No Japanese summer would be complete without a visit to one of Japan’s local festivals also known as o-matsuri. Usually held in the evening to escape the sweltering summer heat, matsuri are a great way to dive into some of the city’s more traditional culture, see locals don their yukata robes and dance to retro songs late into the night.

While you are there, make sure to try some typical festival foods such as yakisoba, okonomiyaki, grilled fish and some ice-cold beer, mingle with the locals and feel transported back in time. 

Or, how about one of these stunning firework festivals (hanabi) to finish off the night with a bang?