Event

Fireworks and summer festivals are arguably the best part of summertime in Japan, with days spent wearing yukata and jinbei traditional clothing while munching street food and nights spent outside watching literally hours of explosions and enjoying the atmosphere of the festival, and the crowds.  Summer festivals are a rare chance for people to relax and unwind, but here in Tokyo as always, are usually jam-packed with throngs of families looking for some mid-summer’s enjoyment as well. Points to note: Transportation around festivals can be a challenge.  If you are riding the train, use Suica, Pasmo, or another compatible transport IC card. The queues at the ticket machines are very long when leaving the venues! Get there early if you want a “good spot!” This might mean getting there 3~4 hours ahead of time. Pack your own food and drink.  While the food at festivals is fantastic, it requires a lot of standing in line.  Bring the bulk of what you plan to consume and supplement your meal with a few items from the “yatai,” or food stalls. Pro-tip: you can get away with stopping at a convenience store for these on the way to the venue. There will be…