Join the café maids, idols and residents of Akihabara as they gather at Kanda Myojin Shrine to cool down the neighborhood through the water sprinkling rite of uchimizu.

One of Japan’s summer symbols is the soothing beauty of softly glowing paper lanterns floating along the Sumida river at dusk carrying the spirits of ancestors back to the netherworld.

Head to the three stadiums at the Jingu Gaien sports complex and join the lively crowd to watch this popular fireworks festival. Cost of admission at Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium includes performances by Crystal Kay, PUFFY and m-flo.

Hey – it’s free. This rock music festival at Ryuo Sogo Undo Park in Machida is headlined by some of Japan’s best ska acts like The Cherry Cokes, Hey-Smith, Hot Squall, and Gelugugu.

Relax with friends, kick back with live music and refresh with proper glasses of smooth, fruity and fun Belgian beer. From St. Bernardus to Rochefort to Delirium Tremens, the list is extensive and the suds heavenly.

Yato refers to the valley landscape and the agriculture of the Tadao area of Machida where this unique (to say the least) collaboration between artists and Tokyo citizens takes place. Besides the shadow play (pictured), there will be a bagpipe mini-concert and more.

Final Fantasy taught a generation the difference between a black and white mage. Yoshitaka Amano developed the iconic character design and conceptual art for Nintendo’s  long-running role playing game. Check out this retrospective of the artist’ artwork and illustrations for the beloved video game. Don’t forget the cosplay.

Check out the adventure course at Sayama Park before enjoying the fireworks from Muayamashimo Dam at this month’s Instameet Community JP. If the skies are especially clear, there’ll be a great view of the sun setting over Mount Fuji.