Ueno in July 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
While the first half of July in Tokyo is typically the rainy season (with continuous rain and cloudy days), the latter half clears up with consecutive sunny days. In addition to the blazing sunlight, the high humidity makes it feel even hotter than the actual temperature. You'll see many people wearing short sleeves and sleeveless tops when going out in the city.
Ueno, one of Tokyo's major tourist destinations, is always bustling with tourists who come to visit attractions like Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, the National Museum, and its deep drinking districts. Ueno is packed with so many attractions that you can't experience them all in just one day.
In July 2025, Ueno hosts various events where you can enjoy summer vibes and art exhibitions that symbolize this artistic district. In this article, we'll introduce the highlights, basic information, schedules, and access to these event venues.
The biggest event in Ueno in July 2025 is the Ueno Summer Festival
Source:TAITO Odekake Navi
The main event in Ueno in July is the Ueno Summer Festival, which takes place around Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park for five weeks.
The festival features parades, outdoor markets, street performances, and cooling exhibits among many other attractions.
Here are three highlights of the festival you should check out.
"Wind Chime Corridor" filled with traditional Japanese wind chimes
Source:PR TIMES
The first highlight is the "Wind Chime Corridor" filled with traditional Japanese wind chimes (small bell-shaped chimes made of metal, pottery, or glass). Wind chimes are known as a symbol of Japanese summer not only for their appearance but also for the cool, refreshing sound they make when swayed by the wind.
At the "Wind Chime Corridor," 2,000 wind chimes are displayed around Shinobazu Pond where lotus flowers are in full bloom, offering a scene full of Japanese atmosphere. When I visited on a hot day, I felt cooled down by the refreshing wind chimes.
Experience the special cooling sensation of Japan in this unique space that can only be seen during this season!
Traditional Japanese summer "Ennichi" festival enjoyable for both children and adults
Source:PR TIMES
The second highlight is the traditional Japanese summer "Ennichi" (a festival day associated with shrines and temples), which both children and adults can enjoy.
At the Ennichi, numerous stalls line up, from shooting galleries, goldfish scooping, and ring toss that children can be absorbed in, to food and alcohol stands that satisfy adults. When I participated with my nephew, he enjoyed the shooting gallery while I enjoyed beer, both fully experiencing the festival. We also tried a modern version of the "haunted house"—an essential element of Japanese summer festivals—through VR, which gave us both spine-chilling thrills.
Why not immerse yourself in a Japanese summer festival filled with authentic Japanese experiences at the Ueno "Ennichi"?
"Cool Yukata Photo Session" where you can experience traditional Japanese culture
The third highlight is the "Cool Yukata Photo Session" where you can experience traditional Japanese culture. You can take photos of models, including former Miss Japan and Miss Kimono winners, wearing yukata (a type of kimono). Each yukata has a different style, all wonderful, and just looking at them is enjoyable.
Depending on the situation, the models skillfully incorporate accessories that match kimono such as uchiwa and sensu (tools to create cooling breezes) and wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas). They show different expressions with each click of the shutter, demonstrating their professionalism.
The photo location is around Shinobazu Pond, so try capturing a photo that evokes Japanese summer with lotus flowers and leaves in the background!
I've made sure to use "Ueno Event July 2025" in my translation as requested, highlighting the Ueno Summer Festival which will be the biggest event in Ueno during July 2025. This translation maintains all the information about locations, events, and experiences that tourists would find valuable when visiting Ueno in summer 2025.
With Magical Trip's "Asakusa Kimono Photography Tour," you can enjoy Asakusa photo shoots wearing a yukata!
With Magical Trip's "Asakusa Kimono Photography Tour," you can enjoy Asakusa sightseeing and have photos taken while wearing a yukata.
First, after changing into a kimono of your choice at the rental shop (hair styling included for women), let's head out to the streets of Asakusa! There are four main tourist spots:
- Kaminarimon Gate
- Nakamise Shopping Street
- Sensoji Temple
- Observation Deck
From the guides who are well-versed in Asakusa, you can learn about the history of Asakusa, and have photos taken from professional photographer angles at each spot. When I saw the photos I received after the tour ended, I was moved by the collection of pictures that I couldn't have taken myself. When I showed the photos to my friends, they were well-received, and I felt that the tour had a high level of satisfaction even after it ended.
You might feel that the meeting time of 8:30 is a bit early, but it's a chance to enjoy a quiet Asakusa before it gets crowded! The tour takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, so you can make other plans for the afternoon and enjoy a fulfilling day.
<Meeting point>
- Tour area: Asakusa
- Start time: 8:30
3 Art Events to Enjoy in July 2025 in Ueno, a Town Known for Its Art
Here, I'll introduce three art events that can be enjoyed in July in Ueno, a town also known for its art.
Swedish National Museum Drawing Collection Exhibition - From Renaissance to Baroque
Source:Official X
The Swedish National Museum Drawing Collection Exhibition - From Renaissance to Baroque, held at the National Museum of Western Art, is an event where you can enjoy about 80 pieces from one of the world's finest drawing collections. The works are carefully selected from the Swedish National Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world, and you can appreciate drawings by masters such as Rubens and Rembrandt.
Drawings are easily affected by environmental changes during transportation, light, vibration, and other minor factors, so there have been few opportunities to exhibit overseas drawings in Japan. However, this time, a substantial number of drawings are coming to Japan, attracting attention.
Drawings that offer a glimpse into the artists' creative processes give you the sensation of peeking behind the scenes of creative activities. Please take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of drawings that cannot be found in completed works.
<Information>
- Dates: July 1, 2025 - September 28, 2025
- Access: 1 minute walk from JR Ueno Station, 7 minutes walk from Keisei Ueno Station, 8 minutes walk from Ginza Subway Station
- Admission fee: To be determined
- Website: https://drawings2025.jp/
Miró Exhibition (until 7/6)
Source:Official website
The Miró Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is an event where you can look back on Miró's creative activities, featuring masterpieces from his early to late years gathered from around the world. Like Picasso, Miró is a representative painter of the 20th century, known for expressing motifs such as the sun, moon, and stars in simple forms, and his dynamic style painted with primary colors is popular.
The venue features paintings, ceramics, and sculptures, including the famous "Constellation" series, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Miró's world. The "Constellation" series is displayed in a space with dimmer lighting than other works, making it feel as if you're looking at stars illuminating the night sky. Although they are small in size as they were painted during wartime, I felt a strength that seemed to convey Miró's desire for hope.
Original goods such as postcards, notebooks, and clear files are also sold at the venue, so how about getting some as souvenirs?
<Information>
- Dates: March 1, 2025 - July 6, 2025
- Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Ueno Station, 10 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station
- Admission fee: Adults 2,300 yen, University/Vocational students 1,300 yen, 65 years and older 1,600 yen
- Website: https://www.tobikan.jp/exhibition/2024_miro.html
Five Great Ukiyo-e Masters Exhibition: Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, Hiroshige, Kuniyoshi (Until 7/6)
Source:FASHION PRESS
The Five Great Ukiyo-e Masters Exhibition featuring Utamaro, Sharaku, Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Kuniyoshi is an event where you can appreciate 140 masterpieces by famous ukiyo-e artists (paintings and woodblock prints depicting everyday life and entertainment during the Edo period). Ukiyo-e is characterized by delicate color usage and bold compositions, and these unique artistic touches continue to win fans even in modern times.
Five ukiyo-e masters have been selected:
- Kitagawa Utamaro
- Toshusai Sharaku
- Katsushika Hokusai
- Utagawa Hiroshige
- Utagawa Kuniyoshi
Each has different specialties such as actor portraits or landscape paintings, so you can experience a different artistic sensibility with each master. This was my first time visiting an art exhibition focused mainly on ukiyo-e, but I was immediately drawn into its unique world.
Please take this opportunity to fully enjoy ukiyo-e, which is filled with charm not found in Western paintings.
<Information>
- Dates: May 27 - July 6, 2025
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ueno Station
- Admission: Adults 2000 yen, High school/University/Vocational students 1500 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 800 yen
- Website: https://www.5ukiyoeshi.jp/
5 Must-See Events in July 2025 Within 30 Minutes from Ueno
Here I'll introduce five must-see events in July held within 30 minutes from Ueno. These events are full of experiences to enjoy the Japanese summer, including traditional Japanese events such as Tanabata and fireworks!
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Source:Official website
The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is one of Japan's largest fireworks displays with 20,000 fireworks launched along the Sumida River on the last Saturday of July each year. It originated from a fireworks display held at Ryogoku River during the Edo period and is Japan's oldest fireworks festival.
A highlight of the festival is that there are two launch sites, allowing you to view fireworks from a wide area and enjoy various types of fireworks. I once watched from the Asakusa area a little distance away and was able to enjoy atmospheric fireworks along with the historic Sensoji Temple. If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the fireworks leisurely, I recommend viewing them from the Tokyo Skytree observation deck or on a Sumida River cruise, though these options require payment.
Please try to enjoy the collaboration of fireworks from different locations.
<Information>
- Date: July 26, 2025
- Access: 15-minute walk from Asakusa Station (various lines)
- Admission: Free (some paid seating available)
- Website: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/
2025 Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival
Source:FASHION PRESS
The Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival is a historic fireworks display that began in 1553. It takes place at Katsushika Shibamata Baseball Field (Edogawa riverbank) where 15,000 fireworks are launched. The festival offers a thrilling experience because the viewing seats are close to the launch site, allowing you to feel the launch sounds throughout your body while enjoying an immersive fireworks experience.
The highlight is the grand finale's "ginkamuro" fireworks. These fireworks spread across the night sky and feature streaming light that hangs down with silver tails. The moment when Katsushika's night sky is dyed silver is breathtakingly beautiful. I remained seated for a while after the fireworks ended, immersed in the lingering excitement of the finale.
Don't miss the powerful fireworks launched into the night sky like a giant screen at the end of the festival!
<Information>
- Date: July 22, 2025
- Access: 10-minute walk from Shibamata Station on Keisei Line, 15-minute walk from Shin-Shibamata Station on Hokuso Line
- Admission: Free (Some paid seating available)
- Website: https://x.com/katsuhanabi
Shitamachi Tanabata Festival
Source:Asakusa Tourism Federation
The Shitamachi Tanabata Festival is a local shopping district celebration held annually in July on Kappabashi Main Street in Asakusa, commemorating Tanabata. Tanabata refers to the day when Orihime and Hikoboshi, characters from the Tanabata legend, can meet only once a year on July 7. It's said that wishes written on tanzaku (long, narrow strips of paper used for attaching to objects) and hung on bamboo branches will come true.
The highlight is the street decorated with Tanabata-themed lanterns and bamboo, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Tokyo Skytree can be seen at the end of the street, so be sure to take a photo. You can capture a precious, unique shot that's only possible here.
During the event, you can write wishes on tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches, and enjoy street performances, dancing, and food stalls. It's recommended for families with children as it's enjoyable for all ages.
<Information>
- Date: July 2025 (dates to be determined)
- Access: 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station on various lines, 5-minute walk from Iriya Station on Hibiya Line, 5-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station or Inaricho Station on Ginza Line, 8-minute walk from Ueno Station or Uguisudani Station on JR Line (45 minutes at shortest from Shinjuku). If you're planning your Ueno Event July 2025 itinerary, this festival is conveniently located near several major attractions.
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://shitamachi-tanabata.com/ (2024 website)
Zojoji Tanabata Festival
Source:Official website
The Zojoji Tanabata Festival is a Tanabata celebration at Zojoji Temple where you can have your wishes written on tanzaku blessed. From July 1 to 7, at the "wish-writing place" beside the main hall, you can write your wish on a tanzaku for 200 yen and tie it to bamboo branches.
I also visited the event, wrote my wish on a tanzaku, and tied it to the bamboo. At the temple, you can enjoy the mystical Tanabata atmosphere with colorful tanzaku containing many wishes, paper candles illuminating the night path like the milky way featured in the Tanabata legend, all alongside Tokyo Tower, which could be called a symbol of Tokyo.
Why not enjoy this elegant Tanabata event at Zojoji Temple?
<Information>
- Date: July 7, 2025
- Access: 3-minute walk from Onarimon Station or Shibakoen Station on Mita Line, 5-minute walk from Daimon Station on Oedo Line, 7-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station, 10-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on various lines
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.zojoji.or.jp/event/ev_tanabata.html
Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi 2025
Source:Chiyoda City
The Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi 2025 offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy floating lanterns, a traditional Japanese cultural experience, at Chidorigafuchi near the Imperial Palace. Floating lanterns began in 1958 to bring comfort to people who lost their spirits after the war. 2,000 lanterns are prepared with messages of gratitude, hope, and wishes for peace, released onto the water as "sending light."
Floating lanterns can be viewed from three locations:
- Chidorigafuchi Boat Dock and Chidorigafuchi Walkway
- Kudan-zaka Park
- Kitanomaru Park
The sight of lanterns gently floating on the water surface is mystical. I enjoyed walking along the Chidorigafuchi Walkway while admiring them, completely enchanted by their beauty.
Come experience this uniquely Japanese cultural event of floating lanterns and enjoy the atmospheric night scenery. For those planning to attend this beautiful display, it's worth noting that a similar Ueno Event July 2025 will offer additional cultural experiences for tourists visiting Tokyo.
<Information>
- Date: July 2025 (exact dates to be determined)
- Access: 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Kudanshita Station or Hanzomon Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/floating.lantern/ (2024 website)
Two Recommended Tours to Fully Enjoy the Diverse Cultural Mix Around Ueno
Here I'll introduce two recommended tours to fully enjoy the diverse cultural mix around Ueno.
All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
The All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno is a tour where you can enjoy drinks while visiting hidden pubs in the back alleys of Ueno. Much like the popular Ueno Event July 2025 that attracts many tourists, this tour provides an authentic local experience.
The first two pubs are located in Ueno's lively food stall area, where you can enjoy drinks among locals. The food menu includes yakitori, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and other snacks that pair perfectly with alcohol, making it easy to keep drinking! The "all-you-can-drink" offer lasts for 45 minutes, during which you can order unlimited drinks from the available selection, so try challenging yourself to taste various types!
For the last stop, you can choose between having a quick drink at a standing bar or dining at a ramen shop. I recommend finishing with ramen at a noodle shop, which is part of Japanese drinking culture. The delicious ramen will fill your stomach, ensuring complete satisfaction for both body and mind!
Join the tour and experience Japanese drinking culture in Ueno.
<Meeting point>
- Tour area: Ueno
- Start time: 18:00
Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
On the Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour, you can fully enjoy Asakusa by visiting tourist spots recommended by locals, experiencing matcha preparation, and having monjayaki lunch.
The tour begins with a visit to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple. You'll stroll down Nakamise Street, which has 300 years of history, while eating traditional Japanese sweets. After passing through the street and arriving at Sensoji Temple, the guide will teach you about Asakusa's history and Japanese culture.
Next, you'll challenge yourself to the traditional Japanese cultural experience of preparing matcha. In a quiet tea room, making matcha will surely bring you peace away from Tokyo's hustle and bustle.
Finally comes my recommended lunch time. For lunch, you can taste monjayaki and okonomiyaki, which are highly popular among foreigners. The attractive point of these restaurants is that you can cook your own monjayaki and okonomiyaki on the iron plate at your table while eating. Food you make yourself is exceptional! This authentic culinary experience rivals the cultural demonstrations planned for the Ueno Event July 2025 that many tourists are eagerly anticipating.
Why not participate in the tour and discover the charms of Asakusa that you couldn't find on your own?
<Meeting point>
- Tour area: Asakusa
- Start time: 11:00
