Yanaka and Tokyo Retro Town in May 2025: Highlights, Events & Festivals
In May, Yanaka Ginza transitions from spring to summer. Early in the month, days are warm while mornings and evenings remain cool, but by late May, there are more days when you can comfortably wear short sleeves even at night.
Yanaka Ginza is an area where redevelopment hasn't progressed much. Despite being located close to the city center, it's a place where you can enjoy old Tokyo, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city. In May 2025, numerous traditional and nature-themed events will be held in Yanaka Ginza.
In this article, I'll introduce my recommended events, highlighting their attractions, basic information, schedules, and access to venues. I'll also introduce events in the retro neighborhoods of "Asakusa" and "Ueno" around Yanaka Ginza, so please read until the end.
Table of Contents
- Special May Experiences Around Yanaka Ginza
- Special May Experiences Around Asakusa
- Special May Experiences Around Ueno
Special May Experiences Around Yanaka Ginza
May Festival (Tobifudoson Shoboin)
Source:Official website
Tobifudoson Shoboin is famous for enshrining a flying deity and is known for bringing good fortune (similar to God's blessing in Christianity) related to various "flying things" such as aviation safety and golf.
Tobifudoson Shoboin teaches that May is a time when things rise significantly but also deplete quickly. Therefore, by performing "ogoma" during the May Festival, they aim to remove misfortunes and achieve better results for the audience attending this Yanaka event in May 2025.
Ogoma is the most respectful way to make requests to deities and is a traditional Japanese ritual where offerings are burned to deliver them to the heavenly world before making wishes. This ritual is conducted in a very solemn atmosphere, allowing you to experience Japanese faith.
Reservations are required, but it will undoubtedly be a valuable experience, so please consider applying.
Information:
- Date: Typically May 28th
- Access: Subway Hibiya Line, get off at Minowa Station
→ 600m south, about 8 minutes on foot (maps of the surrounding area are available at the ticket gate)
- Toei Bus, get off at Ryusen, 3 minutes on foot
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://tobifudo.jp/
Bunkyo Azalea Festival
Source:Official website
The Bunkyo Azalea Festival has been held since 1969 at Nedu Shrine grounds. During this month-long festival, approximately 100 varieties and 3,000 stocks of colorful azaleas bloom profusely. Since each of the 100 varieties has different blooming times and colors, the scenery changes daily throughout the festival period.
At the beginning, the contrast between green and pink is beautiful, and by mid-month, the view is covered with various shades of pink. The sight of different varieties of azaleas spreading across your entire field of vision is a spectacular view that can only be seen here, making it a perfect destination for the audience visiting Yanaka in May 2025.
I especially love the view looking down at the azalea flowers from above. It's truly beautiful, like people walking on a carpet of flowers.
Additionally, various events are held at Nedu Shrine during the festival period. There are stalls every day, and on weekends, you can enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts and many other attractions. Please visit at least once.
Information:
- Date: April 1 (Tue) to April 30 (Wed)
- Access: 5 minutes on foot from "Nezu Station" or "Sendagi Station" on Tokyo - Metro Chiyoda Line
- 5 minutes on foot from "Todaimae Station" on Tokyo Metro Namboku Line
- 10 minutes on foot from "Hakusan Station" on Toei Mita Line
- Admission: 300 yen
- Website: https://nedujinja.or.jp/
Yanaka Antique Market
Source:Yahoo! News
The Yanaka Antique Market is "an antique market that offers encounters with wonderful old items in the historic neighborhood of Yanaka with its charming traditional townscape." Around 40 shops participate daily, selling a rich variety of antiques that evoke history—from Western-style tableware to traditional Japanese dishes, accessories, bags, and ornaments.
The Yanaka Antique Market takes place in the parking lot of Enmei-in, a temple with a long history. There is also a 600-year-old chinquapin tree, allowing visitors to feel the flow of history not only from the antiques but from the venue itself.
Admission is free, so even those unfamiliar with antiques are encouraged to visit casually. The antiques, carefully used by unknown previous owners, have a gentle atmosphere that makes you want to pick them up. These unique antiques that can only be purchased here are also recommended as souvenirs.
If you're planning to visit Tokyo in May 2025, the Yanaka Antique Market would be a perfect addition to your itinerary. The May Yanaka event will attract a diverse audience of both locals and tourists, offering a unique cultural experience.
Information:
- Dates: March 7 (Fri) & 8 (Sat)
April 12 (Sat) & 13 (Sun)
May 3 (Sat) & 4 (Sun)
May 31 (Sat) & June 1 (Sun)
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM * Canceled in case of bad weather
- Access: 3 minutes walk from Nippori Station West Exit (Yanaka direction)
1 minute walk to Yanaka Ginza
10 minutes walk from Sendagi Station Exit 2
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.yanaka-antique-market.com/
Special May-Only Experiences Around Asakusa
Sanja Matsuri
Source:Official website
Sanja Matsuri is a May tradition of Asakusa, held at Asakusa Shrine, which has a long history of about 1,400 years. On the days of this festival, which gathers over 1.8 million people over three days, Asakusa is said to be at its most lively time of the year.
This festival takes place throughout the entire Asakusa area, not just within the shrine. Various traditional Japanese processions parade through the streets over the three days. What I especially recommend is the third day, when people carry three large mikoshi (portable shrines shaped like houses that transport deities) through the streets.
The excitement and cheers of those carrying the mikoshi is a sensation that can only be experienced by being there in person.
During the festival period, various traditional dances are also performed in the shrine grounds, so please check these out as well. I always make sure to check out both.
Information:
- Dates: May 17 (Fri) - May 19 (Sun)
- Access: 7 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
7 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on Toei Subway Asakusa Line
7 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on Tobu Line
10 minutes walk from Asakusa Station on Tsukuba Express
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/
Asakusabashi Red and White Marronnier Festival
Source:Official website
The Asakusabashi Red and White Marronnier Festival is a festival where you can enjoy various events such as parades, food stalls, and stage performances.
The main attraction of this festival is the parade, where you can enjoy various types of parades from traditional Japanese parades to brass bands. The town comes alive with parades of various atmospheres, from beautiful to intense.
The name "Marronnier Festival" comes from the "marronnier" flowers that bloom around the venue. The pale, small flowers are very cute and perfect for the festival atmosphere. When you visit this festival, please enjoy the flowers blooming along the streets and the collaboration of flowers and dance.
What I recommend most is the boat ride. You can enjoy beautiful scenery and delicious Japanese cuisine while slowly cruising down the river flowing through Asakusa on a traditional wooden boat.
Information:
- Dates: Undetermined as of February 20, 2025 (It was held on May 11 and 12 in Reiwa 6)
- Access: 3 minutes walk from Asakusabashi Station on JR Line
3 minutes walk from Asakusabashi Station on Toei Subway Asakusa Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://marronnier-matsuri.com
Asakusa Temple's Wisteria Trellis
Source:Google Maps
In Asakusa, wisteria flowers reach their peak bloom in May, and you can enjoy these flowers and wisteria trellises throughout the city. Wisteria flowers are purple, hanging blooms, and a wisteria trellis is a rest area with these flowers forming a natural roof.
Wisteria flowers and trellises frequently appear in the popular anime and manga "Demon Slayer," so many people may be familiar with them.
I love wisteria flowers and visit Asakusa every May. My highest recommendation is the wisteria trellis at Senso-ji Temple. A large rest area has been set up under the spacious trellis, where you can relax in the shade.
The beautiful flowers, sweet fragrance, pleasant breeze, and the sound of wind rustling the flowers and leaves - everything you experience is peaceful, creating a tranquil atmosphere. When you're tired from sightseeing or the hustle and bustle of the city, please take time to relax under the wisteria trellis at Senso-ji Temple.
Information:
- Schedule: Late April to early May
- Access:
Tobu Skytree Line: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station
Tsukuba Express: 5-minute walk from Asakusa Station
Toei Subway Asakusa Line: 5-minute walk from Exit A4 of Asakusa Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.senso-ji.jp/
Special Experiences Only in May Around Ueno
Gojou Tenjin Shrine Grand Festival
Source:TAITO Odekake Navi
Gojou Tenjin Shrine is a prestigious shrine with nearly 2000 years of history dedicated to the deity of medicine, with traditions carefully preserved by local residents. The largest annual event held at Gojou Tenjin Shrine is the Gojou Tenjin Shrine Grand Festival.
On festival days, the streets come alive with the sounds of drums and flutes (hayashi - performances with traditional Japanese instruments) and the calls of people carrying portable shrines (mikoshi). Hayashi creates a cheerful atmosphere with its unique Japanese rhythm, enhancing the festive mood throughout the area.
A ceremonial archery competition is also held, where you can watch people shooting arrows as offerings to the deity. You might think it's similar to archery, but you'll feel a more distinctly Japanese aesthetic from the atmosphere that balances calmness with intensity. Please visit once to experience this atmosphere for yourself.
Information:
- Schedule: May 25th every year
- Access:
JR Line: 5-minute walk from Ueno Station
Tokyo Metro: 5-minute walk from Ueno Station
Keisei Line: 3-minute walk from Keisei-Ueno Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.gojoutenjinsha.com/
Shitaya Shrine Grand Festival
Source:Official website
The Shitaya Shrine Grand Festival has over 1000 years of history and is loved by locals and people worldwide as the first summer festival in the downtown area. The highlights of this festival are the portable shrines (mikoshi) and food stalls.
The scale of Shitaya Shrine's mikoshi changes every other year. Unfortunately, 2025 will be a year with slightly smaller scale, but the excitement of this festival is still so intense that you'll break into a sweat from the crowd's energy despite it being May.
This festival also features many food stalls, which are essential to Japanese summer festivals. You can enjoy various festival foods such as candy apples, cotton candy, and french fries. There are also many stalls offering mini-games like goldfish scooping, target shooting, and yo-yo fishing.
Information:
- Schedule: Undetermined as of February 20, 2025 (In 2024, it was held from May 10th to 12th)
- Access:
JR Yamanote Line: 6-minute walk from Ueno Station
Subway Ginza Line: 2-minute walk from Inaricho Station
Oedo Line: 5-minute walk from Shin-Okachimachi Station
Toei Bus: 2-minute walk from Shitaya Shrine bus stop
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://shitayajinja.or.jp/
Satsuki Festival
Source:TAITO Odekake Navi
One of Japan's traditional cultural arts is "bonsai." This involves growing small potted trees to resemble miniature versions of full-sized trees, and it has enthusiasts worldwide. These bonsai are often auctioned for over 100 million yen, requiring high technical skill and deep emotional sensitivity.
The Satsuki Festival is an event where numerous bonsai are displayed. While ordinary bonsai express beauty through branches and leaves alone, what makes the Satsuki Festival distinctive is the exhibition of flowering bonsai.
The harmonious appearance of the bonsai accented by spring flowers is breathtakingly beautiful. The sight of rows of bonsai lined up creates an exciting display, like miniature concentrated versions of spring arranged side by side. The Yanaka Event May 2025 is expected to draw a large audience of both local enthusiasts and international tourists.
Information:
- Schedule: Undetermined as of February 21, 2025 (In 2025, likely May 15-19)
- Access:
3-minute walk from JR "Ueno Station"
3-minute walk from Keisei "Keisei-Ueno Station"
3-minute walk from Tokyo Metro "Ueno Station"
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://www.satsukikyokai.or.jp/index.html
Even first-time visitors can fully enjoy Tokyo's retro towns by using tours with local guides!
So far, we've introduced many recommended events in Yanaka Ginza, Asakusa, and Ueno. You've likely come to understand how many attractive events there are.
These three areas are charming not just for their events but for the neighborhoods themselves. Next, we'll introduce three tours that allow you to enjoy every corner of each area's attractions. All tours are led by local guides, so you can enjoy everything from standard tourist spots to behind-the-scenes stories not found in travel magazines.
By participating in these tours, even those visiting Japan or Tokyo for the first time can fully enjoy Tokyo's retro towns.
Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town
The "Yanaka Historical Walking Tour in Tokyo's Old Town" is a 3.5-hour walking tour exploring "Yanaka," a popular area with old-fashioned streetscapes untouched by redevelopment. This comprehensive tour includes visiting the historic Yanaka Shrine, food-hopping in Yanaka Ginza shopping street, and experiencing painting cat figurines.
On this tour, the guide will share many local insider stories, and you'll also walk through residential areas. The attractive point of this tour is feeling like you've blended into the local community. This is a highlight of the Yanaka Event May 2025 season that many audience members find particularly authentic and memorable.
Information:
- Meeting point: Outside of Tokyo Metro Nezu Station Exit 1
- Tour area: Yanaka
- Start time: 13:30
Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
"Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour" is a 3-hour tour where you can fully enjoy "Asakusa," a town that preserves the old downtown atmosphere of Tokyo, famous for landmarks like "Kaminarimon Gate." During this tour, you'll explore Asakusa's main streets while enjoying light meals.
The appeal of this tour is not just sightseeing but also the "experiences" it offers. For lunch, you can cook and eat okonomiyaki or monjayaki yourself, and you can even make and drink matcha tea on your own.
You'll especially learn about Japanese etiquette for matcha. This tour is recommended for those who find merely looking around insufficient. This May 2025, Yanaka Event participants who join this tour will receive special cultural insights, making it perfect for audiences seeking authentic experiences beyond typical tourist attractions.
Information:
- Meeting point: In front of Kaminarimon Police Box, Senso-ji
- Tour area: Asakusa
- Start time: 11:00
All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
"All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno" is a night tour to enjoy the evening and dining in "Ueno," a district where nature, art, and culture all come together. On this tour, you can visit three carefully selected izakaya (Japanese pubs) chosen by local tour guides and thoroughly enjoy drinks and Japanese cuisine that pairs well with alcohol.
During this tour, you can enjoy your favorite dishes and drinks to your heart's content while referring to the guide's food recommendations. You can also become more familiar with Japanese cuisine and izakaya culture while listening to the guide's explanations. This tour is recommended for those interested in Japanese food culture. The tour will feature special connections to the upcoming Yanaka Event in May 2025, giving tourists unique insights into local traditions.
Information:
- Meeting point: In front of Ueno Object, Hirokoji Exit, Ueno Station
- Tour area: Ueno
- Start time: 18:00
