Tokyo is bursting with excitement this week and listeners, you definitely do not want to miss what’s happening. Right now, tonight August 16, the Asakusa Toro Nagashi transforms Sumida Park into a glowing riverscape. Starting at 6:30 pm, around 2500 candle-lit lanterns are floated down the river, each inscribed with a message for loved ones. This is part of the O-bon festival, a time for honoring ancestors in truly breathtaking style. According to Truly Tokyo, you can even float your own lantern for a small fee, but just watching is completely free.

For anyone who loves vibrant pop culture energy, Summer Comiket is raging August 16 and 17 over at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake. Comiket is Japan’s legendary gathering for fans, cosplayers, and collectors of doujinshi, or fan-made comics. If you’re hunting limited-edition anime art, want to snap pics of incredible costumes, or just want to experience the passion of thousands of fans, this is the place. Tokyocheapo recommends checking in with your favorite creators for booth info, and above all, staying hydrated as crowds and August heat can be intense.

Sunday, August 17 brings one of Tokyo’s historic highlights: the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival at Tomioka Hachimangu in Monzen-Nakacho. Time Out Tokyo reminds us that even in a scaled-back year, this so-called water-splashing festival is a must-see. The tradition dates back almost 400 years. Mikoshi, or portable shrines, are paraded through the streets, and while the dramatic water tossing is limited this year, you’ll still experience the rousing spirit of Edo-period Tokyo and a mikoshi that weighs two whole tonnes. The parade runs from 7 am to just after 5 pm, so you have all day to enjoy the festivities.

Looking for something indoors or a little more chill? The Sanrio Puroland Neo Summer Matsuri runs through September 2. This event combines vibrant summer festival games, character meet-and-greets, and a mix of retro and neon-futuristic vibes at the famous Sanrio theme park. Fans of Hello Kitty and friends will love it, and it’s great for families.

For art lovers, the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art presents Aki Sasamoto’s Laboratory exhibition starting August 23, showcasing two decades of innovative sculpture, video, and performance.

If you’re into live music, check out some of the big concerts in the Tokyo area this weekend. While Billie Eilish is playing just outside the main city at Saitama Super Arena on August 16, and ME:I and Eir Aoi are performing in Yokohama, the energy is sure to spill back into Tokyo before and after the shows.

Want something crafty and cool? Try a Uchiwa Hand Fan Decorating Workshop or visit one of Tokyo’s antique markets as listed on TokyoCheapo for a more laid-back weekend adventure.

Whatever you choose, Tokyo this week offers experiences from the glowing rivers of Asakusa, to the festival-parading streets of Monzen-Nakacho, the wild world of Comiket, the sweet wonders of Sanrio, and so much more. Thank you for tuning in, don’t forget to subscribe, and tell your friends about us. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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