At Tokyo Disneyland's iconic Cinderella Castle, a breathtaking projection mapping show will take place. This stunning display features beloved characters like Tinker Bell and others soaring through the sky, chasing their dreams. Accompanied by classic Disney tunes, vibrant images will be projected onto the castle, bringing the magic to life.

The show includes popular characters from Disney and Pixar films such as Toy Story, Big Hero 6, Aladdin, Dumbo, Hercules, and Tinker Bell. For the first time, characters from Marvel films will also make an appearance. The combination of projection mapping and special effects, including fireworks, will light up the night sky, creating a dynamic experience that makes you feel as though you're flying alongside these characters.

With Disney Premier Access (paid), you can enjoy the show from designated viewing areas (for details, please refer to the official website).

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Disneyland, Cinderella Castle (Castle Forecourt)
・Start Date: September 20, 2024
・Showtimes: Twice daily at 6:15 PM and 8:40 PM, approximately 20 minutes each
・Ticket Prices: Vary by season, check the official website for details
・TEL: 0570-00-8632 (Navi Dial)

Tokyo Skytree is hosting its first-ever collaboration event with the popular TV anime Pokémon. The event will feature exclusive displays and decorations centered around the 450-meter-high Tembo Galleria, as well as photo spots where visitors can take pictures with their favorite characters. Additionally, the SKYTREE SHOP on the first floor will offer event-exclusive merchandise.

Moreover, the Tembo Deck at 350 meters will transform its windows into a giant screen for a special video presentation at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER®, along with special lighting inspired by various Pokémon. Tokyo Skytree will be fully immersed in the world of Pokémon. Visitors can also enjoy a limited photo service with a special background featuring the stunning view from the Tembo Galleria (with a special photo mount, priced at 1,700 yen per photo).

Event Details
・Venue: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck, Tembo Galleria, 1st Floor
・Event Dates: June 25, 2024 – September 24, 2024
・Hours: Vary by season, please check the official website for details
・Ticket Prices: Same-day WEB Tickets: Set Ticket (Tembo Deck + Tembo Galleria): Adults (18+) 3,500 yen (3,800 yen on holidays); Tembo Deck Only: Adults 2,400 yen (2,600 yen on holidays) *Note: Advance tickets and prices for those under 18 differ.

The Akasaka Hikawa Festival, a traditional event dating back to the Edo period, is held at the Akasaka Hikawa Shrine. Over 3,000 participants and a total of 20,000 visitors, including spectators, attend this vibrant festival each year.

In 2024, the festival will take place over three days, from September 13 to 15. On the evening of September 13, the "Yoimiya Procession" will feature two Hikawa floats, two portable shrines, and a taiko drum float parading through the heart of the office district, around Akasaka Mitsuke and Akasaka Stations. On September 14, the "Children's Mikoshi Procession" will see local children carrying portable shrines and parading floats through the area. The grand "Shinko Festival" on September 15 will showcase five Hikawa floats and the main shrine mikoshi.

The festival is not just about enjoying the lively atmosphere; it's also an opportunity to witness the "Hikawa Floats," which have been preserved through the ages despite earthquakes and air raids. Some of these valuable floats have been restored, showcasing their vibrant and ornate appearance.

Each day, Bon Odori dances and food stalls will be set up within the Akasaka Hikawa Shrine grounds. Additionally, on September 14 and 15, from 3 PM to 9 PM, the "Akasaka Meiten-gai," featuring stalls from Akasaka's renowned shops, will be a highlight.

Event Details
・Venue: Hikawa Shrine
・Event Dates: September 13, 2024 – September 15, 2024
・Hours: September 13: Yoimiya Procession, 6 PM – 9 PM; September 14: Children's Procession, 11 AM – 12 PM (Ark Hills area), 1 PM – 4 PM (Akasaka area); September 15: Shinko Festival, 1 PM – 6 PM

The Tone River Fireworks Festival is one of Japan's largest fireworks events, attracting around 300,000 visitors each year. Four master pyrotechnicians—Yamazaki Fireworks Manufacturing from Ibaraki, Nomura Fireworks Industry, Beniya Aoki Fireworks from Nagano, and Marugo from Yamanashi—will launch a spectacular display of 30,000 fireworks, lighting up the night sky over Sakai Town. Various types of paid seating options are available for spectators.

Event Details
・Venue: Tone River Riverside Area (Sakai Town, Ibaraki; Sekiyado, Noda City, Chiba; Goka Town, Ibaraki)
・Event Date: September 14, 2024 (*Postponed to the following day in case of bad weather)
・Hours: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Gates open at 1 PM, ceremony starts at 6 PM)
・Ticket Prices: General seating 5,000 yen, Chair seating 8,000 yen, and others

The Oarai Marine Fireworks Festival ~OARAI HANABI FES~ is an event where you can enjoy not only fireworks but also live music, beach saunas, and a food festival. This event is an evolution of the historic Oarai Marine Fireworks Festival, now featuring paid seating options. A total of 15,000 fireworks will light up the night sky, and you can also experience the enchanting reflections of the fireworks on the sea—a unique feature of this seaside festival. Various ticket options are available, including fireworks-only, fireworks & live music, and sauna-only, allowing you to choose based on your interests.

Event Details
・Venue: Oarai Sun Beach, Onuki Town, Oarai, Ibaraki
・Event Date: September 28, 2024
・Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM (Fireworks scheduled for 6 PM – 7:30 PM, check the official website for details)
・Ticket Prices: General fireworks seating 3,300 yen, Fireworks chair seating 5,500 yen, Live music viewing 6,600 yen, and others

This traditional autumn fireworks festival in Tokyo is one of the original and most beloved events of its kind. Around 10,000 fireworks will light up the night sky over the Arakawa Riverside in Kita Ward.

What makes this fireworks display unique is its local flavor. The 45-minute show is divided into four acts, each with a storyline that reflects the character of Kita Ward. One of the highlights is a music star mine synchronized to the songs of "Elephant Kashimashi," a band hailing from Kita Ward. The old Iwabuchi Watergate (Red Gate), which once separated the Arakawa and Sumida Rivers, will be illuminated, creating a stunning backdrop for the fireworks.

For those who want the best viewing experience, head to the area around the new Iwabuchi Water Gate (Blue Gate). Tickets for paid seating will be available, with priority sales for local residents starting on Tuesday, August 20, and general sales across Japan beginning on Saturday, August 24 (check the official website for details). The fireworks can also be viewed from the Arakawa Riverside on the opposite bank in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture.

Event Details
・Venue: Arakawa Riverside, around Iwabuchi Watergate
・Event Date: September 28, 2024 (*Event will proceed in light rain but will be canceled in case of severe weather)
・Hours: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

The annual summer event "Kaminarimon Bon Odori Yume Dourou" will be held in Asakusa on September 7, 2024. A traditional wooden tower (yagura) will be set up on Namiki Street, which will become a pedestrian-only zone with the iconic Kaminarimon Gate in view.

The Bon Odori dance will take place along Namiki Street, stretching from Kaminarimon to Komagata Bridge. Everyone is welcome to join in, and the simple dance moves make it easy for travelers to participate as well—practice videos are available on the official website.

In addition to the dancing, there will be PR booths from the fire and police departments, booths promoting Yuzawa City and Nikaho City in Akita Prefecture, food stalls, and even a display of Self-Defense Force vehicles.

On September 6 and 7, Namiki Street and the Kaminarimon Ichinomiya Shopping District will feature an exhibition of "E Dourou" from Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. These lanterns, adorned with ukiyo-e and bijin-ga (beautiful women paintings), will elegantly light up the night. There will also be a Garapon lottery, with tickets distributed to those who shop or dine at stores in the Kaminarimon Ichinomiya and Kaminarimon East Shopping Districts.

Event Details
・Venue: Around Namiki Street in front of Kaminarimon, Asakusa
・Event Date: September 7, 2024
*The E Dourou exhibition and lottery will start on September 6
・Hours: Bon Odori 6 PM – 8 PM (Traffic restrictions 3 PM – 11 PM), E Dourou Lighting 5 PM – 8 PM, Lottery 12 PM – 8 PM

The Asakusa Samba Carnival, held in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood on September 15, 2024, is one of the city's most vibrant and energetic annual events. This colorful contest and parade features around 5,000 samba dancers and teams from across Japan, drawing over 500,000 spectators each year. Inspired by Brazil's famous Rio Carnival, the event showcases dazzling costumes, rhythmic samba music, and vibrant floats, bringing a taste of Brazil to the heart of Tokyo in a spectacular display of dance and culture.

Event Details
・Date & Time: September 15, 2024, Noon – 5 PM (*Times are subject to change)
・Venue: Asakusa, Umamichi Street to Kaminarimon Street

The Fukuro Festival, the largest event in Ikebukuro, is held twice every year in September and October. On September 28 and 29, the "Mikoshi Festival" takes place, followed by the "Tokyo Yosakoi" on October 12 and 13.

One of the highlights of this festival is the variety of performances and activities. On September 28, after the opening ceremony, there will be a diverse lineup of entertainment, including string ensemble performances, Hawaiian hula, band performances, cheerleading, and belly dancing. The climax of the event is the mikoshi (portable shrine) parade on September 29. Fifteen mikoshi from various shopping streets and neighborhood associations will gather in front of Ikebukuro Station's West Exit plaza, each weighing up to 500 kg. The heavy mikoshi will be carried through the streets of Ikebukuro, filling the town with energy. A key spectacle of the Fukuro Festival is the "Kenkamikoshi," where mikoshi are vigorously bumped against each other. Traditional performances, including festival music, taiko drum shows, lion dances, and ohayashi, will also be showcased at Ikebukuro West Gate Park.

Event Details
・Venue: Ikebukuro West Gate Park, Ikebukuro West Exit Station Plaza
・Event Date: September 28 – 29, 2024
・Hours: Vary by date, please check the schedule for details

"Ozumo" refers to the professional sumo tournaments organized by the Japan Sumo Association, showcasing Japan's traditional sport. Six times a year, grand tournaments known as "Honbasho" are held to determine the rankings and standings of sumo wrestlers, known as the "Banzuke." These tournaments take place in January (Tokyo), March (Osaka), May (Tokyo), July (Nagoya), September (Tokyo), and November (Fukuoka), each spanning 15 days. The September Tokyo tournament will be held from September 8 to 22, 2024, at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.

The matches begin with wrestlers from the lower ranks, with the higher-ranked wrestlers, such as Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi, and Maegashira, competing later. The top division matches (Makuuchi) usually start around 4:10 PM.

At the basement level of the Kokugikan, the most popular dish, "Kokugikan Chanko" (500 yen), is available for purchase. Chanko is a hearty stew made with vegetables, fish, and chicken, commonly eaten by sumo wrestlers. Over 2,000 bowls are sold daily. Other popular menu items include "Kokugikan Yakitori" (750 yen for 5 skewers) and the newly released "Wakamotoharu's Recommended Minato Bento" (1,200 yen), named after a sumo wrestler.

Event Details
・Venue: Ryogoku Kokugikan
・Event Date: September 8 – September 22, 2024
・Hours: Doors open at 8:30 AM; on the 13th and 14th days, doors open at 10:30 AM; on the final day (Senshuraku), doors open at 10:00 AM; matches continue until around 6:00 PM
・Ticket Prices: Vary by seating, please refer to the official website for details

At Showa Kinen Park, which spans across Tachikawa and Akishima in Tokyo, the Cosmos Festival is held in one of the largest cosmos fields in the city, covering a total area of 20,000 square meters. The park features three main cosmos fields—Higashi Flower Field, Nishi Flower Field, and Flower Hill—where around 4.4 million cosmos flowers bloom in full splendor. Due to the different blooming periods of various cosmos varieties, you can enjoy the vibrant fields from mid-September to late October. The fields primarily feature yellow "Lemon Bright" and "Sensation," which blooms mainly in shades of pink, with a balanced mix of red and white. There are also "Kibanakosmos" that begin blooming during the warmer months. Additionally, the Autumn Bouquet Garden showcases 22 colorful flower varieties.

During the festival, stalls offering cosmos-themed food and drinks will be available, allowing visitors to enjoy the sights, tastes, and experiences of the event.

Event Details
・Venue: Showa Kinen Park
・Event Date: September 14 – October 20, 2024
・Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM on weekends and holidays in September)
*During the event, some days will have early opening at 8:30 AM, and there will be free admission days
・Ticket Prices: Vary by season, please refer to the official website for details

The Tokyo Game Show 2024, one of Japan's largest gaming exhibitions, will soon open its doors, bringing together gaming companies from around the world. This massive event will take place across all halls (1 to 11), the International Conference Hall, and the Event Hall at Makuhari Messe.

The theme for 2024 is "Lead the World with Games." The event is expected to draw around 250,000 visitors. Numerous game developers will have booths, and the event will feature talks by developers and industry experts, as well as announcements of new games. There will be interactive content such as talk shows by developers and voice actors, a smartphone game corner, an eSports area, and a Family Game Park exclusively for children up to middle school age and their families.

In addition to the physical venue, there will be an online venue, official streaming programs, and a virtual space called "TGS Digital World," allowing participants to enjoy the event beyond the limitations of location and time.

Event Details
・Venue: Makuhari Messe
・Event Dates: September 28 – 29, 2024
・Hours: September 28: 10 AM – 5 PM, September 29: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
*September 26 – 27 are business days and not open to the general public.
*Opening times may be moved up by 30 minutes depending on the situation.
・Ticket Prices: 3,000 yen
*Admission is free for elementary school students and younger.
*Tickets will not be sold at the venue on the day of the event. Please purchase in advance as sales will end once tickets are sold out.

The "Oktoberfest" held in Munich, Germany, is the world's largest beer event, attracting around 6 million beer enthusiasts from across the globe in 2023. Inspired by this globally beloved festival, Oktoberfest has been celebrated in Yokohama and Hibiya, Japan, since 2003. In September 2024, the event will take place in Tokyo's Shiba Park.

At this event, you can enjoy popular German breweries such as Hofbräu and Löwenbräu, known as part of the "Big Six" in Munich. One of the highlights is the variety of glasses and mugs, including dumbbell-shaped mugs and giant 3-liter steins, that add to the beer-drinking experience. Traditional German foods like sausages, pretzels, and eisbein will also be available. For those who aren't fans of beer, there will be plenty of other gourmet treats and drinks that feature the flavors of autumn.

Event Details
・Venue: Shiba Park No. 4 Area
・Event Dates: September 13 – September 23, 2024
・Hours: 4 PM – 10 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM); weekends and holidays 11 AM – 10 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM) *Event will proceed in light rain but will be canceled in case of severe weather
・Ticket Prices: Admission 500 yen (Free for elementary school students and younger); food and drinks are separately charged (electronic money and credit cards accepted)

Held once or twice a month at the Tokyo International Forum in Yurakucho, this outdoor antique market is one of Japan's largest. The event, which began in September 2003, takes place on the first and third Sundays of each month (excluding August).

Around 250 vendors gather to sell a wide range of items, including fine art, antiques, and everyday vintage goods. The selection is extensive, featuring everything from Japanese antiques over 300 years old to American vintage items. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore Japan's history and culture through its artifacts.

The Tokyo International Forum, the venue for this event, is conveniently located just a crosswalk away from Yurakucho Station and a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station, making it easily accessible and a must-visit for antique lovers.

Event Details
・Venue: Yurakucho, Tokyo International Forum
・Event Date: September 1, 2024 *Canceled in case of rain
・Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
・Admission: Free; payment is generally in cash, though some vendors may accept credit cards
*Schedule is subject to change

Have you found any events or festivals in the Kanto region that you’d like to attend in September? While traditional summer events like fireworks festivals and Bon Odori are still being celebrated, there are also events that welcome the arrival of autumn, such as the Cosmos Festival and Oktoberfest.

You can experience Japanese culture through events like Grand Sumo tournaments and antique markets. Don’t miss the exciting events at Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Skytree, and the Tokyo Game Show!

(*Please note that the information in this article is accurate as of August 2024. For the latest details, please check the official websites.)