Tokyo University of the Arts Festival

The talented students at Tokyo University of the Arts are hosting one of the city's most awe-inspiring festivals this weekend, featuring classical concerts, monster floats, an art market and more. 

Highlights include a live show on the main stage by guest singer Daisuke Yokoyama from the widely beloved Japanese children's TV show Okaasan to Issho, from 4pm to 5pm on September 6, as well as back-to-back performances by student-led bands and guest artists across seven other venues throughout the university grounds.

As for visual art, don't miss the matsuri (festival) floats, which will be on display every day at the school compound. These mythical floats are a regular fixture at this annual festival, where students are tasked with the creative challenge of adding some contemporary flair to the traditional vessels used in ceremonial Shinto parades.

The floats will first go on a procession near Takenodai Square in Ueno Park on Friday, September 4, and again at Ueno 6-chome Shopping District on September 6 from noon to 1pm. The latter will be accompanied by rousing samba music performed by the university's samba club.

If you're looking to do a bit of shopping while you're there, the festival’s art market, located just outside the university grounds from 9am-5pm, will carry lots of artisanal and handcrafted pieces to decorate your home with.