The 2025 Kagurazaka Matsuri Festival: Just 3 Days Away! Stroll Through Kagurazaka in Yukata

Immerse Yourself in Tokyo’s Festival Elegance – Your Complete Yukata Style Guide, Just 3 Days Before the Celebration

Have you ever dreamed of wandering down cobblestone alleys, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating your path, feeling the unique atmosphere of old Tokyo? In Kagurazaka, that dream becomes a reality.

Next week, from Wednesday, July 23rd to Saturday, July 26th, the neighborhood will come alive for the 51st Kagurazaka Matsuri Festival. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, and there's no better way to do it than by wearing a traditional yukata. Worried about getting it right? Don't be. We'll show you how the pros can help.

Get ready for an unforgettable four days of history, energy, and incredible food in one of Tokyo's most charming districts.

Festival Highlights: A Day-by-Day Guide

The Kagurazaka Matsuri is a festival of two distinct halves, each with its own special charm.

Part 1: Hozuki Market & Gourmet Street Food (July 23-24, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

The festival begins with the enchanting Hozuki Market, held around the iconic Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple. These bright, lantern-like "winter cherry" plants are a classic symbol of summer in Japan.

The real highlight, however, is the Monzen Yatai Corner, where Kagurazaka's finest restaurants set up street food stalls. This is a rare chance to sample dishes from high-end establishments at festival prices. With 54 stalls planned for 2025, you can taste everything from the exquisite tempura of Tenko to the classic yakitori of Torishizu.

Insider Tip: Zenkokuji Temple is said to be the very first place in Tokyo to host an ennichi (temple fair with night stalls). You're not just eating—you're experiencing a piece of Tokyo history!

Part 2: The Awa Odori Dance Festival (July 25-26, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

The festival's climax is the Awa Odori, a vibrant and energetic dance parade that takes over the main street of Kagurazaka. The "Saka no Awa Odori" is famous throughout Japan because the dancers perform on a slope, a challenging and dynamic spectacle of coordinated movement and music.

• Children's Awa Odori: July 26 (Sat), 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Please note: Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, the Geisha troupes will not be participating in this year's Awa Odori.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

1. Dressing the Part: Perfecting the Yukata Look

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a festival yukata is the quintessential attire. It’s the official uniform for summer fun, and you'll see locals and visitors alike wearing them. If you have a yukata but aren't confident about wearing it, let a professional help you look your best all night long.

• Salon: Hide Beauty Salon (frequented by Kagurazaka's Geisha)

• Address: Kagurazaka Center Bldg 2F, 3-5 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku

• Phone: 03-3260-6605 (Reservations are highly recommended)

2. Explore Like a Local: Guided Backstreet Tours

Discover the hidden charms of Kagurazaka with a guided walking tour through its narrow alleys and past its most interesting sights.

• Organizer: Iki na Machizukuri Club (NPO)

• When: July 23 (Wed) & 24 (Thurs), 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (Tours start on a rolling basis)

• Meeting Point: Kagurazaka Commons 1st (in Honda Yokocho)

• Duration: Approx. 45 minutes

• Fee: 1,000 JPY per person (includes a special map)

• Capacity: First-come, first-served for 100 people each day.

• Reservations/Inquiries: ikimachi.setsumei@gmail.com

The Kagurazaka Matsuri is just days away. Don't miss this chance to eat, see, and dance your way through an unforgettable Tokyo summer night.

▶ Explore more: Kagurazaka Refined Wander Official Site

How to Access Kagurazaka

The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes of any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.