Tokyo in May 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals

This article was made by my own wish to find a comprehensive guide to events at travel destinations. I was born and raised in Shibuya. All the events I'm featuring here are ones that I personally recommend to international visitors, based on my own experience in Tokyo.

Since Tokyo has so many must-see spots that it can be overwhelming, you need to plan efficiently to cover all the attractive locations. That's why Magical Trip offers various Tokyo tours guided by locals.

In particular, our "Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku" (Ranked #1 among all TripAdvisor tours in 2024) and "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo" take you to local favorites that tourists rarely discover on their own. When planning your Tokyo trip, include a Magical Trip tour in your itinerary.

Introduction

In Tokyo during May, temperatures average around 20 degrees Celsius, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. On sunny days, you'll even see people walking around in short sleeves.

In Japan, a holiday season called "Golden Week" occurs for about 10 days from late April to early May. During this period when work and schools are closed, Tokyo becomes particularly lively with large crowds gathering in the city.

Various festivals and events are held across different areas of Tokyo during May. 

In this article, we'll introduce an overview and highlights of notable Tokyo Events May 2025, providing you with essential information about these celebrations.

These events offer a chance to experience Japanese festival culture and traditional celebrations firsthand, so we encourage you to visit the venues.

2025 Year-round Event Schedule in Tokyo↓

・Tokyo: List of Events & Festivals for 2025

Traditional Tokyo Events May 2025

Kanda Matsuri

Source:PR TIMES

If you're visiting Tokyo in May, consider participating in the Kanda Matsuri. This traditional Japanese event is counted among Japan's three major festivals, alongside Kyoto's Gion Festival and Osaka's Tenjin Festival.

The Kanda Matsuri runs for six days, but in my opinion, the main highlight is the "Shinko Festival" on the third day. During the Shinko Festival, people dressed in Heian period costumes (from over 1,000 years ago) depart from Kanda Myoujin and parade through the Kanda and Nihonbashi areas.

The sight of this elaborate procession in traditional costumes against the backdrop of modern Tokyo is unique to this event. Make sure to take photos as a memorable part of your Japan tour.

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Dates: 
May 8 (Thu) 19:00~ Phoenix Palanquin Mikoshi Transfer Ceremony
May 9 (Fri) Evening~ Local Town Association Mikoshi Spirit Insertion
May 10 (Sat) Divine Procession Festival
May 11 (Sun) Mikoshi Return Ceremony
May 14 (Wed) 11:00~ Omotesenke Tea Ceremony
May 15 (Thu) 14:00~ Main Festival

Venue: Kanda Myojin
Access: 
- 5 min walk from JR Ochanomizu Station (JR Chuo Line, JR Sobu Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
- 7 min walk from Akihabara Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
- 5 min walk from Shin-Ochanomizu Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- 5 min walk from Suehirocho Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://kandamatsuri.com/

Sanja Matsuri

Source:Official website

The Sanja Matsuri, held in Asakusa from May 16 (Thu) to May 19 (Sun), is a quintessential early summer festival in Japan.

While Asakusa is already a popular tourist destination known for its traditional Japanese streetscape, it becomes most vibrant during the Sanja Matsuri. Come experience this special atmosphere that differs from regular days.

The festival reaches its peak on the third day during the "Chonai Mikoshi rengo togyo." Large Mikoshi (portable shrines) processions depart from various areas around Asakusa.

The Mikoshi are intentionally shaken vigorously to pray for good harvests, abundant fishing, and to ward off illness, creating a powerful spectacle.

Pay attention to the participants wearing Happi (traditional festival coats) and Hachimaki (headbands) as they devotedly carry the Mikoshi.

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Dates: May 16 (Thu) - May 19 (Sun)
Venue: Sensoji Temple
Access: 7 min walk from Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Subway Asakusa Line, Tobu Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/

Meiji Shrine Spring Festival

Source:Official website

If you want to experience traditional Japanese performing arts, visit the Meiji Shrine Spring Festival held at Meiji Shrine in May 2025. The festival features traditional performances on a special stage set up in front of the Main Shrine, including Noh (where performers in kimono dance to musical accompaniment) and Kyogen (Japanese theatrical comedy that developed as entertainment for common people).

The opportunity to watch these performances at such a prestigious shrine is rare, drawing large crowds of both domestic and international visitors to the Meiji Shrine Spring Festival each year. The third day is particularly recommended for international tourists as it features many musical performances that can be enjoyed regardless of language barriers.

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Dates:
- April 27 (Sat): Bugaku (Court Music and Dance)
- May 2 (Thu): Noh and Kyogen
- May 2 (Thu): Traditional Japanese Music and Dance
- May 3 (Fri): Archery Tournament
- May 3 (Fri): Folk Performing Arts
- May 3 (Fri): Sankyoku (Traditional Chamber Music)
- May 3 (Fri): Satsuma Biwa (Traditional Narrative Music)

Venue: Meiji Shrine
Access: 1-minute walk from Harajuku Station or Meiji-jingumae Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/spring_taisai/

Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament May 2025

The May Grand Sumo Tournament will be a major highlight in Tokyo during May 2025. Sumo, Japan's national sport, offers grand tournaments that can only be experienced in Japan. Don't miss the chance to witness the powerful matches between Sumo wrestlers in person.

Sumo originally began as a test of strength between men, but evolved through the ages as combat training for Bushi (warriors) and entertainment for the common people. Over time, rules were established, forming the sport we see today.

The unique characteristics of Sumo, such as the wrestlers' hairstyles, uniforms, and the earthen ring, offer a distinctly Japanese experience unlike any other sport.

Advance tickets go on sale from April 5 (Sat), 2025, so be sure to check for updates to secure your seats.

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Dates: May 11 (Sun) - May 25 (Sun), 2025
Venue: Ryogoku Kokugikan
Access: 1-minute walk from Ryogoku Station (JR Sobu Line), 5-minute walk from Ryogoku Station (Toei Oedo Line)
Admission: Tickets from ¥1,600
Website: https://www.sumo.or.jp/

Natural Attractions in Tokyo - May 2025

Katsushika Iris Festival

Source:Yahoo! News

For those wanting to enjoy nature in Tokyo during May 2025, the Katsushika Iris Festival is a must-visit. Katsushika features two parks where irises reach their peak bloom in May, with festivals held to celebrate the flowering season.

The Katsushika Iris Festival offers a perfect May sightseeing opportunity, combining the healing sight of blue-purple irises along the waterfront with the vibrant atmosphere of a Japanese festival.

In Japan, irises hold special significance - there's a traditional custom of taking baths with iris leaves floating in the water as a talisman on Children's Day (May 5).

During weekends throughout the festival period, shuttle buses run between the stations and venues, making it easily accessible for international tourists.

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Dates: Late May - Mid-June, 2025
Venues: Horikiri Shobuen Garden, Mizumoto Park
Access:
- Horikiri Shobuen: 10-minute walk from Horikiri-shobuen Station (Keisei Main Line)
- Mizumoto Park: Take Keisei bus from Keisei-Kanamachi Station (transfer at JR Kanamachi Station from JR Joban Line) to Mizumoto-koen stop (7-minute walk)
(Weekend shuttle buses operate from JR Kanamachi and Kameari stations during the event)
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.katsushika.lg.jp/tourism/1000064/1028427.html

Spring Peony Festival

Source: Official website

In early April to early May in Tokyo, the Spring Peony Festival is highly recommended. This event is held at the Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden, where you can stroll through a Japanese-style garden while admiring the beautifully blooming peonies.

The Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden was created 45 years ago to commemorate the friendship between Japan and China. As a result, the garden features global peony varieties from China, America, France, and other countries.

During the Spring Peony Festival, you can compare both Japanese and Western rhododendrons in full bloom, so please take this opportunity to visit.

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Schedule: Late May to mid-June
Access: 5-minute walk from "Ueno" Station
- JR Lines: Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Joban, Utsunomiya, Takasaki, Tohoku Main Line, Ueno-Tokyo Line
- Shinkansen: Tohoku, Akita, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Yamagata
- Tokyo Metro: Ginza Line, Hibiya Line
- Keisei: Main Line, Narita Sky Access
Venue: Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden
Admission: Adults ¥1,000, Free for elementary school students and younger
Website: https://uenobotanen.com/schedule/spring/

Art-Related Events in Tokyo for May 2025

TOKYO LIFT-OFF FILM FESTIVAL

Source:Official website

For movie enthusiasts visiting Tokyo in May 2025, be sure to check out the TOKYO LIFT-OFF FILM FESTIVAL.

With the vast number of films in existence, even talented filmmakers struggle to gain recognition. The TOKYO LIFT-OFF FILM FESTIVAL was established to provide independent films with opportunities for proper exposure and evaluation.

While the LIFT-OFF FILM FESTIVAL is held across 12 major cities worldwide at different times, the Tokyo edition consistently attracts an exceptional selection of outstanding works.

Attendees can participate in public voting, so please support your favorite films.

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Schedule: TBA
Venue: TBA
Admission: $12
Website: https://liftoff.network/tokyo-lift-off-film-festival/

Tokyo Gourmet Events in May 2025

Craft Gyoza Festival TOKYO

Source:Official website

When visiting Tokyo in May, we recommend experiencing Japanese cuisine at the Craft Gyoza Festival. Each vendor offers their signature original gyoza, allowing you to enjoy various flavors.

Gyoza are dumplings made by wrapping minced meat and vegetable filling in wheat flour dough and pan-frying them. While known as Chinese food, Japan has developed many variations with different preparation methods and ingredients.

At the Craft Gyoza Festival, I recommend trying gyoza from different vendors to compare the flavors. They're especially delicious paired with beer.

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Schedule: TBA
Venue: Komazawa Olympic Park Central Plaza
Access: 15-minute walk from "Komazawa-Daigaku" Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://craftgyoza.jp/fes/

Niku Fes (Meat Festival) 2025 TOKYO

Source:PR TIMES

For meat lovers, join us at the Niku Fes in Tokyo this May 2025. This gourmet event will be held for 11 days from Saturday, April 26th to Tuesday, May 6th at a plaza in Odaiba.

Restaurants confident in their meat dishes gather from all across Japan, allowing visitors to fully enjoy a wide variety of Japanese gourmet cuisine.

Particularly in 2025, the Steak King Championship will be the highlight event. The champion will be determined by popular vote from people who taste the dishes in this competition to decide the most delicious steak.

While some might think "all steaks are the same," it's precisely because it's a simple dish that each restaurant's dedication to meat quality, grilling technique, and seasoning shines through.

You won't want to miss the passionate battle between chefs competing for the championship.

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Dates: April 26 (Tue) - May 6 (Tue)
Venue: Tokyo Odaiba Aomi District Block P
Access: 5-minute walk from "Tokyo International Cruise Terminal" station on Yurikamome Line, 7-minute walk from "Tokyo Teleport" station on Rinkai Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.odaibapark.com/nikufes-tokyo-2025/

Odaiba Oktoberfest 2025 ~SPRING~

Source:FASHION PRESS

To enjoy Tokyo's May blue skies, we recommend the Odaiba Oktoberfest.

While Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival held in Germany, similar events following the authentic style have been held in various regions of Japan for about 20 years.

Enjoying Oktoberfest in Japan's modern space offers its own unique charm different from the original.

The Symbol Promenade Park, the venue for Odaiba Oktoberfest, is an open plaza near Tokyo Bay. Having a beer while gazing at the vast sky will help you unwind from your travel fatigue.

Savor authentic German tastes like "Weizen" beer and large sausages.

Foreign tourists can participate with peace of mind as various credit cards are accepted for payment at the venue.

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Dates: TBD
Venue: Symbol Promenade Park Central Plaza
Access: 5-minute walk from "Daiba" or "Tokyo International Cruise Terminal" stations on Yurikamome Line, 5-minute walk from "Tokyo Teleport" station on Rinkai Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/odaiba_spring/

Shiba Park Oktoberfest 2025 in Front of Onarimon Station ~SPRING~

Source:PR TIMES

Around mid-May, attention is focused on the Shiba Park Oktoberfest Spring. Due to the success of last year's event, expectations are high for the 2025 edition.

Shiba Park, where the Shiba Park Oktoberfest Spring is held, is located right next to Tokyo's symbol, Tokyo Tower.

I particularly recommend visiting Shiba Park Oktoberfest Spring in the evening when Tokyo Tower is illuminated. The beer and sausages taste exceptional against the backdrop of Tokyo's characteristic night view.

Don't forget to take plenty of Instagram-worthy photos as memories of your Tokyo tour.

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Dates: TBD
Venue: Shiba Park Area 4 Plaza
Access: 1-minute walk from "Onarimon" station on Toei Mita Line, 5-minute walk from "Kamiyacho" station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/shiba_spring/index.html