Akihabara in July 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
As July arrives in Tokyo, the rainy season ends and summer gradually approaches. Evenings become warm enough for short sleeves, marking the beginning of the hot summer. As temperatures rise, the city's atmosphere grows brighter and more vibrant.
Akihabara is the center of Japanese pop culture where visitors can enjoy various subcultures including manga and anime. In Akihabara, numerous events celebrating early Japanese summer take place in July 2025 that can only be enjoyed during this season. This article will introduce the highlights, basic information, schedules, and access to these event venues.
The Most Recommended Event in Akihabara in July is the Kanda Shrine Tanabata Festival
Source:Official website
Tanabata is one of Japan's traditional legends. In the sky, a couple named Orihime (Weaver Girl) and Hikoboshi (Cowherd) live among the stars. Though they are very close, they are usually separated by the Milky Way (called "Amano-gawa" in Japanese, meaning "Heavenly River") and cannot meet. July 7th, Tanabata, is the only day of the year when these two can reunite.
On this day, various events are held nationwide for this couple, but the one I most recommend is the Kanda Shrine Tanabata Festival. The Akihabara Event July 2025 calendar features this traditional celebration as its centerpiece, drawing both locals and tourists to experience authentic Japanese culture.
<Information>
- Date: July 7, 2025 (Monday) from 4:00 PM
- Access:
5 min walk from Ochanomizu Station (Hijiri-bashi Exit), JR Chuo Line/Sobu Line
7 min walk from Akihabara Station (Electric Town Exit), JR Keihin-Tohoku Line/Yamanote Line
5 min walk from Ochanomizu Station (Exit 1), Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
5 min walk from Shin-Ochanomizu Station (Exit B1), Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
5 min walk from Suehirocho Station, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
7 min walk from Akihabara Station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/
Beautiful Collaboration Between the Shrine Buildings and Bamboo Decorations with Tanzaku Strips
During the Tanabata season, bamboo branches decorated with colorful paper strips (tanzaku) are displayed around the shrine buildings at Kanda Shrine. This is one of the hallmarks of early summer at Kanda Shrine and signals the arrival of summer for locals.
Additionally, one of Kanda Shrine's distinctive features is its bright, vivid red shrine buildings. Please enjoy the striking contrast of the shrine's red architecture, the green bamboo, and the colorful wish strips that can only be experienced at Kanda Shrine. The gentle swaying of the bamboo and tanzaku in the breeze creates a sense of both refreshing coolness and solemn dignity.
Write Your Wish on a Tanzaku Strip and Tie It to the Bamboo – Your Wish Might Come True!
The reason these bamboo decorations appear at Kanda Shrine is because of the Tanabata tradition that states wishes written on tanzaku strips and hung on bamboo will come true. At Kanda Shrine, visitors are free to write their wishes on these strips.
While the official ceremony for this event is held on July 7th, wishes can be written before the festival. If you're visiting Akihabara between mid-June and July 7th, the audience for the Akihabara Event July 2025 is encouraged to stop by Kanda Shrine as well.
Limited-Time "En-musubi" Good Luck Charms for the Tanabata Festival
Source:Official website
From mid-June to around July, Kanda Shrine sells limited-edition good luck charms for "en-musubi" (forming connections). En-musubi refers to wishing for better relationships, whether strengthening bonds with someone you like or meeting new people.
The en-musubi charms available at Kanda Shrine are cute, with designs based on Princess Orihime's clothing. They also come with a special patterned tanzaku strip. You can take them home as souvenirs or hang the tanzaku on the bamboo branches mentioned earlier.
These charms are very popular and sometimes sell out just before the Tanabata Festival, so an early visit is recommended for tourists planning to attend the Akihabara Event July 2025.
"Virtual Market 2025 Summer" Will Be Held at a Venue Modeled After Akihabara
Source:PR TIMES
Virtual Market is one of the world's largest metaverse events, and has been recognized by Guinness World Records for having the most booths in a virtual reality market event. At this event, you can buy and sell 3D items and real products. Moreover, you can enjoy experiences unique to virtual spaces. For example, past events featured booths where you could interact with game characters and showrooms where you could operate home appliances in VR. Additionally, new areas are planned to appear, such as booths where you can test-drive cars and motorcycles, and booths where you can take virtual world tours.
Tokyo is also featured in this event. Some parts accurately recreate the real Tokyo, while others include special effects that are only possible in the metaverse. Please enjoy Tokyo sightseeing that's only possible in this virtual space.
Don't miss this exciting Akihabara Event July 2025, where virtual reality meets Tokyo's famous tech district!
<Information>
- Dates: July 12-17, 2025
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://event.vket.com/2025Summer
Akihabara, the Holy Ground of Pop Culture, Can Be Thoroughly Enjoyed Efficiently with a Local Guide
Akihabara is known as the center of Japanese pop culture. This tour, which takes you around Akihabara's anime figure and merchandise shops, cosplay shops, maid cafes, game centers, and more, allows you to enjoy 120% of Akihabara's charm.
If you're interested in Japanese subculture, please consider joining this tour. Akihabara is a neighborhood where deep interests gather, so finding the right shops to visit can be difficult for first-time visitors. Let the guide recommend the best stores and efficiently explore Akihabara.
The Akihabara Event July 2025 season is the perfect time to experience this iconic district with expert guidance!
<Tour Details>
- Meeting point: In front of Ticket Office right outside of Electric Town Gate of JR Akihabara station
- Tour Area: Akihabara
- Start time: 14:00
4 Must-See Events to Enjoy in Chiyoda Ward, Including Akihabara
Mitama Matsuri
Source:PR TIMES
In Japan, there is a custom called "Obon," during which the mitama (spirits, souls) of the deceased are said to return. Mitama Matsuri is held during the Obon period and is conducted to console the spirits of the war dead.
During this festival, which is a summer tradition in Tokyo, 30,000 large and small miakashi (Japanese lamps displayed at shrines) brightly illuminate the shrine grounds. Additionally, there are numerous events where you can experience Japanese culture, including "Bon Odori" (a traditional dance everyone participates in at summer festivals), so if you want to experience Japanese festival culture, please visit.
While visiting for the Akihabara Event July 2025, be sure to include this cultural celebration in your itinerary!
<Information>
- Dates: TBD (In 2024, it was July 13-16)
- Access:
Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, Toei Shinjuku Line: 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station (Exit 1)
Yurakucho Line, Namboku Line, Toei Shinjuku Line: 10-minute walk from Ichigaya Station (Exit A4)
Tozai Line, Yurakucho Line, Namboku Line: 10-minute walk from Iidabashi Station (Exit A2, Exit A5)
Chuo Line, Sobu Line Local: 10-minute walk from Iidabashi Station (West Exit) or Ichigaya Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/news_detail.html?id=558
Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi 2025
Source:Chiyoda City
In Japan, there is a cultural tradition of floating lanterns (paper lamps made by wrapping paper around candles) to commemorate the souls of the deceased. The Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi is one such event, where approximately 2,000 lanterns are released into the moat with prayers for peace. The sight of countless lights floating on the water's surface at night is like stepping into another world.
At this event, you can participate in the lantern floating in two ways: first, by directly releasing lanterns from a boat, and second, by writing your wishes on lanterns in advance. The first option is especially recommended, as you can feel the lantern lights up close and experience the sensation of floating among the lights.
If you're planning to visit Tokyo in July 2025, consider adding this enchanting festival to your itinerary along with the popular Akihabara events happening that month.
<Information>
- Date: TBD (In 2024, it was held on July 24-25)
- Access: Subway "Kudanshita Station" Exit 2 / Subway "Hanzomon Station" Exit 5
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/en/floating.lantern/
Tanabata Wishing Festival at Tokyo Daijingu
Source:Official website
Tanabata events are held in various locations besides Kanda Shrine. I also enjoy the Tanabata Wishing Festival held at Tokyo Daijingu. Here too, strips of paper with wishes written on them are hung from bamboo. At this location, from July 1st to 7th, the bamboo is illuminated from sunset until 21:00. The solemn, glowing sight is very beautiful, as if our wishes are floating up to heaven, so I recommend visiting after sunset.
By the way, Tokyo Daijingu is also known as the first shrine where weddings were held, and it's said to be a place with power to improve romantic fortune. If you want to wish for success in love on Tanabata, it might be good to come to Tokyo Daijingu to write your wish on a strip of paper.
When visiting Tokyo in July 2025, you might want to experience this traditional festival after exploring the exciting Akihabara events that attract tourists from around the world.
<Information>
- Date: July 7
- Access: 5-minute walk from Iidabashi Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://tokyodaijingu.or.jp/saiten/
Planetaria TOKYO "Starry Sky Summer Festival"
Source:PR TIMES
The Starry Sky Summer Festival is an indoor summer festival held inside a planetarium dome. The charm of this festival is, above all, that you can enjoy it regardless of the weather. It's cool even on the hottest days, and the fireworks and starry skies projected in the planetarium can be seen in the best condition regardless of the weather.
Additionally, festival foods that are photogenic are offered, and you can take dreamy photos with fireworks and starry skies as the background.
Furthermore, you can enjoy traditional Japanese festival games such as shooting galleries and senbiki (a lottery where you pull strings connected to prizes).
Please enjoy this fantastical and modern summer festival.
For tourists visiting in July 2025, this air-conditioned attraction offers a perfect break from the summer heat and complements the tech-focused Akihabara events happening during the same period.
<Information>
Date: TBD (In 2024, it was from July 26 to September 23)
Access: JR Yamanote Line "Yurakucho Station" Central Exit
Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line "Yurakucho Station" Exit D7
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line "Ginza Station" Exit C4
Admission: Free
Website: https://planetarium.konicaminolta.jp/event/matsuri2024/
Great Access! Must-See Events in July Within 30 Minutes from Akihabara
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Source:Official website
Fireworks displays are one of Japan's summer traditions, with numerous fireworks festivals held throughout the country. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival boasts over 280 years of history and is one of Japan's most beloved and popular fireworks events.
This festival features 20,000 fireworks launched from both the first and second venues combined. From picture-perfect large spherical fireworks to fountain-like displays, you can enjoy various shapes and colors of fireworks. When the pitch-black sky becomes completely covered with colorful lights, it feels like you've stepped into a storybook world.
This Akihabara Event July 2025 is basically free to watch, but since it's an extremely popular event attracting over a million people, we recommend purchasing paid seating to avoid the crowds and leisurely enjoy the night sky.
<Information>
- Date: July 26th, 19:00~
- Access: About 10 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line "Asakusa Station" or Tobu Skytree Line "Asakusa Station"
- Admission: Free (Paid seating available)
- Website: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/
Shitamachi Tanabata Festival
Source:Asakusa Tourism Federation
The Shitamachi Tanabata Festival is a large Tanabata event held along a 1.2km street. At the end of the road stands Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest tower. The collaboration between the colorful decorations swaying in the wind and the stylish tower is spectacular.
Various performances are also held during the festival period. Many local groups, including elementary school bands, showcase their talents. Please enjoy this authentic local Japanese atmosphere.
Of course, at this festival, you can also write your wishes on tanzaku paper strips. Plan your visit during the Akihabara Event July 2025 season to experience this traditional celebration.
<Information>
- Date: TBD (In 2024, it was July 4th-8th)
- Access: 3 minutes walk from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station
5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line Iriya Station
5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Tawaramachi Station/Inaricho Station
8 minutes walk from JR Line Ueno Station/Uguisudani Station
10 minutes walk from Toei Subway Asakusa Line, Tobu Railway Skytree Line Asakusa Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://shitamachi-tanabata.com/
Ueno Summer Festival
Source:TAITO Odekake Navi
The Ueno Summer Festival features various events including food stalls (yatai) and music stages.
This festival aims to help people forget the summer heat and feel cool. You can enjoy music stages in a location that feels like floating on a lake, feeling the cool breeze off the water, or experience both fear and coolness at the haunted house.
My highest recommendation is the "wind bell" (furin), a small glass bell. The high, gentle glass sound mysteriously makes you feel cooler just by listening to it.
This festival is one of the ways to overcome Japan's hot summer. Be sure to experience it during the Akihabara Event July 2025 season when tourists from around the world gather to enjoy this refreshing cultural tradition.
<Information>
- Date: TBD (In 2024, it was July 12th to August 12th)
- Access: 2 minutes walk from JR Yamanote Line/JR Keihin-Tohoku Line/JR Takasaki Line/JR Utsunomiya Line/Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line "Ueno" (G16・H17)
1 minute walk from Keisei Main Line "Keisei Ueno"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://ueno.or.jp/summerfes2024/
For those who want to fully enjoy Tokyo, join a local tour for guidance around Tokyo!
Tokyo is a city with many things to enjoy, from traditional culture to the latest technology. Join a guide for an intensive Tokyo sightseeing experience!
1-Day Tokyo Highlights Tour with a Private Car and Guide
This tour is an 8-hour private tour that takes you around Tokyo from corner to corner over the course of a whole day. The appeal of this tour is that the guide will recommend an itinerary tailored to your preferences and the weather. A knowledgeable guide will take you to places you want to visit while providing explanations. Being a driving tour, it's also attractive that you can easily visit places that are far from train stations.
This tour includes lunch. I enjoyed fresh fish dishes at a fish market called Tsukiji. If you tell the guide your taste preferences, they will recommend a menu that perfectly matches your taste.
<Tour Details>
- Meeting point: Hotel pickup available (please check the official website for the coverage area)
- Tour area: Tokyo
- Start time: 9:00
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
On this tour, you'll visit three izakayas (Japanese-style bars) in Shinjuku and enjoy Japanese alcohol and drinking party cuisine. You can choose from more than 30 options for both drinks and food, with recommendations from a guide who is knowledgeable about Japanese drinking parties.
I heard this tour ranked #1 on a travel site called Tripadvisor in 2024, so I decided to participate. The drinks included 2 glasses at the first place, all-you-can-drink at the second place, and 1 glass at the third place, allowing me to thoroughly compare different alcoholic beverages. Even as a heavy drinker, I was fully satisfied, so I recommend this tour to anyone who enjoys alcohol.
<Tour Details>
- Meeting point: In front of Black pillar (Next to Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi shop)
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start time: Every 30 minutes from 17:00 to 19:00