Tokyo Summer: A Guide to Seasonal Events and Urban Oases
Living in Tokyo for over 30 years, I've come to realize how captivated I've been by the unique charm of Tokyo's summer.
Tokyo's summer is surprisingly multifaceted, with scorching asphalt coexisting with cool green spaces, and traditional festivals blending with the modern urban landscape.
The moment fireworks light up the night sky, the bustle of festivals echoing through downtown alleys, the brief coolness felt in tree-lined parks, and the nighttime view of buildings from rooftop beer gardens - these experiences are uniquely Tokyo summer.
However, to fully enjoy its charm, you need to be prepared for the "pitfalls" of Tokyo's summer: intense heat and sudden thunderstorms.
In this article, I'll introduce you to the charms of Tokyo's summer that I've experienced and loved, and tips for enjoying them safely.
Table of Contents
・Tokyo Summer Highlights
・Tokyo Summer Flavors
・Precautions for Enjoying Tokyo's Summer
Tokyo Summer Highlights
Tokyo's summer is a treasure trove of attractive events, including spectacular fireworks displays and lively summer festivals.
Fireworks Displays
Fireworks displays illuminating the night sky are an essential part of Tokyo's summer scenery. The beautiful sight of fireworks will leave a deep impression on viewers' hearts.
Adachi Fireworks
The Adachi Fireworks is one of Tokyo's premier fireworks displays held on a Saturday in late July every year.
This fireworks display, held along the Arakawa River in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, launches about 13,500 fireworks. Known as one of the largest fireworks displays within Tokyo's 23 wards, its scale and beauty are breathtaking.
I still can't forget the excitement I felt when I first saw the Adachi Fireworks. The sight of colorful fireworks spreading across the entire night sky was like a work of art.
The Adachi Fireworks attracts many spectators every year due to its scale and quality. The area around the venue gets crowded, so I recommend arriving early to secure a good spot.
Also, enjoying Tokyo's summer staple foods sold at stalls, such as yakisoba and shaved ice, is one of the highlights of the fireworks festival.
Website: https://www.adachikanko.net/adachi_no_hanabi46
Sumida River Fireworks Festival
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is a representative fireworks display in Tokyo held on the last Saturday of July every year. About 20,000 fireworks color the night sky over the Sumida River, and this sight is loved by many people as a symbol of Tokyo's summer.
What particularly impressed me was the view of fireworks from the Asakusa and Ryogoku areas. The sight of colorful fireworks launching against the backdrop of the historic townscape seemed to symbolize the charm of Tokyo, where tradition and modernity blend.
Viewing from a yakatabune (roofed pleasure boat) is also popular, offering a special experience of enjoying the reflection of fireworks on the river surface.
The charm of the Sumida River Fireworks Festival lies not only in watching the fireworks but also in enjoying the atmosphere around it.
Walking through the streets bustling with people in yukata and enjoying food from stalls while waiting for the fireworks is a wonderful experience that allows you to fully savor the atmosphere of Tokyo's summer festivals.
However, as this fireworks festival is very popular, viewing spots get crowded early. I recommend checking the viewing locations in advance and allowing plenty of time.
Also, public transportation will be crowded on the day, so it's necessary to plan with ample time.
Website: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/
Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival
The Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival is a large-scale fireworks show that can be enjoyed in the heart of the city in mid-August. The characteristic of this fireworks festival held in the center of the city is that you can enjoy a unique spectacle where beautiful fireworks interweave with the modern Tokyo landscape.
When I first experienced the Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival, I was surprised by its urban atmosphere. The fireworks launched in a space surrounded by high-rise buildings create a fantastical scene that seems to integrate with Tokyo's night view.
In particular, the sight of fireworks blooming with the building cluster in the background perfectly fits the description of "urban fireworks".
Website: https://www.jinguhanabi.com/
Summer Festivals
Tokyo's summer festivals are valuable opportunities to experience traditional culture firsthand. I'll introduce you to the summer attractions of Tokyo that you can enjoy with all five senses, including colorful costumes, lively music, and delicious food stall treats.
Fukagawa Hachiman Festival
The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, one of the three great Edo festivals, is particularly noteworthy for its grand festival held once every three years (next in 2025).
The sight of many mikoshi (portable shrines) parading through the town is breathtaking, allowing you to fully experience the atmosphere of the Edo-style downtown.
When I experienced the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, I was overwhelmed by its enthusiasm and energy. What was particularly impressive was the sight of "water splashing" on the people carrying the mikoshi. I still remember the scene of people splashing water on each other in the midsummer heat, with the meaning of purification.
During the festival period, numerous food stalls are set up, allowing you to enjoy Tokyo's festival stall staples. You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a traditional festival that has continued since the Edo period while savoring street foods like yakisoba, takoyaki, and shaved ice.
Website: http://www.tomiokahachimangu.or.jp/annai/maturi/maturih1.html
Bon Odori
Bon Odori is one of Japan's traditional summer attractions, usually held during the Obon period (mainly around August 13th to 15th) or throughout August.
While this event has religious significance in honoring and welcoming ancestral spirits, it has also become a significant community event in modern times.
In Tokyo, Bon Odori is held in various places, including Shibuya and in front of Nakano Station. A typical Bon Odori features participants dancing in a circular formation. The sight of people dancing around a central yagura (raised platform) is a beloved summer night scene for many people.
When participating in Bon Odori in Tokyo, I recommend checking the venue and schedule in advance. There are also services where you can rent yukata, so if you want to enjoy Tokyo's traditional summer attire, please take advantage of this.
Website: https://shibuyadogenzaka.com/?page_id=3981
Koenji Awa Odori
The Koenji Awa Odori is one of Japan's largest Awa Odori events held on Saturday and Sunday in late August every year. The sight of about 10,000 dancers participating, with the entire Koenji area becoming a dance stage, is breathtaking.
Awa Odori is originally a traditional Bon dance from Tokushima Prefecture, but in Koenji, it has developed uniquely, incorporating local characteristics. The interplay of the powerful "male dance" and the graceful "female dance" to rhythmic music captivates viewers.
When I first experienced the Koenji Awa Odori, I was overwhelmed by its scale and enthusiasm. The atmosphere filled with heat and energy, with the entire town overflowing with dance, felt like being caught in a "whirlpool of festivals".
I encourage you to experience this lively festival and fully enjoy the charm of Tokyo's summer!
Website: https://www.koenji-awaodori.com/language/eng.html
Cool Spots
Tokyo's summer can be intensely hot, but there are many wonderful spots in the city center where you can seek coolness.
Let's spend some healing time in lush parks and gardens that make you forget the heat.
Meiji Shrine
Meiji Shrine is Tokyo's green oasis that offers a quiet space surrounded by a vast forest, despite being in the heart of the city. The shade created by trees over 100 years old is the perfect place to escape the summer heat.
When I first visited Meiji Shrine, I was surprised by its tranquility and coolness. While being in the middle of a bustling city, stepping into the shrine grounds feels like entering a different world.
Walking through the dappled sunlight created by the trees gives you a sense of refreshment for both body and mind.
What was particularly impressive was the fresh air I felt while walking along the approach. Taking a deep breath in a quiet space surrounded by greenery, away from the urban hustle and bustle, brings a sense of calm.
I recommend visiting Meiji Shrine in the early morning or evening. There are fewer people, allowing you to spend a quieter and cooler time.
Access is very convenient, about 1-3 minutes on foot from JR Yamanote Line "Harajuku Station" or Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line/Fukutoshin Line "Meiji-jingumae Station".
Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen is a vast garden in the center of Tokyo that serves as a wonderful oasis to make you forget the summer heat. It has a unique charm where various styles of gardens, including Japanese gardens, French formal gardens, and English landscape gardens, are fused.
The appeal of Shinjuku Gyoen is not only its coolness but also that you can enjoy different scenery in each season. In summer, you can enjoy colorful flowers in bloom and lush green scenery.
Particularly noteworthy is the greenhouse within the park. Here, you can appreciate tropical plants in a cool environment, offering an experience like a small botanical garden. Escaping from the hot outside air to be surrounded by exotic plants is a very fresh and enjoyable experience.
Access is about 5 minutes on foot from "Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station" on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, or about 10 minutes on foot from "Sendagaya Station" on the JR Sobu Line.
Website: https://www.env.go.jp/garden/shinjukugyoen/english/index.html
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is a vast green space in the center of Tokyo that serves as a wonderful oasis to make you forget the summer heat.
With various cultural facilities scattered throughout the park where you can enjoy strolling in the shade, it's an attractive spot where you can enjoy a whole day.
The charm of Ueno Park lies not only in enjoying nature but also in the cultural experiences it offers.
The park includes Ueno Zoo, where you can observe how animals spend their summer. It's heartwarming and educational to see popular animals like pandas adapting to the heat.
Also, a major attraction is the abundance of air-conditioned cultural facilities such as the National Museum of Nature and Science and the Tokyo National Museum. You can learn about Tokyo's history and science while escaping the heat.
Visiting these facilities allows you to satisfy your intellectual curiosity while keeping cool, which is a unique way to enjoy Ueno Park.
Furthermore, from July to August, the "Ueno Summer Festival" is held, making the park even more lively. Enjoying Tokyo's summer festival street foods while spending a summer evening with people in cool yukata is one of the best ways to fully enjoy Tokyo's summer.
Access is about 2-5 minutes on foot from JR Yamanote Line "Ueno Station" or Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line "Ueno Station".
Ueno Park, where you can enjoy nature and culture simultaneously while being in the heart of the city, can be said to be an indispensable place for enjoying Tokyo's summer.
Website: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno/en_index.html
Tokyo Summer Flavors
Tokyo's summer is not only about the heat but also unique taste experiences. From traditional summer flavors to urban cool treats, various food experiences await you.
Summer-Limited Cuisine
Summer-specific flavors are filled with wisdom for surviving the hot season. Through these foods, you can feel the depth of Tokyo's food culture.
Shaved Ice
Shaved ice is one of Japan's representative summer desserts. This simple sweet treat, made by finely shaving ice and topping it with syrup and various toppings, is loved by many people for its beautiful appearance and pleasant texture.
You can enjoy various flavors such as matcha, strawberry, and Blue Hawaii. Recently, luxurious shaved ice using seasonal fruits and collaborations with Japanese sweets have become popular, showcasing new styles of shaved ice with creative ingenuity.
A characteristic of shaved ice is that it's often available at festival stalls. Eating shaved ice from a stall amid the bustle of a summer festival can be called a symbol of Japanese summer.
The charm of stall shaved ice lies in the enjoyment it provides not only to taste but also to sight and hearing, such as the sound of ice being shaved on the spot and the fun of choosing colorful syrups.
Hiyashi Chuka
Hiyashi chuka is a staple Tokyo dish that blows away the summer heat. This dish, which involves eating cold noodles topped with a special sauce based on vinegar and soy sauce, is loved by many people for its refreshing taste.
The charm of hiyashi chuka also lies in its diverse toppings. Generally, ham, cucumber, tomato, and kinshi tamago (shredded egg crepe) are used, but depending on the restaurant, you can enjoy variations using seafood, chicken, and various vegetables.
These toppings also provide visual enjoyment with their colorful appearance.
Hiyashi chuka is widely available at Chinese restaurants and ramen shops during summer. Each shop offers its own unique sauce and toppings, so there's also the fun of finding your favorite taste.
Also, as it can be easily purchased at convenience stores, I recommend buying it on the go and eating it at your hotel.
Somen
Somen is one of the representative noodle dishes of Tokyo's summer. This simple dish, where very thin noodles made from wheat flour are eaten dipped in cold mentsuyu (noodle soup), is loved by many people for its lightness and refreshing taste.
The beauty of somen lies in its simplicity. While the noodles themselves have a subtle taste, this allows for various arrangements.
In addition to the basic condiments of green onion, ginger, and myoga (Japanese ginger), you can enjoy different flavors by adding seasonal vegetables, seafood, and sometimes meat.
As it can be easily purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores, you can enjoy it casually during your trip.
Eel
Eel is one of the high-end ingredients representative of Tokyo's summer. Known as a nutritious food effective in preventing summer fatigue, there's a custom of eating it on the Day of the Ox in midsummer.
Among eel cooking methods, the most common is kabayaki. Kabayaki is a cooking method where the eel is first grilled plain, then grilled repeatedly while applying a special sauce.
Through this process, the eel meat becomes plump and soft, with the flavor of the sauce deeply permeating. The sansho pepper sprinkled at the end tightens the richness of the eel, creating a more complex flavor.
The charm of eel also lies in its various ways of eating. Besides kabayaki, there are various cooking methods such as shirayaki (plain grilled), kimoyaki (grilled liver), and hitsumabushi.
In Tokyo, there are various restaurants serving eel dishes, from long-established specialized eel restaurants to more affordable popular restaurants.
At high-end restaurants, you can taste eel carefully selected and grilled with artisan skills. On the other hand, there are also restaurants where you can enjoy eel more casually at relatively reasonable prices, such as eel rice bowls and unadon.
Beer Gardens
Beer gardens are an essential part of enjoying Tokyo's summer nights. I'll introduce you to wonderful spots where you can enjoy chilled draft beer in an open space while savoring Tokyo's night view and cool evening breeze.
Tokyo Prince Hotel
Source: Google Map by Kota ISHII
The beer garden at Tokyo Prince Hotel is a special space where you can enjoy being in a lush garden despite being in the heart of the city. The spectacular location overlooking Tokyo Tower never fails to captivate visitors.
I still vividly remember the excitement I felt when I first visited this beer garden. The moment I tasted the ice-cold draft beer in an open space surrounded by greenery, I felt a sense of liberation from the urban hustle and bustle.
Also, a variety of food menus are available, allowing you to fully enjoy dishes that pair well with beer.
Access is about 3 minutes on foot from "Onarimon Station" on the Toei Subway Mita Line, or about 10 minutes on foot from "Hamamatsucho Station" on the JR Yamanote Line/Keihin-Tohoku Line.
Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/tokyo/restaurant/contents/beergarden/
Shinjuku Tenku Beer Garden
Shinjuku Tenku Beer Garden is a spectacular spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo's night scenery. It's a special place where you can enjoy chilled beer in an urban atmosphere surrounded by high-rise buildings.
The big attraction of Shinjuku Tenku Beer Garden is its all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink plan. Various types of beer, as well as cocktails and soft drinks, are abundantly available.
The food is also extensive, ranging from light snacks that go well with beer to substantial meals.
A characteristic feature of this beer garden is its urban atmosphere. The experience of enjoying beer while looking down on the urban bustle, surrounded by high-rise buildings, gives you a real sense of being "in the middle of the city".
Access is about 5 minutes on foot from the West Exit of JR Yamanote Line/Chuo Line "Shinjuku Station", or about 7 minutes on foot from "Shinjuku-sanchome Station" on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.
The Shinjuku Tenku Beer Garden, where you can look down on the urban hustle and bustle while being in the center of Shinjuku, can be said to be a place where you can enjoy Tokyo's summer nights to the fullest.
Website: https://b977503.gorp.jp/
Tokyo Skytree Town Beer Festa
Tokyo Skytree Town Beer Festa offers a unique beer garden experience where you can enjoy looking up close at Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo's new landmark.
This event, held on the rooftop of Solamachi, is a special place where you can simultaneously enjoy urban scenery and openness.
What's particularly noteworthy is the special feeling unique to this event. The experience of being able to view Skytree up close with a beer in hand, which is usually only looked up at, is something that can't be experienced elsewhere.
Also, when night falls, Skytree's illumination begins, allowing you to enjoy an even more fantastic atmosphere.
Access is directly connected to "Tokyo Skytree Station" on the Tobu Skytree Line, or about 3 minutes on foot from "Oshiage Station" on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.
Website: https://sky-arena-beer-garden.com/
Precautions for Enjoying Tokyo's Summer
To fully enjoy Tokyo's summer, it's necessary not only to know its attractions but also to prepare appropriately and take precautions. Here, I'll introduce the characteristics of Tokyo's summer and countermeasures against them.
How Hot Is Tokyo's Summer?
Tokyo's summer is famous for its heat and high humidity. From July to August, it's not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 35 degrees Celsius (95°F).
During this period, the heat can be described as "dangerous" at times.
It's important to stay hydrated frequently, properly replenishing the water and salt lost due to the heat. Not just water, but drinks containing electrolytes like sports drinks are also effective. I always carry a cooler bottle and try to drink water every 30 minutes.
If you feel unwell, it's important to take adequate rest in a cool place. Tokyo has many air-conditioned buildings, so the trick is to use these well.
If symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or nausea appear, it's crucial to move to a cool place immediately and hydrate. If symptoms don't improve, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.
Thunderstorm Precautions
Tokyo's summer requires caution not only for the intense heat but also for sudden thunderstorms. In recent years, there has been an increase in localized heavy rains called "guerrilla rainstorms," where a clear sky can turn dark in an instant, bringing heavy rain and thunder.
I vividly remember the guerrilla rainstorm I experienced in Tokyo this year. The sky, which had been perfectly clear, suddenly darkened, and within minutes we were engulfed in heavy rain and thunder. Being unprepared, I got soaked in no time, which was a very troublesome experience.
Therefore, I recommend purchasing a convenient folding umbrella upon arrival in Tokyo. These can be easily bought at convenience stores or drugstores. I always carry an ultra-light, compact folding umbrella in my bag.
Also, if you're outdoors and hear thunder, it's important to quickly seek shelter inside a building. Avoid standing under trees as they are particularly dangerous.
Should You Buy Paid Tickets for Fireworks?
Summer fireworks displays in Tokyo are extremely popular events. As many people gather to enjoy the beautiful fireworks, securing a good viewing spot becomes a major challenge. This is where the option of purchasing paid tickets comes in.
I've experienced both paid tickets and free viewing, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
When I purchased paid tickets, I was able to enjoy the fireworks comfortably from a guaranteed good spot. On the other hand, when I opted for free viewing, I struggled to secure a spot but felt the festival atmosphere more strongly.
In conclusion, if you want to secure a good spot, I recommend purchasing paid tickets in advance. This is especially suitable for those experiencing Tokyo's fireworks displays for the first time or those who want to enjoy photography.
On the other hand, those who want to fully enjoy the atmosphere of Japanese summer festivals or wish to keep their plans flexible might consider viewing from general areas. In this case, it's important to arrive early to secure a spot.
Tokyo's summer, known for its heat and humidity, is also filled with attractive events and experiences.
Fireworks displays and summer festivals offer precious opportunities to experience Tokyo's traditional culture firsthand, while beer gardens provide a modern way to enjoy coolness while savoring the city's night views.
Moreover, summer tastes like shaved ice and somen offer food experiences unique to Tokyo that make you forget the heat.
Please use the information and tips introduced in this article to fully enjoy Tokyo's summer!