May 2025 Events in Japan

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.

teamLab Nemophila Illumination

An outdoor night museum, with nemophila in the spotlight. This seasonal installation by international art collective teamLab is worth checking out.

Togyo 1,000 Samurai Procession

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

Sendai Aoba Festival

Every May, as Sendai’s zelkova trees turn green, the Sendai Aoba Festival takes center stage. Rooted in the legacy of the Date clan, this annual event is one of the city’s most significant …

Kōbe Festival

The Kōbe Festival is a citywide festival.

Mifune Festival

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

Sakata Festival

See giant lion head floats and unique wheeled floats.

Tōji Temple Flea Market

Visit Tōji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest temples, and explore the bustling Kobo-ichi Market. Held monthly, this vibrant market is an unmissable experience for visitors and locals alike.

Kamogawa Odori

This is the last of Kyoto's spring geisha dances.

Tenjin-san Shrine Flea Market

Explore the Tenjin-san Flea Market at Kitano Tenman-gū, Kyoto, held on the 25th of every month.

Fukui Pokémon Fossil Museum

Science and imagination meet in the form of glowing fossils and Pokémon prehistory.

Belgian Beer Weekend Osaka

Swap your usual lager for a Trappist Tripel and sip riverside at Belgian Beer Weekend Osaka — with nearly 100 beers and food to pair.

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

See the colorful and vibrant flower fields at the base of Mt. Fuji

Soma Nomaoi Wild Horse Chasing Festival

A traditional festival showcasing military skills and horseback riding in Fukushima.

Mantō Mitama Festival

As the sun goes down, feast your eyes on thousands of lanterns and a traditional Japanese dance performed by 100 shrine maidens in red and white.

Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 Fireworks

From sacred shrine illuminations to fierce pyrotechnic showdowns, each fireworks display tells a story. It all culminates in a dazzling 30-minute finale on 23 July.

Hamamatsu Flying Dragon Festival

Ever wanted to see the mystical dragons of the Nintendo Zelda games come to the life?

Koinobori at Ōboke Gorge

View the iconic koi carp streamers hanging above Yoshino River at Ōboke Gorge.

Lake Hamana Flower Festival 2025

This is a lovely day out for flower enthusiasts.

Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition Osaka

Curses, high school drama, and seriously good art — the Jujutsu Kaisen exhibition in Osaka pulls you straight into the world of Japan’s breakout dark fantasy series.

National Treasures of Japan Exhibition in Osaka

From stunning Buddhist sculptures to intricate calligraphy, this is your chance to witness 130 designated National Treasures of Japan all in one place.

Toshio Suzuki and Studio Ghibli Exhibition in Nagano

Calling all Studio Ghibli fans. This Nagano exhibition explores the creative genius and inspirations behind the work of Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki.

Yayoi Kusama Print Works: Repetition and Proliferation

Explore Yayoi Kusama's transformative prints at this Kyoto exhibition showcasing around 330 works.