One of Tokyo's biggest festivals is celebrating its 72nd event this year. Held annually at the park which gives it its name, Ueno Summer Festival is a two-week-long programme packed with a diverse array of traditional events, live performances and seasonal festivities. These include the traditional Bon Odori dance set for the weekend of July 22 and 23, as well as the lantern-floating event which will start at 7pm on July 17 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 of the festival at Ueno Park Square, 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.