Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri (2015)

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 3 to 8, the best time to visit the Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri is at the weekend (July 4 and 5), when local businesses put out stalls and hold parades and street performances.