Torigoe Matsuri (Festival)
Join almost a quarter of a million revellers enjoying the sight of Tokyo’s heaviest mikoshi (a portable mini shrine that houses a god) being carried through the streets during this four day festival.
The four-ton mikoshi, decorated with lions heads and gargoyles, is carried by the neighbourhood’s strongest residents who are accompanied by costumed dancers, lantern holders (at night) and cheering onlookers.
The parade can get a little raucous, so it’s a relief that there are over 250 food vendors lined up on the streets surrounding the shrine to retreat to when you need a break.
It takes place on the 6th to 9th June at Torigoe Shrine (Kuramae)
Tokyo Pride Parade & Festival
Featuring parades, performances, food stalls and art exhibitions, Japan’s largest annual LGBT+ celebration welcomes everyone regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
Attend on Saturday the 7th of June for a lively program of talks, art workshops and musical performances that take place amongst LGBTQ+ friendly food and drink stalls, and then come back on Sunday (the 8th of June at 12 pm) for the Pride Parade.
Join over 15,000 people walking from Shibuya to Harajuku in support of the event’s tenets—that Japanese LGBTQ+ people should be granted dignity and equality through reforms, including the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
It’s on the 7th and 8th June at Yoyogi Park (Harajuku)
Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival
A visit to Hakusan shrine and adjacent Hakusan park is a perfect place to see hydrangea plants in full bloom.
Our favourite time to view the 3,000 pink, purple and blue plants is on Sundays when live music is performed, portable shrines are displayed and the annual Hakusan toothbrush memorial service is held.
Join dental devotees praying for relief from toothache, and perhaps score a free toothbrush, which are distributed to the first 100 visitors.
Visit on the 7th to 14th June at Hakusan Shrine (Bunkyo)
Jamaica Festival
Japan’s interest in Jamaican culture and music was sparked when Bob Marley and The Wailers toured the country in 1979 and it has developed over the decades with Japanese tourists visiting Jamaica to buy vinyl records and learn dancehall moves.
The love between the two island nations, situated on opposite sides of the globe, is celebrated at this weekend festival with reggae music blasting from sound systems, the fragrant smell of jerk chicken wafting in the air and dancers performing popular dancehall moves like the ‘Log On’, ‘Bogle’ and ‘Willy Bounce’
Head there on the 21st and 22nd June at Yoyogi Park (Harajuku)
Up Run
Given that Japan’s Emperor Naruhito enjoys jogging this route, you never know who you’ll run into while completing this 5-kilometre running circuit around the Imperial Palace Gardens.
Whether you spy royalty or not, you’ll still be satisfied taking in the Gardens’ picturesque bridges, lakes and memorials.
The distances include 5 km (1 lap), 10 km (2 laps), 15 km (3 laps), 20 km (4 laps) for individuals, and a 20 km (4 laps) relay for teams.
It takes place on 22nd June (8.30 am to 12.30 pm) at the Health Marathon Clock Tower, Imperial Palace (Tokyo)
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