This week is overflowing with events and there’s something to catch no matter your preferences: expect dance festivals, lanterns, traditional ceremonies, and fireflies. Note that Ocean Day on Monday, July 15 means the coasts will be busier than usual, especially as folks try to escape the excruciating heat. Enter a world of illumination and explore a unique take on Japan’s culture and artistry at the Japanese Lights and 100-Step Staircase (Wa no Akari × Hyakudan Kaidan) exhibition.
This year’s theme is “Enchanting Fairy Tales” — meaning the crafts will take you through some of Japan’s most loved stories. To celebrate its anniversary, the Museum of Emerging Science and Technology (Miraikan) opens its doors for free on July 9. It has a few different free entry days based on age, but this one is open to everyone.
The Nakano Chanpuru Festival showcases the best of Okinawan food, culture, and traditions. The main event is the Okinawan Eisa dance — part parade, part dance, and all party. Everything from stalls selling traditional Okinawan food and drink to handicraft workshops.
Heso is Japanese for belly button, so this festival in Nakaita goes to town with the concept, featuring eisa dancing, belly dancing, and heso odori— belly button dancing. Get ready for the Sawara Grand Festival in Katori, Chiba, one of the three major float festivals in the Kanto region. This vibrant festival features parades of ornately decorated floats, traditional music, and participant.
