Written by Alexandra Ziminski
Spring is coming to a close, so make use of the pleasant weather in May before it begins to get uncomfortably humid in June.
We’ve rounded up the best festivals and events you’ll find in Tokyo this month, and believe us, there’s a lot going on.
For the top events in Tokyo throughout the year, check out our complete guide — organized by month.
1. Golden Week events
April 29–May 6All over and around Tokyo
Food, traditional, and international festivals
Golden Week, a string of holidays in late April to early May, is a welcome respite for Tokyo’s frazzled workforce, a cash cow for the travel and transport industries, and a bane (in terms of price, traffic, and crowd density at tourist areas) to travelers — all at the same time.
If you’re in Tokyo for Golden Week, it might be better to just stay where you are and check out the many events that will be held during this time (and read our guide to Golden Week while you’re at it).
Here are some of the top things to see and do, split into categories:
International festivals
- Cambodia Festival (May 3–4)
- Odaiba Oktoberfest (Apr. 25–May 6) — Get tickets early
- Hawarin Bayar Mongolia Spring Festival (May 4–5)
Food festivals
- Niku Fes (Apr. 26–May 6)
- Odaiba Kakigori Festival (Apr. 26–May 6)
- Craft Gyoza Fes (Apr. 25–May 6)
- The Meat Yokohama (Apr. 25–May 6)
Traditional festivals
- Meiji Shrine Spring Grand Festival (May 2–May 3)
- Odawara Hōjō Godai Festival (May 3)
- Kurayami Festival (Apr. 30–May 6)
- Kazo Citizens’ Peace Festival (May 3)
- Ōme Grand Festival (May 2–3)
- Koinobori at Tokyo Tower (Mar. 25–May 6)
Still stuck on what to do? We have plenty more events listed on our website.
2. Sanja Matsuri
May 16–18Sensōji Temple, Asakusa
Tattooed men and rowdy processions
Sanja Matsuri features three main mikoshi (portable shrines) in honor of the three founders of Asakusa’s famous temple, Sensōji — which is also the festival’s center of activity. The mikoshi depart from Sensōji early in the morning and are carried around town, as performers — including geisha — join in. Yakuza members are also known to show off their intricate tattoos at this rowdy, energetic festival. Meanwhile, back at Sensōji, there will be taiko performances and traditional dances by miko (shrine maidens).
3. Zushi Beach Fireworks Festival
May 22Zushi Beach, Kanagawa
Sun, sea, and thousands of fireworks
A sample of what’s to come this summer, the Zushi Beach Fireworks Festival is one of the earliest fireworks festivals on the calendar. 7,000 jets of light will blast off into the sky for 45 minutes from 7:30 p.m. With one of the most impressive finales of the year, 5,000 of those fireworks will go off in the last 15 minutes.
4. Thai Festival
May 10–11Yoyogi Park Events Square, Shibuya
The very best Thai food and live demonstrations
Spicy foods, Thai massages, music, and mascots — this cultural festival has it all. Experience the very best Thailand has to offer in the welcoming atmosphere of Yoyogi Park Events Square. The stage schedule will be packed with Thai dancing, Muay Thai displays, and live shows by Thai music artists.
5. Kanda Matsuri
May 8–15Kanda Myōjin Shrine, Akihabara
Large procession through the streets of Akihabara
Held during odd-numbered years and alternating with the Sanno Matsuri, the Kanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s three major Shinto festivals. The main event takes place on the weekend of May 10–11.
It starts at Kanda Myōjin — one of Tokyo’s famous shrines — on Saturday morning with a grand procession of over 200 mikoshi (portable shrines), and people in traditional clothing. It then goes around the neighborhoods of Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Otemachi. The next day’s parade features mikoshi from different neighborhoods and communities.
The other events that comprise Kanda Matsuri, such as ceremonies to transfer the shrine’s deities to the mikoshi, are smaller in scale and do not take place all day.
6. Tokyo Night Market
May 21–25Yoyogi Park Zelkova Trees, Shibuya
Head out on Tokyo’s streets at night
Take a break and head to the rare appearance of a bustling night market in Tokyo. The avenue beside Yoyogi Park Events Square will be filled with local crafts and typical festival dishes and drinks. Browse with a beer or snack in hand and hear musical performances — like DJs and idol groups — from the stage.
7. Adachi Fireworks Festival
May 31Arakawa Nishiarai Bridge Green Space, Adachi
A massive summer fireworks display, but in May
Settle down on the banks of the Arakawa River and watch 13,000 fireworks go off, just 15 minutes from Kita-Senju Station. In an increasingly popular move for Tokyo fireworks, the festival was moved from July to May in order to avoid the storms and heat of summer. Paid seating starts at ¥5,000, but there will also be some free viewing spots available.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in April 2017. Last updated in April 2025 by Alex Ziminski.
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