Ueno in June 2026: Best Events, Festivals, Food Fairs & Things to Do
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 in January 2026 to incorporate my findings from this research, along with the latest information for 2026.
Another reason for updating the article is the growing interest in tours that allow visitors to safely and deeply experience Ueno's nightlife. With countless izakaya (Japanese pubs) packed into Ueno, tourists visiting for the first time find it extremely difficult to discover the truly excellent spots beloved by locals.
This is why 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
Ueno and its surroundings offer many large parks and temples, allowing visitors to enjoy nature-rich scenery. Although June in Japan is typically a rainy season, on clear days you can feel the pleasant early summer breeze. Ueno has many indoor tourist attractions such as art galleries and museums, so you don't need to worry about rain.
The bustling Ameyoko Shopping Street and casual yet delicious restaurants let you experience the friendly downtown atmosphere unique to this area.
Another attractive point is the proximity to tourist-favorite "Asakusa" and the retro neighborhood "Yanaka."
We've selected events around the Ueno area happening in June 2026. You'll find a variety of events including traditional festivals and food fests. We'll also introduce events in Asakusa and Yanaka, so be sure to check them out!
2026 Year-round Event calendar in Ueno↓
・Ueno: List of Events & Festivals for 2026
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Special Experiences Only in Ueno in June 2026
Philippine Expo 2026 in Tokyo
Source:Official website
The Philippine Expo is an event that has been held since 2018 to promote international friendship between Japan and the Philippines. It takes place in Ueno Park on the weekend closest to June 12th, which celebrates Philippines Independence Day.
Numerous stalls offering Philippine home cooking and famous dishes create an atmosphere like walking through a local Philippine street. My recommendation is the traditional dish "Kare-Kare," vegetables and meat simmered in peanut butter sauce. The mellow sweetness and richness of the peanuts create an addictive flavor. Please try it with Philippine beer.
Why not visit this event where you can enjoy the feeling of a Philippine vacation while still in Japan?
<Information>
- Dates: Early June 2026
- Access: 2-minute walk from Ueno Station (JR Lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza/Hibiya Lines)
- Admission: Free (Tickets required for music stage)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philippine_expo/
Lively Asakusa Hydrangea Festival
Source:Official website
The "Ikiiki Asakusa Hydrangea Festival" is where you can enjoy beautiful hydrangeas. The vividly blooming hydrangea flowers are a symbol of early Japanese summer.
This event, where you can view about 100 varieties of hydrangeas, is also called "Japan's Best Hydrangea Encyclopedia," offering colorful hydrangeas unique to this season.
Another highlight is experiencing various health methods passed down from the Edo period:
- "Medicinal Cucumber Soup" - cucumbers cooked in dashi broth
- "Houroku-kyu" - placing a flat earthenware pot with moxa and charm on your head
- "Amacha-ko" - bathing in incense smoke with sweet tea leaves kneaded in to pray for health
The Amacha-ko offers a faint sweet fragrance that helps relax your mind.
Hydrangeas glistening with rain are a June-only delight for the Ueno Event audience in June 2026. Don't miss it!
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- Dates: June 14-15, 2026
- Access: 8-minute walk from Iriya Station (Hibiya Line) or 8-minute walk from - Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express) to Chokoku-Ji
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.otorisama.jp/ikiiki-ajisai/infomation/
Taiwan Festival™ TOKYO 2026
Source:Official website
"Taiwan Festival" is a popular event aimed at promoting food cultural exchange between Japan and Taiwan. Various stalls featuring Taiwanese street food, home cooking, and desserts lineup, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Taiwanese cuisine.
My recommended booth is the Taiwanese-style beer garden. The traditional Taiwanese banquet style with round tables covered with tablecloths will heighten your mood. My favorite is beer made with famous Taiwanese fruits like mango and lychee.
The fluffy steamed buns and skewered squid balls are also recommended for eating while walking around.
When I visited last year, I enjoyed the "Taiwanese Breakfast Set" which was limited to 100 servings starting from 9 AM. If you wake up early and head out, something good might happen to you!
Don't miss this exciting Ueno event in June 2026 where you can experience authentic Taiwanese culture right in Tokyo!
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- Dates: June 25–28, 2026
- Access: 2-minute walk from JR lines/Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line "Ueno Station"
- Admission: ¥600 (includes reusable cup)
- Website: https://taiwanfes.org/
Downtown Highball Festival
Source:Official website
If you want to casually enjoy alcohol outdoors, why not visit the "Shitamachi Highball Festival"? Each store offers highballs (Whiskey & Soda) made with their original recipes, as well as beer, sake, and shochu-based drinks.
My favorite is the "Habanero Highball." The spicy taste with a whole habanero has a refreshing aftertaste that pairs perfectly with food.
There's also a wide lineup of izakaya staples that go well with any alcohol, such as beef tongue, grilled squid, fried chicken, and dumplings. Cheeseburgers and steaks are also available as a nice change from Japanese food.
Fully enjoy alcohol and gourmet food in early summer Tokyo while also enjoying stage events like DJ performances and Bon dance!
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Dates: Late June 2026
Access: 2-minute walk from JR lines/Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Hibiya Line "Ueno Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://shitamachi-highball.com/top/
5 Recommended Events in the Ueno Area in June 2026
Torigoe Festival
Source:Go Tokyo
"Torigoe Festival" is an annual festival held every June at Torigoe Jinja, which has over 1,370 years of history. About 250 stalls line up around the shrine, selling festival staple foods and traditional toys.
The parade of portable shrines held on the final day is the biggest highlight of this festival. About 200 people carry the "Sengan Mikoshi," which is said to be the heaviest in Tokyo at about 4 tons, and parade around the area.
When it gets dark, lantern lights beautifully illuminate the streets, beginning the time called "Torigoe Night Festival." Lanterns decorating the portable shrines are also lit, and the festival reaches its peak excitement.
If you want to experience the atmosphere of a Japanese festival full of excitement and power, please do visit!
<Information>
Dates: Early June 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Toei Asakusa Line "Kuramae Station" / 8-minute walk from JR Sobu Line "Asakusabashi Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/event/kanko/torikoematsuri.html
Torigoe Shrine Official X: https://x.com/torikoejinjya?mx=2
Nagoshi no Harae (Summer Purification Rites)
Nagoshi no Harae is a traditional Japanese Shinto ritual held every year on June 30 at shrines across the country. It is a ceremony to purify the sins and impurities accumulated during the first half of the year and to pray for good health and safety in the remaining six months.
During this ritual, it is customary to pass through a large ring of grass called a "Chinowa" installed on the shrine grounds in a prescribed order, cleansing oneself of impurities. Some shrines also maintain the tradition of writing one's name and age on a human-shaped paper doll, which is then offered as a substitute for oneself to ward off misfortune.
Below, we introduce in detail the shrines in the Ueno area where you can experience Nagoshi no Harae — one of the most meaningful Ueno Event June 2026 has to offer.
Asakusa Shrine
Source:Official website
Asakusa Shrine is a historic shrine located adjacent to Senso-ji, a popular sightseeing spot among foreign tourists. It is the guardian shrine of Asakusa, and is well known for hosting Sanja Matsuri, one of Tokyo's largest festivals, which draws approximately 1.8 million visitors over three days each year in mid-May.
At this shrine's Nagoshi no Harae, visitors pass through the Chinowa installed on the shrine grounds and write their name and age on a human-shaped paper doll to ward off misfortune. Before submitting the paper doll, you are encouraged to rub the paper over any part of your body that feels unwell, then blow on it three times to transfer your sins and impurities to the paper, praying for good health during the remaining half of the year.
At Asakusa Shrine, you can also apply in advance to attend the Shinto ritual held inside the main hall. We encourage you to experience this traditional shrine ceremony alongside a visit to the popular sightseeing destination of Senso-ji.
<Information>
Date: June 30, 2026
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 7-minute walk from "Asakusa Station" (Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, or Tobu Railway)
Admission: Free (fees apply for the paper doll offering and attendance at the ritual ceremony)
Website: https://asakusajinja.jp/asakusajinja/yearly/
Onoterusaki Shrine
Source:Official website
Onoterusaki Shrine has stood in its current location for over 400 years and enshrines deities of the performing arts, work, and academic study. At this shrine's Nagoshi no Harae, in addition to the purification rituals using the Chinowa and human-shaped paper dolls, all participants recite traditional words of dedication together directed to the deities.
On June 30, this shrine also holds the Yama-biraki (mountain opening) ceremony for the small Mt. Fuji on the shrine grounds, known as "Shitaya Sakamoto Fuji." For the Japanese, Mt. Fuji has long been an object of religious reverence, and it is believed that climbing this miniature mountain built from Mt. Fuji's lava grants the same divine blessings as climbing the real peak.
At Onoterusaki Shrine, we encourage you to not only experience Nagoshi no Harae but also take part in the special ceremony of climbing the miniature Mt. Fuji, and feel firsthand the spiritual devotion deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
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Date: June 30, 2026
Address: 2-13-14 Shitaya, Taito, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 3-minute walk from Exit 4 of "Iriya Station" (Tokyo Metro)
Admission: Free
Website: https://onoteru.or.jp/
Yasaki Inari Shrine
Source:TAITO Odekake Navi
Founded in 1642, Yasaki Inari Shrine is a shrine nestled in a quiet neighborhood set slightly apart from the lively heart of Asakusa. The ceiling of the worship hall is adorned with 100 ceiling paintings depicting the history of horses, and despite its compact grounds, visitors can encounter valuable cultural heritage and learn about the history of horse riding in Japan.
At this shrine's Nagoshi no Harae, visitors can experience the ritual of passing through the Chinowa installed on the grounds and transferring impurities onto a human-shaped paper doll. With few tourists and a tranquil atmosphere, this shrine is ideal for those who wish to quietly reflect on themselves and experience this season's traditional ceremonies in a peaceful setting.
Yasaki Inari Shrine is just a 5-minute walk from Kappabashi Dougu Street, famous for its cookware and food sample shops, making it easy to combine a visit with shopping for uniquely Japanese souvenirs.
<Information>
Date: June 30, 2026
Address: 2-14-1 Matsugaya, Taito, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 7-minute walk from "Tawaramachi Station" (Tokyo Metro)
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.asakusa7.jp/yasaki.html?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnNCrp_c4ONLzzo3oSiNB211lwdgZ-VGtWBYQq3n2TfgDi3rxgkYe0R8lffE4_aem_f6sdVexOdPQ7OEtYqrGVqQ
Suga Shrine
Source:Tripadvisor
Located in the Asakusabashi area, Suga Shrine is a shrine of distinguished history said to have been founded over 1,400 years ago. It has long been cherished by local residents as a shrine believed to bring blessings for prosperity of the household and the warding off of pestilence and disease.
At this shrine's Nagoshi no Harae as well, visitors pass through the Chinowa to purify impurities and pray for good health in the remaining half of the year. The proper way to pass through the Chinowa is to go through it three times in a figure-eight motion — counterclockwise, clockwise, then counterclockwise again. Be sure to give it a try.
While Suga Shrine is situated in a quiet area that retains the old-fashioned atmosphere of Tokyo, it is also highly accessible, located just a 3-minute walk from JR "Asakusabashi Station." Why not stroll through the peaceful residential streets, experience the everyday life of Japan, and take part in the ceremonies of this historic shrine?
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Date: June 30, 2026
Address: 2-29-16 Asakusabashi, Taito, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 3-minute walk from JR "Asakusabashi Station"
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.tokyo-jinjacho.or.jp/taito/3226
Asakusa Shrine Natsumoude
Source:Official website
The Natsumoude at Asakusa Shrine is held from July 1st to 7th. While New Year's is celebrated with Hatsumoude (first shrine visit), Natsumoude is a visit to mark the milestone after half the year has passed. This event originated at Asakusa Shrine and aims to spread as a new Japanese custom.
The charm of this event is that you can enjoy both traditional religious ceremonies and Bon dances, as well as modern activities like yukata contests and wind chime decorations.
My recommendation is the stage performance by the "Asakusa Children's Kabuki Association" presented on the final day. You can enjoy cute songs and dances by small children, as well as authentic kabuki performances by elementary school students and older.
Please come and enjoy Natsumoude, where you can experience Japanese traditional culture in a fun way!
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Schedule: Late June – Early July 2026
Access: 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Toei Subway Asakusa Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://natsumoude.jp
Yanaka Ginza Bikkuri Market
Source:Official website
Yanaka Ginza, a short distance from Ueno, is a traditional shopping street that preserves a retro charm. It has become popular for spots where you can see beautiful sunsets.
The "Bikkuri Market" held four times a year (February, June, November, December) in Yanaka Ginza is a time sale that lasts only one hour in the evening. "Bikkuri" means "Surprise" in Japanese, and it got this name because the prices are surprisingly cheap.
Many locals come to purchase side dishes and bento boxes for their dinner that day, and popular shops have long lines. The lively atmosphere unique to the evening shopping street offers an experience of blending into the daily lives of Japanese people. Since it ends in the blink of an eye, please enjoy it to the fullest!
The Bikkuri Market attracts a diverse audience of both locals and tourists, especially those planning to visit Japan in June 2026 for various Ueno events. Many travelers find this unique shopping experience a perfect complement to their itinerary.
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Date: February, June, November, and December 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from JR "Nippori Station" / 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line "Sendagi Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.yanakaginza.com/
Must-See Art Events at Ueno Event June 2026
Čiurlionis Exhibition
Source:Official website
"M. K. Čiurlionis: The Inner Constellation" is a special exhibition celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of M. K. Čiurlionis, a leading Lithuanian painter and composer. This is the first retrospective held in Japan in 34 years, bringing together approximately 80 of his major paintings and graphic works.
What I personally recommend about this exhibition is the rare opportunity to view works that are seldom seen, including "Rex (King)," which will be shown in Japan for the very first time — all without leaving the country. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of M. K. Čiurlionis, whose musical sensibility as a composer is expressed through soft colors and gentle brushwork.
The venue, the National Museum of Western Art, is surrounded by cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo and Ueno Zoological Gardens, so be sure to visit them together and make the most of your cultural experience in Japan.
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Date: March 28 – June 14, 2026
Address: 7-7 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 1 minute from JR Ueno Station (Park Gate exit)
Admission: General ¥2,200 / University students ¥1,300 / High school students ¥1,000 (Free for junior high school students and younger)
Website: https://2026ciurlionis.nmwa.go.jp/
Andrew Wyeth Exhibition
Source:Official website
"ANDREW WYETH — Boundaries or Windows" is the first retrospective held in Japan since the death of Andrew Wyeth, one of the most prominent American figurative painters of the 20th century. His works have been exhibited in Japan in 1974, 1995, and 2008–2009, and he continues to enjoy particularly strong popularity in the country.
This exhibition brings together masterpieces from museums across the United States, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, with more than 10 works being shown in Japan for the first time. Under the theme "Boundaries or Windows," visitors can explore the spiritual world that Andrew Wyeth depicted through his recurring motifs of windows, doors, and other boundaries.
Another reason I recommend this exhibition is its convenient scheduling — since it runs through July 5, it is easy to plan a visit during June for anyone coming to Ueno Event June 2026. Don't miss the chance to experience the world of "Boundaries or Windows" by Andrew Wyeth, an artist who has long been cherished in Japan.
<Information>
Date: April 28 – July 5, 2026
Address: 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 7 minutes from JR Ueno Station (Park Gate exit)
Admission: General ¥2,300 / University and vocational school students ¥1,300 / Ages 65 and over ¥1,600 (Free for visitors 18 years old and under)
Website: https://wyeth2026.jp/
Super Dangerous Creatures: The Science Behind Ultimate Survival Skills
Source:Official website
"Super Dangerous Creatures: The Science Behind Ultimate Survival Skills" is an exhibition that scientifically unravels the "ultimate techniques" that living creatures on Earth have developed to survive the competition for existence.
This special exhibition takes visitors through 8 labs to explore extraordinary abilities that are far beyond human reach — such as a tiger's fangs, a snake's deadly venom, and the electric eel's ability to control electricity. Through a wide variety of exhibits including rare specimens, detailed CGI, powerful video footage, and models, visitors of all ages — from children to adults — can enjoy the experience together.
Visual displays such as specimens explaining the electric eel's power-generating mechanism and models illustrating the risk of infectious diseases spread by blood-sucking organisms are designed so that even foreign visitors who don't understand Japanese can enjoy them without relying on language.
The venue, the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, also features extensive permanent exhibitions. Since it is an indoor facility, feel free to enjoy a full day there alongside the special exhibition without worrying about the weather.
<Information>
Date: March 14 – June 14, 2026
Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 5 minutes from JR Ueno Station (Park Gate exit)
Admission: General / University students ¥2,300 / Elementary, junior high, and high school students ¥600 (Free for preschool children)
Website: https://chokikenseibutsuten.jp/
After fully enjoying Ueno events during the day in June 2026, enjoy bar hopping at night with a local guide!
There are many restaurants around Ueno where you can enjoy inexpensive and delicious drinks and meals. However, with so many varieties, it's hard to know which one to choose, isn't it? For such people, a tour with a local guide is recommended.
"All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour In Ueno" is a tour where guides who know Ueno inside out will take you to hidden izakaya.
Highlights of this tour:
- Bar-hopping experience visiting 3 uniquely Japanese izakayas
- Enjoy popular izakaya menu items such as yakitori and kushikatsu
- Feel at ease even with unfamiliar Japanese food as the guide will explain everything
- Wide variety of menu items to accommodate personal food preferences and allergies
- Participation possible without bringing anything as food and drink costs are included in the tour feeThe appeal of this tour is that you can go to local izakayas that tourists don't know about. If you want to enjoy casual Japanese izakaya culture like a Japanese person, please join!
Meeting point: Ueno Station
Tour area: Around Ueno (3 Izakaya bars)
Start time: 18:00
