Get ready for a weekend of fire, wind and all-round wonder in Tokyo. It’s elementary to keep busy while staying on budget with these events.
Adachi Fireworks Festival (July 23): One of Tokyo’s most well-known fireworks displays takes place this Saturday along the banks of the Arakawa River. Get there early, grab a spot and enjoy the hour-long show of 12 000 “fire flowers”, as they’re known in Japanese.
Ekoda Night Bazaar (July 23): Roll down to Nerima Ward for this regular night shopping festival that features bargains, food on sticks and daikon radishes. The atmosphere is fun – and things are affordable.
Kawasaki Daishi Fuurin-Ichi (July 20-24): For a bit of culture and tradition and all that good stuff, trek out to this festival of wind chimes in Kawasaki. The pretty little chimes are prized in Japan – and are said to provide a soothing, cool sort of feeling in the stifling heat of summer. We’re not sure we agree, but they sound nice anyway.
Wonder Festival 2016 (July 24): If you’re a fan of figurines, this event is for you. Makuhari Messe will be filled wall to wall with action figures and collectibles of all kinds. Famous characters from Japanese anime and other media, as well as Western titles, will be on display – with both professional manufacturers and amateurs doing the exhibiting.
Other events to add to your to-consider list are the ongoing Ueno Summer Festival and the H.K. Art Exhibition.
