Cool off the Japanese way in Nihonbashi this summer

People from the Edo Period (1603-1868) had various ways of kicking off the summer heat. Whether it was enjoying a wind chime, goldfish scooping, drinking sweet fermented rice drink or wearing a yukata, the Japanese from 100s of years ago had their traditions.

Now, an exhibit in Nihonbashi, Tokyo is providing the opportunity for you to experience these Edo-style traditions.

ECO EDO Nihonbashi 2019 runs through Sept. 23 and consists of two separate programs. The first, Enjoy “Cool Edo” with All Five Senses features a water-surface digital fireworks display on Naka-Dori Street, a giant goldfish lantern display, wind-chime forest path, goldfish scooping grand prix, and much more.

Best of all, people can enjoy the Edo-style traditions for free.

The other program is Art Aquarium 2019 where gorgeous goldfish and dancing koi are a few of the featured attractions on display at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall in Tokyo.

The 10,000 fish, along with neon lights, sounds and video at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall is quite the eye-pleasing experience.

Art Aquarium was created by Hidemoto Kimura, a designer for Venini, Italy-Venetian glass art.

The popular three-part series of giant goldfish bowls feature Oiran, OoOku, Super Oiran and Lotusrium, in which goldfish swim in giant fancy-shaped  43 ft² (4-meter square) with a lotus motif.

This is the first exhibition to display four different goldfish arts at one location in the center of Tokyo as the exhibit’s dramatic finale. The first Art Aquarium in Nihonbash was shown in 2011.

It’s amazing to see the goldfish swimming in many different types of beautifully crafted bowls and aquariums with special effects to create a unique contrast with the darkness.

There is also lounge style space where you can enjoy a drink at the exhibit.

Where: Nihonbashi Area
When: Water-surface digital fireworks display, the Naka-dori Street between CREDO Muromachi 1 and COREDO Muromachi 2, 6-11 p.m. daily, Until Sept. 23
Cost: Free
URL: https://www.nihonbashi-tokyo.jp/en/ecoedo2019/

Art Aquarium 2019

Where: Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall, 5F, COREDO Muromachi 1, Tokyo
When: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sun.-Fri., 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Sat. and holidays, until Sept. 23
Cost: 1,200 yen for adult, 800 for children,
URL: http://artaquarium.jp/en/