In Tokyo, summer is all about festivals, fireworks and fun, with a number of brilliant events taking place in different parts of the city over several weekends. From July 22 to 23, the 52^nd Edogawa Local Goldfish Festival invites visitors to test goldfish-scooping skills and learn the finer points of goldfish breeding. The event is held at Edogawa Municipal Gyosen Park in Tokyo’s Edogawa City district. Also that weekend, Hachijojima Summer Festival on Hachijojima Island includes shopping at street stalls and a festive parade.

At the summer Kagurazaka Matsuri festival, July 26–29, visitors can wander the street market in and near Bishamonten Zenkokuji Temple, where lovely hozuki — Japanese lantern plants — are on sale. Area restaurants set up food stalls, while music and entertainment include the Awa-odori Dance, an event showcasing 18 different groups of dancers and musicians as they take to Kagurazaka-dori Street for a processional performance.

On July 29, Tachikawa Festival and Fireworks will be held at Showa Kinen Park. The event dates to 1954, and this year’s incarnation will be a show-stopping display of sparkling lights. Following the launch of around 5,000 fireworks, the night sky will be illuminated with gigantic flowers and star mines. The evening includes a competition judged on artistic elements and innovation. Also on July 29, ThreeBond Stadium at Fujimori Park hosts the Hachioji Festival and Fireworks Display.

From Aug. 1 to 20, the 73^rd Fussa Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) features a selection of traditional folk-dance parades and shopping for crafts and local goods. And, throughout summer, Tokyo’s rooftop beer gardens are a popular gathering spot. A few to try: The Beer Terrace Sekirei, Andaz Tokyo Rooftop Bar and Hibeer Garden at Hibiya Park.