Tokyo in July 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
July in Tokyo marks the beginning of summer with temperatures rising significantly. The average temperature ranges from 22°C to 30°C. In recent years, daytime temperatures regularly exceed 30°C with strong sunshine.
Tokyo is a metropolis with over 10 million people and serves as the center of culture and economy in Japan. When July arrives, the vacation season begins, bringing many visitors from across Japan and around the world to Tokyo.
During July in Tokyo, various summer-specific events take place. There are fireworks events that symbolize Japanese summer, traditional Tanabata events, and summer festivals that allow you to experience Japanese culture.
In this article, we'll introduce noteworthy events unique to Tokyo's summer, including highlights, basic information, and access details. Please use this as a reference to enjoy Tokyo in July 2025.
Characteristics of Summer Events in Tokyo
Various types of events are held in Tokyo during summer. The most representative ones are fireworks, summer festivals, and Tanabata-related events.
Fireworks were originally said to be part of the Obon ritual, a traditional event where it's believed that the souls of ancestors return to this world in summer. Since the 18th century, it has become a viewing event for citizens to enjoy, and "fireworks" have become synonymous with Japanese summer.
Summer festivals are also important traditional summer events in Japan. Food and game stalls are set up at shrines and parks, and lively Bon Odori dance events that anyone can freely participate in are held.
Tanabata, held on July 7th, is a traditional event based on a legend that originated from China. There is a custom of writing wishes on papers called Tanzaku and hanging them on bamboo branches, praying to the stars for the fulfillment of wishes.
5 Must-See Fireworks Events When Visiting Tokyo in July 2025
If you visit Tokyo in summer, we highly recommend fireworks events where you can enjoy beautiful displays. People attend wearing Yukata, traditional summer attire, and food stalls are often set up around the venues.
Each fireworks event is very popular, so large crowds are expected. If you want to avoid congestion, we recommend reserving paid seats in advance.
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival
Source:Official website
The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is a traditional fireworks display with over 350 years of history. It is said to have been started to console the souls of those who died in famines and epidemics and to drive away evil spirits. About 20,000 fireworks are launched at venues along the Sumida River flowing through Tokyo's downtown area, with 1 million spectators attending.
A key point of the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is that fireworks can be seen from many areas in Tokyo because they are launched from multiple venues. The fireworks are launched from the first venue in the Asakusa area and the second venue in the Kuramae area.
Let's view Tokyo's fireworks, which have been loved as a summer symbol for many years, from around these two venues. In many places, you can see fireworks launching right next to the nearby Tokyo Skytree.
Please participate in this historic major event and enjoy the beautiful fireworks.
<Information>
- Date: July 26, 2025, 19:00
- Access: Take Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to "Asakusa" Station → 15-minute walk → - First launch venue
Take Toei Oedo Line to "Kuramae" Station → 5-minute walk → Second launch venue
- Admission: Free viewing, paid seats available
- Website: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/index.html
Tokyo Racecourse Fireworks 2025
Source:FASHION PRESS
The Tokyo Racecourse Fireworks is a fireworks festival held at the racecourse located in Fuchu. A major feature of the Tokyo Racecourse Fireworks is that you can enjoy music along with the fireworks. Each year, various music genres and artists are selected as that year's theme.
For the Tokyo Event July 2025, the theme will be "JPOP BEST." Accompanied by classic masterpieces and the latest hit songs that every Japanese person would know, 14,000 fireworks will be launched in perfect rhythm.
Last year, I went to see the fireworks when "City Pop" was the theme. The fireworks that were launched rhythmically to match the music were very expressive and impressive, and thanks to the music, there was also a very stylish atmosphere.
Of course, if you like JPOP, or if you're interested in Japanese music, please come and enjoy the summer fireworks along with the best JPOP songs.
<Information>
- Date: July 2, 2025 19:30
- Access: About 2 minutes walk from Fuchu Keiba Seimon-mae Station on the Keio Line → Tokyo Racecourse
- Admission fee: 7,700 yen and up
- Website: https://hanabitokyo.com/
Hachioji Fireworks Festival 2025
Source:FASHION PRESS
The Hachioji Fireworks Festival 2025 is a fireworks display held in Hachioji, a city located about 40 minutes from Shinjuku. It takes place at Fujimori Park in the city as an event of the "Hachioji Festival," which citizens of Hachioji look forward to every year.
The Hachioji Fireworks Festival is a major Tokyo Event July 2025 in western Tokyo, where about 4,000 fireworks are launched and 90,000 people attend. The highlight is the gorgeous "Starmine" fireworks that are launched in rapid succession.
My recommendation is to view from near the shrine in Fujimori Park. You can enjoy a fantastical scene of large blooming fireworks in the night sky with the shrine's torii gate in the foreground.
Also, you can view the large fireworks from an unobstructed angle from "Mt. Takao Beer Mount" on Mt. Takao in western Tokyo. If you're interested in suburban fireworks festivals, why not extend your trip to Hachioji?
<Information>
- Date: July 26, 2025 19:30
- Access: JR Hachioji Station South Exit → 20 minutes walk → Fujimori Park
- Admission fee: Free viewing
- Website: https://www.hkc.or.jp/fireworks/
2025 Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival
Source:FASHION PRESS
A large fireworks festival is also held in July in the Katsushika district, a downtown area of Tokyo. It takes place on the riverbank of the Edogawa River that flows through Katsushika. It has been traditionally held as an event to enjoy the coolness of the night and river during summer.
A major feature of the Katsushika Fireworks Festival is that the viewing locations are close to where the fireworks are launched. 14,000 fireworks are launched on the riverbank of the Edogawa River, and people view the fireworks from nearby embankments and levees.
When I watched from the embankment, there were really many people gathered on the embankment, creating an incredible excitement. Watching large, powerful fireworks together with many people was an experience that gave me a mysterious sense of unity and a feeling of Japanese summer.
If you want to feel the excitement characteristic of downtown Tokyo, or if you want to see beautiful fireworks up close, please join the Katsushika Fireworks Festival, which is another spectacular Tokyo Event July 2025.
<Information>
- Date: July 22, 2025 19:20~
- Access: Keisei Line: Get off at Shibamata Station → About 10 minutes walk
JR Line: Get off at Kanamachi Station → About 20 minutes walk
Hokuso Line: Get off at Shin-Shibamata Station → About 15 minutes walk → Edogawa Riverbank venue
- Admission fee: Free viewing, paid seats available
- Website: https://www.city.katsushika.lg.jp/tourism/1000064/1000065/index.html#
X: https://x.com/katsuhanabi/
Tachikawa Festival Showa Memorial Park Fireworks Display
Source:Official website
Located about 40 minutes from Shinjuku in the suburban Tokyo area of Tachikawa, a famous fireworks display takes place at the expansive natural park called Showa Memorial Park. This major Tokyo Event July 2025 attracts around 700,000 visitors and is a renowned summer festival in the surrounding area.
The highlight of the Tachikawa Festival is enjoying fireworks in a spacious environment with excellent visibility in this vast suburban Tokyo park. The venue "Minna no Harappa" in Showa Memorial Park is an expansive field of approximately 11 hectares. From this unobstructed area, you can look up at what is considered one of the largest fireworks in Tokyo with a diameter of 380 meters.
Many high-quality artistic fireworks will be launched, including rapid-fire consecutive displays and fireworks that change color mid-flight. If you want to enjoy fireworks in a relaxed manner in a spacious location, head to Tachikawa.
<Information>
- Date: July 26, 2025, 19:15~
- Access: Get off at JR Chuo Line "Tachikawa" Station → 20-minute walk → Showa Memorial Park
- Admission: Free viewing, paid seating available
- Website: https://hanabi.tokyo-tachikawa.org/
To Enjoy Summer in Tokyo, We Recommend a Private Car Tour with a Local Guide
If you want to spend a pleasant day in the severe summer heat of Tokyo, joining a tour with a private car is recommended.
This tour is an 8-hour excursion with a dedicated tour guide and private car. Meal costs and facility admission fees are included in the tour price, allowing you to comfortably visit major Tokyo spots such as Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Meiji Shrine.
The appeal of this tour is being able to fully explore the complex city of Tokyo without getting tired or struggling with transportation. In recent years, July in Tokyo has become extremely hot, making it very difficult to visit tourist spots by train and on foot.
Move efficiently in a comfortable car and focus your interest and energy on exploring attractive locations. The tour plan can be modified according to your interests. If there are specific spots you want to visit, please consult with your tour guide.
- Meeting point: Pickup available at hotels primarily in the 23 wards
- Tour area: Throughout Tokyo
- Start time: 9:00
Traditional and Japanese Cultural Events Held in Tokyo in July 2025
Here, we introduce traditional and Japanese cultural events besides fireworks that you can enjoy in Tokyo in July 2025. Particularly noteworthy are the Tanabata events held around July 7.
Tanabata is a star-themed event where it is believed that wishes come true if you write them on paper called "Tanzaku." There is also a custom of decorating with colorful Tanabata ornaments.
Shitamachi Tanabata Festival
Source:Asakusa Tourism Federation
The Shitamachi Tanabata Festival is held at Kappa Street, located between Ueno and Asakusa. During the event period, you can see traditional and gorgeous decorations for Tanabata using colorful paper and lanterns. Take note of the signs explaining Tanabata traditions and legends with pictures and English explanations.
This festival allows you to enjoy colorful Tanabata events in a retro downtown atmosphere. Various stalls and booths line the street, selling retro-style snacks, side dishes, drinks, and miscellaneous goods. Last year, I purchased sake and traditional side dishes from booths featuring specialties from various parts of Japan.
On weekends, the street becomes pedestrian-only, which is nice as you can walk without worrying about cars. You can also see Tokyo Skytree beautifully from the street.
Enjoy the festival filled with colorful Tanabata decorations and the warm atmosphere of the downtown area.
<Information>
- Date: Usually around July 4-8 (2025 dates to be determined)
- Access: 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express
5-minute walk from Iriya Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line → Kappabashi Main Street
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://shitamachi-tanabata.com/index.html
Zojoji Tanabata Festival
Source:Official website
Zojoji Temple, located right next to Tokyo Tower, also holds the traditional Tanabata Festival in July. From mid-June, a space is set up to write wishes on paper called "tanzaku." From the evening of the 7th, ceremonies and events are held to pray for the fulfillment of these wishes written on tanzaku.
The highlight of Zojoji's Tanabata festival is the washi paper candles that decorate the temple grounds on the evenings of the 6th and 7th. When I visited, the warm lights were beautiful, creating a scene like the Milky Way on earth.
Since Zojoji is close to Tokyo Tower, you can also see the large illuminated Tokyo Tower and even Tokyo Skytree.
During the period when tanzaku are displayed, the colorful paper tanzaku create a very vibrant and beautiful scene. If you're going to see Tokyo Tower, why not also visit Zojoji's Tanabata Festival?
<Information>
- Date: July 7, 2025 (Tanabata ceremony), tanzaku writing from mid-June
- Access: 10-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station on JR Line/Tokyo Monorail → Zojoji
3-minute walk from Onarimon Station or Shibakoen Station on Toei Subway Mita Line → Zojoji
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.zojoji.or.jp/event/ev_tanabata.html
Kanda Shrine Tanabata Festival
Source:Official website
The traditional Tanabata event will also be held at Kanda Shrine in the Akihabara area. During this Tokyo Event July 2025, bamboo branches will be set up in front of the shrine's main building. You can write your wishes on paper provided by the shrine, which will be displayed on the bamboo, and receive prayers for your wishes to come true starting at 4:00 PM on the 7th.
At Kanda Shrine, you can get special limited-edition Tanabata matchmaking charms from mid-June until the day of the event. According to legend, Tanabata is the one day per year when the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi can meet. Charms based on this legend that wish for romantic success are extremely popular every year.
Kanda Shrine is open for worship 24 hours a day, with lanterns lit until 11:00 PM. Visiting for worship during the Tanabata period at night is also recommended.
<Information>
- Date: July 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM (wish writing available all day)
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Chuo/Sobu Line "Ochanomizu" Station (Hijiri Bridge Exit)
7-minute walk from JR Keihin-Tohoku/Yamanote Line "Akihabara" Station (Electric Town Exit) → Kanda Shrine
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/event/detail/?id=14
Mitama Matsuri
Source:PR TIMES
Mitama Matsuri is an annual summer festival held at Yasukuni Shrine. During this Tokyo Event July 2025, the shrine will be decorated with numerous traditional lanterns, and there will be mikoshi parades and traditional dance performances. The summer festival at Yasukuni Shrine has been held to appease and commemorate those who died in past wars.
At Yasukuni Shrine's summer festival, you can enjoy famous festival events from across Japan. For example, there will be a parade of the famous Nebuta from Aomori, where you can see traditional floats carrying objects of people and animals. It's so impressive that it's sure to become a memorable part of your Tokyo trip.
You can also see the famous decorations from Sendai's Tanabata Festival and performances of Awa Odori from Tokushima, famous for its unique dance.
Bon dancing is also lively, and the inner courtyard, which is only open during this period, can be visited at night. If you're interested in Japanese summer festivals, be sure to visit the Mitama Matsuri.
<Information>
- Date: July 13-16, 2025
- Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Chuo/Sobu Line "Iidabashi" Station (West Exit) or "Ichigaya" Station → Yasukuni Shrine
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/news_detail.html?id=479
Ebisu Bon Odori Festival
Source:Official website
The Ebisu Bon Odori Festival is a very popular annual event held in Ebisu. For this Tokyo Event July 2025, a venue for Bon Odori, a traditional Japanese dance, will be set up right in front of Ebisu Station. A dance event open to everyone will be held there for four hours from evening until night.
The Ebisu Bon Odori Festival is an exciting event where you can experience Japanese traditions in the middle of the city. Bon Odori is an easy dance that anyone can participate in. Ebisu's Bon Odori is very famous, with locals and children of course, but also people from all over Tokyo coming to join in spontaneously.
The venue, where a total of 60,000 people dance together, becomes more and more lively as the night progresses, filled with the excitement similar to that of a club or festival.
Since there are also Bon Odori that mix chanson and samba, be sure to pay attention to the unique music arranged in a Japanese style.
<Information>
- Date: Usually July 25-26 (2025 dates to be determined)
- Access: Right outside JR Line/Hibiya Line "Ebisu" Station → Ebisu Station Front Venue
- Admission: Free participation
- Website: https://ebisubondance.jp/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebisubondance/
Special Events in Tokyo in July 2025
In addition to traditional events, there are notable events in July where you can enjoy Japan's summer. The Summer Festival at Ueno Park runs for an entire month, making it a must-visit during your Tokyo trip in July 2025.
Design Festa 2025
Source:PR TIMES
Design Festa is an event held at Tokyo Big Sight featuring all kinds of art and handmade works. Both professional artists and amateurs participate, with approximately 6,500 booths on display.
Design Festa accepts all genres of art, so you can encounter a wide variety of works. There are accessory booths, leather products, handcrafted goods, as well as gourmet areas, show performance areas, and live painting areas.
When I visited, I was surprised to find a darkened booth area in the marketplace. There were many interesting products for sale that utilized the darkness, such as glowing accessories.
If you enjoy handmade works and unique art, this is definitely worth checking out while attending this Tokyo event in July 2025.
<Information>
- Dates: July 5-6, 2025, 10:00 - 18:00
- Access: Tokyo Big Sight
- Admission: Same-day ticket 1000 yen
- Website: https://designfesta.com/
Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi 2025
Source:Chiyoda City
The Lantern Festival at Chidorigafuchi 2025 is an event held at the Imperial Palace moat in Chidorigafuchi. The Imperial Palace has castle ruins from over 200 years ago, with the moat still preserved. During this magical July event in Tokyo, 2,000 lanterns are floated on this historic moat at night.
At this event, you can participate in a traditional Japanese ceremony praying for peace. Floating lanterns on water such as rivers is a traditional Japanese ritual performed to express gratitude to ancestors and pray for peace.
When I went last year, the many lanterns floating on the water created a fantastical scene. I felt a warmth in my heart, as if I was praying for peace together with many others present.
If you win the lottery through the web application, you can even release a lantern with your own hands from a boat. Please participate in this Tokyo event in July 2025 and float a lantern with prayers for peace and hopes for the future.
<Information>
- Dates: July 24-25, 2024 (2025 dates TBD)
- Access: 10 min walk from Kudanshita Station Exit 2
10 min walk from Hanzomon Station Exit 5 → Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier (multiple venues available)
- Admission: Free viewing, lanterns must be purchased in advance (from 2,000 yen)
- Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/floating.lantern/
Shinjuku Eisa Festival 2025
Source:Official website
Shinjuku Eisa Festival 2025 is a performance event held in the streets of Shinjuku's entertainment district. Eisa, a traditional Okinawan dance, is performed in the streets of Shinjuku's east and west exits.
Traditional Eisa, originally a dance for ancestors, has been arranged as an entertaining performance, with various teams putting on shows.
Performances take place in what could be called Shinjuku's main streets, including in front of Kabukicho and the famous department store Isetan. During the event, streets are closed to traffic and filled with spectators.
When I went to watch, the distinctive calls of Okinawan Eisa resonated through the area, creating a fun atmosphere.
This is a summer-like event that makes Shinjuku's lively streets even more cheerful. Be sure to stop by Shinjuku during your Tokyo trip in July 2025 to watch the Eisa performed by various teams.
<Information>
- Dates: July 27, 2024, 12:00-20:00 (2025 dates TBD)
- Access: Example) Approx. 4 min walk from JR and other lines' Shinjuku Station → In front of Isetan Shinjuku Store
- Admission: Free viewing
- Website: https://www.shinjuku-eisa.com/
Ueno Summer Festival
Source:TAITO Odekake Navi
In Ueno Park, located in Taito Ward, the Ueno Summer Festival will be held. The Festival continues for one month, with various events taking place at different spots throughout the park. There will be live performances of music and comedy, events where you can wear Yukata (traditional summer clothing), and food stalls will also be set up.
During the event period in July 2025, the lotus flowers in Shinobazu Pond in the park will bloom and reach their peak. When I went last year, there were summer-like decorations such as 2,000 wind chimes adorning the bridge over the pond, which are symbols of Japanese summer.
While listening to the beautiful sound of wind chimes and looking at the lotus flowers blooming in the pond, I was able to feel refreshed, almost forgetting the heat.
In addition to retro food stalls, antique markets are also held depending on the day. Please check the schedule on the website and visit to explore the events that interest you for the Tokyo Event July 2025.
<Information>
- Schedule: Usually from around July 12 to August 12 (2025 dates not yet determined)
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from JR Ueno Station
About 7 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line Ueno Station
About 3 minutes walk from Keisei Electric Railway Keisei Ueno Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://ueno.or.jp/summerfes2024/
Bar hopping while feeling the cool evening breeze is recommended in summer Tokyo
So far, I've introduced recommended events in Tokyo for July. Besides participating in events, another recommendation for Tokyo in July 2025 is bar hopping. Here are two tours where you can enjoy drinks while feeling the cool evening breeze.
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
The Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku takes you bar hopping with a guide to a total of three bars: a retro bar in Shinjuku West Exit and two bars in Shinjuku East Exit. At these establishments, you can enjoy drinks such as beer, sour, sake, as well as food equivalent to dinner including yakitori, gyoza, and tofu dishes.
By participating in this tour, you can fully enjoy the nightlife of Shinjuku in summer. At the retro drinking district of Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho near Shinjuku West Exit, be sure to enjoy cold beer and edamame, summer staples. Light tofu dishes like chilled tofu will also help keep you cool.
After the second bar, you'll head to the famous entertainment district of Kabukicho in Shinjuku East Exit. At bars where locals gather, you can also enjoy interacting with people who become more open in the summer night.
Experience Japanese bar hopping in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's foremost entertainment districts, while feeling the summer night breeze during your visit to the Tokyo Event July 2025.
- Meeting point: In front of the black pillar next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
- Tour area: Shinjuku
- Start times: 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
The Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo is a tour where you can enjoy the nightlife of Shibuya, another famous entertainment district in Tokyo.
After meeting your guide in front of TSUTAYA at the Scramble Crossing, Shibuya's symbol, you'll head to the first bar. Then, enjoy Japanese meat dishes, beer, sake, and other drinks at the second and third establishments.
On this tour, not only can you enjoy bar hopping, but you can also enjoy exquisite dishes popular in Shibuya, such as wagyu and sushi. After the second bar, you'll head to an indoor food alley called "Meat Yokocho" where you can enjoy Japanese meat dishes including Kobe beef. Beef sushi, which allows you to savor the umami of meat, is also recommended.
Between bars, you can stroll through Shibuya at night when the daytime heat has subsided. Feel the refreshing night breeze and the vibrant atmosphere of Shibuya in summer during the Tokyo Event July 2025.
- Meeting point: Under the SHIBUYA TSUTAYA sign
- Tour area: Shibuya
- Start times: 18:00, 19:00
