May in Japan is a time of floral displays and exciting festivals and events celebrating spring and traditional culture. It’s a popular time of year to travel so be sure to book early if planning a trip at this time of year, especially in the first week of the month, due to the Golden Week holiday, a string of public holidays from 29 April through 03 May.
We've highlighted a few festivals and events below that you can keep in mind when planning your future travel to Japan. They are selected from a list compiled by JNTO's Tourist Information Center that provides details on which festivals were scheduled for or went ahead in 2021 and which were cancelled. The full list can be found at the end of this article.
Note: Many websites only have information in Japanese so you may need to use an online translation service such as Google Translate 
or DeepL . Alternatively, the Chrome browser allows you to translate many webpages from Japanese into English.
Please note that dates, times and functions are subject to change without notice and can vary slightly each year. In particular, the schedule of outdoor events and flower festivals may change due to the weather. Be sure to check the latest information in advance.
Aoi Matsuri
Where: Various locations in Kyoto including Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, Kamigamo-jinja Shrine and Kyoto Imperial Palace
When: Annually on 15 May (Cancelled in 2021 due to COVID-19)
Summary: A festival with over 1500 years of history and one of Kyoto’s 3 major festivals. The highlight is the procession of participants in aristocratic Heian Period costumes. In the event of rain, the festival may be postponed to the following day.
JNTO website: Aoi Festival
Kyoto City Tourism Association: Aoi Matsuri (JP only)
Tohoku Kizuna Matsuri
Where: Yamagata City Hall, Yamagata Prefecture
When: 22 – 23 May, 2021
Summary: The Tohoku Kizuna Festival started in 2011 in memory of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the recovery efforts carried out ever since. It features 6 major festivals from the Tohoku region.
Official website: Tohoku Kizuna Matsuri
Toki Mino Yaki Festival
Where: Oribe Hills, Gifu Prefecture
When: 3 – 5 May 2021
Summary: An annual ceramics fair that is one of the largest in Japan.
Visit Gifu: Toki Mino Yaki Festival
Official website: Toki Minoyaki
Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan Hall
Where: Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tokyo
When: 5 – 23 May 2021
Summary: One of three annual sumo tournaments held in Tokyo. Dates may vary slightly each year. Note: Sumo tournaments are held in Tokyo in January, May and September each year.
Official website: Nihon Sumo Kyokai
Sanja Matsuri
Where: Asakusa Shrine and surrounding areas, Tokyo
When: 15 – 16 May 2021
Summary: Considered one of Tokyo’s 3 great festivals, this lively celebration is held annually in the third weekend of May to celebrate the founders of Sensoji Temple.
JNTO website: Sanja Festival
Go Tokyo website: Sanja Matsuri
