Wind chimes sound the arrival of summer in Japan.
Wind chimes sound the arrival of summer in Japan. | Photo by Otota Dana

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.

Suggested Activity
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
Taste all kinds of Japanese drinks and dishes in the lively nightlife district of Tokyo. Offered by MagicalTrip, a top tour operator in Japan with 5000 TripAdvisor reviews.

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.

Ask our local experts about Tokyo

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

Watch this next

Recommended hotels located nearby