May in Japan heralds a vibrant tapestry of festivals, buoyed by the Golden Week holiday period that kicks off early in the month. Beyond the holiday fervor, the month unfolds with splendid weather, bathing the land in sunshine and blooming flowers, setting the stage for a multitude of culinary delights and celebratory gatherings. Embark on a journey of discovery with these 10 delightful experiences awaiting you in Japan this May.
Sanja Festival (三社祭)
Held every May in the Asakusa district, this huge festival is regarded as one of the three biggest festivals in Tokyo. Over 100 towns’ portable mikoshi shrines are carried in a large procession. It is held in celebration of the three founders of Sensoji Temple, who are enshrined in Asakusa Shrine next door to the temple. Nearly two million people visit Asakusa over the three days of the festival, making it one of Tokyo’s most popular festivals. The area becomes packed with food stalls, festival games amongst a lively atmosphere of Japanese drums and flutes.
WHERE: Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo
WHEN: May 17 – 19
Website: https://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/
Aoi Matsuri Festival (葵祭)
In the delightful May breeze, Kyoto hosts the Aoi Matsuri, an annual festival of Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine. Alongside the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri, it’s one of Kyoto’s top three festivals. Also known as the “Kamo Festival,” it features a procession adorned in Heian-era attire with aoi leaves. Starting from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, it traverses Shimogamo Shrine to Kamigamo Shrine, spanning 1 kilometer with over 500 participants, including the imperial palanquin of the Saio Dai. Preceding the procession day, various rituals are conducted at both shrines.
WHERE: Kyoto Gosho -> Shimogamo Shrine -> Kamigamo Shrine
WHEN: May 15
Website: https://souda-kyoto.jp/event/detail/aoimatsuri.html
Gyoza Fes Osaka (餃子フェスOSAKA)
Calling all gyoza lovers! Osaka Castle Park transforms into a dumpling paradise at the Craft Gyoza Festival Osaka 2024 (May 3rd-12th). Devour fiery 30-spice Mala or decadent duck with white bolognese gyoza alongside other delicious eats and drinks. Fun awaits with live music and maybe even a gyoza-eating contest! Don’t miss this Osaka gyoza extravaganza!
WHERE: Osaka Castle Park Taiyo-no-Hiroba
WHEN: May 3 – May 12, 2024
Website: https://craftgyoza.jp/osaka2024/
Hakata Dontaku (博多どんたく)
Held every year during Golden Week, this festival is one of the biggest and vibrant in Fukuoka Prefecture, as well as one of the most popular in all of Japan. The main event of this festival is the large-scale parade. The highlight is Hakata Matsubayashi that has a tradition dating back over 800 years.
WHERE: Fukuoka City Hall Fureai Square, Fukuoka City
WHEN: May 2 (pre-festival) 3 – 4
Website: https://www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp/
Hiroshima Flower Festival (ひろしまフラワーフェスティバル)
The renowned Hiroshima Flower Festival draws in crowds of over 1 million annually, solidifying its position as one of Hiroshima Prefecture’s grandest celebrations. Its vibrant festivities encompass a captivating parade, enchanting performances of Kagura traditional music, and the captivating showcases along Hiroshima Street. As dusk descends, the serene ambiance of Peace Memorial Park becomes a focal point, adorned with flower candles meticulously arranged to convey messages of peace, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle.
WHERE: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Peace Boulevard in Hiroshima City
WHEN: May 3- 5
Website: https://www.hiroshima-ff.com/
Fireworks of Shinoda (篠田の花火)
Annually held in Shiga Prefecture, the Shinoda Shrine festival is renowned for its breathtaking fireworks showcase. A meticulous 10-month preparation period precedes the dazzling spectacle. As the event unfolds, the sky becomes a canvas illuminated by vibrant orbs, each reaching a height of 10 meters and spanning 22 meters in width. Evolving with a unique theme annually, the fireworks craft intricate pictures, each serving as the centerpiece of the explosive display, captivating spectators with its sheer brilliance.
WHERE: Shinoda Shrine, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture
WHEN: May 4
Website: https://www.biwako-visitors.jp/event/detail/160/
Fushiki Hikiyama Festival [Fighting Float Festival] (伏木曳山祭)
Local young people are fundamental to this festival, which is held every year on May 15 to inform the Japanese sea that Spring has arrived. During the day, there is a festive parade featuring lively tiger dances. The main event takes place at night, when the massive lanterns called “kaccha” will fight against each other, as they are smashed into each other in a competitive display of strength.
WHERE: Yamamachi District, Fushiki, Takaoka, Toyama
WHEN: The 3rd Sat of May (10:30am – midnight) -18 May in 2024
*Due to liquefaction and other effects of the earthquake earlier in the year, the dedication ceremony will be significantly shortened. Please check the website before you visit.
Website: http://www.kenkayama.jp/
Kawawatari Kojinsai Festival (川渡り神幸祭)
Delve into tradition at the annual festival, held every 3rd Saturday and Sunday of May, ranking among Fukuoka Prefecture’s top 5. Marvel at the iconic Yamagasa floats, each weighing 2-4 tons, crossing the majestic Hikosan River. With over 450 years of history, this event showcases spirited processions of Japan’s largest portable shrines and 11 dazzling Yamakasa floats. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring ‘river crossing ritual,’ a highlight of this cherished celebration.
WHERE: Fuji Hachimangu Shrine
WHEN: May 18 – 19
Website: https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/event/12962
Mikuni Festival (三国祭)
This is a festival of the historic Mikuni shrine that has been continued since the middle Edo period. A massive crowd gathers to watch the following attractions being paraded around: there are portable shrines reaching 6 meters high, a huge warrior doll atop a wooden base, along with the flute and drum’s accompaniment, all carried around the town. Lining the main street leading up to the festival are approximately 400 pop-up vendors and food stalls.
WHERE: Mikuni Shrine, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
WHEN: May 19 – 21 (10:00-21:00)
Website: http://www.mikunijinja.jp/maturi00.html
Himekawa Ukai Festival (売比河鵜飼祭)
A timeless tradition of cormorant fishing at the Mehikawa Ukai Matsuri. Held annually on the last weekend in May, this festival celebrates a unique fishing technique passed down through generations. Witness skilled cormorants working alongside fishermen, their teamwork creating a mesmerising spectacle on the water. But the festival offers more than a glimpse into the past. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of folk dancing, drumming and music for a truly immersive cultural experience.
WHERE: Tajima River (next to Toyama Innovation Park) in Toyama City
WHEN: May 25
Website: https://www.toyamashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/?tid=100150
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