Calendar – What to do in Japan in May?

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, coinciding with the flower season and the arrival of warmer weather.

Important Holidays in May

Golden Week (April 29 to May 5)

The month of May in Japan begins with the second half of Golden Week, the famous sequence of holidays that forms the longest vacation period of the year for many Japanese. During Golden Week, tourist cities are crowded, and traffic and trains are overloaded. It is one of the busiest travel periods, with high prices for accommodations and tickets. However, the season also offers some of the best spring weather, making the landscapes even more stunning.

• Constitution Day (May 3): Celebrates the anniversary of Japan’s Constitution, 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 locations.
• Kodomo no Hi (May 5) – 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 great 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 about 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 most lively and 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 shrine) processions and energetic traditional dances. The atmosphere is intense and includes performances by geishas and Shinto rituals celebrating 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 nautical ceremony from the Heian era. The festival features historical boats decorated with figures dressed in 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, more than 800,000 shibazakura (ground flowers) in vibrant shades of pink, white, and red cover the landscape. The flowers form a colorful carpet with the iconic mountain in the background, providing one of the most photogenic views in Japan. The festival also offers food stalls and local crafts.

Kanda Matsuri (May 16 to 17, Tokyo)

The Kanda Matsuri is one of the three main Shinto festivals in Tokyo and is held at the Kanda Myojin Shrine. It occurs in odd-numbered years and features a grand procession with about 200 mikoshi, colorful floats, dances, and musical performances. It is a celebration of prosperity and good fortune, especially popular among local businesspeople.

Himeji Sakura Festival

Although the sakura season (cherry blossoms) 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 costumes performing to the sound of folk music.

Extra May Events

• Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival: Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Tokyo is famous for its wisteria (fuji) that blooms in May, creating a fairy-tale setting.
• Sapporo Lilac Festival: In Hokkaido, the Sapporo Lilac Festival celebrates the arrival of spring with thousands of blooming lilacs. It is an event enjoyed by locals and tourists who savor wine and outdoor music.

These festivals and events showcase how May is a vibrant and energetic month in Japan, perfect for experiencing the rich culture and tradition of the country.