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Tokyo Events
Sanja Matsuri
Asakusa, Tokyo
May 16-18, 2025
https://www.wokewaves.com/posts/tokyo-2025-festivals-guide
Sanja Matsuri is one of Tokyo's most famous festivals, celebrated in the historic Asakusa district. This vibrant event honors the three founders of Sensoji Temple and attracts over a million visitors each year. The festival features lively parades with mikoshi (portable shrines), traditional music, and colorful performances. During the three-day celebration, the streets are filled with energy as participants carry the mikoshi through the neighborhood, creating a spirited atmosphere that blends spirituality with festivity. The event showcases the rich cultural heritage of Japan and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in traditional customs. Attendees can enjoy local street food and crafts while experiencing the dynamic interactions between locals and tourists.
Kanda Matsuri is one of Tokyo's three great Shinto festivals, held every other year to honor Kanda Myojin Shrine. The festival features grand processions filled with mikoshi, traditional costumes, and captivating music. On the first day, a massive parade winds through central Tokyo, showcasing elaborate floats and performers dressed in historical attire. The second day focuses on the mikoshi, which are carried by teams representing different neighborhoods. This lively event offers a glimpse into Japan's rich history and culture while providing an engaging experience for spectators. The festival is free to attend, making it accessible for everyone looking to enjoy a vibrant celebration of tradition.
Yushima Tenjin Tenjin-sai
Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo
May 25, 2025
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/77/
Yushima Tenjin Tenjin-sai is a traditional festival held at Yushima Tenjin Shrine, dedicated to the deity of learning. This event features a procession of mikoshi, accompanied by music and dance performances that celebrate educational achievements. Participants dress in colorful costumes as they carry the portable shrines through the streets, creating a festive atmosphere filled with excitement and joy. Visitors can witness traditional rituals that highlight Japan's cultural heritage while enjoying local food stalls and activities surrounding the shrine. This event is particularly popular among students and families seeking blessings for academic success.
Tokyo Game Show 2025
Makuhari Messe, Chiba (near Tokyo)
May 1-4, 2025
https://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/tgs/2024/en/
Tokyo Game Show 2025 is one of the largest gaming events in the world, attracting enthusiasts from across the globe. Held at Makuhari Messe, this event showcases the latest video games, technology innovations, and industry trends. Attendees can participate in hands-on demos, attend panels featuring game developers, and explore exhibitions from major gaming companies. The show also includes cosplay contests where fans dress as their favorite characters from games and anime. This festival not only celebrates gaming culture but also serves as a platform for networking within the industry.
Kyoto Events
Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival)
Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kamo Shrines
May 15, 2025
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/77/
The Aoi Matsuri, or Hollyhock Festival, is one of Kyoto’s oldest and most revered festivals, dating back over a thousand years. It features a grand procession from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines with participants dressed in exquisite Heian-period costumes. Approximately 500 people march along the route adorned with hollyhock leaves—a symbol of protection against disasters—while traditional music fills the air. This festival not only highlights Kyoto's rich history but also provides an opportunity to witness ancient customs brought to life. Visitors can enjoy various cultural performances during this captivating event.
The Mifune Matsuri is a unique festival celebrated along the Hozu River in Kyoto. It recreates an elegant Heian period pastime where nobles enjoyed leisurely boating while being entertained by musicians and dancers on small boats. Participants dress in traditional attire as they float down the river, showcasing historical customs through performances that include poetry recitations and music. This picturesque event offers visitors a chance to experience Kyoto’s cultural heritage while enjoying beautiful scenery along the riverbanks.
Kamo Kurabeuma is an exciting horse racing event held at Kamigamo Shrine as part of the larger celebrations leading up to Aoi Matsuri. Participants showcase their skills in acrobatic riding while racing horses along a designated track within shrine grounds. This lively event combines elements of competition with traditional rituals aimed at ensuring good harvests and protection from disasters. Visitors can witness thrilling performances while enjoying local food stalls set up around the shrine during this festive occasion.
Fukuoka Events
Fukuoka Dazaifu Tenmangu Plum Blossom Festival
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, 4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka
May 1 - May 7, 2024
https://www.japan-experience.com/all-about-japan/fukuoka/events-festivals/plum-blossoms-in-dazaifu
The Fukuoka Dazaifu Tenmangu Plum Blossom Festival celebrates the beauty of plum blossoms at one of Japan's most revered shrines. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors who come to admire the stunning blooms and partake in the various festivities. The shrine, dedicated to the deity of learning, Sugawara no Michizane, is surrounded by beautiful gardens that become a picturesque setting for the festival. During the event, visitors can enjoy traditional performances, including Japanese music and dance, as well as food stalls offering local delicacies. Special guided tours are also available, allowing attendees to learn about the rich history and significance of the shrine and the plum trees. The festival fosters a sense of community and cultural appreciation, as families and friends gather to celebrate the beauty of nature and the cultural heritage of Fukuoka.
Fukuoka Art Walk
Various locations across Fukuoka City
May 10 - May 15, 2025
https://gofukuoka.jp/articles/detail/004feb09-5017-44ab-9a77-fa858548a58a
The Fukuoka Art Walk is a unique event that transforms the city into a vibrant gallery, showcasing contemporary art in various public spaces. Local and international artists are invited to display their works throughout the city, from parks and streets to galleries and cafes. This year’s theme, “Urban Perspectives,” encourages artists to explore the relationship between urban environments and human experiences. Visitors can participate in guided art tours, artist talks, and interactive workshops that deepen their engagement with the artworks. The event not only highlights the artistic talent of the region but also fosters community interaction and appreciation for the arts. The Fukuoka Art Walk aims to make art accessible to everyone, inviting people from all walks of life to explore and enjoy the creativity that flourishes within the city.
Fukuoka Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
May 1 - May 15, 2025
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4808.html
The Hakata Gion Yamakasa is one of Fukuoka’s most celebrated festivals, showcasing traditional floats, known as yamakasa, that are elaborately decorated and carried through the streets of Hakata. The festival features a series of events leading up to the main parade, including competitions among neighborhoods to create the most impressive floats. This vibrant celebration is deeply rooted in history and cultural traditions, believed to have originated in the 13th century to pray for a good harvest. During the festival, spectators can witness the thrilling sight of teams of men racing through the streets, energetically carrying the floats adorned with beautiful decorations. The atmosphere is electric, filled with cheers and excitement, as locals and tourists alike come together to experience this unique cultural event.
Funa-norikomi (Kabuki Actors' Boat Parade)
Around Fukuoka City
Late May
https://gofukuoka.jp/calendar.html
Held in late May at the Hakataza Theater, the Funa-norikomi is a spectacular event showcasing the arrival of Kabuki actors by boat. This traditional ceremony marks the beginning of the Kabuki performance season in Fukuoka. Spectators gather along the waterfront to witness elaborately dressed Kabuki
actors arrive on decorated boats, creating a visually stunning and culturally rich spectacle. The event offers a rare opportunity to see famous Kabuki actors up close and experience the grandeur of this classical Japanese theater form outside the stage. The boat parade is followed by a series of Kabuki performances at the Hakataza Theater, making it a must-see for both theater enthusiasts and those interested in Japanese cultural traditions.
Kyushu Events
Kumamoto Spring Flower Festival
Kumamoto Castle, 1-1 Honmaru, Kumamoto
May 1 - May 10, 2025
https://sakura.co/blog/kumamoto-spring-wonderful-castles-and-cherry-blossoms
The Kumamoto Spring Flower Festival is a delightful celebration of seasonal blooms, held at the historic Kumamoto Castle. The event showcases an array of flowers, including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and wisteria, transforming the castle grounds into a colorful paradise. Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy various activities such as guided flower tours, photography contests, and flower arranging workshops. The festival emphasizes the importance of nature and horticulture in Japanese culture, encouraging community involvement and appreciation for the environment. Local artisans also showcase their crafts, offering unique handmade products. Food stalls featuring Kumamoto’s local specialties add to the festive atmosphere, making it a wonderful event for families and flower enthusiasts.
Nagasaki Peace Park Memorial Ceremony
Nagasaki Peace Park, Nagasaki
May 8, 2025
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/101_kishida/actions/202408/09nagasaki.html
The Nagasaki Peace Park Memorial Ceremony commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing during World War II. Held annually, this poignant event gathers survivors, families, and visitors to reflect on the tragedy and promote peace. The ceremony includes speeches from survivors, musical performances, and a moment of silence to honor those lost. The park itself is a beautiful space with monuments and sculptures dedicated to peace, and during the ceremony, it becomes a gathering place for individuals committed to promoting harmony and understanding. Educational programs and exhibitions about the impact of war and the importance of peace are also available for attendees, making this event a significant occasion for remembrance and advocacy for a world free of conflict.
Yabusame Shinji in Kumamoto
Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
May 3rd
https://japancheapo.com/events/may/
The Yabusame Shinji, held on May 3rd in Kumamoto, is a captivating display of traditional Japanese horseback archery. This ancient martial art combines horsemanship, archery, and Shinto ritual, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for observers. Skilled archers dressed in traditional samurai attire ride at full
gallop along a designated course, aiming to hit targets with their arrows. The event not only showcases the remarkable skills of the archers but also provides insight into Japan's samurai heritage and Shinto traditions. Spectators can witness the grace, precision, and concentration required in this challenging art form, making it a unique cultural experience in Kyushu.