Sanno Matsuri

Celebrated since the early 17th century and recognised as one of the three great festivals of Edo (along with the Kanda and Fukagawa festivals), the Sanno Matsuri marks the start of Tokyo's summer festival season. Taking place every two years, the famous Jinkosai parade will be part of this year's edition, so make sure to get up early on Friday 13 to catch this spectacular procession of mikoshi (portable shrines), floats and elaborately dressed revellers as it makes its way from Hie Shrine through Ginza and toward the Imperial Palace, where the chief priest enters the ground to pray for the wellbeing of the Imperial Family. The 11-day festival is packed with a variety of events, so check out the schedule (Japanese only) for all the details.