Tokyo’s Akishima neighbourhood has been celebrating Kujiramatsuri for over 50 years. The name means ‘whale festival’ in Japanese, and the annual celebration started with the discovery of ancient whale fossils along the banks of the Tama River in August 1961.
At this festival, you can expect around 40 stalls serving traditional Japanese street food like yakisoba, grilled corn, takoyaki and buttered steamed potatoes. Kids will enjoy fun fair games such as target shooting and yo-yo fishing.
Both days feature performances by singers, dancers and superhero mascots, but you’ll only get to see its spectacular 30-minute fireworks show on Saturday August 24 at 8pm. Sunday, on the other hand, will host a parade from Akishima Station’s South exit to Showa Park. This starts at 4pm.