The Awa Odori of Kagurazaka (Photo: Laika ac from USA / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Late
Jul
The Awa Odori of Kagurazaka (Photo: Laika ac from USA / CC BY-SA 2.0)

The Kagurazaka Matsuri 2025

A four-day festival in chic Kagurazaka

Venue
Kagurazaka-dori
When
Late Jul 2025

In late July, the Tokyo suburb of Kagurazaka will host the annual Kagurazaka Matsuri.

Famous for Kagurazaka Dori, the area's chic and pedestrian-friendly street slope, the suburb is also known for the historical Akagi Shrine, Edo period geisha houses, and French schools.

Held over four days, the first two days of the festival center around the Houzuki Market. Houzuki are ground cherries used during the obon festival in summer and were once thought to prevent chronic illness. The final two days feature the Awa Odori Festival with crowds of evening dancers performing traditional Japanese dances that originated from far-off Tokushima Prefecture.

Kagurazaka features a lively local eatery scene and along with the four days of festival street food stalls, the area will be full of happy revelers enjoying a traditional Japanese summer party atmosphere.

Getting there

Take the JR Chuo Line to Iidabashi Station. The bottom of Kagurazaka Dori is only a short stroll from the station. To start from the top of Kagurazaka Dori, take the Oedo Subway Line to Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station.

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Elizabeth S 5 years ago
Some people know houzuki as Chinese lantern. Besides their use in Obon traditions, they look beautiful in dried flower arrangements.
Elena Lisina 5 years ago
This festival sounds interesting! I stay in Tokyo on July 26-28 and my plan is Ebisu Bon Odori on July 26 and Sumidagawa Hanabi on July 27. Impossible to catch all events! Maybe this one is better than Ebisu festival? What you'd recommend? I've never visited Kagurazaka yet...
Elena Lisina 5 years ago
Yes, I'm sure that would be great time! :D
Kim Bergström 5 years ago
I'm already excited about all the summer festivals!

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