This massive summer festival takes place at Ueno’s Okachimachi Station over two days in August. The day’s festivities begin with kid-friendly activities from 11am, where primary school students and younger children can paint little tumbler dolls and study rhinoceros beetles up close. While the activities are free, you’d need to pick up a numbered ticket, which will be handed out at the venue at 10.30am.
Throughout the day, you can fuel up on local specialities from Fukushima prefecture, including Namie yakisoba and Fukushima beef sirloin skewers. There’s also an array of sake and craft beer.
The Bon Odori dance sessions, which are accompanied by taiko drums, start at 4.30pm. Songs range from classic Bon Odori music to anime opening tracks and J-pop hits. There’s also a special Bon Odori session for kids; they will be allowed to dance on the yagura turret (August 19 5.35pm, August 20 5.25pm).
Don’t miss the live performances by a host of Japanese singers including Sakura Koshio (August 19), Starbabys (August 19), Platinum Cats (August 20), and more.
The event takes place from 11am to 8.30pm on both days.