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- Apr. 28. 2026
6 Things to do in Japan: June 2026
May. 29. 2026
June is here, ushering in the start of summer and a season full of festivals, fairs, and outdoor celebrations. As the weather grows warmer and the days grow longer, all kinds of events begin to take place across the country, from traditional matsuri and seasonal festivals to markets and cultural gatherings.
To help you make the most of the month, we’ve rounded up a selection of events that we think are well worth adding to your calendar. Read on to discover what’s happening this June and start planning your next outing.
Tokyo
Torigoe Matsuri
Held annually at Torigoe Shrine, the Torigoe Festival is a tradition that dates back to the Heian era. The highlight of the festival is the legendary Senkan Mikoshi, one of the heaviest mikoshi in Tokyo, weighing nearly four tons. From early morning until dusk, the massive portable shrine is carried through the neighborhood by local parishioners in a lively procession. In the evening, the Torigoe Night Festival takes place, when the mikoshi is illuminated by lanterns, creating a majestic and almost dreamlike atmosphere as it moves through the streets. Throughout the festival, hundreds of yatai (street stalls) line the surrounding streets, serving classic festival foods and snacks. If you happen to be in Tokyo’s Taito area during the festival, it’s definitely worth experiencing.
Image courtesy of Taito City Office.
📍 Torigoe Shrine
📅 June 6 & 7
💰 Free
For full details of the event, please check their Facebook page.
Japanese Sake Fair 2026
Sake lovers, this one’s for you! One of Japan’s largest sake events, Japanese Sake Fair 2026, is returning this June. Hosted by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, the event will bring together more than 1,000 sake labels from across the country, making it the perfect opportunity to explore and compare regional sake all in one place without having to travel across Japan. It consists of two main events: the 17th National Japanese Sake Fair (June 19–20), where visitors can discover sake from breweries nationwide, and the Annual Japan Sake Awards Public Tasting (June 20), featuring award-winning ginjo sake from the 2025 brewing year.
Image courtesy of Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association.
📍 World Import Mart Building (Ikebukuro Sunshine)
📍Bunka Kaikan Building (Ikebukuro Sunshine)
📅 June 19 & 20
💰￥5,000 (general admission)
💰￥2,000 (U-39 Ticket)*
*This year, a special ticket category exclusively for visitors under 40 will also be introduced in an effort to connect sake with a new generation of drinkers.
IMPORTANT: Some tickets are already sold out so please make sure you book a slot in advance!
For full details of the event, please check their official website.
Konsai 2026
Held at NEWoMan TAKANAWA, KONSAI 2026 is a sake and cultural event that brings together approximately 100 sake breweries from across Japan, alongside food vendors, sweets, and specialty drinks. Beyond sake tastings, the event will also feature pairing menus, special dinners, and workshops, including the chance to create your own sake label. Non-alcoholic amazake drinks and shaved ice will also be available, making the event enjoyable for families and visitors of all ages. During the event period, select restaurants inside NEWoMan TAKANAWA will also offer special events and limited experiences exclusive to KONSAI 2026.
Image courtesy of Sake Jump.
📍NEWoMan TAKANAWA Gateway Park
📅 June 10 ~ 14
💰 ￥3,700 (same-day ticket)
For full details of the event, please check their official website.
Bungu Joshi Haku Tokyo 2026
Bungu Joshi Haku, one of Japan’s largest stationery fairs, is back in Tokyo! With over 50,000 products available, visitors can browse, test, and shop a huge variety of notebooks, pens, and unique stationery goods while interacting directly with the makers and brands behind them. Even if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, you’ll likely discover something exciting along the way.
Image courtesy of Bungu Joshi Haku.
📍 Ariake GYM-EX
📅 June 11 ~ 14
💰 ￥990 (June 11 & 12)
💰 ￥1,190 (June 13 & 14)
IMPORTANT: Admission tickets must be purchased in advance. Same-day tickets will not be available.
For full details of the event, please check their official website.
Kyoto
Ajisai Matsuri
Ajisai (Hydrangea) season is upon us! Every June, Fujinomori Shrine hosts its annual Ajisai Matsuri. During the festival, two hydrangea gardens within the shrine grounds are opened to the public, where approximately 3,500 hydrangea bushes bloom in a variety of colors, brightening the rainy season. On weekends throughout the festival period, visitors can also enjoy a range of traditional performances and ceremonial events. For the most accurate dates and ceremonial event schedules, be sure to check the official website.
Image courtesy of Fujinomori Shrine.
📍 Fujinomori Shrine
📅 June 1 ~ 30
💰 ￥500
For full details of the event, please check their official website.
The 95th Kyoto Antique Fair
One of Kansai’s largest antique markets, this long-running fair features everything from Japanese antiques and Western collectibles to Asian goods and curios. With a history spanning more than 30 years, the event brings together around 300 vendors from across Japan, offering a wide variety of unique antiques and vintage finds. Whether you’re a serious collector or simply enjoy browsing beautiful old objects, this Kyoto event is well worth visiting.
Image curtesy of Kyoto Antique Fair Executive Committee.
📍 Kyoto Pulse Plaza
📅 June 26 ~ 28
💰 Free Entry
For full details of the event, please check their official website.
As Japan transitions into summer, June offers plenty of opportunities to experience the country’s seasonal traditions, local culture, and community events. We hope this selection has given you a few ideas for your next adventure. Happy travels!
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