Top Things to Do in Tokyo This Week (July 7–13): Events, Festivals & Ways to Beat the Heat
- TOMOGO! Team
- Jul 4
- 7 min read
Summer in Tokyo is more than just sunshine and fireworks; it’s a season packed with unique flavors, cultural festivals, and once-in-a-year experiences. Explore the events that you could join in July in Tokyo!
38th Shitamachi Tanabata Festival 2025: Colorful Celebrations on Kappabashi Hon-dori
Join the 38th Shitamachi Tanabata Festival from July 4–8, 2025, in Tokyo’s Kappabashi Hon-dori. Enjoy parades, traditional performances, and vibrant decorations with views of the Tokyo Skytree.
🗓 Schedule
Friday, July 4 – Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Main event days: Saturday, July 5 & Sunday, July 6
Festival Hours: 10:00–19:00 (Rain or shine)
✨ Event Highlights
Colorful street decorations and Tanabata streamers
Local food stalls and shopping from 10:00–19:00 (Sat & Sun)
Traditional performances:
July 5: Parade, Opening Ceremony, and Etchu Owara Folk Dance
July 6: Awa Odori, Sado Okesa Dance, and Street Performances
📍 Location & Access
Kappabashi Hon-dori Street, Taito City, Tokyo
(between Ueno and Asakusa)
💴 Admission
free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Website (Available in English)
Taiwan Festa 2025: A Taste of Taiwan in Yoyogi Park
Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Taiwan at Taiwan Festa 2025 in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. Enjoy three days of delicious street food, cultural music, colorful lanterns, and interactive fun from July 25–27.
🗓 Schedule
July 25 (Fri): 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
July 26 (Sat): 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
July 27 (Sun): 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (scheduled)
✨ Event Highlights
Authentic Taiwanese street food and drinks
Evening lantern displays and night market vibes
Live music and cultural showcases
Taiwanese goods and souvenirs
A festive, summer-friendly, family atmosphere
Don’t miss this chance to take a mini trip to Taiwan without leaving Tokyo!
📍 Location & Access
5 min walk from Meiji-Jingumae (Harajuku) Station
7 min walk from Harajuku Station
10 min walk from Yoyogi-Koen Station or Yoyogi-Hachiman Station
💴 Admission
Free entrance
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
The 74th Ueno Summer Festival (2025): Traditional Markets, Antiques & Summer Vibes in Ueno
From July 11 to August 11, the Ueno Summer Festival features lantern-lit markets, antique stalls, street performances, and a lakeside lotus-viewing walkway.
🗓 Schedule
July 11 (Fri) – August 11 (Mon, Holiday), 2025
(Event content varies by day)
✨ Event Highlights
This long-running event captures the classic charm of Tokyo’s traditional festivals, offering a nostalgic atmosphere with lantern-lit night markets, antique fairs, and colorful performances.
A standout attraction is the "Hasumi Deck Rinrin Corridor", a scenic lotus-viewing walkway that returns even more impressive than before. Festivalgoers can also enjoy the Ueno Ennichi street market, the lively Mizuoto Stage, and a rotating schedule of cultural events, including monkey performances and folk music (weather permitting).
Perfect for a relaxing evening stroll, treasure hunting, or simply soaking up the festive ambiance in one of Tokyo’s most historic parks.
📍 Location & Access
3 minutes from JR Ueno Station
3 minutes from Keisei Ueno Station
💴 Admission
Free entry; some events and attractions may charge a fee at the site
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (in Japanese)
Wano Akari × Hyakudan Kaidan 2025: Parade of 100 Demons
Step into a mystical world of Japanese light and folklore at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo’s Hyakudan Kaidan. This immersive summer art exhibition features demon-themed artworks and atmospheric installations in a historic cultural heritage site.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: July 4 (Fri) – September 23 (Tue, holiday), 2025
Location: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, Hyakudan Kaidan (Meguro)
Hours: 11:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30)
Note: On August 16, open until 17:00 (last admission 16:30)
✨ Event Highlights
Immersive Setting in a Cultural Heritage Building: Built in 1935, Hyakudan Kaidan is the only remaining wooden structure of Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The combination of original Japanese craftsmanship and modern lighting artistry creates a captivating space.
Seven Rooms, One Eerie Journey: From a glowing entrance to elaborate nebuta lanterns (returning after 6 years), the exhibit leads visitors through a vivid and atmospheric “demon parade” told through visual storytelling.
Custom Music and Multisensory Effects: An original soundtrack composed by Takeshi Yoda heightens the experience, along with lighting effects, subtle aromas, and air movement that bring the demon tales to life.
📍 Location & Access
5-minute walk from Meguro Station
💴 Admission
General: ¥1,800
University/High school: ¥1,200
Elementary/middle school: ¥1,000
Note: Discounted advance tickets available until July 3
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in English)
ECO EDO Nihonbashi 2025: A Summer of Edo-Style Coolness Through All Five Senses
Celebrate the summer in Tokyo with yukata! | Source: iStock
Celebrate summer in classic Edo style at ECO EDO Nihonbashi 2025. Enjoy yukata strolls, colorful wind chimes, gourmet kakigori (shaved ice), and immersive events across the Nihonbashi area from July 11 to August 11.
🗓 Schedule
Dates: July 11 (Fri) – August 11 (Mon, holiday), 2025
Hours: 11:00–23:00 (varies by venue)
✨ Event Highlights
Nihonbashi Kakigori Festival: A gathering of Japan’s finest traditional and creative shaved ice. Local long-established shops and specialty stores from across the country showcase their kakigori which is perfect for cooling down in the heat.
Forest Wind Chime Path (Mori no Fūrin Kōji): A magical tunnel of approximately 250 wind chimes lines the walkways of Nihonbashi, filling the air with the sound of summer.
Yukata Rentals at Nihonbashi Yukata Station: Even if you come empty-handed, you can rent a yukata and join in the summer fun without any hassle.
📍 Location & Access
Nihonbashi, Yaesu, and Kyobashi area (Main Info Hub: Nihonbashi Information Center, COREDO Muromachi 1 B1F)
Nearest Station: Mitsukoshimae Station
💴 Admission
Free admission
🔗 Official Info & Links
Hello Kitty Princess Afternoon Tea 2025: A Dreamy Summer Celebration
Join Hello Kitty for an elegant and photogenic afternoon tea filled with princess-inspired sweets and savories in Tokyo, Yokohama, Omiya, and Urayasu this summer. Advance reservation required.
🗓 Schedule
July 2 (Wed) – August 31 (Sun), 2025Held on selected dates at each venue.
Time:Varies by venue and day (see below for details)
✨ Event Highlights
Step into a fairytale world this summer with the Hello Kitty Princess Afternoon Tea 2025, a dreamy collaboration celebrating Sanrio’s beloved icon dressed in tiaras, gowns, and regal accessories.
A fairytale setting perfect for birthdays, girls' day out, or date ideas
Instagrammable decorations, princess details, and adorable Hello Kitty desserts
Limited-time only, with advance booking required
Allergy-friendly options for children available
📍 Location & Access
1. Aoyama St. Grace Cathedral (Tokyo)📍 Near Omotesando Station
Weekdays: 12:00–14:00 / 15:00–17:00
Weekends & Holidays: 11:00–13:00 / 13:30–15:30 / 16:00–18:00
Dates: July 3–31 & August 1–31 on select days
2. Art Grace Portside Villa (Yokohama)📍 Near Yokohama Station
12:00–14:00 / 15:00–17:00(Some dates offer only 1 slot)
Dates: July 5–31 & August 1–31 on select days
3. Art Grace Wedding Chateau (Omiya)📍 Near Toro Station
Weekdays: 12:00–14:00 / 15:00–17:00
Weekends & Holidays: 11:30–13:30 / 14:15–16:15
Dates: July 2–31 & August 1–31 on select days
4. Art Grace Wedding Coast Tokyo Bay (Shin-Urayasu)📍 Near Shin-Urayasu Station
12:00–14:00 / 14:30–16:30
Dates: July 5–27 & August 2–31 on select days
💴 Admission
From ¥6,300 per person (includes tax & 15% service charge)
*Reservation required
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in Japanese)
Tokyo Daijingu Tanabata Kigan-sai 2025: A Star Festival Prayer Ceremony for Wishes and Blessings
Join the Tanabata Prayer Ceremony at Tokyo Daijingu on July 7, 2025. A special evening to pray for love, good fortune, and wish fulfillment. Reservation required.
🗓 Schedule
Date: July 7, 2025 (Monday)
Time: 15:00 – 19:30
✨ Event Highlights
On the romantic night of Tanabata, July 7th, Tokyo Daijingu hosts its annual Tanabata Kigan-sai, a Shinto ceremony held to pray for wishes to come true and to invite blessings while warding off misfortune. Known as one of Japan’s most beloved shrines for love and marriage, Tokyo Daijingu invites participants to experience a meaningful summer ritual under the stars.
Participate in a Shinto prayer ceremony on the mystical night of Tanabata
Receive a limited-edition “Tanabata Mamori” charm and commemorative gift
Enjoy the atmosphere of one of Tokyo’s most romantic shrines, beautifully decorated for the season
Ideal for couples, wish-makers, or those seeking spiritual enrichment
📍 Location & Access
Nearest Stations: Iidabashi Station / Kudanshita Station
💴 Admission
Choose from ¥2,500 / ¥3,500 / ¥5,000
(includes the prayer ceremony, special charm, and commemorative gift)
*Please note: advance online reservation is required to attend the ceremony.
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Website (In Japanese)
Summer Spicy Grand Prix Events July 2025: Spice Up Your Summer at ARK Hills! in Tokyo
Tasting the summer heat from spice! | Source: iStock
Challenge your taste buds with fiery dishes at the Summer Gekikara Grand Prix 2025 in ARK Hills. From mild spice to brutal heat, over 10 locations offer spicy gourmet options until August 31.
🗓 Schedule
July 11 (Fri) – August 31 (Sun), 2025
✨ Event Highlights
With a five-level spice scale, there's something for everyone, from curious beginners to seasoned chili champions. For those brave enough, “hidden menu” options push the limits even further with extreme peppers and daring combinations.
Whether you're craving fiery tacos, lip-numbing mapo tofu, spicy curries, or reimagined classics like hot eel rice bowls, the Grand Prix serves up a diverse lineup of spicy delights across ARK Hills and Atago Green Hills.
📍 Location & Access
ARK Hills (Ark Mori Building, ARK Towers West, ARK Hills South Tower, ARK Hills Sengokuyama Mori Tower)
Atago Green Hills
Roppongi-itchome Station (2-min walk)
Tameike-Sanno Station (4-min walk)
Onarimon Station (for Atago Green Hills)
💴 Admission
Free
🔗 Official Info & Links
Official Event Page (Available in English)
Spice, Sweetness & Summer Adventures with TOMOGO!
If you're not sure where to start, TOMOGO! is here to help. Our friendly local tour leaders can guide you through Tokyo’s best-kept secrets and seasonal highlights so you can enjoy summer in Japan to the fullest, without the stress of planning. Let TOMOGO! take you where the locals go.
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