Ueno Summer Festival

One of Tokyo's biggest annual festivals is celebrating its 73rd edition this year. Held at its namesake park, Ueno Summer Festival is a month-long programme packed with a diverse array of traditional events, live performances and seasonal festivities. These include a traditional lantern-floating event on July 17 at 7pm, as well as Japanese taiko drum street performances on July 21 and 27 (1pm and 3pm) at Ueno Park’s Shinobazu Pond. 

That said, the festival offers more than just classic Japanese celebrations. The antique market, which will run every day from July 20 to August 4 at the banks of Ueno Park Shinobazu Pond, for instance, is a great place to look for small treasures and summer mementoes.

As always, there will be plenty of food and drink stalls throughout the park selling popular street eats like yakisoba and kakigori shaved ice – a staple summer treat.

Check the event website for the full programme (in Japanese only).