Things to do this week in Tokyo

Monday 11

Design Bussan
Get acquainted with the latest in everything from traditional crafts and famous edibles to cutting-edge technology at this exhibition displaying new-meets-old design achievements from all of Japan's 47 prefectures. Read more

Tuesday 12

Midsummer Night's Zoo
If you've ever wondered what happens to zoo animals after dark, you can find out in Ueno tonight. Japan's oldest zoo extends its opening hours until 8pm, offering visitors a glimpse of its residents' nocturnal activities. Read more

Wednesday 13

Summer Curry Festa
Binge on five kinds of curry at this all you-can-eat event that should appeal especially to friends of Japanese-style curry and rice. A buffet with salad, soup and desserts is also included in the price, so go ahead and dig in. Read more

Nights of Wonder
The aquarium at Kasai Rinkai Park also extends its opening hours over the Obon holidays, letting visitors take a look at the nightlife of marine creatures. A beer garden will be on hand to entertain easily-bored adults. Read more

Thursday 14

Nick Walker
You'll have to hurry up to catch trailblazing stencil artist Nick Walker's special exhibition at Urban Research's Shibuya shop – the show's only on until tomorrow. Expect bold colours and subtly hard-hitting social commentary. Read more

Friday 15

Kenichiro Nagao: Cream Soda City
Harajuku gallery Rocket shifts shape for manga master Kenichiro Nagao's first-ever solo exhibition, which displays around 40 of this psychedelic pop artist's work. There will also be a pop-up cream soda shop on site. Read more

Tokyo Kosora Beer Garden
Check out the new rooftop terrace at Shinjuku's Lumine shopping mall and feast on European fusion cooking, desserts and free-flowing drinks – this stylish beer garden opened last week and is massively popular. Read more

Taiwanderful
If you're still not familiar with Taiwan's vibrant pop culture scene, make sure to check out this event showcasing Taiwanese music, film, fashion and food, headlined by fast-rising pop orchestra Cosmos People. Read more

Dash Berlin
One of the top pretenders to the global trance throne, Dutchman Dash Berlin has mixed successfully for everyone from Justin Timberlake to Usher and Lenny Kravitz. Be there for his Japan debut tonight. Read more

Dense & Pika
If it's more of a small-scale party you're looking for, try Aoyama's Origami club: British techno super duo Dense & Pika will be joined by local heavyweight spinner Sodeyama for a night of non-stop beats. Read more

Saturday 16

Jingu Gaien Fireworks
Yukata-clad spectators crowd the streets of Harajuku and Aoyama during the annual Jingu Gaien Fireworks, arguably one of Tokyo's top three hanabi festivals. We recommend finding a viewing spot well in advance. Read more

Comiket 86
One of the world's largest comic fanzine sales events, Tokyo's Comiket features everything from manga and anime to costumes, music and hardware, with more than 500,000 visitors expected at Tokyo Big Sight. Read more

Bon Odori in Minato Mirai
Sure, you'll have to make the trip all the way to Yokohama, but this festival is worth it: in addition to the dancing, you can scoop goldfish, try yo-yo fishing and fill your stomach with some luxurious curry. Read more

Film Festivals Week
Successful films from the Cannes, Berlin and Venice film festivals are shown during this special program, which opens today and brings five recent award-winning art movies to Japanese screens for the very first time. Read more

Asakusa Toro Nagashi
The hauntingly beautiful Toro Nagashi lantern light-up takes place annually in Sumida Park. Enjoying the magnificent view of glittering fires on the Sumida River on a cool summer night is a completely free can't-miss. Read more

Sunday 17

Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri
Known as one of the three ‘great festivals’ of Edo, the matsuri at Fukagawa's Tomioka Hachimangu shrine takes place annually, but is celebrated in all its glory only once every three years. 2014 is such a year. Read more

Pikachu Café
Summertime is Pokémon time in Japan, and Roppongi Hills heats up the season further with its film exhibition and Pikachu-themed treats at the 52nd-floor café. Will you go for the Pikachu Burger or the cutesy parfaits? Read more

Kinetic Art
With origins in early-1900s European surrealism, ‘moving art’ reached a high point in the heady 1960s with works by artists like Franco Grignano and Takis Vassilakis. See a selection of 90 representative kinetic pieces here. Read more