Japan is a country of vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year. In May, the country comes alive with a series of traditional and modern events that delight both locals and visitors. Below, we explore the main events that take place in May, which coincide with the flower season and the arrival of warmer weather.
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Important Holidays in May
Golden Week (April 29 to May 5)
The month of May in Japan begins with the second half of the Golden Week, the famous sequence of holidays that forms the longest holiday period of the year for many Japanese. During the Golden Week, tourist cities are crowded, and traffic and trains are overloaded. It is one of the peak travel times, with high prices for accommodations and tickets. However, the season also offers one of the best climates of spring, making the scenery even more stunning.
- Constitution Day (May 3): Celebrate the anniversary of the Constitution of Japan, which came into effect on May 3, 1947. It is a day of reflection on democracy and peace.
- Nature Day (May 4)A holiday dedicated to appreciating and being in harmony with nature. There are no specific ceremonies, but many people take the opportunity to visit parks and outdoor places.
- Kodomo no Hi (May 5th) - Children's Day: This is a special day dedicated to the health and happiness of children, with an emphasis on celebrating boys. Families raise "koinobori" (carp-shaped streamers) and decorate their homes with miniature samurai armor, symbolizing strength and bravery.
Festivals and Matsuri in May
Aoi Matsuri (May 15, Kyoto)
Aoi Matsuri is one of the three grand festivals of Kyoto and dates back to the 6th century. Held at the Kamigamo and Shimogamo shrines, the event features an impressive imperial procession with around 500 participants in traditional costumes, carefully recreating the atmosphere of the ancient court. The highlight is the selection of the Saio-Dai, a single woman who represents the ancient imperial princess, wearing elaborate layers of kimonos.
Sanja Matsuri (May 15 to 17, Tokyo)
The Sanja Matsuri is one of the liveliest and most attended festivals in Tokyo, attracting thousands of visitors to the historic Asakusa district. This event takes place at the Asakusa Shrine and is famous for its elaborate mikoshi (portable shrines) processions and energetic traditional dances. The atmosphere is intense and includes performances by geishas and Shinto rituals that celebrate the founders of the Senso-ji temple.
Mifune Matsuri (May 17, Kyoto)
The Mifune Matsuri takes place on the Oi River in Arashiyama and is a charming recreation of a Heian era nautical ceremony. The festival features historical boats decorated with figures wearing costumes from over a thousand years ago. It is a spectacle that attracts more than 100,000 spectators annually and is sponsored by the Kurumazaki Shrine. Artists and famous personalities also participate, making the event even more glamorous.
Natural Events and Flower Festivals
Fuji Shibazakura Festival (End of April to End of May)
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a must-see visual spectacle that takes place in the plains around Mount Fuji. During the festival, over 800,000 shibazakura (ground flowers) in vibrant shades of pink, white, and red cover the landscape. The flowers create a colorful carpet with the iconic mountain in the background, providing one of the most photogenic views in Japan. The festival also features food stalls and local crafts.
Kanda Matsuri (May 16 to 17, Tokyo)
Kanda Matsuri is one of the three main Shinto festivals in Tokyo and takes place at Kanda Myojin Shrine. It occurs in odd-numbered years and features a grand procession with around 200 mikoshi, colorful floats, dances, and musical performances. It is a celebration of prosperity and good fortune, especially popular among local business people.
Himeji Sakura Festival
Although the sakura season (桜) ends in April in much of Japan, there are regions where hanami festivities extend into May. Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, hosts a simple yet beautiful sakura festival. The event includes cultural performances and opportunities for picnics under the blooming trees.
Modern Cultural Celebrations
Shibuya Ohara Matsuri (Mid-May, Tokyo)
The Shibuya Ohara Matsuri is Tokyo's version of the famous Ohara Matsuri from Kagoshima. Held in mid-May, the festival celebrates friendship and promotes Kagoshima's culture in the capital. With about 60 dance teams, the event transforms the streets of Shibuya into a sea of color and joy, with dancers dressed in traditional garments performing to the sounds of folk music.
Extra Events of May
- Kameido Tenjin Wisteria FestivalThe Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo is famous for its wisteria (fuji) that blooms in May, creating a fairy-tale setting.
- Sapporo Lilac FestivalIn Hokkaido, the Sapporo Lilac Festival celebrates the arrival of spring with thousands of lilacs in bloom. It is an event enjoyed by locals and tourists who savor wine and outdoor music.
These festivals and events show how May is a vibrant and energetic month in Japan, perfect for experiencing the country's rich culture and traditions.