darkness surrounded by nature, the magical sight of quietly floating firefly lights offers a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle, making it a highlight of Tokyo's June 2025 events.
The event is held at "Yuyake Koyake Fureai Village," a nature-experience recreational facility. Besides fireflies, visitors can also enjoy seasonal flowers like hydrangeas and irises, along with other wildlife within the facility.
Why not spend an unforgettable Tokyo night experiencing this quintessentially Japanese natural scenery in one of the world's largest cities?
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Date: Early to Mid-June 2025
Access: Take the Nishi Tokyo Bus bound for "Jinba Kogen Shita" from Takao Station and get off at "Yuyake Koyaki" bus stop (immediate walk)
Admission: Adults ¥200 / Seniors (65+) & Junior High School Students and younger ¥100 / Under 4 years old Free
Website: https://yuyakekoyake.jp/event/detail_event.php?id=event663c35889021c
Art-Related Events in Tokyo for June
Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia
Source:Official website
The Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) is Japan's largest international short film festival in Asia. This exciting Tokyo event in June 2025 promises to be a cultural highlight for visitors.
In the previous SSFF & ASIA 2024, approximately 270 carefully selected films were screened and streamed from 4,936 submissions representing 114 countries and regions.
During SSFF & ASIA, visitors can enjoy professionally curated short films at various venues across Tokyo. One of the most appealing aspects is the opportunity to watch Tokyo-themed films unique to SSFF & ASIA.
The Award Ceremony, where winners are announced in categories including live-action, non-fiction, and animation, is a must-see event. The winning films become eligible for consideration for the following year's U.S. Academy Awards nominations, offering audiences a chance to witness potentially historic moments in cinema.
This Tokyo event in June 2025 is highly recommended for those interested in experiencing Japan's globally recognized arts and culture.
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Dates: Early to mid-June 2025
Access: Directly connected to JR "Takanawa Gateway Station"
Admission: Free *Some events including Award Ceremony require paid tickets
Website: https://www.shortshorts.org/
Tokyo Gourmet Events in June 2025
Jamaica Festival 2025
Source:Official website
JAMAICA FESTIVAL 2025 is an event in central Tokyo where visitors can experience Jamaican culture through reggae music and traditional cuisine.
During this special Tokyo event in June 2025, the venue will be filled with Jamaican rhythms, including reggae, traditional folk music "Mento," and "Rocksteady," a popular music style from the 1960s. A unique highlight of this Tokyo event is the Japanese reggae performances by local singers and DJs.
A must-try at JAMAICA FESTIVAL 2025 is the authentic jerk chicken, a representative Jamaican dish. Renowned restaurants from across Japan will serve traditional jerk chicken seasoned with spices and herbs. Visitors can also enjoy unique fusion dishes, such as jerk chicken combined with gyoza, available exclusively at this event.
Don't miss this special opportunity to experience the unique collaboration between Japan and Jamaica.
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Dates: June 21-22, 2025
Access:
- 3 minutes walk from JR Yamanote Line "Harajuku Station"
- 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro "Yoyogi Park Station"
- 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro "Meiji-jingumae Station"
- 6 minutes walk from Odakyu Line "Yoyogi-hachiman Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.jamafes.com/
Africa Heritage Festival in Yoyogi Park 2025
Source:Official website
The Africa Heritage Festival in Yoyogi Park 2025, a major Tokyo Event June 2025, is an immersive cultural experience showcasing music, cuisine, and folk crafts from various African nations.
At the main stage, visitors can enjoy electrifying performances by authentic African musicians and dancers. The traditional African drum performances and hip-swaying dances encourage audience participation, making it an interactive experience for everyone.
The food section is a must-visit attraction featuring diverse African cuisines. This is a rare opportunity to casually enjoy authentic African dishes such as West African "Okra Stew" and North African "Couscous."
Adding to the exceptional African cuisine, the festival also offers Japanese festival favorites like shaved ice and Wagyu beef skewers, creating a unique fusion of flavors.
In the heart of Tokyo, experience a special moment where Japanese and African cultures blend, making you feel as if you've been transported to Africa.
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Dates: June 21-22, 2025
Access:
- 3 minutes walk from JR Yamanote Line "Harajuku Station"
- 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro "Yoyogi Park Station"
- 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro "Meiji-jingumae Station"
- 6 minutes walk from Odakyu Line "Yoyogi-hachiman Station"
Admission: Free
Website: http://africaheritage.jp/festival/
