Credit: Wisteria flowers and Tokyo Skytree Tower / Istock
Tokyo in May is a season of rhythm, celebration and creativity. The weather’s warm, the parks are lush and the city hosts everything from riverside festivals and legendary street parades to art openings and massive music events. Whether you’re into indie beats, DJ sets, traditional Japanese culture or contemporary art, there’s something to catch your attention this month.
Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival)April 30 — May 6, 2025
Credit: Okunitama Shrine’s Official Website
In the heart of Fuchu, Okunitama Shrine celebrates its annual darkness festival, one of the city’s most anticipated traditions. See Japan’s largest taiko drums lined up before the grand torii gate, catch the excitement of horse racing and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Please note the rituals held between April 30 and May 2 are closed to the public.
When:
Times vary. Check the website for specific times
Where:
3-1 Miyamachi, Fuchu
Price:
Free
More information at Okunitama Shrine’s Official Website
MASAMI: Paysages intérieurs — Art ExhibitionMay 2, 2025
Credit: courtesy IKO Art Discoveries
Step into a quiet world of inner landscapes, memory and nature at Paysages intérieurs, a poetic solo exhibition by Japanese artist MASAMI.. Presented by IKO Art Discoveries, the show features over 25 tactile works created from recycled materials like fabric, ceramics and copper wire.
The exhibition launches with a vernissage on May 2, including a guided tour with MASAMI and curator Agathe Ferrand Maeda. Stick around afterward for a laid-back cocktail reception—a chance to experience the works in conversation and community.
When:
6:30pm–8:30pm
Where:
Impact HUB Tokyo
1F Printing Factory, 2-11-3 Meguro, Meguro-ku
Price:
Free
Vernissage: ¥4,500 | Register here
Exhibition runs through May 31.
ikoartdiscoveries.com/program
Oi Racecourse Flea MarketMay 3 — May 4, 2025
Credit: Akiyoko / iStock
Love thrifting in Tokyo? Head over to the massive flea market at Oi Racecourse, where up to 600 vendors gather on busy days. Whether you’re hunting for that one-of-a-kind piece or stumbling on a quirky treasure you didn’t know you needed, this is one of the city’s top spots to score big. Saddle up and head to Oi Racecourse.
When:
9am–2:30pm
Where:
Oi Racecourse
2-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa-ku7 Mita, Minato-Ku
Price:
Free
DJ Anh Vy x Boiler RoomMay 10, 2025
Vietnam’s in-demand DJ Anh Vy—known for his Boiler Room set and residencies at The Observatory in Ho Chi Minh and Unmute in Hanoi—lands in Tokyo for the first time, bringing his genre-blurring mix of rare disco, deep house, and techno to Shimokitazawa. The night is curated by Tomato Juice System, the Tokyo-based DJ and art collective led by Jun Taomo, known for blending club culture with culinary and visual art pop-ups. Expect an intimate vibe at Ruang Cing, a backstreet Thai restaurant-turned-music bar, with serious sound and a lineup of local selectors.
When:
11am–9pm (both days)
Where:
Ruang Cing
2-9-23 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku
Price:
￥3,000
IG: @official_t_party
@ruang_cing
metropolisjapan.com/events/anh-vy-tokyo
Metrock 2025May 10 — 11, 2025
Metropolitan Rock Festival (Metrock) returns this May for two days of live music at Wakasu Park in Koto Ward . As one of Japan’s top outdoor festivals, Metrock brings together some of the biggest names in Japanese rock, pop and alternative. The 2025 lineup drops closer to the event, but past years have featured heavy hitters like One OK Rock, King Gnu, and [Alexandros].
When:
10:30am–8pm
Where:
Parc Umi no Mori
3-3 Uminomori, Koto-ku
Price:
Advance one-day ticket: ¥11,000 | Two-day ticket: ¥21,000
metrock.jp/information
Sanja Matsuri May 16 — 18, 2025 
Credit: Asakusa Jinja Official Website
For three days each May, the streets of Asakusa erupt with the sound of taiko drums, mikoshi (portable shrines) weaving through crowds and dancers in Edo-period costume. One of Tokyo’s largest and most dynamic festivals, it celebrates the three founders of Senso-ji Temple and draws over a million visitors each year.
Events take place in and around Asakusa Shrine, with residents from nearly 44 neighborhoods carrying mikoshi through the streets. The highlight comes on Sunday, when the shrine’s three grand mikoshi make their way through the heart of Asakusa in a lively, all-day procession.
When:
10am–7pm (check the official website for details)
Where:
Asakusa Shrine
2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Price: Free
Crowds expected—go early!
asakusajinja.jp/en/sanjamatsuri
Okinawa Festival 2025May 17 — 18, 2025
Credit: Yoyogi Goen Official Website
Two days of food, music and cultural performances bring the spirit of Okinawa to the capital. Expect Eisa drumming, live music,\ regional dishes like goya chanpuru and rafute, plus local drinks including Orion beer and awamori.
When:
11am–9pm (both days)
Where:
Yoyogi Parc
2-3 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku
Price: Free
yoyogikoen.info
Italia, amore mio! – Italian Festival 2025May 24 — May 25, 2025
Embrace la dolce vita at the 9th edition of Italia, amore mio!––Japan’s largest Italian festival. This year’s theme, “Life is Beautiful,” invites visitors to celebrate everyday joys through Italian traditions and delicious food and wine. Expect live performances, talk shows and cooking demonstrations featuring Italian and Japanese personalities.
When:
11am–8pm both days
Where:
Roppongi Hills
4-1-27 Mita, Minato-Ku7 Mita, Minato-Ku
Price:
Free
italia-amore-mio.com
THE BEACH 2025May 31, 2025
The Chemical Brothers, credit: THE BEACH 2025’s official website
Dance all day on the shores of Tokyo Bay as Japan’s ultimate beachside music festival returns to Makuhari Seaside Park in Chiba. Headliners The Chemical Brothers are set to deliver a rare 2.5-hour DJ set. Together with some of the world’s top electronic artists, THE BEACH 2025 is set to be a seaside party that carries you straight into summer.
When:
11:00am–9:00pm
Where:
Makuhari Seaside Park
2-116 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba
Price:
GA: ¥15,000
At the gate: ¥18,000
thebeach.co.jp
AloJapan.com