Tokyo events for Monday, May 15 to Sunday, May 21, 2023.
Mid-may has an incredible host of thrilling and intense events to see, and if you don’t mind crowds, then you can’t miss one of the biggest: the Sanja Festival in the heart of Asakusa.
But if being jostled along like a portable festival shrine isn’t for you, then there’s a whole bunch of creative, musical, and spicy alternatives — check out our suggestions below.
Sanja Festival
This is one of Tokyo’s rowdier festivals. Some two million spectators typically turn up to watch rather energetic, sometimes tattooed, gentlemen doing what can most accurately be described as “mikoshi jousting”. Sunday is the most chaotic and exciting day of the festival, but also the busiest and longest. Traffic regulations will be in place on this day
Design Festa Vol. 57 – Spring Edition
Asia’s largest art event is back. Bringing together thousands of artists from all over Japan, Design Festa has become the premier destination for those interested in creativity and artistic expression.Get tickets here!
| Advance sales: ¥800 | At the door: ¥1,000 | |
MTM Presents: Sarah Kang Live in Tokyo
More Than Music hosts the soothing sounds of Sarah Kang in Tokyo. Joined by singer and ukulele player Mayowa Sensei, she will create a magical night that shouldn’t be missed. Get tickets here.
Kagurazaka Street Stage O-edo Tour
O-edo Tour turns the streets of Kagurazaka into a showcase for various traditional Japanese performing arts. The event features leading artists, both young and seasoned, representing diverse genres that once flourished in the neighborhood.
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. Among some more familiar sports like skateboarding and various bike-based displays, you can see some more uncommon events, such as “Double-Dutch” — which is like extreme skipping.
| Advance sales: ¥3,000 | At the door: ¥4,000 | |
Neuron at Womb
Love techno music? Then don’t miss the party Neuron at Womb. Experience images and light shows that will dazzle your eyes and listen to thought-provoking tunes and melodies at one of the biggest clubs in Tokyo. Get tickets here.
| Advance sales: ¥3,000 | At the door: ¥4,000 | |
Tokyo Port Festival
The Tokyo Port Festival is your chance to connect with Tokyo’s harbor. Taking place at Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, there will be lots of family-oriented activities. Along with seeing rare ships, there will be special exhibits, a quiz, food trucks, and more.
International Museum Day
Started in 1977, International Museum Day “encourages public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society”. To celebrate, many museums in Tokyo — including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, the National Museum of Western Art and the Shitamachi Museum (all in Ueno) will have free admission.
Italia, amore mio!
The biggest Italian festival in Japan, organized by the Italian Chember of Commerce, is back. This year’s edition will be held at With Harajuku right next to Harajuku Station.
Thai Festival
As one of the largest and most anticipated festivals, the Thai Festival is usually held in the spring at Yoyogi Park each year. Thousands of people attend, making it one of the biggest Thai festivals held outside of Thailand. Expect Thai sports, dancing, and music, but the real draw of this festival is the food, from sweet to very, very spicy.
Accidentally Wes Anderson Exhibition
Accidentally Wes Anderson (@accidentallywesanderson) on Instagram is a community with over 1.8 million followers (and growing). The account started with a dream of visiting places around the world that resemble spots, objects, and buildings in movies directed by Wes Anderson. For its first public exhibition in Japan, 300 photographs demonstrating the AWA aesthetic are on show.
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