Shibuya in May 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
I started living in Shibuya, Tokyo in 2024. While walking around my new neighborhood, I found something amazing - Shibuya has many beautiful shrines and temples! These places are especially wonderful to visit during New Year celebrations. Since January 2025 is coming soon, I want to share my favorite spots in Shibuya that are perfect to visit in January. I'll also include the newest information for 2025.
I also want to tell you about some great Tokyo tours by Magical Trip. If you're interested in visiting Shibuya, you should try their "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo." Magical Trip is very popular - in fact, our "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" was rated the #1 tour on TripAdvisor in 2024!
I've been on both tours myself. The Shibuya tour is just as much fun as the famous our Shinjuku tour. If you want to:
- Enjoy Shibuya's culture
- See the best places in the area
- Make the most of your time
Then I really think you should join our Shibuya tour. It's a great way to experience everything Shibuya has to offer!
Introduction
Tokyo in May marks the end of spring, with fresh greenery becoming prominent. The climate is neither hot nor cold, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. Evenings can be slightly chilly, so it's recommended to bring a light coat when sightseeing.
Shibuya is particularly popular among young people and is known as a hub for culture and fashion. It's an area packed with attractions, including many commercial facilities, entertainment venues, and bustling streets.
In May 2025, Shibuya offers numerous outdoor events, including traditional shrine ceremonies, gourmet events, and nature-themed activities. In this article, we'll introduce the highlights, basic information, schedules, and access details for these events.
2025 Year-round Event Schedule in Shibuya↓
・Shibuya: List of Events & Festivals for 2025
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Special Experiences Exclusive to Shibuya in May
Shibuya-Kagoshima Ohara Festival
Source:Official website
The Shibuya-Kagoshima Ohara Festival is a celebration where traditional dances from Kagoshima, located in the Kyushu region, are performed on Shibuya's main street.
The festival features a parade with over 2,000 dancers from 60 groups performing in sync with the music. The highlight is watching the dancers in traditional Japanese festival costumes performing powerful choreography. The synchronized movements of entire groups create an impressive spectacle.
In addition to the parade, the Shibuya Event May 2025 includes sales of Kagoshima specialties and sake, as well as musical performances by artists connected to Kagoshima. This event is particularly recommended for those interested in Japanese dance and Kagoshima culture.
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Date: May 17-18, 2025
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit, or 5-minute walk from Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and Keio Inokashira Line Shibuya Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://shibuyadeohara.jp/28-shibuya-kagoshima-ohara-matsuri.html
SHIBUYA STREAM THEATER WEEK
Source:Shibuya Bunka Project
SHIBUYA STREAM THEATER WEEK is a free movie screening event held at the outdoor plaza and grand stairs near Shibuya Station.
The 2024 event ran for approximately 15 days, featuring 34 classics including "Back to the Future" and "Tom and Jerry."
The charm of this event lies in its picnic-like movie-watching experience. The plaza is covered with artificial turf, allowing visitors to sit or lie down as they prefer. During my visit, I observed various groups enjoying themselves, from young people to families.
The event also sells popcorn and drinks to enhance your experience. It's perfect for those who want to spend a relaxing evening in Shibuya.
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Date: April 28 - May 12 (2024 information)
Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station C2 exit (Toyoko Line, Den-en-toshi Line, Hanzomon Line, Fukutoshin Line) and Shibuya Station New South Exit (JR Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.tokyu-rec.co.jp/news/4436/ (2024 information)
Natural Attractions in Shibuya in May
Spring Rose Festival
Source:Go Tokyo
The Spring Rose Festival is an annual rose-themed event held at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya Ward. The park features approximately 330 varieties and 590 rose bushes in full bloom.
At the Spring Rose Festival, there are exhibitions themed around rose fragrances, allowing visitors to compare and enjoy various types of roses.
What makes this event special is that you can enjoy various hands-on experiences beyond just viewing the flowers. You can create herbariums using freshly picked herbs or try arranging roses in mugs.
Even though I had no knowledge of flowers or plants, I was able to enjoy creating arrangements thanks to the detailed instruction provided.
The Spring Rose Festival is recommended for flower enthusiasts and those looking for interactive events.
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Date: May 5, 2024 (2024 information)
Access: 3-minute walk from JR "Harajuku Station" or Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line "Yoyogi-koen Station"
Admission: Free (workshop fees not included)
Website (Official X): https://x.com/ParksYoyogi
Shibuya Event May 2025 - Culinary Events
SAKE PARK
Source:PR TIMES
SAKE PARK is a Japanese sake-themed event held on the rooftop of "MIYASHITA PARK," a commercial facility in central Shibuya.
You can enjoy comparing and tasting sake from 30 breweries, ranging from famous brands to rare labels. You can select sake while conversing with the actual brewers, helping you find your preferred varieties. The free admission is a great point as you can drink as much as you like.
Food that pairs well with sake is also available, allowing for extended enjoyment. Additionally, SAKE PARK features DJs who enliven the venue with music performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
This event is recommended for sake lovers, alcohol enthusiasts, and those who enjoy lively atmospheres.
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Date: May 17-19, 2024
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line/Saikyo Line/Shonan-Shinjuku Line "Shibuya Station," 8-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line/Fukutoshin Line "Meiji-jingumae <Harajuku>" Station Exit 7
Admission: Free
Website: https://sakepark.tokyo/
Cambodia Festival
Source:Japan-Cambodia Assosiation
The Cambodia Festival, which started in 2015, is Japan's largest event celebrating Cambodian culture.
The Cambodia Festival features approximately 70 vendors selling food, beer, and crafts. You can enjoy authentic Cambodian dishes like "Amok" and grilled beef skewers amid the lush nature of Yoyogi Park. When I visited, each booth had its own unique taste and flavor profile for the same dishes, so comparing different versions could be enjoyable.
The Cambodia Festival also includes stage programs featuring traditional Cambodian dance. It's a rare opportunity to experience Cambodian culture while in Japan, so those interested in Cambodian culture should definitely participate.
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Date: May 3-4, 2025
Access: 3-minute walk from JR "Harajuku Station" or Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line "Yoyogi-koen Station"
Admission: Free
Website: https://cambodiafestival.com/event
Tokyo's Most Exciting Festivals Occur in May!
In May, Tokyo hosts some of its largest annual cultural celebrations, including the Kanda Matsuri and Sanja Matsuri, which are among the city's most significant traditional events. Speaking of exciting events, visitors should note that Shibuya will also be hosting a special cultural showcase in May 2025, adding to the month's festivities.
The Kanda Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals, is famous for its magnificent portable shrines (mikoshi - platforms carried by many people to transport deities). The Sanja Matsuri is also a large-scale festival featuring approximately 100 mikoshi parading through the town.
If you're planning to visit Tokyo in May, we recommend staying in Shinjuku as your base to experience these vibrant festivals.
Kanda Matsuri
Source: PR TIMES
The Kanda Matsuri is renowned as one of Japan's three major festivals, alongside Kyoto's Gion Festival and Osaka's Tenjin Festival.
Over 200 ornate mikoshi and people dressed in traditional Japanese costumes parade through a 30-kilometer route covering Kanda, Nihonbashi, Akihabara, and other areas. The experience feels like stepping back in time. The highlight occurs at Nihonbashi, where the mikoshi procession merges with the Tsukematsuri (auxiliary festival) parade featuring participants in special costumes. The convergence draws thousands of people, creating a peak festival atmosphere.
This festival is perfect for those wanting to experience the lively spirit of a Japanese matsuri.
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Dates: May 8-15, 2025
Access: 5-minute walk from JR Chuo/Sobu Line Ochanomizu Station (Hijibashi Exit) or 7-minute walk from JR Keihin-Tohoku/Yamanote Line Akihabara Station (Electric Town Exit)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/kandasai/h15/schedule.html
Sanja Matsuri
Source:Official website
The Sanja Matsuri is Asakusa Shrine's biggest annual festival, honoring three deities enshrined there.
During the festival, participants in elaborate costumes parade through famous spots like Kaminarimon Gate and throughout Asakusa. The highlight is the "Tamafuri," an energetic ritual where the mikoshi is vigorously swayed in all directions. The Sanja Matsuri's Tamafuri is known for being particularly dynamic among festivals, and the sight of participants chanting while swaying the mikoshi is truly impressive.
Another notable feature is the traditional dance performed at Asakusa Shrine, incorporating prayers for good harvests, business prosperity, and fertility. This festival is recommended for those seeking an energetic festival atmosphere.
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Dates: May 17-19, 2024 (2024 information)
Access: 7-minute walk from Asakusa Station (accessible via Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, or Tobu Isezaki Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/?doing_wp_cron=1739505248.1940948963165283203125
Grand Spring Festival at Meiji Shrine
Source:Official website
The Grand Spring Festival at Meiji Shrine is a festival where various Japanese traditional performing arts called "Noh" and "Kyogen" are showcased. Special stages are set up around the shrine buildings, and anyone can enjoy the performances for free.
My recommendation is the Kagura (songs and dances dedicated to the gods) called "Urayasu no Mai." This dance is performed to pray for world peace, and you can experience a sacred atmosphere. There are also folk performances and archery competitions, making it full of highlights.
During the Grand Spring Festival, the flowers in Meiji Shrine bloom brilliantly, creating a vibrant atmosphere, so please enjoy observing the flowers as well. It's recommended for those who want to enjoy various traditional performing arts and nature. Just like the upcoming Shibuya Event May 2025, this festival promises to be a cultural highlight of Tokyo's spring season.
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Dates: May 2nd and 3rd, 2024 (2024 information)
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 3 of Gaienmae Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/spring_taisai/
Grand Sumo Tournament May Tournament
The Grand Sumo Ryogoku Kokugikan is a major sumo tournament held six times a year.
Sumo is a sport where two wrestlers compete in a ring approximately 4.5m in diameter. With 1,400 years of history, it is considered Japan's "national sport."
At the Grand Sumo Ryogoku Kokugikan, the highest-level wrestlers gather for a 15-day tournament. The highlight is watching wrestlers weighing over 100kg clash intensely. The sight of them battling while making powerful sounds is truly impressive.
It's recommended to purchase tickets for the May Tournament in advance. You can make reservations through the official website (English version). While the Shibuya Event May 2025 will draw many tourists, this sumo tournament is equally popular among international visitors.
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Dates: May 11th - 25th, 2025
Access: 5-minute walk from Exit A3 of Toei Ryogoku Station on Toei Oedo Line
Admission: Varies by seat type
Website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/Watching/isolate/629/
Odaiba Oktoberfest 2025 ~SPRING~
Source:FASHION PRESS
Odaiba Oktoberfest is the Japanese version of the world's largest beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany. Celebrating its 21st year in 2024, it has become popular among beer enthusiasts for offering an authentic atmosphere.
The highlight of Odaiba Oktoberfest is the opportunity to enjoy authentic beer tastes. Six major breweries from Munich gather, allowing visitors to compare different beers. Even those who don't drink much alcohol can enjoy the event as food items like sausages are also available.
With live performances by bands from Germany, this event is recommended for those who want to experience German culture centered around beer in a lively atmosphere. As the festival coincides with the Shibuya Event May 2025, visitors can enjoy multiple cultural experiences during their stay.
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Dates: April 26th - May 6th, 2024 (2024 information)
Access: 5-minute walk from Daiba Station or Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station on Yurikamome Line
Admission: 500 yen for junior high school students and above, free for elementary school students and younger (2024 information)
Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/odaiba_spring/index.html
