Summertime in Tokyo: What to Do
2019-05-24
Summertime in Tokyo is full of opportunities to have fun, cool off and stay busy. We've compiled a list of ideas below that are great to do with kids, whether as a sitter or to suggest as an activity for you to help a family with. So, make sure to keep yourself and the kids well-hydrated and have fun!
FESTIVALS
15 June
Nothing says "summer" more than the blinking lights of hundreds of fireflies, or hotaru. A visit to the Fussa Firefly Festival is the perfect kick-off to the season.
7 July
Traditionally thought of as the only day in the year when two stars, Altair and Vega, cross paths, the Star Festival is a time for wishful thinking. The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival is the largest in Japan, with nearly two million attendees.
13 -15 August
Obon Festival is a time to remember and celebrate loved ones that have passed away. Many Japanese people will take a vacation during this time, often visiting their hometowns. In Tokyo, the Asakusa Toro Nagashi is a lovely event to watch. Thousands of candle-lit lanterns will float along the Sumida river, taking handwritten notes to guide spirits to the after world.
24 - 25 August
Thousands of dancers and musicians headline this festival, which takes place in the (relatively) cooler hours of the evening.
24 August
Another large parade of dancers, the Omotesando Super Yosakoi is a giant competition between more than 6,000 performers, with day-long processions and two stages near Yoyogi park.
FIREWORKS
Everyone loves a good fireworks show and there is no shortage of them in and around Tokyo in the summer! Cooler evenings make these a perfect opportunity to pull up a blanket and take in the show before bedtime.
10 July
Mid-July
Adachi Fireworks
20 July
Katsushika
23 July
27 July
Late July
Late July
HOLIDAYS
There are two national holidays in the summer: Marine Day and Mountain Day. Marine Day is celebrated on the third Monday in July (15 July). The Odaiba Lantern Festival is a photogenic celebration on the water, with thousands of lanterns floating in the bay.
Mountain Day is a new holiday - this will be the third year - and is celebrated on 11 August. As it's a day meant to enjoy mountains, a day trip to one of the many surrounding the city is a perfect way to observe. Check out the suggestions from LiveJapan here.
OUTDOORS
It's going to get pretty hot and humid, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy being outside.
Beaches
A day trip or weekend at the beach is a must when you're looking to keep cool. There are several beaches easily accessible by mass transit just to the south of the city; Zushi, Enoshima, Hayama and Kurakama are all worth visiting. Odaiba Beach is also an option. The sandy beach is a great place to lounge, sunbathe and play Frisbee, though swimming is not allowed.
Parks
Safe, engaging ways to expend energy, the many parks around the city are a go-to option for stir-crazy kids. Plus, many have water features as well, making them ideal for chilling out.
Have fun pretending to be a fairy tale character or visit the petting zoo.
This whimsical park was inspired by the artwork of a Finnish cartoonist.
The 240 acres of Kodomo no Kuni include swimming pools, barbeque pits and a mini zoo.
In addition to a tropical botanical garden, Yume no Shima will also be home to the 2020 Olympics archery events.
When the kids are on break from school, keeping them engaged and entertained can be tough. We hope these ideas provide some inspiration on things to do!
