[Summer 2025] A complete guide to Tokyo's Fukagawa Hachiman Festival | Enjoy the summer with food stalls and Toyosu hot springs

What is the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival?

The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival, held every August at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Koto Ward, Tokyo, is one of the three major festivals of the Edo period, alongside the Kanda Festival and the Sanno Festival. Its official name is the Tomioka Hachimangu Annual Festival, and it is a time-honored summer festival that has been held since the Edo period.

This festival, which erupts in excitement throughout the region, is unique in that it is held in a three-year cycle, with the main festival, the Kage Festival, and the main shrine festival taking place in that order.

・Main festival

A large-scale festival held once every three years in which about 50 mikoshi (portable shrines) are gathered together and paraded through the town. It is famous for the "Mizu-kake Matsuri" (Water-throwing Festival), where people along the road throw water on the mikoshi, and this is the most colorful and exciting year. The next one is scheduled for 2026.

・Kage Festival

This is the year following the main festival. Although the scale is somewhat scaled down, you can still enjoy the festival atmosphere with the Ninomiya mikoshi parade, events in the temple grounds, and food stalls. The year 2025 is this year.

・Main shrine festival

This is the year before the main festival, and there is no portable shrine parade, but instead the main focus is on the shrine's Gohoren and the Shinto rituals performed by the priests. You can see the solemn rituals up close in a calm atmosphere.

2025 will be the "Kage Festival" - but there will be plenty to see!

The year 2025 will not be the main festival, but the year of the "In Festival."

According to Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, this year the Ninomiya Mikoshi will be on display, and it is expected that it will be carried along the road as it is paraded. There will be no water-throwing Mikoshi, but the powerful movements of the Mikoshi and the shouts of the carriers are unique to the festival.

In addition, many food stalls are set up around the grounds of Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine, where you can enjoy classic Japanese delicacies such as shaved ice, takoyaki, and yakisoba . There are also traditional performing arts performances and children's mikoshi portable shrines, allowing you to experience the warm atmosphere and excitement that is unique to the local area. It is an event where you can feel the enthusiasm and hospitality of the local people, and many foreign tourists who visit are impressed, saying that they were able to have a "real local experience."

Detailed information (planned)

Date: Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th, 2025

Main events: portable shrine procession, traditional performing arts performances in the shrine grounds, food stalls, etc.

Location: Tomioka Hachiman Shrine and surrounding area (Tomioka 1-chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo)

*Event content and times may be subject to change, so we recommend checking official information in advance.

Great for food lovers! Experience Japanese street food!

At traditional Japanese festivals, not only are there ceremonies and portable shrines at the shrines, but the "yatai" (Japan's Food Carts) lined up along the streets are also a major attraction. The standard way to enjoy the festival atmosphere is to walk around with some gourmet food such as takoyaki, yakisoba, or shaved ice in one hand.

Especially during summer festivals, the lanterns and lights of the food stalls come on at night, creating a lively and photogenic space .

It's a culture that is so popular with tourists that you can say that if you want to experience summer in Japan, you can't begin without trying some yatai gourmet food!

[Top 10 classic foods you can enjoy at food stalls]

Yakisoba – Japan’s Savory Fried Noodles

Yakisoba is a popular Japanese street food made with thin wheat noodles stir-fried on a hot iron plate with sliced pork, cabbage, and a sweet-savory sauce. Though “soba” means buckwheat in Japanese, yakisoba noodles are actually made from wheat, much like ramen.

It’s not the same as udon!Udon noodles are thick, chewy, and usually served in hot broth. In contrast, yakisoba noodles are thinner, softer, and pan-fried with a rich, tangy sauce — closer to lo mein than traditional soba or udon.

Topped with seaweed flakes, pickled ginger, and bonito, yakisoba is packed with umami and festival vibes. It’s a must-try dish at Japanese summer matsuri (festivals)!

Okonomiyaki

Often called "Japanese savory pancakes," okonomiyaki is a beloved street food that combines a variety of ingredients into one delicious dish. A batter of flour, grated yam, eggs, and shredded cabbage is mixed with toppings like pork belly, shrimp, or squid, then cooked on a griddle. It’s topped with a sweet-savory okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and seaweed flakes.Each bite is rich, fluffy, and packed with umami. It’s filling, fun to watch being made, and perfect for those who want to try a uniquely Japanese comfort food.

Takoyaki

Takoyaki are round, crispy-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside balls made of batter and filled with diced octopus. Topped with a savory sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, they’re a popular street snack.

Kakigōri

Kakigōri is a traditional Japanese shaved ice dessert topped with flavored syrups like strawberry, melon, or matcha. Light, fluffy, and refreshing—perfect for beating the summer heat!

Grilled corn (Yaki-Tōmorokoshi)

This popular summer treat features grilled corn brushed with soy sauce-based glaze, giving it a sweet and savory aroma. Smoky, juicy, and full of flavor.

Candy apples (Ringo Ame)

A crisp apple coated in a shiny red sugar glaze. Sweet, tart, and crunchy—a nostalgic treat often enjoyed at Japanese festivals.

Chocolate Banana

A banana on a stick dipped in chocolate and decorated with colorful sprinkles. Fun, sweet, and especially popular with kids.

Cotton candy (Wata-ame)

Large, fluffy, and sweet—cotton candy is spun sugar that melts in your mouth. A festival favorite that brings joy to all ages.

 Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage)

This popular dish is made by deep-frying chicken seasoned with garlic and ginger until it's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Some food stalls offer different flavors, such as lemon or mayonnaise.

Grilled squid (Ika-yaki)

A delicious dish of whole grilled squid coated in sweet and spicy soy sauce. The chewy texture and aroma of the sauce are addictive, making it the perfect accompaniment to beer.

Things to Know Before Trying Japanese Festival Foods

・Bring cash!

Many food stalls do not accept cashless payments, and many only take cash, so it's a good idea to bring plenty of coins and 1,000 yen bills with you to be on the safe side.

・Wet wipes are a must!

Many gourmet restaurants tend to get their hands dirty, so it's a good idea to have some pocket-sized wet wipes on hand.

・Summers in Japan are hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching nearly 35°C during the day. Don't forget to bring a handheld fan, a hat, and drinking water!

When asked, "What is summer like in Tokyo?" many travelers may think, "It's hot, but I guess it's okay." However, the actual summer in Japan is much harsher than you might imagine! Especially in Tokyo from July to August, it is not uncommon for temperatures to reach around 35°C and humidity levels of over 80%. Not only is the sunlight intense, but the stuffy air that makes it difficult for body heat to escape also quickly saps your energy.

"It's too hot...I want to take a little break." When that happens, take a break in Toyosu.

There is little shade around Fukagawa Hachiman Shrine, so midsummer festivals are a test of physical endurance.

What we would like to recommend is the Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club, a hot spring bathing facility located in the Toyosu area, about 10 minutes by train .

Relax at Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club – Your Onsen Oasis in the City

After the heat and excitement of a summer festival, unwind at Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club, a luxurious Japanese-style onsen (hot spring) facility just minutes away.This modern onsen resort offers everything you need to refresh both body and mind — from open-air baths with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay to footbaths, saunas, and private family baths. The natural hot spring water is transported daily from famous sources like Hakone and Yugawara.

Unlike traditional onsen in rural areas, Manyo Club blends authentic Japanese spa culture with the convenience of Tokyo city life. Guests can also enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, spacious relaxation lounges, and even stay overnight if they wish.Don’t worry about what to bring — the entrance fee includes rental towels and comfortable loungewear, so you can just show up and relax.

Whether you’re looking to soak your tired feet in a rooftop footbath or indulge in a full-body onsen soak, Manyo Club is the perfect stop after a day of summer adventure.

Access: 1 minute walk from Yurikamome "Ichiba-mae Station"

Business hours: Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

Official website: https://tokyo-toyosu.manyo.co.jp/

Recharge your energy with cold Uji matcha soft serve ice cream! Éclat des Jours Toyosu branch

"I can still walk, but I want something sweet..." If that sounds like you, head to Éclat des Jours, located right next to Toyosu Station.

This extremely popular patisserie offers shortcakes packed with fruit and a variety of cute baked goods. It also has a cafe space where you can enjoy a cool, refreshing sweet time with a cold drink.

The recommendation for this season is Uji matcha soft serve ice cream.

When the summer heat reaches its peak, a cool, refreshing soft serve ice cream is the ultimate bliss. The sensation of the smooth, melting ice cream seeping into your sweaty body is indescribably comfortable. With each bite, a cool sensation spreads from within, making it the perfect summer treat.

Access: 3 minutes walk from Toyosu Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line

Business hours: Weekdays: 11:00-20:00 Saturdays and holidays: 10:00-20:00

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays

Instagram: @eclatdesjours_english

Official website: https://www.eclatdesjours.jp

OnlineStore: Click here to reserve a cake

summary

The Fukagawa Hachiman Festival is a summer tradition where you can enjoy eating, seeing, feeling and more.

But the best thing to do is to take breaks and enjoy it without pushing yourself too hard .

The course, which starts with food stalls and then a break and sweets in the coolness of Toyosu , is a recommended way to enjoy the summer festival without any stress, even on a hot day.

Come visit in the summer of 2025 and enjoy both the atmosphere of the Edo period and modern comfort!