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Are you planning a trip to Tokyo in May? Lucky you! The spring season is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Plus, you'll get to experience Japan's Golden Week, a series of consecutive national holidays that runs from late April to early May.
There are plenty of events and festivals happening in and around Tokyo during this time, so you'll never run out of things to do. Here, we'll introduce you to some of the most exciting events and festivals that you can attend. Get ready to have fun and make some unforgettable memories! -----
Garden Necklace Yokohama 2023 (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
The Flower Relay event in Yokohama heralds the arrival of spring in the city. The event is held in two locations: the "Waterfront City Area" which includes Yamashita Park and the "Sato-yama Garden" adjacent to the Yokohama Zoological Gardens Zoorasia. From May onwards, various flowers such as roses and lilies bloom in the Waterfront City Area, passing the baton like in a relay race. At the Sato-yama Garden, the largest flower bed in Yokohama, covering about 10,000 square meters, is created, featuring around 300,000 white-colored flowers such as pansies, violas, and nemophila grown locally in Yokohama.
During the event period, a moving "AR Giant Garden Bear" appears on the sea of Yokohama. There are also participatory events that utilize smartphones, such as a digital stamp rally that introduces highlights of the event and tourist facilities.
Event Overview
Venue: Waterfront City Area (including Yamashita Park, Minato Mirai Koen Park, Nihon Odori Avenue, Yokohama Park, Shin-Kouen Central Plaza), Sato-yama Garden (Sato-yama Garden Festa)
Date: March 25 - June 11, 2023 (Sato-yama Garden Festa until May 7th)
TEL: NTT Hello Dial 050-5548-8686 (until June 12th), open every day during the event period
Admission: Free
Closed: No scheduled closures during the event period
Yamashita Park 山下公園 Address: 279, Yamashitacho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 231-0023 Nearest Station: Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minatomirai Line), 3 minutes on foot Phone Number: 045-671-3648 -----
Ashikaga Flower Park: "Wisteria Tale - Great Wisteria Festival" (Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture)
The "Wisteria Tale - Great Wisteria Festival" at Ashikaga Flower Park is a popular event that attracts over 500,000 visitors. In 2014, it was the only Japanese destination to be selected in the "10 Dream Destinations in the World" by CNN, garnering attention from all over the world.
During the festival period, you can enjoy the mystical world of purple wisteria, over 160 years old, that blooms overhead in a 360-degree panorama. Other highlights include an 80-meter-long white wisteria tunnel, and over 350 wisteria trees, including the Kibana Wisteria, in full bloom.
Event Overview
Venue: Ashikaga Flower Park
Date: April 12 - May 14, 2023
Light-up period: April 15 - May 14, 2023
Admission fee: 1-day ticket: Adults 900 to 2,100 yen, Children (4 to elementary school age) 500 to 1,100 yen / Night admission: Adults 700 to 1,900 yen, Children (4 to elementary school age) 400 to 1,000 yen (*Admission fees on the day of visit may vary depending on the flowering conditions.)
Ashikaga Flower Park あしかがフラワーパーク Address: 607 Sakoma-cho, Ashikaga-shi, Tochigi 329-4216 -----
Golden Week Event at Tokyo Skytree Town(R) (Sumida Ward, Tokyo)
Tokyo Skytree Town(R) is hosting a variety of events during Golden Week, from April to early May, that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Among the highlights is the Taiwan Festival in Tokyo Skytree Town(R) 2023, where you can experience Taiwan's food and culture for a real taste of Taiwan. Featuring night market street food like Lurou Fan (braised pork rice) and Da Ji Pai (fried chicken steak), you can also enjoy Taiwanese massage and fortune-telling.
During the first half of the festival period, red lanterns will be set up to resemble Taipei and Taichung night markets, while the second half will feature colorful lanterns actually used in the "Fusaiden Lantern Festival" held during the Lunar New Year in Tainan, creating an exotic atmosphere.
Another main event, the Tokyo Skytree Town(R) Koinobori Festival 2023, will display around 1,500 Koinobori (carp streamers) at various locations within Tokyo Skytree Town(R), including the Solamachi Square. For the first time in four years, Koinobori will also be hoisted in the nearby Kitajukken River (Oshinari Bridge to Tobu Bridge).
On April 29th and 30th, there will be a paper Koinobori coloring event where you can color your own paper Koinobori with your favorite colors, with artisans from Kasukabe, Saitama teaching and helping out.
Taiwan Festival in Tokyo Skytree Town(R) 2023
Venue: Tokyo Skytree Town(R) 4th Floor Sky Arena
Date: First Half: April 15 - May 7, 2023; Second Half: May 10 - May 28, 2023
Hours: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays until 9:00 pm)
Admission: Free
Closed: Open every day during the festival period
Phone: Tokyo Solamachi Call Center 0570-55-0102 (11:00 am - 6:00 pm)
Tokyo Skytree Town(R) Koinobori Festival 2023
Venue: Various locations within Tokyo Skytree Town(R), and along the Kita-Jukken River (between Oshinari Bridge and Tobu Bridge)
Date: April 14 - May 7, 2023
Time: Varies depending on the event and location
Phone: Tokyo Solamachi Call Center 0570-55-0102 (11:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
Admission: Free
Closed: No scheduled holidays during the event.
TOKYO SKYTREE® 東京スカイツリー® Address: Oshiage 1-1-2, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, 131-0045 Nearest Station: Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Sky Tree Line)) Phone Number: 0570-55-0634 -----
Tokyo Disney Resort 40th Anniversary "Dream-Go-Round" (Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture)
The Tokyo Disney Resort 40th Anniversary Dream-Go-Round is a special anniversary event that celebrates the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disney Resort®. During the event, the park will be adorned with a festive ambiance, and visitors will have access to special merchandise and menus.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland®, the daytime parade has undergone a complete renewal for the first time in five years. Guests will be able to enjoy the brand-new parade and experience the excitement of this special occasion.
At Tokyo DisneySea®, Disney characters dressed in costumes commemorating the 40th anniversary will appear on a boat for the waterborne greeting, "Let's Celebrate with Color." It is a unique opportunity to witness these special characters in their festive attire and join in the celebration of this "special year where everyone is connected."
Join in on the fun and celebration of this special anniversary event at Tokyo Disney Resort®, where there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Event Overview
Location: Tokyo Disney Resort®
Date: April 15, 2023 - March 31, 2024
Time: Varies by season, please refer to the official website
Admission: Varies by season, please refer to the official website
Closed: Open every day during the event period
Telephone number: 0570-00-8632 (navigation dial)
Tokyo Disneyland® 東京ディズニーランド® Address: 1-1, Maihama, Urayasu-shi, Chiba, 279-0031 Nearest Station: Maihama Station (JR Keiyo Line), 4 minutes on foot Phone Number: 0570-00-8632 -----
2023 Fuji Shibazakura Festival (Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture)
The 2023 Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a highly-anticipated event that takes place at the picturesque Fuji Motosuko Resort, coinciding with the blooming of approximately 500,000 shibazakura (pink moss phlox).
Visitors can feast their eyes on eight different varieties of shibazakura, including the striking pink "McDaniel Cushion," the pale reddish-purple "Oakington Blue Eye," and the charming "Amazing Grace," which features a pink center.
Additionally, the spring season begins for the Peter Rabbit™ English Garden, which is the largest British-style garden in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The garden has been meticulously designed to recreate the enchanting world of "Peter Rabbit" set in the Lake District of England.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the garden, enjoying the view of about 300 types of grasses, plants, and flowers that bloom from spring to early winter. It is a perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in nature and marvel at the beauty of the garden.
Event Overview
Venue: Fuji Motosuko Resort
Date: April 15 - May 28, 2023
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (*Varies by season)
Admission: Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,000-1,200 yen (*Varies by season)
Closed: None during the event period
Phone: 0555-89-3031
Fuji Motosuko Resort 富士本栖湖リゾート Address: 212 Fujigane, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0338 -----
"Suzume" Exhibition (Chuo City, Tokyo)
The film is a modern adventure story that chronicles the growth and emancipation of Suzume, a girl who has the power to close the "door" that triggers disasters, set against the backdrop of abandoned locations throughout Japan. Released on November 11, 2022, the movie is currently being screened in theaters.
This exhibition showcases valuable production materials, including animation drawings, storyboards, and art backgrounds, as well as setups and photo spots that recreate the film's scenes through sculptures and graphics.
Visitors can trace Suzume's journey and immerse themselves in her world while enjoying unique exhibits that are exclusive to this exhibition. In addition, various goods, such as posters, clear file sets, and acrylic key folders, are available for purchase, making this exhibition an ideal place to fully immerse oneself in the world of Suzume.
Event Overview
Venue: Matsuya Ginza 8F Event Square
Date: April 19, 2023 - May 8, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (April 23 and May 7 until 7:30 PM, last day until 5:00 PM) (*Admission until 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: General admission is 1,300 yen
Closed: No scheduled holidays during the event
Phone: 03-3567-1211
Matsuya Ginza 松屋銀座 Address: 3-6-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-8130 Nearest Station: Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line), 1 minute on foot Phone Number: 03-3567-1211 -----
"Knocking on Spring" event in Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Keisei Rose Garden, Kanto's largest park dedicated to the exquisite rose. This is the perfect time to visit during the Top of the Peak event when over 10,000 roses are in full bloom.
The event offers visitors exciting new attractions such as the Alice Forest and the park's first self-propelled ride attraction, Alice Tours. You can also enjoy the latest rose varieties like the "Koikogare."
With its stunning Rose Arch in the Rose Lane overlooking the park and the Light and Rose Installation with a six-meter diameter in the large glass greenhouse, you'll find endless Instagram-worthy spots to capture the magical moments. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the grandeur of nature's most beautiful flower.
Event Overview
Venue: Keisei Rose Garden
Date: April 21 - June 30, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry is 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults (high school students and above) 1,500 yen
Closed: No scheduled holidays during the event
Phone: Rose Garden 047-459-0106, Garden Center 047-459-3347
Keisei Rose Garden 京成バラ園 Address: 755, Owadashinden, Yachiyo-shi, Chiba, 276-0046 Nearest Station: Yachiyo-Midorigaoka Station (Toyo Rapid Railway Line), 15 minutes on foot Phone Number: 047-459-0106 -----
Niku Fes 2023 'The Carnival TOKYO' (Tokyo, Koto-ku)"
To commemorate its 10th anniversary, this event brings together renowned meat restaurants from all over Japan, featuring both established favorites and promising new establishments. Visitors can savor a variety of meat dishes, such as steak, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, hamburgers, and tonkatsu.
This year's festival introduces a new visitor-participation event called the "Brand Beef Showdown," featuring five restaurants offering brand beef menus from five different regions (Saga, Sendai, Kobe, Yamagata, and Iwate Nambu).
Customers will vote for their favorite dish, and the winner will be determined by the votes. In addition, visitors can enjoy other exciting activities, including the Ultimate Bowl Showdown, where three participating restaurants will create their own original rice bowls, and visitors can vote for their favorite.
Each restaurant will also have a secret menu that changes depending on the day and time, so make sure not to miss it!
Indulge in a culinary experience like no other, and enjoy a diverse array of meat dishes from some of Japan's top restaurants. With plenty of entertaining activities to participate in and delectable dishes to savor, this event is not to be missed!
Event Overview
Venue: Odaiba special event venue, Odaiba Aomi area P section
Date: April 28 - May 7, 2023
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (April 28, from noon; May 1-2, from 11:00 a.m.; May 7, until 7:00 p.m.)
Admission: Free admission, food tickets at 700 yen per ticket
Closed: None (open every day during the event)
Contact: None provided
Odaiba Special Venue お台場特設会場 Address: 1-1-16 Aomi, Koto-ku -----
NAKED FLOWER AQUARIUM - Bring You Happiness (Tokyo, Shinagawa Ward)
The Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, an indoor theme park featuring an aquarium, has teamed up with the creative company Naked, known for their impressive art projects, to bring you an extraordinary event. Visitors can enjoy a rejuvenating experience reminiscent of a forest bath, surrounded by a botanical atmosphere that evokes the feeling of early summer.
One of the main attractions, the "Patterns" area, creates a space that resembles a forest in early summer, with lush greenery and colorful flowers. Visitors can appreciate fish with names and colors of flowers while projections of sunlight filtering through the trees and flowers swaying in the wind add to the ambiance.
Other attractions include the "Welcome Flower Gate," where visitors are greeted by vibrant flowers gleaming in the dappled sunlight, and the "Blooming Street," a floral path adorned with "jellyfish" that sway like sea-borne flowers.
Come and experience the enchanting forest-like atmosphere at the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, and immerse yourself in a captivating world where nature and technology seamlessly blend together.
Event Overview
Venue: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Date: April 29 - June 18, 2023
Time: Refer to official website for details.
Admission: Adults (High school students and above) 2,500 yen
Closed: No regular holidays during the event
Phone number: 03-5421-1111 (voice guidance)
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa マクセル アクアパーク品川 Address: 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8611 (in Shinagawa Prince Hotel) -----
Disney Animation Immersive Experience (Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Disney art through classic Disney animation and music at this exhibition.
Since its debut in North America last December, this exhibition has embarked on a world tour starting from Tokyo's Roppongi. From early masterpieces like The Little Mermaid, Frozen, and Big Hero 6, to recent popular works, visitors can enjoy a unique and immersive experience, surrounded by music, art, and animation created by Disney's talented creators, as if stepping into the world of the movies themselves.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness the magic of Disney's creative artistry up close and personal, with this exhibition offering an experience that is sure to delight Disney fans, both young and old.
Event Overview
Venue: First Term: Mori Arts Center Gallery / Second Term: Mori Arts Center Gallery & Sky Gallery, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52F
Dates: First Term: April 29, 2023 - June 27, 2023 / Second Term: June 28, 2023 - August 31, 2023
Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (May 9th and May 16th), July 4th and July 11th are until 5:00 PM *This event operates on a complete replacement system based on entry start time (excluding the Sky Gallery during the second term). *This event requires advanced reservations and specified date/time. Please arrive at the event at the specified entry start time. *The final entry start time is 1 hour and 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission: 3,000 yen (3,200 yen on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Closed: Open every day during the event.
Roppongi Hills 六本木ヒルズ Address: 6-10-1, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 106-6108 Nearest Station: Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / Toei Oedo Line), 0 minute on foot Phone Number: 03-6406-6000 -----
The Nemophila flowers of Hitachi Seaside Park (Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Nemophila (baby blue eyes) is a flower with long, finely incised leaves and blue blooms. Every year during the flowering season, around 5.3 million of these blue beauties cover the entire hillside of "Miharashi no Oka" at Hitachi Seaside Park, creating a breathtaking "blue carpet" that's not to be missed.
In 2023, they are expected to be in full bloom around April 15 and can be enjoyed until early May.
Event Overview
Venue: Hitachi Seaside Park
Dates: Mid-April to early May 2023 (Expected to be in full bloom around April 15)
Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Admission: Adults (high school students and above) 450 yen + Spring period (April 8 - May 5, 2023) surcharge of 250 yen
Closed on Tuesdays
Phone number: 029-265-9001
Hitachi Seaside Park 国営ひたち海浜公園 Address: 605-4, Onuma, Mawatari, Hitachinaka-shi, Ibaraki, 312-0012 Nearest Station: Katsuta Station (JR Joban Line / Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line) -----
SEASIDE CINEMA 2023 (Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
SEASIDE CINEMA 2023 is Japan's ultimate outdoor movie event, where you can catch a flick at one of four venues: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Marine & Walk Yokohama, Yokohama Bay Quarter, and Yokohama World Porters - each with its own unique theme. Take in the open-air movies while soaking up the sea breeze and gazing out at the breathtaking night view of Minato Mirai in Yokohama.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse will feature five movies, including classics like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, while the ever-popular "Harry Potter" series will be screened at Yokohama Bay Quarter.
During the day, you can also get in on the fun with the "Bay Quarter and the Magic Map" activity (which has a fee and is first-come, first-served). The full lineup of movies and venue schedules will be announced in early April, so mark your calendar and don't miss this awesome event!
Event summary
Event name: SEASIDE CINEMA 2023
Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Marine & Walk Yokohama, Yokohama Bay Quarter, and Yokohama World Porters
Date: May 2 - 7, 2023
Time: Depending on the venue and schedule
Admission: Free (first-come, first-served basis)
Closed: None during the event
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse 横浜赤レンガ倉庫 Address: 1-1, Shinkou, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, 231-0001 Nearest Station: Sakuragicho Station (JR Negishi Line / Line 3 (Yokohama Blue Line)) Phone Number: 045-211-1515
Yokohama Bay Quarter 横浜ベイクォーター Address: 1-10 Kinko-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 221-0056 -----
Niku Matsuri 2023: The 3rd Annual Meat Festival (Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Get ready for the ultimate meat lover's paradise at the 3rd Meat Festival 2023, held at the Todoroki Ryokuchi Event Square in Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Sample a wide variety of colorful and exquisite dishes that take the main ingredient - meat - to the next level, with grilled and fried meat, rice dishes, and more all on the menu.
The festival offers an exciting lineup of dishes, including the "Aburi Sakura Yukke Don (Naru Hana)," which features high-quality horse meat with a smoky flavor, and the "Matsusaka Beef Sushi (Freestyle)," which lightly sears Matsusaka beef to enhance its flavor. Wash it all down with a selection of craft beers, coffee, and other beverages.
If you're bringing the kiddos, don't worry - there will be a "Fluffy Playground" set up just for them, so the whole family can enjoy eating meat and playing together. With so much to see, taste, and experience, the 3rd Meat Festival 2023 is a must-visit event for all meat lovers out there!
Event Overview
Venue: Todoroki Ryokuchi - Event Square
Dates: May 3-7, 2023
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (last day until 6:00 p.m.)
Admission: Free (first-come, first-served basis)
Closed: None during the event
Phone: 03-6811-1135
Todoroki Ryokuchi 等々力緑地 Address: 1-1 Todoroki, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa -----
UTDOOR FRONT (Tokyo, Koto Ward)
Get ready to enjoy the great outdoors at OUTDOOR FRONT 2023, a massive outdoor event held at the Tokyo Garden Theater, a theater-style hall with around 200 stores, and the Sumitomo Real Estate Shopping City Ariake Garden, a commercial complex.
There's something for everyone, from outdoor sauna experiences and foot baths with natural hot springs to brand shops featuring all your favorite outdoor goods, like Coleman.
Under the open sky, you'll find a variety of exciting activities and events, including a program where seasoned campers demonstrate their own camping style, and a parent-child wood splitting and fire-making experience where families can learn how to handle firewood practically. Kids can also have a blast on the giant slide and climbing facilities, where they can play and move their bodies freely.
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, OUTDOOR FRONT 2023 has got you covered. Come and enjoy all the activities, events, and attractions under the beautiful blue sky!
Event Overview
Venue: Ariake Garden / Tokyo Waterfront Area Disaster Prevention Park
Date: May 3 - 14, 2023
Time: Outdoors from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Sundays until 5:00 p.m.), Central Atrium from noon to 8:00 p.m.
Price: Varies depending on the event
Closed: Open throughout the event
Ariake Garden 有明ガーデン Address: 2-1-8 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063
Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park 東京臨海広域防災公園 Address: 3-8-35 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063 -----
Kanda Festival (Tokyo, Chiyoda Ward)
The Kanda Festival is one of Tokyo's three biggest festivals, along with the Sanja and Fukagawa Hachiman festivals, and it takes place at the Kanda Myojin Shrine.
Over 200 large and small portable shrines (called 'mikoshi') are paraded through the streets of Kanda, making their way to the shrine and creating a stunning spectacle during the "mikoshi miyairi" ceremony, as they arrive one after another to the cheers of the locals.
The "Jidai Gyoretsu" procession is a real highlight, as participants dressed in beautiful costumes and traditional white ceremonial wear parade through the modern streets in a spectacular display centered around the luxurious portable shrines. Don't miss out on this amazing festival, which seamlessly blends the past and present in a truly unforgettable way!
Event Overview
Dates: May 11 - 17, 2023
Time: Varies by day
Admission: Free
Closed: Open throughout the event
Phone: 03-3254-0753
Kanda Shrine 神田明神 Address: 2-16-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0021 Nearest Station: Suehirocho Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line), 5 minutes on foot Phone Number: 03-3254-0753 -----
Sanja Matsuri (Tokyo, Taito Ward)
The Sanja Matsuri is a lively festival that takes place at Asakusa Shrine. During the festival, you can enjoy a variety of events, including the "Dai-koinyari" procession featuring geisha dances and traditional performances, the "Reitaisai" ritual ceremony, and the "Miyadashi" early morning parade of the mikoshi portable shrines.
Asakusa comes alive with a festive atmosphere during the festival period, and you can watch various dances being performed at the shrine and the surroundings. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to soak up the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the Sanja Matsuri!
Event Overview
Dates: May 19 - 21, 2023
Time: Varies depending on the event
Price: Free
Closed: None during the festival period
Asakusa Shrine 浅草神社 Address: 2-3-1, Asakusa, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032 Nearest Station: Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line / Tobu Isesaki Line (Tobu Sky Tree Line) / Tsukuba Express), 7 minutes on foot Phone Number: 03-3844-1575 -----
From traditional festivals that have been around for ages to trendy gourmet festivals, there's a ton of stuff happening outdoors that you don't want to miss. Make sure to give them a look!
*The information in this article is current as of April 2023. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Via Live Japan
