Shibuya, the epicenter of Japanese youth culture, is a popular tourist destination that attracts many international visitors. Many people come to see the famous Hachiko statue and the Scramble Crossing in front of Shibuya Station. The area has been undergoing construction for years and continues to evolve.
Shibuya is also home to numerous art museums and live music venues, showcasing its artistic and musical side. In recent years, it has become famous as the setting for popular anime series.
Known as the city that never sleeps, Shibuya boasts many bars and cafes that stay open until late at night or early morning. On the other hand, it also features many spots where you can enjoy nature, such as Yoyogi Park. The large parks and squares host various events throughout the seasons, offering diverse experiences unique to Shibuya.
In this article, we'll introduce you to the Shibuya events & festivals in September 2024, when the lingering summer atmosphere still prevails!
Events in September 2024
SHIBUYA MIYASHITA PARK BON DANCE 2024
source：PR TIMES
When you think of Japanese summer, you think of Bon Odori! Bon Odori is a traditional dance to welcome and send off the spirits of ancestors during summer. It's performed at various summer festivals across Japan and is open for anyone to participate.
The "SHIBUYA MIYASHITA PARK BON DANCE 2024" is an event that fuses this traditional Bon Odori with Shibuya's pop music culture. It's a festival where you can enjoy Bon Odori more casually and freely. Don't worry if you don't know how to dance! Bon Odori consists of simple, slow-paced movements, so you can quickly learn by imitating those around you and moving to the music.
The charm of this event lies in experiencing Japanese tradition and Shibuya culture through music and dance. If you want to enhance the festive mood, consider wearing a yukata (Japanese casual "kimono"). There are several shops around Shibuya where you can rent yukata, so check them out if you're interested.
Date: September 21 (Sat) & 22 (Sun) (Cancelled in case of rain)
Venue: MIYASHITA PARK 4F Miyashita Park Lawn Plaza
Admission: Free
Official Instagram
Shibuya Konnou Hachiman-gu Reitaisai
source： Official website
The "Shibuya Konnou Hachiman-gu Reitaisai" held in September is Shibuya's largest festival. This festival, which prays for bountiful harvests, people's health, and the prosperity of the town, is one of Shibuya's traditional events that has continued for over 900 years.
The highlight of this festival is undoubtedly the impressive array of mikoshi (portable shrines). Mikoshi are vehicles that gods ride when they leave the shrine. Each neighborhood has its own mikoshi, which is paraded through the streets carrying the spirit of the deity.
When carrying the mikoshi, it's customary to shout out loud chants. "Wasshoi" and "Soiya" are some common chants, but they vary by region. Try imitating these chants to get into the festive spirit! In the 2023 festival, 14 mikoshi gathered in front of Shibuya 109, culminating in a lively finale with energetic chants.
This year's festival is scheduled for mid-September. Come and enjoy it with the locals!
Date: Around mid-September
Venue: Konnou Hachiman Shrine and around Shibuya
For last year's highlights
Shibuya Center-gai Summer Festival
source： Official website
Shibuya Center-gai, the trendsetting hub of Shibuya, is hosting the "Shibuya Center-gai Summer Festival" from July 19 to September 16. The first phase, from July 19 to August 4, features a Tanabata festival theme. "Tanabata" is one of the important seasonal events in Japan. Taking inspiration from the Tanabata festival in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, the highlight is the colorful Tanabata decorations made with Japanese paper and bamboo. A parade is scheduled for August 4.
The second phase, from August 9 to September 16, focuses on the "Nebuta Festival" theme. "Nebuta" are large, three-dimensional lantern-style figures mounted on floats. In traditional Japanese Nebuta festivals, dancers called "haneto" jump and dance behind the Nebuta while chanting. The Center-gai Summer Festival will feature impressive Nebuta displays and decorations, with a parade scheduled for September 16 following a safety prayer ceremony.
Don't miss this chance to experience two of Japan's traditional major festivals right in the heart of Shibuya!
Period: Phase 1 - July 19 (Wed) to August 8 (Tue), Phase 2 - August 9 (Wed) to September 16 (Sat)
Time: August 4 (Fri) Tanabata Festival Ceremony (Hachiko Square) 5:00 PM, Parade (Basketball Street) 5:30 PM
Venue: Shibuya Center-gai
Admission: Free
For more details
Ukiyo-e Ghost House
source： Official website
If you're interested in Japanese art, we recommend the "Ukiyo-e Ghost House" held at the Ota Memorial Museum of Art. This exhibition showcases a carefully curated selection of ghost-themed works from "ukiyo-e," a genre of Japanese art that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868). You'll see various ghosts, from scary yokai like Tengu and Kappa to humorous and cute creatures that have been part of Japanese folklore for centuries.
Ukiyo-e is known for its satirical depiction of contemporary politics and events. The fun part is discovering various stories within a single ukiyo-e print.
This exhibition will feature about 170 works by popular ukiyo-e artists from the Edo period. The colorful and expressive ghosts are so lifelike, they seem ready to jump out of the prints. The exhibition is divided into two periods: August 3 to September 1, and September 6 to 29, with a complete change of exhibits between the two periods. Why not take this opportunity to meet Japanese ghosts?
Period: First period - August 3 (Sat) to September 1 (Sun), Second period - September 6 (Fri) to September 29 (Sun)
Venue: Ota Memorial Museum of Art (5-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station Omotesando Exit)
Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
Closed: August 5, 13, 19, 26, September 2, 3, 4, 5, 17, 24
Admission: Adults 1200 yen, University and high school students 800 yen, Junior high school students (15 years old) and under free
For more details
China Festival 2024
source： Official website
The "China Festival 2024," held on September 7 and 8, allows you to experience the charm of China while in Japan. This event aims to promote exchange between Japan and China and introduce Chinese culture, food, and economy. Last year's event was a great success with a spicy Chinese food competition, music performances, and traditional Chinese sugar art demonstrations. This year, about 90 booths are expected to participate.
The official Instagram account will be updated with information about participating booths and live performance schedules. You can also see photos from last year's event, so be sure to check it out.
The venue, Yoyogi Park, is rich in nature and perfect for a stroll in the lingering summer heat. You can enjoy activities like cycling on the rental bikes or birdwatching, making it an ideal spot to relax away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya. As the event runs until 8:00 PM, you might consider visiting in the cooler evening hours after enjoying a day of park walks or Shibuya sightseeing!
Date: September 7 (Sat) & 8 (Sun) (Held rain or shine, cancelled in case of severe weather)
Time: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Venue: Yoyogi Park Event Square
Admission: Free
Official Instagram
Namaste India 2024
source： Official website
"Namaste India 2024" will be held at Yoyogi Park on September 28 and 29. This event, which started with the aim of promoting economic exchange between Japan and India, is now in its 29th year and is Japan's largest Indian festival. You can experience all aspects of Indian "food, clothing, and shelter," from various Indian food stalls to trying on traditional Indian sari and Ayurvedic body care.
The outdoor stage will feature live performances of various genres, including Indian music, traditional classical dance, and Japanese traditional arts. The cheerful and colorful stage, reminiscent of a scene from an Indian movie, is full of exotic charm. Enjoying Indian culture in Shibuya will surely become a unique memory of your trip to Japan.
You can check out last year's highlights and this year's live performance schedule on the official website. Beat the lingering summer heat with Indian cuisine and music!
Date: September 28 (Sat) & 29 (Sun) (Held rain or shine)
Venue: Yoyogi Park Event Square
Admission: Free
For more details
Conclusion
We've introduced you to the Shibuya events & festivals in September 2024. Shibuya, a melting pot of diverse people, hosts a wide range of events. From fusion of old and new to traditional Japanese festivals and cross-cultural exchange events, there are plenty of activities that international visitors can enjoy.
One of the joys of local festivals is the chance to interact casually with locals and shop staff. The unique events you'll experience in Shibuya, still buzzing with summer energy, are sure to become unforgettable memories of your trip!