Things to do this week in Tokyo

Monday 4

Kozue Hibino Exhibition
Innovative costume artist Kozue Hibino presents her creations at this solo exhibition, which opens today and focuses on designs from her many projects, including NHK's educational TV show 'Nihongo de Asobo'. Read more

Nationwide Delicacies Fair
Craving festival food but don't feel like heading out into the blazing heat? This celebration of both Japanese and imported delicacies is held in the air-conditioned halls of Shinjuku's Odakyu and offers a lengthy menu of goodies. Read more

Ikegami Honmonji Bon Odori
Climb up the hill to Kamata's Ikegami Honmonji for traditional Obon dance performances, delectable festival food and a lottery for kids – join in with the dancers and you'll even receive a free traditional fan as a reward. Read more

Tuesday 5

Sony Aquarium
Ginza's Sony Building again plays host to this annual pop-up aquarium, which will see up to 25 species of tropical fish brought to the capital all the way from Okinawa. Oh, and there are tropical cocktails on offer too. Read more

Artificial Ladies Exhibition
Starting today, 'love doll' manufacturer Orient Industry brings out its newest creations for this exhibit that allows you to stare at man-made women of all shapes and sizes. Weird, sure, but the craftsmanship is top-class. Read more

Wednesday 6

Tokyo Kakigori Sanpo
Japan's traditional summer treat, kakigori (shaved ice with syrup), is making a strong comeback. This event takes place in and around Tokyo Station and features two dozen specialist shops serving their delicious creations. Read more

Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri
Asagaya has been holding its distinctive Tanabata festival for more than 60 years now, but the event still always feels fresh. The papier-mâché decorations are best combined with some festival grub at night. Read more

JR Exhibition
Mysterious French artist JR mixes photography and street art, capturing poverty, discrimination and other social ills on a global scale. This exhibition opens today and displays a selection of his dramatic lithographs. Read more

Thursday 7

Machinations: Jolt Touring Festival
Australia's new breed of composers bring their mixture of improvisation, interactivity and electro-acoustic sound to Shibuya from today. Tonight's show features The NIS, a group employing robots and video in their performance. Read more

Friday 8

Music Terrace
Spend a laid-back evening on the Toranomon Hills lawn and listen to quality music performed by the likes of violinist Taro Hakase – no entrance fee is required, and all you need to do is order some food and drinks at the café. Read more

Maurice Fulton & DJ Sprinkles
The 10th anniversary program at Daikanyama club Unit continues with this double dash, featuring eccentric house genius and producing master Maurice Fulton, who'll be joined by the multi-talented Terre Thaemlitz. Read more

Saturday 9

Euro Fest
The entire continent of Europe only has this one weekend to show Tokyoites its best bits, which apparently include everything from Swiss yodelling to gypsy belly dancing and Irish rock (beer too, don't you worry). Read more

Ultraman Festival
Affectionately known as ‘Ulfes’, this annual festival on all things Ultraman has been going strong since 1989. Expect appearances by the 'man' himself, geeky exhibitions and plenty of limited-edition merch. Read more

Daikanyama Mini-Fireworks
Those looking for a more interactive way of enjoying fireworks will appreciate this event at Daikanyama's Tsutaya, where you'll be able to light up your own hand-held hanabi and swing them in the summer night. Read more

Shimokitazawa Awa-Odori
Now into its 49th year, the Shimokitazawa Awa-Odori sees teams of dancers romp along the neighbourhood's main shopping streets in the evening, then dazzle the assembled hordes with their own special routines later on. Read more

Shinjuku Oktoberfest
The slight lull in the Tokyo Oktoberfest scene is over, as everyone's favourite extra-seasonal beer extravaganza returns with this Kabukicho edition at the peak of summer. Don't go overboard with the sausages. Read more

The Watanabes
Local rockers The Watanabes are launching their latest album at Ebisu's What The Dickens, and will be sharing the stage with fellow folk rockers The Kave. As the gig is free, you'll surely have some cash left for buying the record. Read more

Sunday 10

Tokyo Bay Fireworks
Set against the backdrop of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, this is arguably the most picturesque fireworks festival in the capital – and the most exclusive. Finding a viewing spot may present a challenge. Read more

Summer Night at Tama Zoo
What better way to spend a hot summer night than a visit to the zoo? Tama Zoo in western Tokyo is keeping its gates open until late in the evening, allowing you to get a look at some beastly nocturnal activities. Read more

Young Portfolio
See the best of the Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts historical collection of works by young photographers at this exhibit, which features a grand total of 500 shots, including some true rarities. Read more

New Bon Odori
Want to try your luck at obon dancing? Run by Ryohei Kondo and his comedy dance troupe Condors, the New Bon Odori is best enjoyed in yukata and with an adventurous attitude – improvisation is encouraged. Read more

Visual Deception: Into the Future
Prepare to be deceived. Shibuya's Bunkamura is celebrating its 25th anniversary with this visual trick exhibition, which just opened and looks at the history of artistic deception from the Renaissance to modernity. Read more