Ome Grand Festival 2026: Twelve Festival Floats Roll Through Western Tokyo (May 2–3)
Skip the Golden Week crowds in central Tokyo and head west to Ome, where twelve ornate festival floats parade through a charming mountain-edge town with centuries of festival tradition.
April 18, 2026
Thai Festival Tokyo 2026: A Taste of Bangkok in Yoyogi Park (May 9–10)
One of Tokyo's largest international food festivals returns to Yoyogi Park for its 26th year, with 300,000+ visitors expected. Here's how to eat, explore, and enjoy the Thai Festival like a pro.
April 18, 2026
A Mid-May Tokyo Weekend: Oedo Antique Market & Tokyo Infiorata (May 9–10, 2026)
After Golden Week crowds thin out, Tokyo serves up a perfect weekend double-header: treasure hunting at the Oedo Antique Market in Tokyo International Forum and strolling past flower-petal art carpets at the Tokyo Infiorata in Odaiba.
April 17, 2026
Kagoshima Sengan-en: Golden Week Traditional Arts Under the Volcano (May 3–5, 2026)
During Golden Week, Kagoshima’s historic Sengan-en garden hosts three days of traditional performances — wagura instrumental music, lion dances, and Shimazu taiko drumming — all framed by Sakurajima volcano across the bay.
April 17, 2026
Shimoda Black Ship Festival 2026: Reliving Perry's Arrival on the Izu Coast (May 15–17)
Every May, the seaside town of Shimoda commemorates the arrival of Commodore Perry's 'Black Ships' with parades, reenactments, and fireworks along the Izu coast. A unique blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty.
April 17, 2026
KCON JAPAN 2026: K-Pop's Biggest Convention Comes to Makuhari Messe (May 8–10)
KCON JAPAN returns to Makuhari Messe for three days of K-pop concerts, fan meetups, beauty showcases, and Korean culture. Here's everything you need to plan your visit.
April 17, 2026
Kobe Waterfront Weekend: Mellow Cruise Music Fest & Brick Warehouse Art Marché (May 2026)
Kobe's harbor comes alive in early May with an open-air music festival on the waterfront and an artisan marché inside historic brick warehouses. Pair them with the city's legendary beef, sake district, and mountain backdrop for a perfect weekend.
April 16, 2026
Nagano Spring Duo: Zenkoji Flower Corridor & Matsumoto Castle Artillery Demo (May 2026)
Two of Nagano Prefecture's most iconic landmarks host spectacular spring events in early May. Walk the flower-lined path to ancient Zenkoji Temple, then watch samurai-era artillery thunder beneath Matsumoto Castle's black keep.
April 16, 2026
Grand Sumo May Basho 2026: Your Guide to the Summer Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan
The May Grand Sumo Tournament runs May 10-24 at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. From buying tickets to ringside rituals, here's your complete guide to experiencing Japan's national sport live.
April 16, 2026
Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival: UNESCO Heritage Floats Roll Through Toyama (May 1, 2026)
Every May 1, the city of Takaoka in Toyama Prefecture brings out seven magnificent lacquered festival floats designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here's everything you need to know to witness this 400-year-old tradition.
April 16, 2026
Nagasaki Golden Week Pottery Trail: Hasami Festival, Mikawachi Kilns & DEJIMA Expo (Late April – Early May 2026)
Explore Nagasaki Prefecture's Golden Week ceramic trail: browse everyday Hasami ware at Japan's top pottery festival, discover refined Mikawachi white porcelain at kiln workshops, then soak up East-meets-West culture at DEJIMA Expo.
April 16, 2026
Thai Festival Tokyo 2026: Japan's Biggest International Food Festival Returns to Yoyogi Park (May 9–10)
The 26th Thai Festival Tokyo brings 300,000 visitors to Yoyogi Park for two days of authentic Thai street food, Muay Thai demonstrations, traditional dance, and live music. Japan's largest free international food festival.
April 16, 2026