Akihabara September 2025: Complete Event Guide - 11 Festivals, Anime Exhibits & Cultural Highlights
September in Tokyo marks the end of the hot, humid summer and ushers in a cool, comfortable season. With average temperatures around 23°C (73°F), it's the perfect time for outdoor sightseeing and exploring.
Akihabara is renowned as a district where numerous electronics stores gather. Simultaneously, it's famous as a hub for pop culture including anime, games, and manga, attracting tourists from both domestic and international destinations. During September, Akihabara hosts various events including exhibitions, summer festivals, and gourmet events. This guide introduces the highlights, basic information, event dates, and access details for these exciting Akihabara Event September 2025 offerings.
4 Must-See Events in Akihabara This September
30 MINUTES LABEL FES.2025
Source:Dengeki Hobby Web
30 MINUTES LABEL FES.2025 is a plastic model-themed event hosted by BANDAI SPIRITS CO., LTD. The 30 MINUTES LABEL refers to four plastic model brands, which also has an official shop in Shibuya.
The event features exhibitions of various plastic models and stage shows. My recommended highlight is the contest exhibition. Before the event, a plastic model contest is held, and some of the winning entries are displayed at the event venue. You can apply for the contest through the official X (Twitter) account, so please check it out if you're interested.
30 MINUTES LABEL FES.2025 is perfect for those interested in plastic model building or wanting to learn about Japan's craftsmanship culture. This Akihabara Event September 2025 showcases the finest in Japanese modeling artistry.
Information:
- Date: September 13-14, 2025
- Access: 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station Denki-gai North Exit
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://bandai-hobby.net/site/30ML_Fes2025/
Rooftop Opening Summer Festival
Source:VISIT Chiyoda
The Rooftop Opening Summer Festival is a summer festival held on the rooftop of Akihabara Radio Kaikan. The rooftop of Radio Kaikan, normally off-limits to the public, is specially opened during the festival period.
On the rooftop, you can enjoy "water balloon fishing," a classic Japanese summer festival game. Water balloon fishing involves catching small balloons floating in water using paper fishing tools.
I particularly love the Akihabara scenery that can only be seen during the Rooftop Opening Summer Festival. Especially watching trains come and go from above gives you a special feeling.
Since the Rooftop Opening Summer Festival is a free event, it's perfect to casually drop by while sightseeing in Akihabara. This unique Akihabara Event September 2025 experience offers panoramic views of the electronics district.
Information:
- Date: September 21-22, 2024 (2024 information - check for 2025 updates)
- Access: Directly from Akihabara Station Denki-gai Exit
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://akihabara-radiokaikan.co.jp/10th/
GUNDAM FIGURE EXHIBITION
Source:PR TIMES
GUNDAM FIGURE EXHIBITION is an exhibition featuring figures from the long-beloved Japanese robot anime series "Gundam." The event displays figures of mobile suits (humanoid mobile weapons) and characters from the series.
What I love most about GUNDAM FIGURE EXHIBITION is the presentation combining figures with video and lighting effects using a 5-meter large monitor. It makes you feel like you've entered the anime world, so please check it out when you visit.
GUNDAM FIGURE EXHIBITION also features other fan-favorite attractions including photo corners where you can take pictures with characters from the series and sales of merchandise featuring specially commissioned illustrations for the event.
This is recommended not only for fans but also for anime lovers and those interested in robots. It's a standout Akihabara Event September 2025 attraction for mecha enthusiasts.
Information:
- Date: March 27 - September 8, 2025
- Access: 1-minute walk from Akihabara Station Denki-gai Exit
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://tamashiiweb.com/store/tokyo/event/detail/202503.html
Makaizo no Yoru THE MUSEUM
Source:Pia
Makaizo no Yoru THE MUSEUM is a museum where you can experience the world of the craftsmanship-themed TV program "Makaizo no Yoru." Makaizo no Yoru is a show where engineers modify ordinary household appliances and toys into completely different machines and compete using their modified creations.
At Makaizo no Yoru THE MUSEUM, you can see the modified machines that appeared on the show. You can also watch the machines in action, which is an attractive feature.
This museum allows you to experience unimaginable ideas and technical skills up close, making it perfect for those interested in engineering, technology, and craftsmanship. It represents the innovative spirit of Akihabara Event September 2025 programming.
Information:
- Date: August 25 - September 2, 2025
- Access: 3-minute walk from Akihabara Station Denki-gai North Exit
- Admission: (Same-day tickets) General 2,000 yen, High school/University/Vocational students 1,500 yen, Elementary/Middle school students 500 yen
- Website: https://www.makaizo.net/
If You Want to Enjoy Akihabara to the Fullest, Have a Guide Who Knows the Local Area Inside and Out Show You Around!
If you want to enjoy Akihabara to the fullest, it's recommended to have a guide who knows the local area inside and out show you around. The Akihabara Anime & Game Adventure Tour is a tour that allows you to fully enjoy Akihabara's culture in 3 hours, including anime goods stores, game centers, and maid cafes.
During the tour, you can efficiently visit stores selected by the guide that carry rare goods, and spots where you can enjoy game machines from the past to present. At maid cafes, you can have special experiences such as enjoying drinks and gourmet food with maids, and taking commemorative photos with instant cameras.
What's great about the tour is that they adjust the course according to participants' preferences. If you want to deeply understand Akihabara's culture, please consider participating.
Meeting Point: In front of Ticket Office right outside of Electric Town Gate of JR Akihabara station
Tour Area: Around Akihabara
Start Time: 14:00
Must-See September Events Held in Areas Accessible Within 15 Minutes from Akihabara
Starry Sky Summer Festival
Source:PR TIMES
The Starry Sky Summer Festival is a summer festival held inside the planetarium dome at Konica Minolta Planetaria TOKYO in Yurakucho.
At the Starry Sky Summer Festival venue, the starry sky spreads across the entire dome, allowing you to experience a romantic atmosphere. Also, every day from 6:45 PM, you can enjoy powerful presentations where actual fireworks festival footage is projected onto the dome.
You can also experience traditional games enjoyed at Japanese festivals called "ennichi." Admission is free, so you can casually enter and enjoy yourself. Even though it's indoors, you can experience the atmosphere of a Japanese summer festival, so you can enjoy it leisurely even during hot summer weather - that's why I love the Starry Sky Summer Festival.
This Akihabara Event September 2025 is especially recommended for those who don't like the heat or families looking for enjoyable events.
<Information>
Dates: July 18 - September 23, 2025
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station Central Exit/Ginza Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://planetarium.konicaminolta.jp/event/matsuri2025/
Summer Art Aquarium 2025
Source:PR TIMES
Summer Art Aquarium 2025 is an exhibition held at Art Aquarium Museum GINZA. Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is a museum characterized by a worldview that combines Japanese wa culture, goldfish, and lighting effects, with special exhibitions held only during summer.
The highlight of Summer Art Aquarium 2025 is the "Sekiteirium" exhibition, a collaboration with world-famous architect Kengo Kuma. Instead of stones used in Japanese garden stone gardens (gardens made only of stones), water is used to express the stones, and you can see the fantastical sight of goldfish swimming in that water.
When I visited, I was healed by the cool flow of water and the graceful swimming goldfish. People who want to experience the collaboration between Japanese traditional culture and modern art should stop by during their Ginza sightseeing.
<Information>
Dates: June 27 - September 29, 2025
Access: 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro "Ginza Station" Ginza 4-chome intersection exit
Admission: Same-day ticket 2,700 yen
Website: http://artaquarium.jp/
Gei-sai
Source:Tokyo Art University
Gei-sai is a school festival held annually at Tokyo University of the Arts in Ueno. It's a cultural festival jointly organized by music and fine arts students, with various events held over three days.
The highlight of Gei-sai is the uniquely designed portable shrines (mikoshi). Mikoshi are objects carried by people at Japanese festivals, and at Gei-sai, first-year students create mikoshi with different themes each year. On the festival day, watching them carry the mikoshi and parade through Ueno Park together with the samba troupe is spectacular. When I visited, I was overwhelmed by the passionate atmosphere of the students.
Besides this, Gei-sai offers plenty of enjoyable programs including concerts by music students and art exhibitions by fine arts students. This September 2025 event is recommended for people interested in art and makes for a perfect Akihabara Event September 2025 experience.
<Information>
Dates: September 5-7, 2025
Access: 10-minute walk from Ueno Station (Park Exit) or Uguisudani Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://x.com/geisai_koushiki
TOKYO TOWER "ROOFTOP" HIGHBALL GARDEN
Source:PR TIMES
TOKYO TOWER "ROOFTOP" HIGHBALL GARDEN is a limited-time beer garden held right beneath Tokyo Tower.
At this beer garden, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) and highball cocktails while looking up at Tokyo Tower. Genghis Khan is a local dish mainly beloved in Hokkaido, where lamb meat is grilled and eaten. It pairs well with highball, so it's especially recommended for people who enjoy alcohol.
The attractive point of TOKYO TOWER "ROOFTOP" HIGHBALL GARDEN is that you can spend relaxing time while viewing Tokyo Tower's illumination up close. At night, pleasant breezes blow, and you can feel a romantic atmosphere. It's perfect for people who want to enjoy gourmet food while taking in Tokyo's night views.
Information:
- Schedule: March 20, 2025 - October 13, 2025
- Access: 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station (Akabanebashi Exit) on the Toei Oedo Line
- Admission: Varies by plan
- Website: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/event/highballgarden2025/
If Your Timing Works Out, Visit the Beloved Local Autumn Fireworks Festival
If your travel timing aligns, why not visit the autumn fireworks festival beloved by locals?
In late September, the Chofu Fireworks Festival, which many locals visit, is held. The Chofu Fireworks Festival takes place on the riverbank of Tamagawa River and features dynamic performances with large fireworks launched consecutively.
What I recommend is the performance called "Hanabi Illusion," where fireworks are launched in sync with music. Additionally, special fireworks sent as celebrations by fireworks artisans from across the country are also launched.
While it's great to watch the Chofu Fireworks Festival from the venue, I also recommend viewing it from the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. You can enjoy the collaboration of Tokyo's beautiful night views and fireworks.
If you're planning to visit Tokyo in late September, please try watching Japan's unique fireworks display.
Information:
- Schedule: September 20, 2025
- Access: [For Fuda venue] 20-minute walk from Fuda Station on the Keio Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://hanabi.csa.gr.jp/
September Brings Cool Evenings Perfect for Tokyo Bar Hopping - Don't Miss Akihabara Events September 2025!
As September brings cooler evenings, bar hopping in Tokyo is highly recommended. In Tokyo, you can participate in bar hopping tours in Shinjuku and Shibuya.
These tours visit three bars known only to locals, where you can savor various types of alcohol alongside exquisite Japanese cuisine.
Shinjuku tours visit hidden gems not featured in guidebooks, while Shibuya tours let you enjoy premium Japanese beef at wagyu specialty restaurants. Both tours include food and drinks in the tour price, making them attractive as you can participate without worrying about your budget.
For those interested in authentic Japanese food and drinks, definitely participate!
After experiencing Tokyo's nightlife, consider exploring the Akihabara Event September 2025 offerings, where you can discover the latest in Japanese pop culture and technology alongside traditional experiences.
[Shinjuku]
- Meeting Point: In front of Black pillar (Next to Uniqlo Shinjuku Nishiguchi shop)
- Tour Area: Around Shinjuku
- Start Times: 17:00, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
[Shibuya]
- Meeting Point: In front of the floor to ceiling windows under SHIBUYA TSUTAYA sign
- Tour Area: Around Shibuya
- Start Times: 18:00, 19:00
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
If You Can Stay Until October, Visit the Newly Restored "Seikado" for Its First Public Opening!
Source:Official website
"Seikado's Important Cultural Properties, National Treasures, and Future National Treasures" is a special exhibition with an Oriental painting theme held at the "Seikado" museum in Marunouchi. It displays precious works usually not visible to the public, including historically valuable works and national treasures.
Particularly worth seeing are the recently restored Muromachi era interior partitions and ancient Chinese paintings. A unique appeal of this special exhibition is being able to appreciate and compare the differences between Japanese and Chinese paintings.
People interested in Japanese art and history should definitely visit this exhibition.
Before or after visiting Seikado, tourists can also explore the vibrant Akihabara Event September 2025, offering a perfect contrast between traditional Japanese art and contemporary culture.
Information:
- Schedule: October 4, 2025 - December 21, 2025
- Access: Direct connection to Exit 3 of Nijubashimae<Marunouchi> Station on the Chiyoda Subway Line
- Admission: Adults 1,500 yen, University/High school students 1,000 yen, Junior high school students and younger free
- Website: https://www.seikado.or.jp/exhibition/next_exhibition/