Ueno in August 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
Since moving to a neighborhood adjacent to Shinjuku in 2024, I've been visiting many cities in Tokyo including Ueno almost daily to explore its appeal and discover spots I can recommend to tourists. I updated this article to incorporate my findings from this research, along with the latest information for 2025.
At the same time, food tours led by knowledgeable local guides who know Ueno inside and out have been gaining popularity, as they take visitors through Ueno's maze of izakaya establishments.
In fact, Magical Trip's tour, which ranked #1 among all tours on Tripadvisor, has been receiving numerous applications.
If you want to experience truly local-favorite izakayas in Ueno, one of Tokyo's premier drinking districts, join the "All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno." Not only will you discover hidden gems that tourists rarely find, but you'll also experience the Japanese culture of "shime" (end-of-night ritual).
For those who love retro neighborhoods, we also recommend the "Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town," which takes you through Yanaka, Ueno's neighboring district, with a local guide. It's an efficient and immersive way to enjoy this deeply traditional and historic area of Yanaka.
We hope you'll have a wonderful time experiencing everything Ueno has to offer by joining a Magical Trip tour!
Introduction
In August, Tokyo experiences hot and humid days with rising temperatures. Surrounded by strong sunlight and high humidity, the city hosts various festivals and fireworks displays that are unique to summer.
Ueno is an area where cultural spots such as museums, art galleries, and the zoo are concentrated. In August, you can enjoy the atmosphere of traditional Japanese festivals in Ueno Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Your heart will dance with excitement as you experience these festivals in the lush green environment of Ueno Park.
This article introduces the highlights of summer festivals held in and around Ueno Park. We also provide basic information, schedules, and access methods, so please use this as a reference if you're planning to visit Tokyo in August 2025.
2025 Year-round Event calendar in Ueno↓
・Ueno: List of Events & Festivals for 2025
Many Summer Events are Held in Ueno and Surrounding Areas in August
August, with its mild climate and many fine weather days, hosts numerous outdoor events at various spots in and around Ueno. There are plenty of traditional events where you can feel the atmosphere of classic Japanese summers. Please experience these special events that can only be enjoyed in Tokyo in August 2025.
Ueno Summer Festival
Source:TAITO Odekake Navi
The Ueno Summer Festival is a month-long celebration held in Ueno Park. During this period, festival stalls, food vendors, and antique markets line the park, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the atmosphere of Japanese summer festivals.
The festival features taiko drum performances, children's fireworks displays, jazz festivals, and professional wrestling tournaments. It's a festival that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults.
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- Dates: July 11 - August 12, 2025
- Access: 2-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Main Line), 5-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://ueno.or.jp/summerfes2024/
"Wind Chime Corridor" Filled with Traditional Japanese Wind Chimes
Source:PR TIMES
During the festival period, a "Wind Chime Corridor" with 2,000 wind chimes is installed on the Shinobazu Pond lotus viewing deck in Ueno Park. Wind chimes are items familiar as a symbol of Japanese summer. They are hung under eaves to enjoy the sounds created by the wind.
The cool, refreshing sound of wind chimes brings peace to your heart. You can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a tranquil moment here. The wind chimes shimmer in the sunlight during the day and transform into a magical scene when illuminated at night.
This is a photogenic spot, so it's recommended for those who want to take Instagram-worthy pictures.
Traditional Japanese Summer "Ennichi" Festival Enjoyable for Both Children and Adults
Source:PR TIMES
One of the main highlights of the Ueno Event August 2025 will be the festival where you can experience traditional Japanese atmosphere. Around Shinobazu Pond, you'll find stalls offering classic Japanese games such as ring toss, goldfish scooping, yo-yo fishing, and shooting galleries. There's also a rich variety of food stalls serving shaved ice, yakisoba, beer, and other festival delicacies.
During the day, you can enjoy the lush green scenery around Shinobazu Pond. At night, paper lanterns and lights create a magical landscape. Walking around in a yukata (summer kimono) will enhance your Japanese festival experience. Both children and adults will find their hearts dancing with joy, creating special summer memories.
"Children's Fireworks Festival" for Family Fun
The grand finale of the Ueno Event August 2025 will be the Children's Fireworks Festival held at Kan'eiji Temple Bentendo. The first 100-150 participants can join for free and enjoy handheld fireworks in a safety-conscious environment. You can also watch elaborate fireworks displays created by professional pyrotechnicians.
This event began from a desire to change the reality that children nowadays have fewer opportunities to casually enjoy fireworks like in the past. On the day of the event, members of the Ueno Fire Department will provide instructions on handling fire safely. Why not experience the delicate and beautiful Japanese fireworks up close?
Hibiya Park Bon Odori Festival
Source:Visit Chiyoda
The Hibiya Park Bon Odori Festival is one of Tokyo's largest bon dance events held in late August. About 40,000 people participate each year, forming a circle around the large fountain in Hibiya Park and dancing gracefully to the music. Students, company employees, foreign tourists, and various other people freely join the circle and step to the rhythm of the taiko drums.
Bon dancing is accessible even for first-timers. You can easily get into the rhythm by simply imitating the professional dancers in yukata, slowly moving your hands and feet.
Next to the large fountain is a spacious grassy area. After working up a sweat with bon dancing, you might want to enjoy festival foods like yakisoba and shaved ice while resting on the grass.
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- Schedule: To be determined (Held on August 25-26 in 2023, canceled in 2024)
- Access: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line/Chiyoda Line "Kasumigaseki" Station (Exit B2) immediately outside, Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line "Sakuradamon" Station (Exit 5) 5-minute walk
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.hibiyabonodori.com/
Kanda Shrine Anime Bon Odori Dance
Source:Official website
The Anime Bon Odori Dance is an event held on the first day of the three-day Kanda Myojin Noryo Festival. Participants dance in circles to popular anime music such as "Doraemon Ondo," "Ojamajo Carnival!," and "Dragon Ball" themes.
Guide dancers will support you with the dance moves, so even beginners can participate with confidence. Whether you're an anime enthusiast or hearing these songs for the first time, this festival welcomes everyone. Even just watching the enthusiastic anime fans enjoying themselves can be entertaining.
The festival features popular food stalls from across Japan. Enjoy delicious meat dishes and seafood while participating in the lively Bon dance celebration.
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- Date: To be determined (In 2024, it was held on August 9)
- Access: 5-minute walk from JR Chuo/Sobu Line "Ochanomizu Station (Hijiri Bridge Exit)" or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line "Ochanomizu Station (Exit 1)"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.nouryo-matsuri.com/pages/6314608/page_202208061239
Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Dance
Source:Official website
The Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Dance is a large-scale Bon dance event held at Hamacho Park in late August. A two-story yagura (tower) is erected at the center of the venue, beautifully decorated with orange lanterns.
Participants wearing colorful Japanese-patterned yukata dance in circles to the rhythm of Bon dance music and taiko drums. The sight of multiple circles of dancers is truly impressive.
The venue features food stalls offering everything from cotton candy, yakisoba, and meat buns to alcoholic beverages like beer and wine—enjoyable for both children and adults. There are also shooting galleries and game corners for children. A spacious stroller parking area is available, making it accessible for families with small children.
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- Date: To be determined (In 2024, it was held on August 23-24)
- Access: 2-minute walk from Toei Shinjuku Line "Hamacho Station," 8-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line "Ningyocho Station," 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line "Suitengumae Station"
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.city.chuo.lg.jp/a0013/bunkakankou/kankoujouhou/event/ooedomaturi.html
When visiting Ueno in August 2025, enjoy bar hopping with locals in the evening breeze
This tour allows you to visit izakayas (Japanese pubs) and ramen shops popular with locals, enjoying drinks while interacting with Japanese people. Visit a total of three establishments and experience Ueno's vibrant food stall scenery and izakaya cuisine.
At the first two establishments, you can experience the "nomihoudai" (all-you-can-drink) system, where you can order as many alcoholic beverages as you like within a time limit. Enjoy conversations while savoring the perfect pairing of drinks and food.
My recommendation is the third establishment. After enjoying the izakayas, you can experience the unique Japanese culture of finishing the night at a ramen shop or a standing bar for a light drink. Reviews include comments like "All three izakayas had different atmospheres and cuisine, and everything was delicious."
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- Meeting point: In front of the Ueno Object near the Ueno Station Hirokoji Exit
- Tour area: Ueno food stall alleys (2 bars), standing bars or ramen shops
- Start time: 18:00
Traditional and Cultural Events You Must Experience When Visiting Tokyo in August
Traditional summer events are held throughout Tokyo in August. Enjoy the quintessential Japanese summer atmosphere by wearing a yukata to events and savoring street food from vendors. You'll be moved by the captivating ambiance of resonating taiko drums and the beauty of fireworks displays.
Shibuya Bon Dance Festival
Source:Shibuya Bunka Project
The Shibuya Bon Dance Festival is a traditional bon dance held in early August with the theme of "creating a place for interaction between Shibuya residents and visitors." The sight of people of all nationalities and ages gathering around the yagura (wooden scaffold) erected in front of Shibuya 109 and gracefully dancing the bon dance is truly impressive.
In front of Shibuya 109, where people usually can't stop walking, you can experience this special event where Japanese traditional culture fuses with Shibuya's free-spirited atmosphere.
Festival stalls and food trucks are also present, making it an ideal event for families to enjoy. It will surely be a special moment that can only be experienced in Shibuya during summer.
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- Date: TBD (In 2024, it was held on August 3)
- Access: Take the Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Toyoko Line, Den-en-toshi Line, Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, Fukutoshin Line, or Keio Railway to "Shibuya Station," immediately accessible from Exit A5a
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://shibuyadogenzaka.com/?page_id=3981
Tsukiji Honganji Bon Dance Festival
Source:PR TIMES
The Tsukiji Honganji Bon Dance Festival is a summer event held around early August at the atmospheric Tsukiji Honganji Temple. The spacious temple grounds feature a bon dance area and stalls from famous shops in the Tsukiji Outer Market.
This festival is famous for enjoying bon dancing and fine dining. Every year, about 70,000 people visit to enjoy Tsukiji's atmospheric townscape, bon dancing, and famous dishes including sushi and fish cuisine. At night, lanterns are lit, creating a mystical atmosphere. A summer moment spent at this historic temple will surely become a special memory.
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- Date: TBD (In 2024, it was held from July 31 to August 3)
- Access: Directly connected to Exit 1 of "Tsukiji Station" on the Hibiya Line; about 5 minutes walk from Exit 4 of "Shintomicho Station" on the Yurakucho Line; about 5 minutes walk from Exit 5 of "Higashi-Ginza Station" on the Asakusa Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://tsukijihongwanji.jp/
Kōtō Fireworks Festival
Source:Official website
On August 11, 2025, the Kōtō Fireworks Festival will be held at Arakawa-Sunamachi Waterfront Park in Koto Ward, Tokyo. About 6,000 fireworks will be launched into the night sky over 50 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the exciting atmosphere of this fireworks festival.
The launch site and the main venue, Arakawa-Sunamachi Waterfront Park, are only 150m apart. The beautiful array of fireworks filling your entire view will bring you great excitement. My recommendation is to view the fireworks from a yakatabune (houseboat) or cruise. Why not spend a summer night experiencing the downtown atmosphere of Japan?
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- Date: August 11, 2025
- Access: 15-minute walk from "Minamisuna Station" on the Tozai Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://koto-hanabi.com/
Edogawa Fireworks Festival
Source:TOKYO Ichioshi Navi
The Edogawa Fireworks Festival is a large-scale fireworks display held at the Edogawa riverbed in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo. In the opening, 1,000 fireworks are launched in the first 5 seconds, with a total of 14,000 fireworks throughout the event. 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of this memorable festival.
There will also be an attempt to break the Guinness World Record with the height of "Fuji's big trick," which expresses Japan's symbol, Mount Fuji, in fireworks.
This fireworks festival has been handled by "Kagiya," a fireworks company with over 360 years of history, since the first event. You will be moved by the craftsmen's high technical skills and the colorful fireworks presentation.
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- Date: August 2, 2025
- Access: 15-minute walk from "Shinozaki Station" on the Shinjuku Line; 25-minute walk from "Koiwa Station" on the JR Sobu Line; 25-minute walk from "Edogawa Station" on the Keisei Line
- Admission: Some paid seating available
- Website: https://www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp/hanabi/
Harajuku Omotesando Genki Festival Super Yosakoi
Source:Official website
The Harajuku Omotesando Genki Festival Super Yosakoi is a Yosakoi festival held at several venues including Meiji Shrine, Harajuku Omotesando, and Yoyogi Park. Yosakoi is a dance that originated in Kochi Prefecture. Dancers hold wooden instruments called "Naruko" in both hands that make sounds, and dance to music based on folk songs.
In this festival, about 100 teams from all over the country gather to showcase their Yosakoi dances wearing unique and colorful costumes. You will be captivated by the upbeat music, powerful dancing, and loud chants. Why not experience the vibrant world of Yosakoi in the middle of the city? If you're planning to visit Tokyo in August 2025, this is a must-see event along with other cultural celebrations in the Ueno area during the same month.
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- Dates: August 23-24, 2025
- Access: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Chiyoda Line, Hanzomon Line "Omotesando Station" (2 minutes walk from Exit A2), Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Fukutoshin Line "Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) Station" (3 minutes walk from Exit 5), JR Yamanote Line "Harajuku Station" (7 minutes walk from Omotesando Exit)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.super-yosakoi.tokyo/
For Enjoying Summer in Tokyo, It's Recommended to Have a Local Guide Show You Around in a Comfortable Private Car
On this tour, an English-speaking guide will show you around Tokyo's main spots. A private car will pick you up at your hotel, so there's no stress with transportation. You can efficiently visit historical areas like Meiji Shrine and Asakusa, as well as modern spots like Shibuya and Tokyo Tower.
The biggest advantage is being able to move around without using Tokyo's crowded public transportation. This tour is recommended for those with small children or limited time for sightseeing. For travelers interested in cultural experiences, guides can provide information about the upcoming Ueno Event in August 2025, which showcases traditional Japanese performing arts.
Reviews include highly rated comments such as "At first I was overwhelmed by the vast Tokyo, but thanks to the local guide and private car, I was able to spend my time very relaxed."
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- Meeting point: Your hotel or designated meeting place
- Tour area: Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji, Asakusa or Akihabara, Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- Start time: 9:00