With its illuminated ornate floats, the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (and its various regional siblings) is one of Japan's most instantly recognisable festivals. Less well-known is this Tokyo spin-off, held every two years in a sleepy neighbourhood just a few stops from Shinagawa.
The Nakanobu Nebuta Matsuri is actually twinned with the festival held in Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture, and this year it will be hosting six of those eye-catching floats. There will be stalls selling traditional food and drinks from noon to 4pm, accompanied by local school brass band and belly-dancing performances. The highlight, which is the float parade, starts at 5pm.