Hakodate Goryokaku Festival 2026: Samurai Parades at Hokkaido's Star-Shaped Fort (May 16–17)
Experience the Hakodate Goryokaku Festival on May 16–17, 2026, where Hokkaido's iconic star-shaped fort comes alive with Boshin War reenactment parades in full samurai regalia. Combine the festival with late cherry blossoms, the legendary Mount Hakodate night view, and fresh seafood at the morning market for an unforgettable spring trip.
April 19, 2026
Machi Asobi Vol.30: Japan's Ultimate Anime Street Festival in Tokushima (May 16–17, 2026)
Machi Asobi Vol.30 takes over the streets of Tokushima City on May 16–17, 2026, with voice actor shows, anime screenings, cosplay, indie games, and ufotable cafe specials. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of Japan's biggest anime street festival.
April 19, 2026
JAPAN JAM 2026: Four Days of Outdoor Rock in Chiba This Golden Week (May 2–5)
Japan's premier Golden Week music festival takes over Soga Sports Park in Chiba for four days of rock, pop, and indie across multiple stages. A first-timer's guide to making the most of JAPAN JAM.
April 18, 2026
First Ever Ujo Sky Lantern Festival: Lanterns Rise Over Okayama Castle (May 4, 2026)
Okayama's iconic black castle hosts its first-ever sky lantern release on May 4. Hundreds of glowing lanterns rising against the silhouette of a 400-year-old castle — this is one of Golden Week's most photogenic new events.
April 18, 2026
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