The “Events” section of the Tokyo Shitamachi Guide introduces seasonal and limited-time events held in Tokyo’s traditional downtown, known as Shitamachi.
Each article focuses on one recommended event, providing useful information for travelers who want to experience local culture during their trip to Tokyo.
This article features the best free events in the Asakusa area for 2026.
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most popular sightseeing areas, and these events are a great way to enjoy the atmosphere without spending money.
If you are visiting Tokyo’s Shitamachi, especially Asakusa, be sure to check them out during your stay.
Please note that event dates and times may change depending on the year or weather.
For the latest and most accurate information, please visit the official website of each event.
January 2026
The Bamboo Lantern Festival in East Tokyo
The bamboo light installations, known as Takeakari, create a magical nighttime atmosphere along the river.
Now in its forth year, this popular winter illumination event features even more areas to explore and enjoy.
Locations
- Kitajukken River Terrace (Google map)
- Sumida River Walk
- Sumida Park (Sumida City Side)
- Ushijima Shrine
- Tully’s Coffee Sumida Park
- Tokyo Skytree area
Event Dates
- Friday, November 7, 2025 – Saturday, January 31, 2026
Event Time
- 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Note
For the latest details and updates, please visit the official Takeakari website.
Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple – Daikon Radish Festival
At Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple, there is a long-standing tradition of offering daikon radishes to Daisho Kangiten, the temple’s principal deity.
Daikon radish is a common and important vegetable in Japan. It is believed to aid digestion and help cleanse the body, and it is therefore regarded as a symbol of spiritual purification associated with this deity.
During the Daikon Radish Festival, visitors can enjoy simple dishes made from the daikon that was offered at the temple after New Year’s Day.
Location
- Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple (Google map)
Event Date
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Event Time
- 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Note
For more information about this event, please see the article “Origin of the Daikon Festival” (in Japanese) on the official Matsuchiyama Shoden Temple website.
Otori Shrine – New Year Mochi-Pounding and Seven-Herb Rice Porridge
Nanakusa-gayu, or seven-herb rice porridge, is a traditional Japanese dish eaten on January 7. People eat it to pray for good health in the new year.
At Otori Shrine, visitors are offered a bowl of seven-herb rice porridge on January 7 as a prayer for good health throughout the year.
On the same day, there is also a mochi-pounding event. You can watch how mochi (rice cakes) are made, and there are traditional shrine dances called Otorimai as well.
Location
- Otori Shrine (Google map)
Event Date
- Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Event Time
- 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Note
For more details about the New Year Mochi-Pounding and Seven-Herb Rice Porridge event, please see the event flyer titled “28th New Year Mochi-Pounding Festival & Seven-Herb Rice Porridge” (in Japanese).
For more information about the Otorimai dance, please check the article “Otorimai” (in Japanese)” on the official Otori Shrine website.
Sensoji Temple – Sending Off the Spirits Ritual
Sensoji Temple holds a special Buddhist ritual called Onza Hiho Darani-e every January.
The purpose of this ritual is to calm evil spirits and to pray for peace in Japan and around the world.
During the ritual, prayers are chanted 168 times over seven days. Moja Okuri, or the “Sending Off the Spirits,” is the final prayer of the ritual.
At the climax of the ritual, two monks dressed as demons walk around the temple grounds. This dramatic scene is very powerful and impressive to watch.
Location
- Sensoji Temple (Google map)
Event Date (Scheduled)
- Sunday, January 18, 2026
Event Time (Scheduled)
- 5:00 p.m.
Note
For more details about the Sending Off the Spirits ritual, please see the article “Onza Hiho Darani-e” (in Japanese) on the official Sensoji Temple website.
Asakusa Shrine – Hatsuka Ebisu Festival
Asakusa Shrine enshrines Ebisu, a deity of good business, prosperity, and family safety.
The Hatsuka Ebisu Festival marks the first Ebisu day of the year. It is said that praying to Ebisu on this day brings especially strong blessings. Many people visit the shrine to pray for good luck in the New Year and success in business, making it a lively and festive event.
On the festival day, visitors can receive special limited-edition shrine stamps (goshuin) and lucky bamboo branches called fukuzasa, which are believed to bring good fortune. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience Japanese New Year traditions and shrine culture while sightseeing in Asakusa.
Location
- Asakusa Shrine (Google map)
Event Date (Scheduled)
- Monday, January 19, 2026 – Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Event Time (Scheduled)
- 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Note
