Mitama Matsuri (July 13-16): A festival honoring the spirits of the dead with 30,000 lanterns lining the walkway up to Yasukuni Shrine. As is typical with summer festivals, there is also plenty of food, beer and music. More details.
Brazilian Day Japan (July 16-17): A two-day event in Yoyogi Park celebrating all things Brazil—from food and drink, to samba music and capoeira performances. More details.
Live from the Kitchen Disco, Vol. 26 (July 17): Jam out at a free show featuring the best of Tokyo’s indie music scene—from Japanese digital rock n’ roll to folk and blues. More details.
The Do-Over Tokyo (July 17): The Do-Over is an all-day outdoor DJ dance party with a simple concept: good tunes, cold drinks, fun times and mystery DJs. This year’s event will take place in Shibuya instead of its usual Tokyo Bay location. Entry is free. More details.
Ueno Summer Festival (July 9-Aug 7): A 5-week long summer festival around Ueno Park with different events each day, which in the past has included a paper lantern floating festival, an antiques market and an ice sculpture display. The main parade, however, will be held on July 23. More details.
Nakaita Heso Matsuri (July 18): This festival in Nakaita features Eisa dancing (Okinawan folk dancing), belly dancing, and ‘heso odori’ – belly button dancing. There will also be kids parades if you’ve got little ones in tow. More details.
“Shape Your City” Art and Music Pop-Up (ongoing until July 21): This Friday and Saturday, hang out at the city’s coolest art and music pop-up. Come mix with people you have yet to meet, listen to music you have yet to hear, and experience art and culture you have yet to encounter at UltraSuperNew Gallery in Harajuku. Event is from 11:00-21:00, bar opens at 17:00, and the first drink is on the house—very cheapo, baby, yeah! More details.
H.K. Art Exhibition (ongoing until July 28): Artist H.K. explores life, death and the “in-between” through flowers and the human body. Check out his unique take on the world at Kinosho Kikaku Gallery (Closed Sundays) More details.
Edo Goldfish Wonderland (ongoing until Sep 30): This event held at Sumida Aquarium is a throwback to the Edo period, with a fishy twist. Amongst 31 tanks displaying a variety of goldfish, enjoy recreated Edo-style cocktails to lanterns to ice cream and more. More details.
