Things to do in Koto, Kanto: The Best Events

The International Tokyo Toy Show is Japan's number one toy exhibition. With a long history, the fair whose tagline is "EnterTOYment" features a plethora of games, stuffed animals, electronic gadgetry, dolls, and seasonal gifts to delight any child, and make every adult feel young at heart. Annually open to the public on its last two days, the Toy Show has a number of workshops (and playshops) geared towards parents and children, with over 150 exhibitions to explore in between. It invites you to shed responsibility and enter a world of make believe.

A biennial exhibition for automobiles and motorcycles, the Tokyo Motor Show is more than just a car show. It's a chance for big name brands to bust out their new concept pieces, show off innovative futuristic technology, and debut their most revolutionary ideas. Most of the cars on display aren't commercial models, but rather, trailblazing mock-ups and prototypes that give a clue as to where the auto world is heading, and what progress we might see down the line. Cutting edge and cool, it's one of the world's biggest shows of this nature.

Held annually centering on August 15th, Fukagawa Matsuri is held by Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Koto Ward. It is one of Edo's (Tokyo's) Big Three Festivals along with Kanda Myojin Shrine's Kanda Matsuri and Hie Jinja Shrine's Sanno Matsuri. Fukagawa Matsuri is famous for Japan's largest golden portable shrine while Kanda Matsuri is famous for its large float. Portable shrine bearers shout "Wasshoi, wasshoi!" As they are doused with water for purification. Bystanders throw so much water that the festival is nicknamed, "Water-throwing Festival." A summer tradition retaining the old feel of Edo.

The Koto Fireworks display shoots about 4,000 fireworks from a barge on Arakawa River. The spacious Arakawa riverbank and Sunamachi Riverside Park entice many families and groups to bring mats to sit on the grass. Since the launch site is right in front, the fireworks are fantastic. Nearby roads will be blocked off, so it is best to use public transportation such as a subway and bus.

A major travel event in which travel information on locations throughout Japan and all over the world is concentrated. The event introduces visitors to the latest local travel information and recommendations through booths run by tourism associations from municipalities throughout Japan in the domestic area and those run by the tourism boards, hotels, and airline companies of various countries in the overseas area. With various amenities such as a food court where one can enjoy dishes from around the world and a stage where local songs and dances are performed, one can get the sense of having travelled around the world just being at the venue and immersing oneself in the plentiful forms of entertainment.

Comiket (Comic Market) is an internationally renown "doujinshi fair". Artists from all over Japan gather to show off their manga (comics), penned with original stories, using either original or famous and beloved characters. The works are mostly self-published and difficult to find elsewhere, making them coveted items. Attendees go to visit their favorite "circles", or artist publication groups. Held twice a year, the even attracts lovers of anime and comics, and vendors often sell special items. Cosplayers, or guests wearing outfits mimicking popular characters, are also welcome within the Tokyo Big Sight, where the massive event is held.

The Ita-G is a prominent "Itasha" event. Itasha is a pun meaning "painful car", and teasingly refers to automobiles decorated lavishly, in bold colors with depictions of anime, manga, and video game characters painted on top. The Ita-G brings together over 1,000 examples of these cutesy cars with their highlighter specs and sticker art. Owners show off and face off in an Itasha contest, while eager guests either costume as some of the featured characters or nab photos of the outrageous autos!