Kodomo Go!

27th Tokyo Yosakoi

Watch 100+ teams perform around Ikebukuro West, with Otsuka and Sugamo also hosting on October 11. Free viewing with little language dependency.

EDITOR'S PICK
#Music & performance#Languages & culture#Seasonal celebrations

Full event details

Dates
2026-10-10 – 2026-10-11
Time
See official venue schedules for performance times
Venue
Ikebukuro West venues; also Otsuka / Sugamo on October 11
Age
All ages
Price
Free
Participation
No reservation needed
Category
Festivals & seasons
Area
Toshima
Venue setting
Outdoor

Editorial introduction

This large Yosakoi dance festival takes place around Ikebukuro’s west exit, in parks and along streets, expanding to Otsuka and Sugamo on October 11. For families taking children to experience the atmosphere of a Japanese festival for the first time, it is more approachable than events that require an understanding of religious rituals: admission is free, music and dance take center stage, and the language barrier is very low.

Full program and participation conditions

Check the organizer for current prices, availability and changes.

Event facts

Dates: 2026-10-10 – 2026-10-11
Area: Ikebukuro West area; Oct 11 also includes Otsuka and Sugamo

Venues

Official materials list venues including:
- Ikebukuro West Gate Station Plaza
- Ikebukuro West Gate Park
- Azalea-dori
- Mizuki-dori
- Four local shopping streets
- Tobu Department Store 8F Sky Deck (new venue)
- ironowa hiro ba at Otsuka North Exit
- Sugamo North Exit

Scale / participation

  • The 2026 official team list contains 100+ teams.
  • Public street/stage viewing is free.
  • Spectators do not need booking.
  • Official venue/team schedules have already been published; organizer corrections are still possible.

Traffic note

Major traffic controls around Ikebukuro West:
- Oct 10: approximately 10:00–19:00
- Oct 11: approximately 09:00–21:00

Family fit

This is one of the easiest Japanese festival experiences for an international family because almost nothing needs translation: children can understand the costumes, choreography, music and crowd energy immediately.

Unverified information and possible updates

  • Final corrections to the published schedule

Information sources

Research verified on: