Tokyo is turning up the summer heat with a dazzling array of events to carry you into the weekend and beyond. If you’re out and about today, July 31, keep your eyes on Chidorigafuchi Park. This evening is the grand finale of the Chidorigafuchi Moat Lantern Floating, where over two thousand glowing lanterns drift along the Imperial Palace moat from 7 to 8 PM. You can book a rowboat in advance to float among the lights, or simply join the crowds along the water to soak in a truly magical scene that captures the city’s romantic summer spirit, as highlighted by Arigato Travel.

Looking toward the weekend, tradition and spectacle combine on Saturday, August 2, with the Tokyo Racecourse Fireworks at the JRA Tokyo Racecourse. This year’s show, themed “J-Pop Best,” will feature a symphony of fireworks synchronized with beloved Japanese pop hits in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. According to Tokyo Weekender, all seats are reserved so you can enjoy comfort, delicious food stalls, and excellent restroom facilities without the usual festival crush. The fireworks start at 7:30 PM and run for just over an hour, making for an unforgettable night out.

If you’re a fan of handmade artistry, Tokyo Big Sight welcomes you to the HandMade In Japan Festival. Running Saturday and Sunday, this iconic event features over 3,000 creators from across the country. You’ll find everything from fashion and interior design to live painting, workshops, and some drool-worthy handmade food. There’s something for every taste and budget, as mentioned by Tokyo Weekender.

Ready for even more excitement? The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Tokyo’s biggest pyrotechnic event, explodes over the Sumida River this Saturday night from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. This festival is a must-see, dating back to 1733 according to TrulyTokyo. Join more than a million Tokyoites along the riverside, or crop up on a rooftop for a different vantage point. Don your best yukata, pack some cool drinks, and prepare for the neon-lit revelry.

For a touch of Okinawan culture, the Shinjuku Eisa Festival transforms the streets around Shinjuku Station this Saturday with parades of Okinawan drumming and dynamic Eisa dance troupes. The festival brings a slice of island life to central Tokyo, full of music, color, and festive cheer, as described by TrulyTokyo.

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