Welcome to the latest installment of Voyapon’s series, where we share some of the best under-the-radar events happening throughout Japan. Every month, we give our readers the best events from Hokkaido to Okinawa and everywhere else in between. Find our list, below, of some amazing activities happening in May 2025.
- Tokyo
- Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Early Summer Promotions (ongoing through early summer)
- Grand Hyatt Tokyo Pokémon Rooms (from June 20 to August 31 with reservations from now)
- P. — ADICURRY, Mini Massif, Mikkeller Burger and PIZZA SLICE (Newly Opened)
- bills Spring and Summer Menu (ongoing through summer)
- Kurayami Matsuri (Apr 30 – May 6)
- Hiroshima
- Osaka
- Fukuoka
- Fukui
Tokyo
Summer is just around the corner and brings with it numerous events in Japan’s capital, Tokyo.
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Early Summer Promotions (ongoing through early summer)
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills celebrates early summer with seasonal menus featuring Shine Muscat grapes and fragrant melons across its restaurants. Highlights include Shine Muscat & Melon Sweets and a Sweets & Bubbles pairing at the Pastry Shop, plus Muscat & Melon Afternoon Tea and refreshing highball cocktails at The Tavern – Grill & Lounge. The Rooftop Bar offers Early Summer Smash cocktails, and BeBu features a Whiskey Oak-Smoked Pulled Pork Burger with a Pineapple Shake. AO Spa & Club presents the Green Tea Serenity treatment. Special Mother’s and Father’s Day offerings include the Perle cake and a Luxury Spa Coffret gift set.
| When | Through early summer |
| Where | Toranomon Hills Mori Tower 51st Floor, 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Admission Fee | Price depends on the menu. |
| Official Website | https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/tyoaz-andaz-tokyo-toranomon-hills/events-and-attractions |
Grand Hyatt Tokyo Pokémon Rooms (from June 20 to August 31 with reservations from now)
Grand Hyatt Tokyo teams up with Pokémon for exclusive summer stay packages from June 20 to August 31, offering a luxurious island-style resort experience in downtown Tokyo. Guests can enjoy Pokémon-themed decorations, special amenities, and Pokémon-inspired dining. Highlights include the Pokémon Beach Resort Suite, tropical-themed guestrooms, a Bulbasaur burger and Squirtle tart dinner set, and Pikachu fruit pancakes for breakfast. Beach resort amenities complete the experience. Additionally, restaurants across the hotel will offer exclusive Pokémon-themed menus, with more details coming in mid-May. This collaboration brings the playful charm of Pokémon to a refined, relaxing resort atmosphere in the heart of Tokyo.
| When | June 20 – August 31 |
| Where | 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo |
| Admission Fee | You can book your room here. |
| Official Website | https://www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.co.jp/en/restaurants/recommended/pokemon-beach-resort-stay/ |
P. — ADICURRY, Mini Massif, Mikkeller Burger and PIZZA SLICE (Newly Opened)
For those lucky enough to live in or near the Futako Tamagawa area of Tokyo, you are in for a real culinary treat. Promising the best in street food, the P. food court located on the ground floor of the Takashimaya S.C complex, is an absolute triumph. With amazing curry from ADICURRY, fantastic New York-style pizzas from PIZZA SLICE, burgers and beers courtesy of Mikkeller Burger and elegant dining served up from Mini Massif, this is a food court with a difference. Superb food, great service with refreshing and open interior architecture, it’s the ideal spot to chill with friends and family.
| When | From April 29 |
| Where | 3-17-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo |
| Admission Fee | Depends on the menu. |
| Official Website | https://www.instagram.com/p.friends/ |
bills Spring and Summer Menu (ongoing through summer)
bills, the all-day dining restaurant from Sydney, launches its Spring/Summer 2025 menu across its eight Japan locations starting April 22. Themed “Mediterranean Comfort Food,” the menu captures the relaxed spirit of coastal dining with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Highlights include a nutrient-rich puy lentil salad with roasted beetroots and a summery upside-down pineapple tart with coconut semifreddo. New drinks like a homemade limoncello spritz and pineapple shrub offer refreshing options for summer. Inspired by Mediterranean and Australian dining cultures, bills continues to emphasize casual, welcoming experiences that celebrate food as a joyful, connecting part of life.
| When | Ongoing through summer |
| Where | Check here for locations. |
| Admission Fee | Depends on the menu. |
| Official Website | https://www.billsjapan.com/en |
Kurayami Matsuri (Apr 30 – May 6)
Okunitama-jinja Shrine in Fuchu, a historic Tokyo landmark surrounded by Natural Monument-designated zelkova trees, hosts the famous Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival) each year. The festival runs from April 30 to May 6, with lively open-air stalls starting May 3. The highlight is the mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, departing the shrine at 6pm on May 5 and from the otabisho at 4am on May 6. Since 2017, the route has been extended for an even more dynamic experience. Early rituals (April 30–May 2) are closed to the public, and visitors are advised to use public transport due to traffic restrictions.
| When | April 30 – May 6 |
| Where | Okunitama Shrine 3-1 Miyacho, Fuchu City, Tokyo |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.ookunitamajinja.or.jp/matsuri/5-kurayami.php |
Hiroshima
Anyone visiting Hiroshima in May can look forward to this traditional festival.
Manto Mitama Matsuri (May 27-28)
The Mantō Mitama Matsuri at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine features around 2,000 lanterns and performances by 100 shrine maidens (miko) dancing a traditional marriage dance. A ceremonial kagura dance will also be performed. The festival begins at 6 p.m. on both days, with the shrine maiden dance at 7pm on Saturday, followed by kagura. On Sunday, the kagura performance will start at 7pm. The shrine, located within Hiroshima Castle grounds, is easily accessible by foot, bus, or tram. The event honors the shrine’s enshrined deity, a guardian of peace.
| When | May 27 – 28 |
| Where | Gokoku-jinja Shrine 2-21 Motomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://gethiroshima.com/event/mantou-mitama-matsuri/ |
Osaka
Osaka is the host city of this year’s EXPO 2025, and visitors to the event can look forward to more events.
Osaka Bay Area Festival “19th World Apollon” (May 6)
Dance teams from across Japan will face off in an exciting battle set to high-energy songs and Japanese-style mixes, all against the stunning backdrop of the ocean. Adding to the excitement, children will come together for a 1,000-person group dance, performing the Expo theme song and filling the coastline with energy and spirit. The “19th World Apollon,” part of the Osaka Bay Area Festival, celebrates both the region and EXPO 2025. The festival, now in its 19th year, will take place on May 6 across the Osaka Bay Area, including the EXPO 2025 site.
| When | May 6 |
| Where | ATC Asia-Pacific Trade Center 2-1-10 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.atc-co.com/apollon/ |
Fukuoka
A visit to Fukuoka is also well worth your time in May.
Hakata Dontaku Festival (May 2-4)
The Hakata Dontaku Festival, held annually on May 3 and 4 during Golden Week in Fukuoka, is one of Japan’s largest festivals, attracting over 2 million visitors. Rooted in the 840-year-old Hakata Matsubayashi tradition, the event features a grand parade with groups called Dontaku-tai, stage performances, and city-wide festivities. Highlights include the traditional Hakata Matsubayashi procession of fortune gods on horseback, vibrant performances by local companies and organizations, and lively entertainment throughout Hakata-ku and Chuo-ku. The name “Dontaku” comes from the Dutch word for “holiday,” reflecting the festival’s joyful spirit that transforms the entire city during the two-day celebration.
| When | May 2 – 4 |
| Where | Fukuoka urban area (Hakata-ku – Chuo-ku) |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/hakata-dontaku/ |
Fukui
Fukui Prefecture on the Sea of Japan is also the scene of traditional events in May.
Mikuni Festival (May 19-21)
The Mikuni Festival, held annually from May 19–21 in Mikuni, is renowned for its towering six-and-a-half-meter floats, each crafted by local neighborhoods and depicting figures from Japanese history and legend. The main event on May 20 features a lively procession where the floats and a mikoshi (portable shrine) gather at Mikuni Shrine before parading through the town’s narrow streets to festive music, creating an intimate, vibrant atmosphere. After 6pm, the floats separate and roam independently before returning home. The Mikuni Festival offers a unique glimpse into traditional craftsmanship and community spirit against a charming, small-town backdrop.
| When | May 19 – 21 |
| Where | Mikuni Shrine 6-2-80 Mikunicho Sanno, Sakai, Fukui |
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Official Website | https://enjoy.pref.fukui.lg.jp/en/spot/spot-43/ |
