Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri (2013)

Asakusa's Kappabashi – the famed Mecca for Tokyo chefs looking to kit out their kitchens – is festooned with vibrantly coloured streamers and decorations during this annual summer festival. Though it runs from July 5 to 10, the best time to visit the Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri is at the weekend, when local business put out stalls and hold parades and street performances.