Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri

Asakusa's Kappabashi – the famed mecca for Tokyo chefs looking to kit out their kitchens – is festooned with vibrantly coloured streamers and decorations during this annual summer festival. Though it runs from July 5 to 9, the best time to visit the Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri is at the weekend (July 7 and 8), when local businesses put out stalls and hold parades and street performances.