Yanaka Event June 2026: Complete Guide to Bikkuri-ichi, Torigoe Matsuri & Best Festivals in Asakusa and Ueno
Since moving to a neighborhood Shibuya in 2024, I've been visiting many cities in Tokyo including Yanaka Ginza everyday to explore its appeal and discovered 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 enjoy sightseeing spots and Japanese traditional culture. As these tours gain popularity, Magical Trip's tour, which ranked #1 among all tours on Tripadvisor, has been receiving numerous applications.
If you want to experience the retro atmosphere and authentic Japanese charm of Yanaka Ginza, join the "Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town." A local guide will show you the most recommended spots in the Yanaka area, where historical sites are scattered throughout.
For those who love retro neighborhoods, we also recommend these two tours. Both can be enjoyed in the towns adjacent to Yanaka, and you can fully experience their charm simply by following guides who know these streets inside and out.
・Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
・All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
We hope you'll have a wonderful time experiencing everything retro towns have to offer by joining a Magical Trip tour!
Introduction
Yanaka Ginza, a shopping street located in Tokyo's Taito Ward, is a charming commercial district filled with a traditional, simple atmosphere. While June in Yanaka brings frequent rain during the rainy season, the warm climate allows for numerous events to take place.
Yanaka Ginza, which retains the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese downtown, is popular among international tourists for its many gourmet spots and cafes perfect for food walks. In this article, we'll introduce the highlights, basic information, event schedules, and access to venues.
Additionally, we'll introduce events held in the retro neighborhoods of "Asakusa" and "Ueno" around Yanaka Ginza, so please use this as a reference.
2026 Year-round Event Schedule in Yanaka↓
・Yanaka: List of Events & Festivals for 2026
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Special June 2026 Experiences Around Yanaka Ginza
Yanaka Ginza Bikkuri-ichi (Surprise Market)
Source:Official website
Yanaka Ginza regularly holds an event called Bikkuri-ichi. With nearly 80 years of history, this discount sale event occurs four times a year and runs for just one hour from 4 PM to 5 PM.
On Bikkuri-ichi days, at 4 PM, a bell rings throughout Yanaka Ginza announcing the start of the event. During Bikkuri-ichi, stores in Yanaka Ginza simultaneously display special bargain items, allowing shopping at prices lower than usual.
The event draws large crowds seeking deals. Since participating stores are predetermined, check the notice board at the Yanaka Ginza entrance to confirm participating shops.
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Date: June 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from JR and Keisei Nippori Station / 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Sendagi Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.yanakaginza.com/
The neighborhoods around Yanaka offer a wealth of traditional events to enjoy in June 2026
The area around Yanaka, including Ueno and Asakusa, is known as "Shitamachi" — a district where history and tradition are very much alive. From shrines and temples with over 1,000 years of history to shopping streets that have retained their postwar charm, this neighborhood offers a truly nostalgic atmosphere.
Within shrine grounds, you can enjoy not only grand festivals and traditional ceremonies, but also marché markets where people gather and connect, giving you a real sense of the warmhearted spirit unique to Shitamachi.
June is a wonderful time for Yanaka events, with many traditional celebrations taking place at shrines throughout the area. While it is a season of high humidity and frequent rain, the rain lends a beautiful quality to the shrine grounds and streetscapes. Enjoying kakigori (shaved ice) as people dressed in yukata pass by will surely become a special memory.
Special June 2026 Experiences Around Asakusa
Torigoe Festival
Source:Go Tokyo
The Torigoe Matsuri, held every June in Tokyo's Taito-ku, is a festival of Torigoe Shrine. This traditional festival boasts about 1,400 years of history. During the final day of the four-day festival, the Sengan-Mikoshi, weighing approximately 4 tons, parades through the streets.
A Mikoshi is considered a divine vehicle that brings good fortune and wards off evil as it travels through the neighborhood during festivals. The excitement peaks at night, creating a magical atmosphere as numerous lanterns are lit, which is a must-see.
During the festival period, about 250 food stalls line the area around Torigoe Shrine. The intense festivities continue from 6 AM to 9 PM, so if you want to witness the power and energy of a Japanese festival firsthand, this is a must-visit event.
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Date: Early June 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Kuramae Station on Toei Subway / 8-minute walk from JR Asakusabashi Station
Admission: Free
Eve Festival (Summer Purification)
Source:Official website
Every July, Asakusa Shrine in Asakusa holds a festival called Natsumoude. The Nagoshinoharae serves as the eve festival for Natsumoude and is an important ritual that announces the beginning of Natsumoude, which is held over one week.
At this festival, people pray to the gods to rid themselves of any negative influences that have affected their hearts and bodies during the first half of the year (from January 1st) and to spend the remaining half of the year in a positive way. While participation requires a reservation, online participation is also available, so you don't need to physically visit Asakusa Shrine to take part.
Participation requires an offering fee of 500 yen to the shrine. If you want to spend the second half of the year energetically, why not participate in Nagoshinoharae?
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Date: June 30, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line
Admission: 500 yen (participation fee)
Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/
Nagoshi-no-harae is held at many shrines in and around Yanaka and Asakusa
Nagoshi-no-harae is a ritual held on June 30th to mark the halfway point of the year. Visitors come to the shrine to purify themselves of the misfortunes accumulated over the past six months and to pray for safety and good health in the months ahead.
The Kaya-no-wa is a large ring woven from a grass called "Kaya (thatching grass)" and serves as the symbol of Nagoshi-no-harae. It is said that passing through the ring three times in a figure-eight pattern wards off evil and brings blessings such as good health and protection from illness.
Kaya-no-wa rings are set up and rituals are performed at shrines in Yanaka and Asakusa as well. Onoterusaki Shrine is a calm and serene shrine located close to Yanaka. Palm-sized Kaya-no-wa rings that you can display at home, as well as limited-edition Goshuin (shrine's calligraphy), are available for purchase, allowing you to bring home a truly special memento.
Other shrines where Nagoshi-no-harae events take place are introduced below, so be sure to stop by if you happen to be in the area.
Torigoe Shrine
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Date: June 30, 2026
Address: 2-4-1 Torigoe, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 min walk from Kuramae Station (Toei Subway)/8 min walk from Asakusabashi Station (JR Line)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/torikoej/
Sakaki Shrine
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Date: June 30, 2026
Address: 1-4-3 Kuramae, Taito City, Tokyo
Access: 5 min walk from Asakusabashi Station (JR Line)/ 3 min walk from Kuramae Station (Toei Asakusa Line)
Onoterusaki Shrine
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Date: June 30, 2026
Address: 2-13-14 Shitaya, Taito City, Tokyo
Access: 3 min walk from Iriya Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)/7 min walk from Uguisudani Station (JR Yamanote Line)
Website: https://onoteru.or.jp/
Yasaki Inari Shrine
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Date: June 30, 2026
Address: 2-14-1 Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo
Access: 7 min walk from Tawaramachi Station or Inaricho Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
Website: http://www.asakusa7.jp/yasaki.html
Suga Shrine
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Date: June 30, 2026
Address: 2-29-16 Asakusabashi, Taito City, Tokyo
Access: 3 min walk from Asakusabashi Station (JR Sobu Line, Toei Asakusa Line)
Website: None
Don't Miss the "Asakusa Shrine Summer Visit" Starting July 1st!
Source:Official website
Asakusa Shrine will host the grand festival Natsumoude from June 30th. Natsumoude is a festival held to pray for continued peace and safety for the remaining half of the year, after safely passing the first six months from the year's beginning on January 1st.
Natsumoude is a week-long festival from June 30th featuring traditional rituals and a Temple Fair, with the shrine beautifully illuminated at night. The stage will also host numerous events, including Garaku (traditional entertainment) and ancient Japanese Dance performances.
During Natsumoude, a Thatch ring will be installed at the shrine. It's considered good luck to pass through it, so please try it when you visit the festival.
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Date: June 30 - July 7, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Toei Asakusa Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/
Ofujisan Plant Market
Source:TAITO Odekake Navi
The Ofujisan-no-Uekiichi is a summer tradition at Sengen Shrine in Asakusa, held in late May and June every year. During this event, many plant vendors gather at Sengen Shrine to sell beautiful flowers.
The festival period coincides with the beginning of Japan's rainy season, known as tsuyu.
The flowers and plants purchased at this event are famous for flourishing beautifully after purchase. Plants are sold on Yanagi Street near Sengen Shrine, which becomes a pedestrian-only road during the festival days.
Ofujisan-no-Uekiichi is the perfect event for those seeking healing through beautiful flowers. Since the venue, Sengen Shrine, is close to Sensoji, we recommend combining it with your Asakusa sightseeing tour.
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Date: May 30–31 and June 27–28, 2026
Access: 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station on Tokyo Metro and Tobu Isesaki Line / 13-minute walk from Asakusa Station on Toei Asakusa Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/sengenjinja/
Lively Hydrangea Festival
Source:Official website
Every June, Chokokuji Temple in Asakusa holds the Ikiiki-ajisai (Lively Hydrangea) Festival. In Japan, hydrangeas bloom abundantly during the rainy season in June, making hydrangea viewing events a popular tradition across the country.
At the Ikiiki-ajisai Festival, visitors can learn about hydrangeas through sales of colorful varieties and exhibitions of rare specimens. The event also features opportunities to taste cucumber soup, which helps prevent summer fatigue, and experience moxibustion therapy.
During the festival period, the temple grounds are filled with vibrant hydrangeas, offering visitors a peaceful and therapeutic experience.
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Dates: June 20–21, 2026
Access: 8-minute walk from Minowa Station or Iriya Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.otorisama.jp/ikiiki-ajisai/
Just a short trip from Yanaka! June 2026 events at Ueno Park — a green oasis in the heart of the city
Surrounded by lush trees and lotus ponds, Ueno Park is a beloved retreat for Tokyo residents. While many visitors come simply to enjoy a walk or a picnic, the park also regularly hosts events where you can savor great food and culture.
June is the kind of season that makes you crave Asian ethnic cuisine, cold beer, and highballs — and Ueno Park offers events perfectly suited to that mood.
Events are held in the evening as well. Since the park is within walking distance from Yanaka, why not stroll through the streets and the park and make a visit part of your day?
Taiwan Festival™ TOKYO 2026
Source:Official website
Taiwan Festival™ TOKYO 2026, held annually in June at Ueno Park, is Japan's largest Taiwan cultural exchange event. Launched in 2014, this festival focuses on cultural exchange through food between Japan and Taiwan, attracting over 1 million visitors annually.
The venue features numerous food stalls offering Taiwanese specialties, making it a flagship event of Ueno Park. A special stage hosts traditional Taiwanese performing arts and entertainment, creating an exciting atmosphere.
Beyond food and drinks, visitors can explore booths showcasing Taiwanese culture and history. As it tends to get crowded, I recommend arriving early to enjoy the experience at a leisurely pace.
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Dates: June 25–28, 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://taiwanfes.org/
Shitamachi Highball Festival
Source:Official website
The Shitamachi Highball Festival, held in late June at Ueno Park, is an event celebrating the popular Japanese cocktail. Highball, a mixture of whiskey and soda, is a beloved drink in Japanese izakayas.
The event features various food vendors selling dishes that pair perfectly with highballs. Options include steak, takoyaki, Chinese dumplings, and more, allowing visitors to enjoy food and drinks to their heart's content.
Besides food stalls, the venue includes a stage area hosting various events. If you'd like to enjoy drinks in the verdant Ueno Park, this festival is worth visiting.
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Dates: Late June 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit
Admission: Free
Website: https://tachinomi-fes.com/
Philippines Expo
Source:Global News Asia
Philippines Expo is an event where you can enjoy everything the Philippines has to offer. Food and goods are sold throughout the venue, letting you immerse yourself in Filipino culture. With the aroma of spices and grilled meat filling the air, the atmosphere feels just like being at a street food stall in the Philippines.
The stage program is also a highlight, featuring a "Karaoke Tournament" — wildly popular in the Philippines — along with beauty pageants, dance battles, and a fashion show. The energetic and unique performances by Filipino participants are sure to lift your spirits just by watching.
Rainy and humid, Tokyo in June closely resembles the rainy season in the Philippines, making the experience feel all the more authentic. Be sure to join in and soak up the vibrant energy of the Philippines!
Explore Tokyo's Retro Towns to the Fullest with a Local Guide Tour - Perfect for First-Time Visitors!
Are you interested in exploring Tokyo's retro towns but unsure how to navigate and enjoy the traditional spots and their rich history? Many visitors face this challenge.
Magical-trip offers numerous tours led by local guides who are fluent in both Japanese and English, making it easy for first-time Tokyo visitors to fully enjoy the city's retro towns with peace of mind.
Here, we'll introduce the retro town tours available through Magical-trip. If you're interested in Tokyo's retro towns, please use this as your reference.
Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town
If you want to experience local daily life in Tokyo's downtown area, we recommend joining the Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town. Don't miss the special Yanaka Event in June 2026, where the local community welcomes international audience with traditional performances and craft workshops!
This tour includes visiting Nezu Shrine, one of Tokyo's oldest shrines, enjoying drinks at a traditional house café, and painting your own beckoning cat. A highlight is walking through residential areas and experiencing the nostalgic Japanese atmosphere of old houses lining the streets.
Afterward, you'll visit Yanaka Ginza, where you can enjoy local cuisine through food sampling and shopping. An English-speaking guide well-versed in Yanaka's history accompanies the tour, so there's no need to worry about language barriers.
Meeting Point: Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Nezu Station
Tour Area: Nezu, Yanaka
Start Time: 13:30
Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
The Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour is a 3-hour guided tour of Asakusa's tourist spots led by an English-proficient guide. As this is a small-group tour, you can leisurely enjoy Asakusa's famous attractions.
During the tour, you'll visit a traditional Japanese Tea room where you can experience premium matcha in a peaceful tatami room atmosphere. For lunch, you'll visit a Monja grilled restaurant in Asakusa's shopping district, where you'll learn to cook and enjoy Monja grilled under the guide's instruction.
Asakusa is home to numerous Temples and Shrines, and your knowledgeable guide will provide detailed historical explanations. If you're interested in experiencing traditional Japanese culture firsthand, we highly recommend joining this tour.
And while you're in the area, don't miss the special Yanaka cultural festival happening in June 2026, just a short distance from Asakusa.
Meeting Point: In front of Kaminarimon Police Box
Tour Area: Asakusa
Start Time: 11:00
All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
The All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno is a guided experience with an English-speaking Japanese guide, exploring local Izakayas and Bars in Tokyo's Ueno district.
The tour takes you to Ueno's yatai village, packed with numerous Izakayas and Bars, where you can enjoy not only delicious drinks but also various Japanese dishes like yakitori, okonomiyaki, and oden. At each establishment, you'll experience the Japanese drinking culture of "nomihoudai" (all-you-can-drink) within a set time period.
The tour concludes with a visit to a ramen shop where you'll savor the finest ramen. As this is a small-group tour, you can enjoy pleasant interactions with other participants. It's a delightful tour where you can indulge in delicious cuisine while socializing with others.
Consider combining this evening tour with a daytime visit to the upcoming Yanaka Event in June 2026, featuring local artists and traditional performances.
Meeting Point: Ueno Station Hirokoji Exit
Tour Area: Around Ueno Station
Start Time: 18:00
