For taiko lovers traveling to Tokyo in the summer, few experiences rival the emotional power of a Bon Odori festival accompanied by the thunderous resonance of drums. One festival not to miss is the Tsukiji Honganji Obon (Bon Dance) Festival, usually held in the last week of July into early August. After dancing under lanterns and hearing performances by Ōedo Sukeroku Daiko—a premier taiko group known for its long history and contributions like Naname style and Nidan Uchi—you can end the night with a walk or short taxi ride to Tsukishima for monja-yaki, especially at a fun spot like Tsukishima Monja Dagashiya.
Plan Your Itinerary
1. Arrival – Take Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Tsukiji Station, or Yurakucho Line / Toei Oedo Line to Tsukijishijo Station. All are within walking distance to Tsukiji Honganji.
2. Attend Bon Odori at Tsukiji Honganji
Arrive by 6:00 PM. Enjoy food stalls, the architecture of the temple, and Bon Odori dances. Ōedo Sukeroku Daiko performances highlight Naname and Nidan Uchi styles.
3. Monja Dinner in Tsukishima
After the festival (around 8–9 PM), taxi or subway to Tsukishima Station. Head to Monja Street and visit Monja Dagashiya. Try dagashi toppings and enjoy the cozy vibe.
4. Wrap Up Night
After monja, wander Monja Street, enjoy lights, or head to the waterfront for views before returning.
Tsukiji Honganji Obon Festival
Address: Tsukiji Honganji Temple, 3‑15‑1 Tsukiji, Chūō‑ku, Tokyo 104‑0045.
Website: https://tsukijihongwanji.jp/
Dates (Tentative): The festival is commonly scheduled in the last week of July, e.g. July 30 – August 2 in 2025.
Operating Info: Evenings, typically starting around 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM or later; free admission.
Ōedo Sukeroku Daiko often performs as part of this festival. They are legendary for developing Naname style and Nidan Uchi. Their performances bring technical mastery and cultural resonance, especially against the backdrop of Bon Odori, where the community dances under lanterns.
Tsukiji Honganji Bon Odori 2023
Walk / Ride to Monja in Tsukishima
After the Bon dance at Tsukiji Honganji, head to Tsukishima, the famous monja district. It’s walkable or a short taxi ride depending on your energy.
From Tsukiji Honganji Temple, walk toward Tsukijishijo Station (Oedo Line) or Higashi‑Ginza to catch the subway, or hop in a taxi. Alternatively, a 15–20 minute taxi ride will get you to Tsukishima Station (Yurakucho Line / Toei Oedo Line).
Tsukishima Monja Dagashiya
Address: 3‑8‑7 Tsukishima, Chūō‑ku, Tokyo 104‑0052.
Website: https://www.dgash.com/index.html
Operating Hours: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun 17:00 – 21:00; Fri, Sat 16:00 – 22:00; Closed Mondays.
Average Price: Around JPY 4,000 ‑ 4,999 per person depending on order and drinks.
Tsukishima’s main thoroughfare—Monja Street—is lined with dozens of monjayaki restaurants. Monja Dagashiya is playful because you can pick from dagashi (children’s snacks) as toppings. Even if you randomly pick a place on Monja Street, you’ll almost always get a satisfying monja experience.
Final Thoughts
For taiko lovers, this summer trip offers layers: the pulse of drums, the flow of dancers, the heat of the grill, and the joy of flavorful monja. It’s a night that captures Tokyo’s rhythm—old traditions and everyday food culture coexisting.