Asakusa Toro Nagashi

First held at the 1946 'Festival of Recovery' when much of Tokyo was still in ruins, the mesmerisinh Toro Nagashi lantern light-up was revived in 2005 after a 40-year hiatus. It now takes place annually in Sumida Park between Azumabashi and Kototoibashi. You can light a lantern for ¥2,000, but enjoying the magnificent view of glittering fires on the Sumida River on a cool summer night is completely free.

Lanterns are sold in advance at the nearby Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, at a discounted price of ¥1,500 until Aug 9.