6 Must-Visit Summer Festivals in Tokyo – Limited Photo Spots at Tokyo Skytree
Reported by Reporter You tru / Comprehensive Report
Where should you go to enjoy a “summer festival” when traveling in Japan during the summer? At Tokyo Skytree in Japan, there’s a limited-time summer photo spot, while the Sumida Aquarium’s “Edo Goldfish Wonderland” has also launched its summer event. The Sumida Citizens’ Bon Odori Dance Festival and a cruise on the Kinugawa River are also special experiences you can enjoy in the summer.
East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Tobu Railway have announced that various summer festivals will be held along the Tobu Railway lines throughout the summer. Travelers can refer to these events to fully experience the charm of Japanese summer. There are a total of 6 “Most Charming Summer Events” provided for travelers' reference.
Tokyo Skytree — Limited-Time Summer Photo Spot
At the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck, 350 meters above the ground, a Japanese “Goldfish Exhibition” that fits the refreshing theme of summer is underway. Goldfish swim gracefully in glass tanks, and handcrafted goldfish lanterns will also make an appearance, offering a cool and delightful ambiance. At the Tembo Galleria, 445 meters above the ground, 634 wind chimes are suspended, their crisp tinkling sounds echoing from the world’s highest point. Capture photos while listening to the cool chime tones for a relaxing and pleasant experience. Additionally, discounted “Tokyo Skytree Fast Pass Tickets” are available for purchase.
▲ Tokyo Skytree. (Photo / Provided by Tobu Railway, same below)
Time: July 23 (Sat) – August 31 (Wed)
Location: Tokyo Skytree
Sumida Aquarium — Edo Goldfish Wonderland
The Sumida Aquarium, spanning approximately 100 meters, houses 31 tanks showcasing about 1,000 colorful and uniquely shaped goldfish across 23 varieties. The aquarium has also hung 150 goldfish lanterns and 150 chidori lanterns, casting playful shadows and creating a unique atmosphere. Until August 11 (Thu), visitors can get a unique original T-shirt with a red seal of a goldfish painting by Katsushika Hokusai stamped anywhere on the shirt for just 500 yen.
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Time: July 1 (Fri) – September 30 (Fri) 9:00–21:00 ※ Last admission at 20:00
Location: Sumida Aquarium, Floors 5–6, Tokyo Skytree Town
Admission: Adults 2,050 yen; High school students 1,050 yen; Junior high / elementary students 1,000 yen; Children aged 3 and over 600 yen
Sumida Citizens’ Bon Odori Dance Festival
A traditional Japanese Obon dance festival is held on a stage set up under Tokyo Skytree, open for everyone to freely join in. A variety of food stalls, games, and vendors will also be available, allowing visitors to enjoy the fun of a Japanese summer festival.
Time: August 1 (Mon) – August 3 (Wed) 17:30–20:00
※ Food stalls and vendors will start operating from 12:00
Location: Tokyo Skytree Town 1F, Tokyo Solamachi Plaza
Beer Garden Under the Open Sky
A beer garden will soon open under Tokyo Skytree, featuring both regular seating and special reclining seats where you can enjoy beer and barbecue while looking up at the Skytree. Not only can you satisfy your photo-taking desires in this uniquely designed venue, but you can also admire the ever-changing beauty of Tokyo Skytree under different times and weather conditions.
Time: July 8 (Fri) – October 2 (Sun) 11:00–22:00
Location: Tokyo Solamachi 4F, Sky Square
Prices: Lunch – Adults 3,500 yen, Elementary students 1,500 yen (tax included)
Dinner – Adults 4,500 yen, Elementary students 1,800 yen (tax included)
“Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Love Fortune Wind Chimes” — Experience Japanese Summer Charm in Little Edo Kawagoe
Just about 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo lies “Little Edo Kawagoe,” home to numerous historic buildings. Among them, the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, dedicated to the “God of Love,” is filled with the heartfelt prayers of many worshippers. To pray for good romantic fortune, the summer special event “Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Love Fortune Wind Chimes” creates a dreamy space with a variety of colorful Edo-style wind chimes. Each wind chime holds a wooden slip inscribed with the wishes of visitors. This quintessential summer Japanese event was first held in 2015, attracting over 200,000 visitors and becoming a wildly popular topic.
▲ Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Love Fortune Wind Chimes.
Time: July 9 (Saturday) - August 31 (Wednesday), 9:00–21:00
Location: Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, 2-11-3 Miyashita-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
Kinugawa River Cruise
From central Tokyo, it takes about two hours by train to reach Kinugawa in Nikko, a world-renowned Japanese tourist destination where you can not only see a variety of historic buildings represented by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, but also enjoy Japan’s rich natural scenery. Amidst the spectacular Kinugawa Valley, you can experience the thrill of a “Kinugawa River Cruise,” getting up close to the beauty of the valley and the refreshing coolness of summer. There are also thrilling white-water rafting options and nature-based fish-catching experiences.
※ A “Discount Pass (DISCOUNT PASS)” is available for exploring Nikko and Kinugawa
Time: Mid-April to late November, 9:00–15:45 (cruise duration is approximately 40 minutes)
Location: Kinugawa River Cruise, 1414 Ohara, Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
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