Written by Alexandra Ziminski
Tokyo events for Monday, May 5 to Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Golden Week continues as the first two days of the week are public holidays — Children’s Day, get ready for the koi streamers, and Greenery Day (observed). Note that many events from last week continue until Tuesday.
Looking past the start, the coming weekend continues the excitement with a festival in Yoyogi celebrating Thailand and one in Nakano celebrating Sichuan (especially the food). And don’t forget the giant procession on the streets of Akihabara for the Kanda Matsuri.
Limited-Time Wagyū Course at Latina Parrilla
Two culinary worlds clash together for this limited-time feast. Taste the bold flavors of South American grilling paired with the finesse of Japanese wagyū at Latina Parrilla.
| Advance sales: ¥9,000 | ||
Thai Festival
Tokyo’s Thai Festival is back! As you can expect, there will be a bundle of events, including Thai sports, dancing, and music, but the real draw of this festival is the food, from delicious fruits to spicy street food.
Asakusabashi Red and White Horse Chestnut Festival
Asakusabashi is a part of Tokyo with roots back to the Edo period and as a center of culture and industry, it was a popular spot for many. At the Asakusabashi Red and White Horse Chestnut Festival, you’ll see that former glory on full display.
Sichuan Festa
A festival dedicated to the weirdly addictive and mouth-numbing spice from China’s Sichuan district. Chefs from Japan and China will be serving up tempting plates to showcase the spice, with a wide range of styles and dishes available.
Miffy Exhibition
Miffy has been a delight to children and adults alike for 70 years. Celebrate her anniversary with a visit to the Miffy Exhibition to see her evolution. If you’re a Miffy fan, this is the ultimate guidebook to her and Bruna’s life.
| Advance sales: ¥1,600 | At the door: ¥1,800 | |
| Advance sales: ¥600 | At the door: ¥800 | |
| Advance sales: ¥1,100 | At the door: ¥1,300 | |
Kanda Matsuri
One of Tokyo’s three major festivals — Kanda Matsuri — takes place over a period of 8 days in mid-May. Based in and around Kanda Myojin Shrine near Ochanomizu Station, the Kanda Matsuri is a Shinto festival originally held to celebrate Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa’s famous victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, which paved the way for over 250 years of Tokugawa rule during the Edo period.
Secret Lukewarm Pleasure: An Exhibition by Sawako Kabuki
Discover Sawako Kabuki’s playful explorations of the female body and desire. Exploring themes of sexuality, desire, and vulnerability from the female perspective, her art combines humor and honesty for an unfiltered view.
May Grand Sumo Tournament
Held every May, this is the third of Japan’s six annual Sumo Tournaments, known as honbasho and one of only three to be held in Tokyo. With sumo rankings released a few weeks before, it’s a chance to see the traditional sport up close and personal.
Kachiya Festival (Samurai Procession)
Going back 1000 years, Fujiwara no Hidesato prayed for victory before a battle at Katori Shrine. His prayer was realized so he offered his bow and arrow to the shrine in honor of the victory. This is still commemorated to this day during the Kachiya Festival.
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