Shibuya, known worldwide for its iconic Scramble Crossing and Hachiko statue, is the birthplace of Japanese youth culture and the source of many fashion and cultural trends.
However, the appeal of Shibuya goes beyond its vibrant downtown district. With art museums like Bunkamura, famous clubs, and live music venues, Shibuya has also gained attention in recent years as a hub for arts and music.
Known as the "Sleepless City," Shibuya is famous for its constant construction and ever-changing landscape, never staying the same for even a moment. Among the popular spots and shops in Shibuya, Yoyogi Park has long been considered the face of the neighborhood.
Despite being in the middle of a major metropolitan area, Yoyogi Park overflows with nature and serves as the venue for many outdoor events. As a long-time Shibuya resident and lover of the area, I'll introduce the events taking place in Yoyogi Park from June to August 2024.
Event Information for June 2024
In June, Yoyogi Park hosts cultural events from around the world, mainly at the Event Square or along the Keyaki Tree-Lined Avenue. Let's check them out!
Turkish Festival
The Turkish Festival takes place over two days on June 8-9 at the Yoyogi Park Event Square. You can enjoy Turkish folk dances and classical music performances all day on the stage.
Additionally, popular Turkish dishes like kebabs and kofte will be available at food stalls. For me, Shibuya and Harajuku are synonymous with kebabs due to the abundance of shops, but on this day, you can try authentic Turkish kebabs. Don't miss the colorful Turkish accessories and goods on sale too.
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Dates: June 8 (Sat) & 9 (Sun), 2024
Time: 10:00 - 19:00
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/2884464981690687/
World Gourmet & Music Festa
The 13th World Gourmet & Music Festa takes place on June 8-9, 2024. It's a great opportunity to enjoy cuisine, goods, clothing, folk music, and dances from around the world all at once. The lively atmosphere of diverse world cultures coming together makes this an enjoyable annual event.
Held concurrently with the Turkish Festival at the next event venue, you can enjoy both festivals together. Participating countries this year include Thailand, Vietnam, Cuba, India, and Pakistan among others.
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Dates: June 8 (Sat) & 9 (Sun), 2024
Time: 10:00 - 19:00
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1435920677248884/
Sri Lanka Festival
On June 15-16, the Sri Lanka Festival takes place with support from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo. Food booths will offer Sri Lankan cuisine, and you can also purchase Sri Lankan groceries, clothing and goods. I'm particularly interested in Ceylon tea and spices.
The festival also features Ayurvedic massage booths, fortune telling, and more, allowing you to experience Sri Lankan culture comprehensively.
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Dates: June 15 & 16, 2024
Time: 9:00 - 20:00
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://srilankafestival.jp/
Georgia Festival
The Georgia Festival, highlighting the mystical culture of the Caucasus region, runs for two days starting June 15. You can taste Georgia's fragrant wines from the birthplace of viniculture, as well as Georgian cuisine.
The stage will showcase Georgian folk dances, classical music performances, and demonstrations of Georgian martial arts like Frydri. Don't miss the beautiful traditional Georgian costumes reflecting the country's rich history.
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Dates: June 15 (Sat) - 16 (Sun), 2024
Time: 10:00 - 18:00
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://geofes.themedia.jp/
Thai Food Festival
Indulge in popular Thai dishes like Tom Yum Kung, Pad Thai, and Gapao Rice, which have become staples in Japan. With many popular Thai restaurants already in Shibuya, where I frequent my favorites, the opportunity to enjoy Thai food outdoors at Yoyogi Park is special.
Every year, there are also food wagons selling Thai beers and other Southeast Asian cuisines. Why not take a break from shopping in Shibuya and Harajuku to visit?
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Dates: June 15 (Sat) & 16 (Sun), 2024
Time: 10:00 - 19:00
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/194449473627222/
Africa Heritage Festival
The Africa Heritage Festival, resuming for the first time after the pandemic, runs for three days starting June 21. Over this period, you can experience the diverse food, music, and lifestyle of Africa.
Enjoy delicacies like couscous and yassa chicken, browse unique and cute African goods at the bazaar, and immerse yourself in live African music ranging from traditional to pop on the festival's music stage. On June 22 at 2 PM, there will be a parade open to all participants, so feel free to join in!
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Dates: June 21, 22 & 23, 2024
Time: 11:00 - 19:00 (L.O. 18:30) (June 21: 12:00 - 19:00 (L.O. 18:30) )
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://africah.web.fc2.com/j-ahcfes-2024.html
Jamaica Festival
On June 22-23, the Jamaica Festival takes place, featuring Jamaican foods like the nation's famous jerk chicken gathered from across Japan. Music lovers won't want to miss the hip-hop, Jamaican reggae, and DJ/singer sessions.
The festival also spotlights Jamaican art through live painting, galleries, and more. If you're drawn to the cool Jamaican culture, be sure to check it out!
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Dates: June 22 & 23, 2024
Time: 11:00 - 20:00 (June 23 until 19:00)
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://www.jamafes.com/
LOVE FOR NOTO
A support event called "LOVE FOR NOTO" will be held to aid recovery efforts following the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024. It offers an opportunity to provide support through food, shopping, and music.
Food vendors, goods shops, and free live performances by popular artists like Kiyoharu will make it easy for people gathering in Shibuya to participate. In the evening, candlelight vigils and opportunities to write supportive messages to Noto will take place to share a spirit of solidarity with the affected region.
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Dates: June 29 (Sat) - 30 (Sun), 2024
Time: TBA
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://songoftheearth.info/sote2024/lovefornoto/
Event Information for July 2024
In July, Yoyogi Park hosts noteworthy cultural events from three countries. Let's check out these hot events that won't be overshadowed by Shibuya's summer heat!
Arabian Festival 2024
The Arabian Festival takes place on July 6-7 at Yoyogi Park's Event Square, officially titled "earth garden 'Summer' 2024 × ARABIAN FESTIVAL 2024." A major highlight is the belly dancing, with numerous dance groups taking the stage.
The shisha pipes currently trending worldwide on social media will also be featured, along with Middle Eastern cuisine, of course.
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Dates: July 6 (Sat) & 7 (Sun), 2024
Time: July 6 12:00 - 21:00, July 7 11:00 - 18:00
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://arabian-fes.com/
Latin American Festival
The Latin American Festival runs for two days starting July 13. Enjoy tropical drinks, Latin American dishes like tacos and potato-based foods, and shop for colorful clothing and goods amid a cheerful, laidback atmosphere.
The stage will feature programs showcasing Latin music ranging from pop to traditional styles. Feel free to drop by and soak up the festive vibe!
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Dates: July 13 (Sat) - 14 (Sun), 2024
Time: 10:00 - 19:00
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1454305425364546/
Taiwan Festa 2024 ~Taiwan Night Market~
The wildly popular Taiwan Festa returns this year with the theme of "Night Market." You can experience the lively Taiwanese night markets so popular among Asian travelers right here at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. In addition to the must-try food, the festival offers night market experiences, a spatial art installation using mirror balls, and more.
As someone who adores Taiwanese culture, I can barely contain my excitement to participate. Let's enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of a glowing, lantern-lit Taiwanese night market on a hot Tokyo night.
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Dates: July 26 (Fri), 27 (Sat), 28 (Sun), 2024
Time: 15:00 - 22:00 (July 28 until 21:00)
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://taiwan-festa.com/
Event Information for August 2024
In August, Yoyogi Park hosts an event showcasing the Thai pop culture phenomenon set to explode globally, as well as the always lively Japanese dance and Yosakoi festival.
Thai Pop Culture Event "THAI EXPO TOKYO 2024"
On August 17-18, immerse yourself in Thai traditional culture and modern pop culture. The event particularly spotlights Thai pop culture elements like fashion and "Boys' Love" dramas that have been rapidly gaining global popularity in recent years.
Once you start watching Thai dramas, it's hard to stop! These days, they're almost as popular among my friends as Korean dramas. This is a great chance to experience Thailand's burgeoning soft power across various fields before it explodes further.
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Dates: August 17 (Sat) & 18 (Sun), 2024
Time: 10:00 - 20:00
Free entry / No tickets required
Details: https://www.gyucreative.com/thaiexpotokyo2024/
Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi 2024
From August 24-25, the Super Yosakoi 2024 takes place across Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, and areas around Meiji Shrine. Yosakoi is a modern dance developed by combining traditional Japanese folk songs and dances with contemporary music in the late 20th century and considered a newly formed Japanese cultural art.
Performers from across Japan take to the streets energetically dancing while playing naruko clappers that produce rhythmic sounds. Don't miss their exuberant, uniquely Japanese costumes blending tradition with avant-garde flair.
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Dates: August 24 (Sat) - 25 (Sun), 2024
Time: Typically 10:00 - 19:00
Free viewing / No tickets required
Details: https://www.super-yosakoi.tokyo/