Written by Alexandra Ziminski
Tokyo events for Monday, May 12 to Sunday, May 18, 2025.
The streets of Tokyo are getting rowdy with massive processions in both Shibuya and Asakusa this week.
Sanja Matsuri is one of the grandest festivals in Tokyo, so expect Asakusa to be heaving with onlookers (who are watching portable shrines being jostled by tattooed participants).
All-you-can-eat Matsusaka Wagyu Limited-Time Deal
Fill up on high-quality bottomless Brazilian barbecue at Super Bacana Ginza for a reduced price. This is a limited-time deal, so book before it’s gone.
| Advance sales: ¥13,100 | ||
Sunrise World Tokyo: Stylized Robot Fair
This is a limited-time fair and exhibit for fans of old-school mecha anime. Browse the mecha characters from the much-loved robot animes Mobile Suit Gundam, Aura Battler Dunbine, Armored Trooper Votoms, Heavy Metal L-Gaim, and King of the Braves GaoGaiGar in different forms.
Sanja Matsuri (Sanja Festival)
The Sanja Matsuri is known as one of the “3 Great Shinto Festivals in Tokyo” — along with the Kanda and Sanno festivals. It takes place every year over the third weekend of May.
Shibuya Kagoshima Ohara Festival
Borrowed from Kagoshima Prefecture, the Shibuya Kagoshima Ohara Festival features food and delicacies from the Satsuma domain as well as a parade along Dogenzaka Dōri. The parade on Sunday will feature taiko drumming, marching troupes, and more kimono-clad traditional dancers than you can shake a stick at.
Shiba Park Oktoberfest Spring
Despite the name, Oktoberfest will be in Shiba Park this May with German music, food, and of course, beer! There will be a mix of imported and local beer and wine, along with drinking, snacks, and some live performances to get you in the mood.
| Advance sales: ¥500 | At the door: ¥500 | |
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.
Ebisu Bloomin’ Jazz Garden
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Ebisu Garden Place, the Ebisu Bloomin’ Jazz Garden is three days and nights of jazz, craft beer, and music festival vibes. The central plaza and clock area will have a stage set up and turf laid down, turning the venue into a place to chill and listen to the beats.
Yokosuka Curry Festival
Curry was introduced to Japan via the British Navy and now the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force eats it every Friday. This curry festival held in Yokosuka celebrates that legacy.
Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour
O-edo Tour turns the streets of Kagurazaka into a showcase for various traditional Japanese performing arts. Experience the stylish, vibrant facets of Japanese culture along with the ambiance of the pre-modern Edo period in Kagurazaka, where the new meets the traditional.
Okinawa Festival
The Okinawa Festival showcases the food, culture, music, and crafts of Japan’s southernmost prefecture. There will also be performances of eisa — Okinawa’s unique style of traditional dancing.
Chimera Games
An unusual combination of extreme Japanese street sports and music, the Chimera Games is a one-of-a-kind display that will leave you lost for words. The event encourages children to participate and try new sports, keen to introduce them to an alternative world of sports.
International Museum Day
Started in 1977, International Museum Day “encourages public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society”. This is no secret though, so be prepared for large crowds.
Dry Noodle Grand Prix
Vote for Japan’s best dried noodles at the Dry Noodle Grand Prix. At this two-day event, you will be able to try noodles from different prefectures all across Japan. There are 36 entries/vendors in total serving everything from soba to udon.
Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum
Come and eat mouth-watering dishes at this special festival hosted by Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum. Not only can you try local Japanese dishes like grilled eel, sushi, and soba, but you’ll also get to try foods from across the world — including dim sum, tacos, and pasta.
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