Nakanobu Nebuta Matsuri

With its ornately decorated, illuminated floats, the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (and its various regional siblings) is one of Japan's most instantly recognisable festivals. Less well-known is this Tokyo spin-off, held every two years in a sleepy neighbourhood just a few stops from Shinagawa. The Nakanobu Nebuta Matsuri is actually twinned with the festival held in Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture, and this year will be hosting six of those eye-catching floats. There'll be stalls selling traditional food and drink from the Aomori region all afternoon, accompanied by music and dancing, though the main parade won't start until 5pm.