Akihabara in May 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
In early May, Tokyo mornings and evenings can still be chilly, but by late May, daytime temperatures can exceed 25°C, allowing for short-sleeve weather during the day. With generally stable weather conditions and pleasant breezes, it's the perfect season for outings and travel.
Within Tokyo, Akihabara is known as Japan's premier electronics district and a hub for subculture. With specialty shops and unique atmospheres that can only be experienced in Akihabara Event May 2025, it's bustling with visitors every day, regardless of whether it's a weekend or weekday.
In May, Akihabara hosts numerous events from traditional festivals to pop culture gatherings, attracting even larger crowds than usual. Below, we'll introduce the highlights, basic information, schedules, and access to these event venues.
The Biggest Event of May 2025: Kanda Festival, One of Japan's Three Major Festivals
Source:Wikipedia
The largest Akihabara Event May 2025 is the Kanda Festival, one of Japan's three major festivals. The festival takes place at the main venue, Kanda Shrine, and throughout the Akihabara area, attracting over 300,000 visitors from across the country. It's held every two years, with the "Main Festival" in odd-numbered years and the "Shadow Festival" in even-numbered years. Since 2025 is an odd year, the Main Festival will be held.
There are three key points to fully enjoy the Kanda Festival:
- Shinko Festival
- Mikoshi Shrine Entry
- Women's Portable Shrines
Each features powerful performances that will overwhelm you with their energy. This is an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand, so please consider participating.
Let's explore the key highlights of the Kanda Festival in more detail:
The "Shinko Festival" That Can Be Enjoyed in Akihabara's Electronics District
Source:Wikipedia
The most notable part of the Kanda Festival that can be enjoyed in Akihabara's electronics district is the "Shinko Festival."
During the Shinko Festival, locals carry portable shrines and wear Heian-period costumes while parading approximately 30km through 108 town associations around Kanda, Nihonbashi, and Akihabara. This traditional custom taking place among modern buildings creates a memorable impression.
When it merges with the tsuke festival in Nihonbashi (featuring music, colorful floats, and costumes in procession), it expands into a parade of thousands of people, coloring the entire city in a festive mood and raising the audience's excitement! Since the content of the floats in the tsuke festival changes every year, it's understandable why many people return to the festival repeatedly.
"Mikoshi Shrine Entry" at Kanda Myojin
Source:Wikipedia
During the Mikoshi Shrine Entry, 200 portable shrines from 108 town associations that have paraded around the Kanda area return to Kanda Myojin Shrine over the course of a day.
The highlight is watching the carriers valiantly moving the portable shrines up, down, left, and right while shouting the spirited chant "SEIYA!" When I participated, the shrine grounds were filled with participants and audience members, enveloped in heat and excitement. You'll be energized just by watching the people overflowing with energy!
Pay attention to the designs of the mikoshi (portable shrines) and happi (festival clothes) which vary by neighborhood. With a variety of unique designs, it's fun to look for your favorite mikoshi or happi while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
The Original "Women's Mikoshi" Showcasing Female Strength
Source:Official Blog
The "Original Women's Mikoshi" that showcases female strength refers to the portable shrine carried by women from the Sudacho Central District Association. This tradition has continued since 1977 and is said to be the beginning of women's mikoshi. At a time when women carrying mikoshi was considered taboo, the birth of the women's mikoshi was a history-changing event.
I have seen the women's mikoshi myself. The women who simultaneously carry the mikoshi while wearing matching headbands designed with white cherry blossoms on a scarlet background present a dignified beauty. It was impressive to see all the carriers smiling and enjoying themselves, giving off a brightness and splendor different from when men carry it.
Watching them earnestly carry the mikoshi with their delicate frames will make you want to cheer along with them, shouting "Seiya!"
Pop Culture Events Around Akihabara
Here I will introduce pop culture events around Akihabara. Visitors planning to attend the Akihabara Event May 2025 will find these particularly interesting.
Zoids Exhibition 2025
Source:Official website
The Zoids Exhibition 2025 is a valuable event where numerous works from Takara Tomy's toy series Zoids, modeled after animals and dinosaurs, will be displayed. The Zoids, which move by springs or motors, have an elaborate quality and dynamism that seems beyond mere toys, continuing to captivate many people's hearts even after more than 40 years since their initial release.
An attractive point of the exhibition is that participants can bring and display their own Zoids creations. This is an irresistible event for toy enthusiasts as it brings together works normally kept at home.
I once went to the exhibition invited by a Zoids fan friend. As I traced the history of Zoids and looked at the impressive dioramas, I became fascinated by their charm and ended up purchasing a Zoid on my way home. The content is enjoyable for everyone from Zoids beginners to advanced enthusiasts.
<Information>
- Date: March 1-May 11, 2025
- Access: 30 seconds walk from Akihabara Station (Sobu Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Yamanote Line, Hibiya Line, Tsukuba Express Line)
- Admission: Adults 1400 yen, Children 1000 yen
- Website: https://www.volks.co.jp/blog_sr/akiba_hs/2025/01/05/027023.html
"Mashin Hero Wataru" + "Mashin Creation Wataru" Character Pop Store
Source:BANDAI NAMCO
The "Mashin Hero Wataru" + "Mashin Creation Wataru" Character Pop Store is an event held to commemorate the TV anime broadcast of Mashin Hero Wataru. The event will feature original goods and popular Wataru series merchandise that will be resold from past events, as well as exhibition corners and photo spots.
Not to be missed is the T-shirt printing service where you can choose a design and have it printed on the spot. You can select from 7 designs, and the shirts come in three sizes: M, L, and XL, so you can create the perfect piece for yourself.
With many limited items and special bonuses, this is a must-see for Wataru fans. When visiting Akihabara Event May 2025, be sure to participate in this event and immerse yourself in the world of Wataru.
<Information>
- Date: May 23-June 22, 2025
- Access: Directly connected to Akihabara Station (Sobu Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Yamanote Line, Hibiya Line, Tsukuba Express Line)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.mashin-eiyuuden-wataru.net/news/detail.php?id=21957
Key 25th Anniversary Party in cafe & bar MENU
Source:Official X
Key 25th Anniversary Party in cafe & bar MENU is a special event where you can enjoy collaboration food and drinks inspired by Key works to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Key productions.
The highlight is that you can obtain event-limited coasters and illustration cards by making reservations in advance, placing orders, or making purchases. With numerous character items available as bonus items, even non-fans will want to start collecting them!
During the Akihabara Event May 2025, birthday menus for characters celebrating their birthdays will also be featured. This is an unmissable project if your favorite character has a birthday during this period. Details will be uploaded to the homepage, so interested visitors should check it out.
<Information>
- Dates: 2 months from April 4, 2025
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Akihabara Station on the Sobu Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Yamanote Line, Hibiya Line, and Tsukuba Express Line
- Admission: Cost of food and drinks
- Website: https://x.com/cafebarmenu
For those who want to fully enjoy Akihabara's pop culture, a tour with a guide who knows Akihabara inside out is recommended
If you want to fully experience Akihabara's pop culture, we recommend taking a tour with a guide who knows Akihabara thoroughly.
The Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour allows you to immerse yourself in the world of pop culture including anime, games, and maid cafes in Akihabara. The tour visits five spots:
- Anime figurine & goods shops
- Capsule toy machine shops
- Maid cafes
- Game centers
- Specialty game merchandise stores
My recommended maid cafe is a must-visit during the Akihabara Event May 2025. When you order an omelet or hot latte at the cafe, staff dressed as maids will personally decorate it with ketchup or chocolate sauce, giving you a special experience. Beyond just dining, you can chat with them and take photos, providing an experience you can't get anywhere else.
The spots introduced are all carefully selected hidden gems by guides who are well-versed in Akihabara. Would you like to experience the various unique cultures that Akihabara has built up over many years?
<Meeting point>
Tour area: Akihabara
Start time: 14:00
For Fans of Japanese Manga and Anime, Pop Culture Events Throughout Tokyo Are Highly Recommended
Hakurei Shrine Grand Festival (Reitaisai)
Source:Official website
For fans of Japanese manga and anime, pop culture events held throughout Tokyo are highly recommended. The Hakurei Shrine Grand Festival is an event mainly focusing on displaying works and selling merchandise related to the game "Touhou Project."
What's noteworthy is the abundance of activities that attendees can enjoy together, such as painful car displays and cosplay. Touhou Project fans from all over Japan gather here, where you can see meticulously detailed painful cars up close and interact with people in authentic cosplay. Once you step into the venue, you'll undoubtedly feel the enthusiasm of participants and get excited.
The event features special stage shows and games that create a lively atmosphere. Touhou Project fans should definitely consider attending this Akihabara Event May 2025, which will attract a large audience of both local and international tourists.
<Information>
- Date: May 5, 2025
- Access: 3-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station on Yurikamome Line; 7-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station on Rinkai Line
- Admission Fee: 1,500 yen (Other ticket options available)
- Website: https://reitaisai.com/
Blue Lock Exhibition: EGOIST EXHIBITION the animation
Source:dengekionline
The Blue Lock Exhibition: EGOIST EXHIBITION the animation is the official exhibition of the popular manga Blue Lock, which has exceeded 30 million copies in circulation. In addition to featuring characters from Blue Lock, the exhibition also offers content related to TV series seasons 1 and 2, as well as "Blue Lock the Movie -EPISODE Nagi-," making it a content-rich experience.
A highlight not to miss is the uniform-style sticker that comes as an admission bonus. The distribution pattern is predetermined from Monday to Friday:
- Monday: Nagi Seishiro, Karasu Tabito, Otoya Eita, Yukimiya Kenyu
- Tuesday: Kiyoshi Seiichi, Hachiraku Meguru, Gagamaru Gin
- Wednesday: Itoshi Rin, Mikage Reo, Barou Shoei
- Thursday: Chigiri Hyoma, Hiori Yo, Futago Ikki, Ario Jyubei
- Friday: Itoshi Sae, Oliver Aiku, Sendou Akito, Shidou Ryusei
- Saturday/Sunday: Random distribution from all 18 types
If you have a favorite character, aim to participate on the day they're being distributed. The exhibition allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of Blue Lock. This popular Akihabara Event May 2025 is expected to draw a substantial audience of tourists interested in contemporary anime.
<Information>
- Date: April 26 - May 18, 2025
- Access: 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station on Yurakucho Line; 8-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station on various lines
- Admission Fee: 2,300 yen (Other ticket options available)
- Website: https://www.bluelockegoistexhibition.com/
Osamu Tezuka's "Phoenix" Exhibition
Source:Official website
Osamu Tezuka's "Phoenix" Exhibition is the first large-scale exhibition dedicated to "Phoenix," considered the masterpiece of manga legend Osamu Tezuka. The exhibition primarily features original drawings, along with videos, related materials, and graphics expressing the worldview, with over 800 exhibits that help interpret Phoenix.
Phoenix is a long-running series that depicts people's struggles with the theme "What is the meaning of living and dying?" Even 70 years after the series began, its storyline remains timeless and continues to captivate people's hearts. This is a chance to fully understand the appeal and depth of Phoenix.
The Phoenix Exhibition Museum Shop also offers shopping for related merchandise. Be sure to check out the limited Phoenix Exhibition goods available only here!
During the Akihabara Event May 2025 season, this exhibition provides tourists with a perfect opportunity to experience classic Japanese manga culture at its finest. The exhibition's audience will appreciate seeing the influential work that has shaped modern manga.
<Information>
- Date: March 7 - May 25, 2025
- Access: Directly at Roppongi Station on Hibiya Line; 4-minute walk from Roppongi Station on Oedo Line
- Admission Fee: Adults 2,300 yen (2,500 yen on holidays); High School/University Students 1,700 yen (1,800 yen); Ages 4-Junior High School 800 yen (900 yen); 65 years and older 2,200 yen
- Website: https://tezukaosamu.net/jp/mushi/entry/34410.htm
