Revel on another level during a weekend full of festivals. Speaking of the devil, the traditional festival of Tanabata is celebrated across the city in honor of two tragic, star-crossed lovers. Hit up Yoyogi Park to help save our oceans in hip-shaking fashion, get your fill of morning glories at Shingenji temple or wander through a DIY paradise.

Ocean Peoples 18 Tokyo

Although it’s nowhere near the ocean, it’s for a good cause. Ocean Peoples gathers those who want to save our beaches and oceans for a celebration at Yoyogi Park that features food, dance and surfing. Entrance is free, making the beach vibes accessible for everyone.

 

Shitamachi Tanabata Festival

Also known as the Star Festival, this traditional event held annually near Asakusa is a celebration of the legend of two stars, Orihime and Hikoboshi. These mythological lovers are allowed to meet once a year in the Milky Way. It’s one for the romantics, for sure, but it also impresses with unbelievably big and colorful decorations that take over the streets.

Eco Edo Nihonbashi Art Aquarium 2018

This year’s rendition of the popular Art Aquarium invokes images of old Edo summer pastimes by featuring thousands of vivid goldfish and carp, an auspicious symbol of good fortune and good luck. These special carp, costing nearly ¥10 million, hail from Niigata’s Yamakoshimura, an area famous for its beautiful carp.

 

Iriya Asagao Festival

It`s the 68th year of Iriya Asagao, the largest market devoted to morning glories. This fair has over 120 producers selling their wares at 100 stalls lining the Shingenji temple. It’s a lively event that brings about 400,000 visitors each year and offers a true traditional-style summer market atmosphere.

 

Tanabata Washi Candle Night at Zojoji Temple

In case you are worried that Orihime and Hikoboshi may not meet this year, fear not — it’s a clear starry night on the ground at the Tanabata Washi Candle Night at Zojoji Temple. Thousands of candles will be scattered across the temple grounds to symbolize the Milky Way galaxy, lighting the way to the main temple.

 

The Wildhearts – Tokyo 2018

If you missed the hard rock band’s classic lineup in full-force, legendary frontman Ginger Wildheart and guitarist CJ  take the stage at Outbreak and Hearts+ to perform exclusive acoustic sets.

 

Handmade in Japan Fest 2018

Artisans and craftsmen from across the country gather at Tokyo Big Sight to show off their handmade output at this two-day creative extravaganza. The annual event boasts around 2,700 exhibitor booths featuring everything from live performances and live painting to hands-on workshops and unique and original goods for sale.

 

NNTT’s High School Programme: “Tosca” Opera

The New National Theatre Tokyo’s annual Educational Programme presents the dramatic full-length opera “Tosca,” featuring live orchestral music. With its grandiose staging and costumes, and tension-filled plot, this performance is the perfect vehicle for students’ first opera experience.