# Tokyo in May: Golden Week, big matsuri and sumo

May may be the best month of the year to be outside in Tokyo. The trees are a bright new green, the days are warm without the summer humidity, and the calendar is full: the Golden Week holidays in the first days, then the great shrine festivals of old Tokyo, the May sumo tournament and the first beer gardens of the year. The list below is updated daily with the month's biggest events.

## What May feels like

May is warm, sunny and usually dry enough for long days outdoors. By the Japan Meteorological Agency's averages, daytime highs sit around 21°C to 25°C and nights around 13°C to 17°C, and some late-May afternoons already feel like summer. Humidity starts to creep up toward the end of the month, ahead of the rainy season in June.

This is the season Japanese call shinryoku, fresh green. The forest around [Meiji Jingu](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%92%E7%94%BA1-1), the zelkova trees along [Omotesando](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E8%A1%A8%E5%8F%82%E9%81%93%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%89%8D4%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) and the big lawns of [Shinjuku Gyoen](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%BE%A1%E8%8B%91%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%BF%E5%8C%BA%E5%86%85%E8%97%A4%E7%94%BA11) and [Yoyogi Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%92%E7%94%BA2-1) are at their brightest. Pack for warm days and cooler evenings: T-shirts or light shirts, plus a thin jacket or cardigan for the evening and for air-conditioned trains. The sun is stronger than the temperature suggests, so a hat and sunscreen matter at festivals and in long outdoor queues.

- Festival days mean hours standing in the open. Bring sunscreen, a hat and water even when it does not feel hot.
- Evenings stay pleasant for eating outside, but take a light layer for riverside and rooftop spots.

- → [Weather and events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/weather.md)

## Golden Week and Children's Day

Golden Week ends in May. Constitution Memorial Day on May 3, Greenery Day on May 4 and Children's Day on May 5 follow Showa Day on April 29, and when one of them falls on a Sunday, the next weekday, often May 6, becomes a substitute holiday. Shops, restaurants, attractions and most museums stay open, but banks, post office counters and ward offices close on the holidays. Sightseeing areas, theme parks and long-distance trains are at their busiest of the spring, and hotel prices go up.

Children's Day is when carp streamers (koinobori) fly over rivers, balconies and parks. At the foot of [Tokyo Tower](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E3%82%BF%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA%E8%8A%9D%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%924-2-8), 333 of them, one for each metre of the tower's height, have been hung every spring since 2009. Sweet shops sell kashiwa-mochi, rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves, and some public bathhouses float iris leaves in the bath (shobuyu). In Fuchu, in west Tokyo, the Kurayami Matsuri at [Okunitama Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%A4%A7%E5%9C%8B%E9%AD%82%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%9C%E4%B8%AD%E5%B8%82%E5%AE%AE%E7%94%BA3-1) runs until May 6, with eight portable shrines carried through the night behind huge drums on May 5.

- The weekdays inside Golden Week are often calmer than the holidays themselves.
- The week right after the holidays is one of the quietest of the spring for sightseeing, and hotel prices drop back.

- → [Golden Week in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/golden-week.md)
- → [Tokyo with kids](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kids.md)
- → [Events in Minato](https://eventstokyo.com/en/minato.md)
- → [Free events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/free.md)

## Sanja Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri

Mid-May is the high point of the festival year in old Tokyo. Kanda Matsuri belongs to [Kanda Myojin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%A5%9E%E7%94%B0%E6%98%8E%E7%A5%9E%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E5%A4%96%E7%A5%9E%E7%94%B02-16-2), the shrine between Akihabara and Ochanomizu, and is counted among the three great festivals of Edo. Its full version is held in odd-numbered years: a long procession in historical costume through central Tokyo on the Saturday, then a weekend of neighbourhood mikoshi carried into the shrine one after another. In even-numbered years there is a smaller programme of rites around the same time.

On the third weekend of May, Sanja Matsuri takes over Asakusa. It is the festival of [Asakusa Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%892-3-1), right next to Sensoji, and runs from Friday to Sunday. On Saturday around a hundred neighbourhood mikoshi parade through the streets, and on Sunday the shrine's three main mikoshi leave early in the morning and come back after dark. It is one of the most crowded weekends of the year in Tokyo, so pick a side street and let the procession come to you.

- Stand at the edge of the route. A moving mikoshi swings hard and the crowd surges with it.
- Stalls are mostly cash only and bins are rare. Bring coins and a bag for your trash.
- Toilets are scarce along festival streets. Use the station or a convenience store before you go in.

- → [Matsuri in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/matsuri.md)
- → [What to eat at a Japanese festival](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/festival-food.md)
- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [Asakusa: temple fairs, festivals and old Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/asakusa.md)
- → [Akihabara: anime, games and events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/akihabara.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [Events in Chiyoda](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chiyoda.md)
- → [Matsuri & Festivals events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/matsuri.md)

## The May sumo tournament

The May tournament (Natsu Basho) is the second of Tokyo's three grand tournaments a year. It runs for 15 days at [Ryogoku Kokugikan](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%B8%A1%E5%9B%BD%E5%9B%BD%E6%8A%80%E9%A4%A8%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%A8%AA%E7%B6%B21-3-28), in most years starting on the second Sunday of May. Tickets go on sale about five weeks before through the [official Ticket Oosumo site](https://sumo.pia.jp/en/), which has an English version, and in recent years Tokyo tournaments have sold out, with weekends and the final days going first.

A ticket covers the whole day. The lower divisions fight in a half-empty hall in the morning, and most people arrive in the early afternoon for the ring-entering ceremonies and the top-division bouts, which end just before 6pm. If you cannot get a seat, NHK shows the top divisions live every afternoon, and the chanko hot-pot restaurants around Ryogoku, many opened by retired wrestlers, are worth the trip anyway.

- → [Sumo in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/sumo.md)
- → [Events in Sumida](https://eventstokyo.com/en/sumida.md)
- → [Sports in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/sports.md)

## Roses, beer gardens and festivals in the parks

Roses take over from the wisteria in May. [Kyu-Furukawa Gardens](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A7%E5%8F%A4%E6%B2%B3%E5%BA%AD%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8C%97%E5%8C%BA%E8%A5%BF%E3%82%B1%E5%8E%9F1-27-39) in Kita ward has a terraced rose garden of around 100 varieties in front of a stone Western-style mansion, with a Japanese garden below, and holds a spring rose festival. In Toshima ward, the [Otsuka Rose Road](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%83%BD%E9%9B%BB%E8%8D%92%E5%B7%9D%E7%B7%9A%20%E5%A4%A7%E5%A1%9A%E9%A7%85%E5%89%8D%E5%81%9C%E7%95%99%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E8%B1%8A%E5%B3%B6%E5%8C%BA%E5%8D%97%E5%A4%A7%E5%A1%9A3%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) lines the tracks of the Toden Arakawa tram with more than a thousand rose bushes.

Park weekends keep going. In recent years the Thai Festival has filled Yoyogi Park on the second weekend of May, and other international and food festivals follow through the season, most with free entry and food paid per dish. From late May the first rooftop beer gardens open on department stores around Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and other big stations, and they run until the end of September. Rooftops usually close in rain, so check on the day.

- Rose gardens are usually at their best in the first half to middle of May. Go in the morning, before the sun gets strong.
- Most beer gardens sell fixed-price nomihodai plans of 90 or 120 minutes. Book ahead for Friday nights.

- → [Flower festivals in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flowers.md)
- → [Beer gardens and beer festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/beer-gardens.md)
- → [Food festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/food-festivals.md)
- → [Tokyo in June: rainy season, hydrangeas and Sanno Matsuri](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-in-june.md)
- → [Events in Kita](https://eventstokyo.com/en/kita.md)
- → [Events in Toshima](https://eventstokyo.com/en/toshima.md)
- → [Food & Drink events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/food-drink.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Grand Sumo Summer Tournament (Natsu Basho)](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/grand-sumo-summer-tournament-natsu-basho-7703)** — Sun, May 9, 2027 – Sun, May 23, 2027 (JST) · Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumida) · ¥3,500〜
- **[Reverse Tokyo Derby: Tokyo Verdy vs FC Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/reverse-tokyo-derby-tokyo-verdy-vs-fc-tokyo-7725)** — Sun, May 9, 2027 (JST) · Ajinomoto Stadium (調布市) · price on the official site
- **[AIMYON TOUR 2027 - cosmic % -](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/aimyon-tour-2027-cosmic-3)** — Sun, May 2, 2027 18:00 – Mon, May 3, 2027 (JST) · K Arena Yokohama (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥10,000
- **[Mrs. GREEN APPLE on "Harmony2"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mrs-green-apple-on-harmony2-7)** — Sat, May 8, 2027 18:00 – Thu, May 13, 2027 (JST) · K Arena Yokohama (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥15,000〜
- **[Mrs. GREEN APPLE on "Harmony2"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mrs-green-apple-on-harmony2-8)** — Wed, May 12, 2027 19:00 – Thu, May 13, 2027 (JST) · K Arena Yokohama (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥15,000〜
- **[EIKICHI YAZAWA CONCERT TOUR "GOLD RUSH 2027"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/eikichi-yazawa-concert-tour-gold-rush-2027)** — Sat, May 15, 2027 17:00 – Sun, May 16, 2027 (JST) · K Arena Yokohama (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥9,000〜
- **[Mrs. GREEN APPLE on "Harmony2"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mrs-green-apple-on-harmony2-9)** — Tue, May 18, 2027 19:00 – Wed, May 19, 2027 (JST) · K Arena Yokohama (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥15,000〜
- **[Creepy Nuts ONEMAN TOUR 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/creepy-nuts-oneman-tour-2027)** — Sat, May 29, 2027 – Sun, May 30, 2027 (JST) · GMO Arena Saitama (Saitama) · ¥11,000〜
- **[My Hair is Bad presents Noble Home Run Tour](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/my-hair-is-bad-presents-noble-home-run-tour)** — Sat, May 29, 2027 18:00 – Sun, May 30, 2027 (JST) · Yokohama Arena (神奈川県) · price on the official site
- **[SEKAI NO OWARI Arena Tour 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sekai-no-owari-arena-tour-2027-3)** — Sat, May 15, 2027 18:00 – Sun, May 16, 2027 (JST) · PIA Arena MM (西区) · ¥12,000

## Questions people ask

**Is May a good time to visit Tokyo?**
Yes, it is one of the best. The weather is warm and mostly dry, and there are big festivals and sumo. Skip the Golden Week holidays at the start of the month if you want lower prices and fewer crowds.

**Which days in May are holidays?**
May 3, 4 and 5, the end of Golden Week. When one of them falls on a Sunday, a substitute holiday is added, often on May 6.

**When is Sanja Matsuri?**
On the third weekend of May, usually Friday to Sunday, at Asakusa Shrine next to Sensoji. Check [the shrine's site](https://asakusajinja.jp/english/) for the exact days.

**Is Kanda Matsuri held every year?**
The full festival with its big procession is held in mid-May in odd-numbered years. In even-numbered years there is a smaller programme.

**Is there sumo in Tokyo in May?**
Yes. The May tournament runs for 15 days at Ryogoku Kokugikan, usually starting on the second Sunday of the month. Buy tickets as soon as they go on sale.

**What is the weather like in Tokyo in May?**
Warm and mostly sunny, with highs around 21°C to 25°C and nights around 15°C. Bring a light layer for the evening and sunscreen for the day.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-in-may