The end of April and the start of May is part of Golden Week in Japan. Many Japanese citizens and residents use this time to travel, and as a result, many spots are likely to be crowded, and many local businesses may be closed. However, the rest of May is all about experiencing traditional festivals, participating in summer activities, and generally having tons of fun. If you are planning to be in Tokyo around May, here’s a small glimpse of what you can expect in the city.
Watch Samurai warriors in person at the Katsuya Festival – Photo by Ryunosuke Kikuno
Katsuya Festival or the Samurai Procession
If you want to watch the Samurai in full battle armour walking around the streets of Tokyo, head to the Katsuya (or Kachiya) Festival. According to legends, over 1000 years ago, a samurai warrior named Fujiwara no Hidesato prayed for victory at Katori Shrine before a particularly tough battle. When he won the battle, he offered his victory arrow, called the katsuya, to the shrine as a token of gratitude. Today, the festival commemorates this action with a traditional samurai procession that goes around the neighbourhood and ends at the Katori Shrine. Along the way, visitors can enjoy kendo performances and the displays of over 300 carp streamers that line the procession route. There are a lot of food and craft stalls around the Kameido area during the festival, making it a great spot to buy gifts and souvenirs, including Japanese foods and arts!
Dates: 5th May 2024
Location : Kameidokatori Shrine
A variety of meat dishes available at Niku Fes – Photo Credit: PR Times JP
Niku Fes
The Tokyo Niku Fes or Meat Festival celebrates its 11th year anniversary this year and is one of the most popular food and entertainment festivals in Tokyo. The festival will highlight meat dishes from across the world and with a special focus on Japan’s very own Wagyu beef. There will also be a contest where customers will decide which is the best meat dish from a wide range of international food options. Plus, there will be several artists and DJs who will keep the crowds entertained all the days of the festival. It’s a great opportunity to eat some delicious meat from Japan and the rest of the world in a relaxed, fun outdoor environment.
Dates: 26th April to 6th May, 2024
Location: Odaiba Special Venue, Odaiba
Website: https://www.nikufes.jp/2024/
For more details check out the official website
Photo Credit: Design Festa
Design Festa
DesignFesta started off in 1994 as a way to give artists a space to express themselves freely without the anxiety of being judged. Since then, it has grown to become Asia’s biggest art event, with over 10,000 artists showing off their art and creative expression over the two-day event. It features live painting by artists, art workshops, booths selling hand-made crafts, fashion shows and even performances by indie music bands. It also has a good food court and several food trucks where you can cater to your food cravings after your artistic cravings are satisfied. Whether you like art, manga or music, or just like to soak in the raw vibes of overwhelming artistic talent, Design Festa is a great experience to have in May in Tokyo!
Dates: 18th – 19th May 2024 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Location: Tokyo Big Sight West & South Building, Odaiba
Website: https://designfesta.com
For more details, including ticket prices and purchase information, check out the official website
Sanja Matsuri – Photo Credit: Street Video Japan
Sanja Matsuri
One of Tokyo’s most popular festivals, Sanja-matsuri celebrations usually lasts for about three days. The word sanja means three shrines, and the festival honours the three men who founded the Sensoji Temple. The main draw of the festival is to get a glimpse of and participate in the parade of over 100 portable shrines, called mikoshi, from one end of the Sensoji temple to the Asakusa Shrine. The festivities begin on Friday, with a long procession of traditional floats and dancing, from the Sensoji Temple to the Asakusa Shrine, which attracts a large crowd of visitors, but the real ceremony of the festival is held on the second day, in the actual Asakusa Shrine itself. The final day of the festival involves a town procession of three main mikoshi from the main shrine along a fixed path in Asakusa. More than 2 million visitors visit the Asakusa region for this festival, making it extremely lively and energetic. There’s a lot of dancing, jostling and great food in a short span of an extended weekend, but if you can handle the crowds, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Dates: May 17th – May 19th, 2024
Location: Sensoji Temple, Asakusa
Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/en/sanjamatsuri/
Photo by Overdose Outlaw on Pexels
Kagurazaka Street Stage Oedo Tour
If story-telling through music and dance is your thing, you should catch the Kagurazaka Street Stage Oedo Tour, which is a traditional performing arts festival set throughout the district of Kagurazaka. The festival highlights many traditional Japanese art forms and culture, and the entire town becomes the stage for live performances by shamisen musicians, Noh dancers, Rakugo performers and many more. It brings the vibrant Edo period culture to life in the modern day and can be a great highlight of your time in Tokyo.
Dates: 18th – 19th May, 2024
Location: Around Zenkokuji Temple, Kagurazaka
Website: https://kaguramachi.jp
Celebrate Oktoberfest in May – Photo credit: Gotta Be Worth It
Shiba Park Oktoberfest Spring
Don’t be confused… It’s true! The German-themed Oktoberfest Spring will happen in May in Tokyo. The world-famous beer festival from Munich has been transformed into an annual 10-day celebration that takes place in Tokyo each Spring. You can enjoy a wide range of German and local beer, served fresh from the barrel, for an authentic festival experience. In addition to beer, you will also get some great German food, including sausages, pretzels, meats, and a whole lot more, including a lot of live music performances to keep you in the party mood throughout the event.
Dates: 17th – 26th May 2024 from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Location: Shiba Park, Tokyo
Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp
For more details on the timings and fees, check out the official website.
May is a great time to be in Tokyo, as spring comes to an end, and transitions into summer. There is not too much rain either, so it’s the perfect time to enjoy many of the outdoor activities the city has to offer. There’s a lot to do, many places to explore and so much to enjoy. Whether you are a hardcore foodie, a culture lover or an art enthusiast, you will find something to do in Tokyo this May.
Feature photo credit: Jérémy Stenuit
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