Summer in Japan is synonymous with festivals, and while many take place outdoors beneath colorful lanterns, one of Tokyo's most imaginative seasonal events is moving the celebration indoors. This year, Konica Minolta Planetaria TOKYO is transforming its planetarium into a whimsical world of yokai, blending Japanese folklore with the night sky for a limited-time summer experience.
Running from July 17th through August 31st, Shigeru Mizuki's Yokai Summer Festival reimagines the venue's popular Starry Sky Summer Festival through the work of legendary manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, best known as the creator of GeGeGe no Kitaro. His charming yet slightly spooky yokai have become icons of Japanese pop culture, and they'll be taking over the planetarium's immersive 360-degree dome.
The event's biggest draw is its creative interpretation of the night sky, with all 88 official constellations transformed into yokai-inspired versions that can only be experienced inside a planetarium. Visitors are also encouraged to look around the dome to spot hidden supernatural creatures and snap photos throughout the experience, with photography permitted for the entire show.
Outside the dome, the fun continues with festival games given a supernatural twist, including yokai-themed target shooting and other interactive activities. Participants can win exclusive merchandise and admission discounts, while every ticket holder receives a commemorative sticker featuring Kitaro and friends disguised as the 12 zodiac constellations.
Tickets are priced at 1,500 JPY for adults and 1,000 JPY for children aged four and over.
