What's On in Tokyo

Annual events in Tokyo include everything from sports competitions to spring festivals, cutting-edge theatre productions to international trade fairs.

Here are just a few of the best events in Tokyo.

Annual events in Tokyo

Sumo Basho (Sumo Tournaments) (January)

The Sumo tournaments take place six times over the course of the year. At the first event, which takes place from mid-January, a champion is crowned after two weeks of matches.

Toray Pan Pacific Open (February)

An international ladies-only tennis tournament which sees the best names in international tennis compete for over a million US dollars in prize money.

National Foundation Day Parade (February)

A public holiday in Japan, this event commemorates the crowning of Japan’s first emperor. A parade travels through Meiji Park, the Meiji Shrine and Omote-Sando Street.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival (March)

At the start of spring, cherry trees erupt into pink and white blossoms, giving the city a magical aura. The event is celebrated with hanami parties that take the form of picnics, drinking, singing and dancing. Street stalls appear and musicians in costume serenade the picnickers. Ueno Park is one of the best places in Tokyo to experience this.

Design Festa (May)

The largest art event in Asia, this showcase of Oriental art sees thousands of participating artists, film screenings, food stalls and displays.

Great Japan Beer Festival (June/July)

An annual event held in mid-June, this festival is one of the most popular in Tokyo. Visitors can sample local and international beers.

Tokyo Summer Festival (June to August)

A month-long music festival and the biggest of its kind in Japan, this festival features contemporary, traditional and classical music from around the world at venues throughout the city.

Japan F1 Grand Prix (October)

Usually held during the first week of October, this is one of the most popular events of the Formula 1 season.

Tokyo International Film Festival (October/November)

One of the largest film events in Asia, this two-week event sees a huge variety of Japanese and international films screened, as well as an awards ceremony.

Setagaya Boro Ichi (December)

A popular antique market held in mid-December in Setagaya where hundreds of stallholders sell everything from priceless antiques to bric-a-brac.