May 2025 Events in Japan

Heijō-kyō Tenpyō 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

Osaka Comic Con 2025

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

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.

Sanriku Fireworks Festival 2025

Watch the sky light up with 15,000 fireworks at this year’s Sanriku Fireworks Festival in Iwate Prefecture. What happens? The festival comes twice a year: once in spring and once in …

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.

Mamada Snake Festival

At the Mamada Snake Festival, giant handmade snakes move through town in a ritual to bring rain and good harvests. The festival’s high point? A spirited water ceremony where the snakes end up in …

Shinkawa Market Festival

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

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.

Saku Hot-Air Balloon Festival

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

Kōdai-ji Temple Spring Illuminations

Kyoto's Kōdai-ji Temple features one of the city's most stunning springtime illuminations, complete with projection mapping and Zen vibes.

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.

Osaka Castle Spring Festival

Make the most of sakura season at the Osaka Castle Spring Festival.

Kyotographie International Photography Festival

This international photography festival around Kyoto is a great way to discover compelling photography from Japan and around the world.

Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

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

Kyotophonie Borderless Spring Festival

Kyotophonie brings a diverse lineup of music and art performances to Kyoto this spring.

Kankame-Inari Yomiya Festival

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

Aoi Matsuri

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

Ashikaga Great Wisteria Festival

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