Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri (2014)

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 4 to 10, the best time to visit the Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri is at the weekend (Jul 5-6), when local businesses put out stalls and hold parades and street performances.