Shibuya September 2025: Complete Guide to Traditional Festivals, Bon Dance & Cultural Events
While Shibuya is widely known for its cutting-edge culture, it's actually a fascinating area where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. September is particularly special, featuring numerous events that offer authentic Japanese cultural experiences, including shrine annual festivals called "Reitaisai," traditional summer dance "Bon Odori," and various art events. September is the perfect time to visit Shibuya, allowing you to enjoy the changing seasons while experiencing authentic Japanese culture.
The Konno Hachimangu Festival: A Must-See Shibuya Event September 2025!
Located just a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station, Konno Hachimangu Shrine boasts over 930 years of history and is deeply connected to the origins of Shibuya's place name. The annual "Reitaisai" held every September is a traditional ceremony based on Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, featuring Mikoshi (portable shrine) processions and delicious Yatai (festival stall) cuisine.
This annual event is precious to local residents and offers tourists a valuable opportunity to experience Japanese Shinto culture while interacting with locals. Enjoy this special time where you can connect with history and tradition right in the heart of the metropolis.
Information:
- Schedule: Saturday, September 13, 2025 and Sunday, September 14, 2025
- Access: 5-minute walk from "Shibuya" Station (JR Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, Fukutoshin Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://shibuyamatsuri.com/
The Powerful "Mikoshi" Procession Through Central Shibuya
Source:Play Shibuya
One of the highlights of Reitaisai is the "Mikoshi" procession where large groups of people parade through Shibuya's streets. Watching carriers in traditional festival attire called "Happi" powerfully march through the urban landscape typically filled with trendy shops and cafés creates an otherworldly impact.
The dynamic swaying of the Mikoshi to spirited chants is absolutely spectacular and provides tourists with a photogenic and memorable experience. This is an excellent opportunity to feel the energy of Japanese festivals firsthand, so be sure to witness it up close.
The Spectacular Gathering of 14 Mikoshi in Front of SHIBUYA109!
Source:Play Shibuya
The climactic highlight of Reitaisai is when 14 Mikoshi gather in front of SHIBUYA109. The sight of regional Mikoshi arriving one after another in front of Tokyo's iconic landmark SHIBUYA109, enveloped in heat and cheers, is truly magnificent.
This scene perfectly symbolizes "the fusion of tradition and cutting-edge culture," allowing tourists to feel a sense of unity as if participating in the festival while taking photos and cheering along with the carriers' chants.
Experience Japan's Unique "Ennichi" Culture at the Shrine
Source:Shibuya Keizai Shimbun
During Reitaisai, the grounds of Konno Hachimangu Shrine feature "Ennichi" (festival stall areas) where visitors can experience traditional Japanese festival culture. Ennichi features rows of small stalls and tents offering local foods like Yakisoba and Takoyaki.
The attraction also includes traditional games like "goldfish scooping" and "Yoyo Tsuri (water balloon fishing game)" that you can try. Enjoying Ennichi together with local people provides a deeper understanding of Japanese everyday culture.
Traditional Performances at the Kaguraden
Source:Shibuya Keizai Shimbun
During Reitaisai, traditional Japanese performing arts are showcased at the Kaguraden within Konno Hachimangu Shrine's grounds. Kaguraden is a stage-like building within the shrine premises where dance performances, Japanese drums, and folk songs are performed.
These performances are special offerings of gratitude and prayer to the gods, allowing visitors to experience Japanese traditional culture in a solemn atmosphere. Tourists can freely observe and feel the performers' intensity up close. This is also an opportunity to authentically experience Japanese music and dance, so be sure to stop by.
Don't Miss the Miyashita Park Event Featuring Japan's Summer Tradition, Bon Dance!
Source:PR TIMES
MIYASHITA PARK hosts the unique "SHIBUYA MIYASHITA PARK BON DANCE" event, which fuses traditional Japanese Bon Dance with contemporary culture.
In addition to Bon Dance performed to drum rhythms, the event features DJ dance music and live performances, creating a vibrant dance event where participants can join in the excitement together.
The venue also offers food trucks, Ennichi, and limited merchandise sales, allowing visitors to enjoy gourmet food and shopping simultaneously. The open, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for international tourists to participate. Experience this innovative event that gives traditional Japanese summer festivals a modern twist.
Information:
- Schedule: Saturday, September 27, 2025 and Sunday, September 28, 2025
- Access: 3-minute walk from "Shibuya" Station (JR Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Ginza Line, Fukutoshin Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Den-en-toshi Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://miyashita-bondance.jp/
Before Participating in Festivals, Learning About Japanese Culture and Traditions from Local Guides is Also Recommended
To enjoy the festivals held in Shibuya more deeply, why not participate in a tour where you can learn about Japanese culture and traditions while walking through the city with a local guide?
The Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour provides careful explanations of knowledge that even Japanese people might not know, such as Shinto concepts, the meaning of Mikoshi (portable shrines), and the origins of Ennichi (temple festivals). The attractive point is that you can experience real Japanese culture that isn't covered in tourist guidebooks.
If you ask knowledgeable guides about tips for enjoying festivals more, recommended street food, and hidden gem spots, your trip will become even more fulfilling.
・Meeting point: In front of Kaminarimon Police Box, Senso-ji
・Tour area: Tokyo
・Start time: 11:00
Shibuya Events September 2025: Japanese Culture and Pop Culture Related Events
Shibuya hosts diverse events themed around Japanese culture, art, and anime in September. Here we introduce three notable events as part of the exciting Shibuya Event September 2025 lineup.
ABEMA Anime Festival 2025
Source:Cyber Agent
The "ABEMA Anime Festival" is a large-scale event where you can fully enjoy Japanese anime culture. The venue features many exciting projects for fans, including talk events by popular voice actors, sales of limited merchandise, and photo spots that recreate anime worlds.
Since many anime lineups are planned, even people who aren't very familiar with Japanese anime might discover interesting works that match their preferences.
Also, be sure to try the limited collaboration food that can only be eaten at this event. Original menus inspired by anime characters and stories are provided, allowing you to enjoy the feeling of entering the anime world yourself.
<Information>
Dates: September 20 (Sat) - 23 (Tue), 2025
Venue: MIYASHITA PARK, Shibuya surrounding facilities
Access: 3-minute walk from JR・Tokyo Metro・Tokyu・Keio "Shibuya Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://contents-abema.com/anime-matsuri2025/
Special Exhibition: Artists Popular in the Edo Period, from Sōtatsu to Sharaku and Hiroshige
Source:Official website
The "Special Exhibition: Artists Popular in the Edo Period, from Sōtatsu to Sharaku and Hiroshige" allows you to enjoy works by popular Ukiyo-e artists who were active from the mid to late Edo period (mid-18th to mid-19th century).
Ukiyo-e is a style of woodblock prints and paintings that became popular among common people, characterized by colorful and bold designs featuring themes like actors, beautiful women, and landscapes. They also served the role of posters and magazines, making them valuable cultural assets that convey the trends and lifestyles of that time.
Through Ukiyo-e, which greatly influenced Western artists like Van Gogh and Monet, please experience Japan's humanistic aesthetic sense and the depth of its culture.
<Information>
・Dates: August 9 (Sat) - September 28 (Sun), 2025
・Venue: Yamatane Museum of Art
・Access:
(On foot)
About 10-minute walk from JR "Ebisu Station" west exit・Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line "Ebisu Station" exit 2
(By bus)
From "Ebisu Station" west exit bus stop 1, take the Toei bus bound for Nisseki Medical Center (Gaku06), get off at "Hiroo High School Mae," 1-minute walk
From "Shibuya Station" east exit terminal bus stop 54, take the Toei bus bound for Nisseki Medical Center (Gaku03), get off at "Higashi 4-chome," 2-minute walk
・Admission: Adults 1,400 yen | University/High school students 500 yen | Junior high school students and under free
・Museum hours: 10:00-17:00
・Website: https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/exh/2025/ukiyoe.html
The Colors of Old Imari: Glazes
Source:Official website
"The Colors of Old Imari: Glazes" is a special limited-time exhibition focusing on Imari ware that was exported from Imari in Kyushu to the world from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Imari ware is characterized by beautiful luster and coloring from "glaze," a glass coating. You'll find yourself absorbed in the varied decorations, such as using multiple glazes within a single piece or combining them with brush-painted patterns.
This exhibition, where you can experience the advanced techniques and aesthetic sense of craftsmen of that time, will be a fresh experience not only for ceramic enthusiasts but also for those interested in color and design.
Please take a close look at these traditional Japanese crafts that were beloved by European royalty and nobility.
<Information>
・Dates: July 11 (Fri) - September 28 (Sun), 2025
・Venue: Toguri Museum of Art
・Access: 15-minute walk from JR・Tokyo Metro・Tokyu・Keio "Shibuya Station" Hachiko exit
10-minute walk from Keio Inokashira Line "Shinsen Station" north exit
・Admission: Adults 1,200 yen | University/High school students 500 yen | Junior high school students and under free
・Museum hours: 10:00-17:00
・Website: https://www.toguri-museum.or.jp/
Shibuya Event September 2025: Enjoying Food and Drinks While Feeling the Refreshing Breeze
In September Shibuya, where you can gradually feel the arrival of autumn, events where you can enjoy food and drinks while feeling the evening breeze are being held in various locations. Here we introduce two notable spots that make this Shibuya Event September 2025 season particularly special.
THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY
Source:PR TIMES
"THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY" is a rooftop bar located on top of SHIBUYA SKY, which can be called the symbol of Shibuya. From a height of approximately 230 meters, you can enjoy a variety of drinks and snacks while overlooking the magnificent scenery of Tokyo.
When visiting THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY, be sure to try the limited craft beer "ANGEL'S LADDER." With its refreshing taste that spreads the aroma of tropical fruits, it's an easy-to-drink beverage even for those who don't usually like beer.
In this liberating space, please spend a special moment that can only be experienced here while gazing at Shibuya's continuously evolving modern high-rise buildings and night views.
Information:
- Dates: April 28, 2025 (Monday) - December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
- Access: Directly connected to JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu, and Keio "Shibuya Station"
- Pricing:
- THE ROOF SEAT & STANDARD SET: 7,000 yen
Includes: SHIBUYA SKY entrance ticket, 50-minute sofa seat charge, 2 alcoholic/soft drinks, 1 snack
- THE ROOF SEAT & CHAMPAGNE SET: 8,000 yen
Includes: SHIBUYA SKY entrance ticket, 50-minute sofa seat charge, 1 mini champagne bottle, 1 snack
- Operating Hours: 16:00-22:00
- Website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/the-roof/
Shirono Niwa Beer Garden
Source:PR TIMES
"Shirono Niwa Beer Garden" is an open-air beer garden event held at the rooftop restaurant "Shiro no Niwa" in Ebisu, just one station from Shibuya. The entire floor is enveloped in light and greenery, allowing you to enjoy a natural and comfortable space while being in the city.
All three courses designed to complement the cuisine come with all-you-can-drink options, featuring over 150 types of drinks including non-alcoholic beverages, so even those who don't drink alcohol can feel at ease.
This year's theme is "Luxury Beergarden," perfect for taking a break during travel or spending special time with important people like family and friends. Why not visit as a small reward to yourself while feeling Tokyo's refreshing breeze?
Information:
- Dates: April 25, 2025 (Friday) - October 31, 2025 (Friday)
- Access: Directly connected to JR "Ebisu Station"
- Pricing: 5,500 yen, 6,500 yen, 7,500 yen (varies by course content)
- Operating Hours: Weekdays 17:00-23:00 | Weekends & Holidays 16:00-23:00
- Website: https://www.potomak.co.jp/event/19580/
If You Visit Shibuya in September, Enjoy Bar Hopping While Bathing in the Pleasant Breeze
The "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo," which takes you to Shibuya's deep spots, is a popular experiential tour where you explore unique bars together with an English-speaking guide who knows the local area inside and out.
While learning about Japanese izakaya culture, drinking manners, and ordering methods, you can enjoy craft beer, sake, shochu, and more in spaces filled with local atmosphere.
With careful support from English-speaking guides, you can participate without worrying about language barriers, which is a reassuring point. Through interactions with local people, you can gain deeper knowledge of Shibuya's night culture.
Please enjoy a uniquely Japanese experience through deep izakaya experiences that aren't found in tourist guidebooks.
Tour Information:
- Meeting Point: In front of the floor to ceiling windows under SHIBUYA TSUTAYA sign
- Tour Area: Tokyo
- Start Times: 18:00, 19:00
