May 2025 Events in Japan

Heijokyo Tempyo Festival

Relive the days when Nara was the capital of Japan. Expect re-enactments, a noble banquet, parades, and more.

Yabusame Shinji

See the beauty and grace of horseback archery up close

Nyanko Expo 2025

Join 300 popular feline-living artists from all over Japan at this large cat goods event in Osaka.

Hakata Dontaku Festival

The most popular Golden Week festival.

Saku Hot-Air Balloon Festival

The Saku Balloon Festival fills the skies with colorful hot-air balloons during Golden Week.

Shinkawa Market Festival

Head to the Shinkawa Market Festival and see the fox's wedding parade.

Naha Hari Dragon Boat Races

Feel the beat of the drum at Okinawa's biggest dragon boat races

Kamo Kurabeuma Horse Racing Ritual

The Kamo Kurabeuma Horse Racing Ritual at Kamigamo Shrine is an ancient celebration featuring sacred horse races and traditional rituals.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

One of Japan's best cherry blossom festivals.

Hamamatsu Festival

The Hamamatsu Festival celebrates the birth of children and falls on Children's Day (May 5).

Hiroshima Flower Festival

The Hiroshima Flower Festival is a lot more than a simple flower show.

Osaka Comic Con 2025

Find all your favorite anime, manga, and comics in one place.

Ninnaji Flower Festival

See the cherry blossom festivals at Ninnaji Flower Festival.

Osaka Nemophila Festival

Two blues meet when a million nemophila flowers bloom in front of Osaka Bay.

Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrate sakura at Hokkaidō's top cherry blossom viewing spot.

Kyotographie International Photography Festival

An international photography festival around Kyoto exploring the theme "Source".

Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival

See the natural beauty of fields of wisterias at this mesmerizing display.

Aoi Matsuri

Expect to see men on horseback, ornate carts, and women in kimono.

Kōbe Candlelight Concert: Best of Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)

Warm up a chilly night with candlelight and your favorite songs from Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi.

Kankame-Inari Yomiya Festival

See geisha entertain the locals at this very small festival in Kyoto.

Kōbe Festival

The Kōbe Festival is a citywide festival.

Togyo 1,000 Samurai Procession

This procession takes place on the second day of the Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine Grand Festival.

Mifune Festival

Gander at traditional boats floating down the river carrying musicians and performers.

Sendai Aoba Festival

First held in 1655, the Sendai Aoba Festival takes place at the beginning of the warm season in early May. What happens? The Yoi Matsuri on Saturday night features the Suzume Odori, the Sparrow …