Tokyo is alive every day of the week. There’s always something to see or do, whether it’s an exhibition, a live music gig, a pop-up shop or a seasonal limited edition item to try. We’ve rounded up some recommendations for the best things to do in Tokyo this month.

List of Contents:

Tokyo Festivals and Outdoor Events

Konosu Poppy Festival

Saitama is the place to be if you happen to be a fan of poppies. Japan's largest poppy field, the Poppy Happy Square, is located in Konosu City in Saitama Prefecture, conveniently close to central Tokyo. Around 30 million poppies bloom each year, and food vans will be present during the festival.
Date & Time May 11-19・09:00-16:00
Price Free
Location Poppy Happy Square
More Info ¥500 for parking

Flower Festival 2024 at Showa Kinen Park

May is the perfect time to visit Showa Kinen Park, when it's filled with flowers. The park is stunning all through the spring season, with nanohana, cherry blossoms, tulips, nemophila, chamomile and bouquet gardens. There are also Insta-worthy ice creams and drinks, plus a BBQ offered in the park.
Date & Time Mar 16-May 26・09:30-17:00・Weekends and Holidays 9:00 - 18:00
Price ¥450
Location Showa Kinen Park

Alice's Blooming Carnival at Keisei Rose Garden

The Keisei Rose Garden turns into a rose theme park from mid-April to mid-June. It's the largest rose garden in the Kanto area, with 1,600 varieties of stunning roses, and it transforms into a true wonderland this time of year. A mid-day parade makes the park truly feel like an amusement park, and can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.
Date & Time Apr 20-Jun 16・09:00-18:00
Price ¥1,800
Location Keisei Rose Garden

rose garden festival

Nerima Shiki no Kaori Rose Garden 2024

Carefully managed by dedicated gardeners throughout the year, the Nerima Shiki no Kaori Rose Garden features 337 varieties of roses, including the "Shiki no Kaori" rose, as well as a dedicated fragrant rose garden, featuring scents of damascus and spice. There will also be a "Rose Garden of Color" where a palette of pink and other colored roses bloom, which will be enveloped in a rich fragrance and gorgeous spring roses. This spring, the garden also welcomes Kazutaka Komatsu for a garden concert, as well as rose scent comparison event using roses from the garden.
Date & Time Apr 27-May 26・09:00-17:00・Closed on Tuesdays
Price Free
Location Shiki-no-kaori Rose Garden

Italia, amore mio! Dreams

The ninth edition of "Italia, amore mio!," the largest Italian festival in Japan, will be held on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, 26 in Roppongi Hills. The theme of this edition is "dreams." Get ready for a dreamy two-day event filled with live music, engaging talk shows and mesmerizing performances, featuring a lineup of guests from Italy and Japan. You can also dive into a shopping spree of fine Italian brands and enjoy the best Italian cuisine and drinks.
Date & Time May 25-26・11:00-20:00
Price Free
Location Roppongi Hills

myohoji golden week zine fair and flea market

Horinouchi Zine Fair and Flea Market

The community around Myohoji, Koenji's impressive temple, is hosting a Golden Week flea market and zine fair, inviting community members from close by and further afield to join in the fun. It will be held on a side street near the temple, which will be closed to traffic for the day and lined with stalls selling zines and flea market items. Over 40 different zines will be on offer, along with a myriad of preloved items — plus coffee from local cafe Niwatori Coffee and other snacks, including donuts from You And.
Date & Time May 3, 2024・10:00~
Price Free
Location Myoho-ji Shopping Street

Tokyo Live Music and Community Events

Red Hot Chili Peppers Unlimited Love Tour Live Tokyo

Red Hot Chili Peppers Live in Tokyo

Seminal band the Red Hot Chili Peppers will grace Tokyo Dome with their greatest hits tour, The Unlimited Love tour. Across an impressive career spanning over four decades the band, known for hits including "Californication," "Under the Bridge" and "By the Way," has delighted and thrilled audiences worldwide with its dynamic live shows, making it an unmissable live act.

Dates and Info

  • May 18 (Saturday) doors open 16:00, show begins 18:00
  • May 20 (Monday) door open 17:00, show begins 19:00
Date & Time May 18-20・18:00~・Times vary, see More Info for details
Price from ¥9,800
Location Tokyo Dome

HE4VN. Vol. 27

Gather at Or Miyashita Park for an ethereal evening on May 14. With special guest DJ Orochi Wani-Noko and hit anime songs and J-pop booming, the 27th installment of HE4VN. is sure to be heaven on earth.
Date & Time May 14, 2024・18:30-23:00
Price DOOR ¥3,000 | SNS Discount ￥2,500
Location Or Miyashita Park

Raw rock event

RAW Rock and Fuzz Music

Raw is a ringing a fresh wave of rock and fuzz music to town. From gritty distortion to razor-sharp riffs, More than Music is pushing beyond genre boundaries, Get ready for rough, untamed tunes hitting Kagurane soon. This time features New Babylon (rap band fusion), Neighbors Feed Neighbors (techno, jazz and post rock) and Paprikan (alternative rock).
Date & Time May 17, 2024・18:00-23:00
Price Admission ¥3,500 | Free for MTM Members (sign up for MTM membership)
Location Kagurane

Nerd Nite Tokyo #58: Taking Care of Business

Every month, Nerd Nite gathers smart speakers and a curious crowd, adds a bar and creates something unique. This month, they’re looking for better, greener ways to run businesses. First, green transition expert Stéfan Le Dû will explain how to spot greenwashing and discern whether a company is truly eco-friendly or just putting on a green facade. Then, tech cooperative member Yasuaki Kudo will talk about how co-ops can bring more democracy, free speech and human rights to the workplace. Drinks (both alcoholic and non-) will be available. Drink, meet and be square-y! Kids are also welcome at Nerd Nite. Find more event information on Facebook and Meetup.
Date & Time May 24, 2024・20:00~・Doors open 19:30
Price ¥1,000
Location World Peace Theatre

Waifu Fifth Anniversary with Numa Gama and more

Queer and femme party Waifu is celebrating its fifth anniversary of shaking up Tokyo's nightlife with a special live set by Numa Gama, a musician and DJ from Rio de Janeiro. They will join resident DJ Chloe Juliette and two DJs who use wheelchairs, Keita and Sashimi-cha. FreakyNoriky and Vivi, two of the hottest DJs in Tokyo's queer scene, will also be on the floor.
A pop-up corner will feature goods by Super-KIKI, an artist well known for making the logo and many of the illustrations for WAIFU, plus zines and books by Loneliness Books, Palestine solidarity goods by UT RISE and DJ FreakyNoriky's upcycled brand Vintage 4 Freaks.
Work by O0sirico00 and remake bags by nikoful will also be on sale. In addition, there will be a fortune-telling booth by Milai_Asatsuki, and an exhibition and sale of “Queer Placards in Solidarity with Palestine."
Date & Time May 10, 2024・17:00-23:00
Price ¥2000+1D
Location Commune

Emo Night Tokyo

The saddest party in Tokyo. Emo Night Tokyo is a place for those seeking nostalgia and connection with emo, alternative, rock and metal music. At Emo Night Tokyo, bands and DJs spin tunes that resonate with your teenage soul. This event includes both local Japanese and international bands, where music unites cultures, emotions and people.
Date & Time May 18, 2024・19:00-23:30
Price ¥1,800
Location Traffic Tokyo

MADPIA Live Event with Conna Haraway, more

Local ambient artist Yolabmi has invited Index:Records co-founder and producer Conna Haraway over from Scotland for the inaugural edition of his MADPIA event series. Haraway is joined by Orange Milk Records alum Koeosaeme as well as Yellowuhuru.
Date & Time May 24, 2024・19:00~
Price ¥2000+1D
Location Spread

Naru Records Presents A Better Tomorrow For Palestine

After releasing the fundraising album A Better Tomorrow for Palestine involving more than twenty artists based in Japan last December, Naru Records is following up with a music event in solidarity with Palestine. Sugai Ken, Hina & Mashu and Haruhisa Tanaka will be playing live performances, while Mars89 and Waste will be playing DJ sets. Hanin Siam of Palestinians of Japan will be giving a speech, and Citylight Books will be selling books related to the topic.
Date & Time May 12, 2024・17:30-22:00
Price ¥2,000
Location Live Haus Shimokitazawa
More Info Suggested contribution, all profits will be donated to a Palestinian-forward charity

Haremame & Ishinoko Present Donna Leake

Donna Leake returns to Japan for a night of smooth grooves and wiggling hips. Get your dancing shoes primed and ready for this one!
Date & Time May 10, 2024・21:00~
Price ADV ¥3,000 | DOOR ¥4,000
Location Haremame

Treatment Vol 1. A/V Event ft. Age Factory, Ntski, more

Asahina — a 3DCG artist, graphic designer and VJ — presents her premiere event, run as part of her newly formed art project "Treatment." With a focus on the visuals as much as the music, the event will feature a number of collaborations between rising visual artists and musicians. Cloud rap duo PeterParker69 are joined by New York based collective Team Rolfes on visuals, while musician Ntski will collaborate with Asahina.
Date & Time May 23, 2024・18:00~
Price ¥3000
Location WWW X

Responsible Marché

Responsible Marché will be back on Saturday May 18th at Impact HUB Tokyo. The next Responsible Marché will be an opportunity for everyone to connect and experiment with activities that are inspiring for daily conscious living. From swapping clothes and books to repairing one's own belongings, to buying local, organic and plant-based, visitors will have plenty to enjoy. The power of community will be strong, and this will be a day for people to motivate each other in our journeys towards a more responsible lifestyle in the city. Schedule: Responsible vendor booths: 11:00–18:00 Organic farmer corner: 11:00–15:00 Clothing swap: 12:00–17:00 Book swap: 16:00–18:00 Deli at Communita: 11:00–18:00
Date & Time May 18, 2024・11:00-18:00
Price Free
Location Impact HUB Tokyo

Opulence Vol. 4

Opulence is the first large-scale drag show in Japan, combining spectacular performances by world-class drag queens with club event-like production, sound and lighting. The guest queens for the fourth Opulence are Alaska, winner of the US TV show RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 2; Courtney Act, who gained popularity as the first Australian star of Drag Race; and Willam, who became one of the show's biggest stars after a shocking disqualification. The event will be held at Zepp Shinjuku Tokyo on Sunday, May 19, 2024, featuring the three members who are also active as girl group The AAA Girls.
Date & Time May 19, 2024・19:00~・Doors open at 18:00
Price Prices start at ¥9,900
Location Zepp Shinjuku

Vital ft. Chloe Lula

Vital welcomes Chloe Lula from Berlin for her first Japan appearance. The Tresor resident DJ and Resident Advisor staffer will play dark electronics alongside a stellar local lineup, including Mayudepth and Akey, at intimate Tokyo club Enter.
Date & Time May 3, 2024・22:00~
Price ¥2,000
Location Enter
More Info Afterparty only: ¥1,000

Adiel / Mind Off - 10th Anniversary

To mark the 10th anniversary of Mind Off, one of Tokyo's most beloved techno parties, a lineup of exceptional artists is converging on Japan for an exciting celebration, only at Vent. Adiel, a rising star in the techno realm, will make her much-anticipated Japanese debut, following in the footsteps of luminaries like Nina Kraviz and Amelie Lens, both previous headliners at the party. She'll be joined by Haruka and more.
Date & Time May 3, 2024・23:00~
Price ¥4,500
Location VENT
More Info ¥500 discount on FB page

Tokyo Exhibitions and Art Shows

Overland_Spillover#1 Exhibition

Based on the phenomenon of "spillover," this exhibition will continue as an ongoing program. The first iteration, "Overland_Spillover#1" will feature one solo artist, one collaborative unit, and one platform: Shuhei Hayashi, MES (Takeru Arai and Kanae Tanikawa), and FAQ? (a platform by Tanikawa and Marina Lisa Komiya).  “Overland” is to be interpreted as the title of the first episode of this project. Exhibition teaser trailer.
Date & Time May 08-Jun 16・11:00-19:00・Closed on Tuesdays | Open until 20:00 Wednesdays
Price Free
Location Bug

Tokyo International Players presents: Beauty and the Beast

Tokyo International Players performs Beauty and the Beast by Laurence Boswell with music by Mick Sands, directed by Karen Pauley. This is a very different story to the Disney's version of Beauty and the Beast. In the Tokyo International Players' version, Beauty grew up in a once wealthy household with three quirky brothers and two selfish sisters in Paris. Enjoy Beauty and the Beast as you've never seen it before, in a version described as "bonkers."
Date & Time May 23-26・19:00~・Matinee Show on the 26 at 13:00
Price ¥4500
Location Theater Sun Mall
More Info ¥3000 for students

Photo by Chris Strong

Afro Mingei: Theaster Gates Solo Exhibition

While Black histories remain relatively little known among the Japanese public, this exhibition demonstrates its growing attention to Black art through the multidimensional practice of Theaster Gates. "Afro-Mingei" will convey the importance of contemporary art that honors craft, ask us to consider questions of race and politics, and celebrate the hybrid possibilities of culture.
Date & Time Apr 24-Sep 01・10:00-22:00・Closes at 17:00 on Tuesday except Aug 13 (22:00) | Admission 30 mins before closing
Price ¥2000
tokyo art exhibitions

Robin F. Williams, Thirst, 2023. Oil on canvas, 127 x 152.4 cm | 50 x 60 inch. Photo by JSP Art Photography. Courtesy of the Artist, P.P.O.W. and Perrotin

"Undying" Exhibition by Robin F. Williams

In her first exhibition with Perrotin, Robin F. Williams explores the psychological variations of intimacy in film and media. Her paintings, based on film stills, are vibrant and absorbing, and their lush texturing rewards the attentive viewer. Williams engages in a discourse of gendered pleasure and female agency as seen in popular film, tantalizing the viewer with what we hope will be a happy ending.  There will be an opening reception on May 9, from 5–7 p.m.
Date & Time May 09-Jun 22・11:00-19:00
Price Free
Location Perrotin Tokyo

Henkei Exhibition by Francisco Narciso

"Henkei" by Francisco Narciso is an exhibition that explores the ever-present drive for transformation, modification, and the pursuit of individual excellence. Each image in Henkei embodies the transformative journey towards one’s ultimate and most authentic self. These photographs resonate with the relentless pursuit of personal growth and the exploration of what makes us extraordinary. There will be an opening reception on May 10, from 7–10 p.m.
Date & Time May 11-22・11:00-19:00・Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Price Free
Location UltraSuperNew Gallery

© Özgür Kar ©Aneta Grzeszykowska Photo by Ryohei tomita

Yokohama Triennale

Yokohama Triennale enters its 8th edition with the theme “Wild Grass: Our Lives.” Artists from Japan and further afield have joined forces to conclude a wide ranging exhibition across five different areas in Yokohama, including BankArt Kaiko and Yokohama Museum of Art.
Date & Time Mar 15-Jun 09・11:00~・Times vary, see website for details
Price ¥2,300
Location Bank Art Kaiko, Various

Design: Yugo Nakamura

TDC2024 Exhibition

The Tokyo Type Directors Club (TDC2024) is a graphic design award focusing on visual expression of letters and words, now entering its 34th year. This exhibition will showcase around 130 outstanding pieces from its yearbook of 486 award-winning pieces.
Date & Time Apr 01-May 15・11:00-19:00・Closed Sundays, Holidays
Price Free
Location Ginza Graphic Gallery

Sense of Structure: From Horyuji Temple To The Universe Exhibition

Architects design buildings, but structural engineers make a building possible. "Sense of Structure" is a celebration of materials, knowledge, and creation — looking at how we're able to exist alongside nature, minimise natural disasters, and create masterpieces of architecture using structural design.
Date & Time Apr 26-Aug 25・11:00-18:00
Price ¥1,500
Location What Museum

Animals, Animals, Animals! Exhibition

The city of Tokyo expanded into a sprawling metropolis during the Edo period, around 400 years ago. This exhibition asks: "How did these Tokyoites interact with animals?" A deep dive of all things feathered and furry, 240 works have been selected from the Edo Tokyo Museum collections. The 100 Animal Views From the Edo-Tokyo Museum Collection showcases a diverse representation of animals through picture scrolls, ukiyo-e prints, and folk toys.
Date & Time Apr 27-Jun 23・10:00-18:00・Closed on Mondays (except April 29, May 6, June 17)
Price ¥1,300
Location Tokyo Station Gallery
More Info Exhibits will change between the first exhibition period (April 27 - May 26) and second (May 28 - June 23)

Universal / Remote Exhibition

This March, the National Art Center, Tokyo will be hosting an exhibition entitled "Universal / Remote." This exhibition seeks to examine the various phenomena through contemporary art, such as the way we live and work within it and the state of society in the years following the pandemic. Eight solo artists and one artistic collective have come together to explore traditional themes in contemporary art, such as global capitalism and the digitalization of society. Featuring art from all of the world, from Asia to Scandinavia – including some works never before seen in Japan – viewers are invited to decipher post-pandemic society and the state of the individual.
Date & Time Mar 06-Jun 03・10:00-18:00・Last entry 30 minutes before closing
Price Tickets from ¥1,500. Discounts available for students.
Location The National Art Center
More Info Closed on Tuesdays

MUCA Icons of Urban Art Exhibition

One of the largest museums of urban art in Europe, the Museum of Urban and Contemporary Art (MUCA), is bringing its collection to Japan for the first time this spring. With over 60 incredibly valuable works, including a sculptural piece by Banksy, pieces by French street artist Invader, American artist Shepard Fairey and many more, the exhibition will include career-defining works by internationally renown artists.
 
Date & Time Mar 15-Jun 02・10:00-19:00・10:00-20:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, holidays and days before holidays
Price Tickets from ¥2,400
Location Mori Arts Center Gallery
More Info Discounts available for students

Fragments of the Future: Laboratory of Science and Design Exhibition

Design dreams of possible futures in this exhibition directed by engineer Shunji Yamanaka. Based around the theme of a more beautiful, surprising and engaging world, visitors can see prototypes, robots, and materials made by Yamanaka and others collaboratively. Showing what can emerge from combining design and scientific thinking, it asks, what could the materials of the future look like?
Date & Time Mar 29-Aug 12・11:00-19:00・Closed on Tuesdays
Price ¥1,400
Traveling Peanuts

Ⓒ 2024 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

Traveling Peanuts Exhibition

Held at the newly refurbished Snoopy Museum Tokyo, the "Traveling Peanuts" exhibition is showcasing original drawings by Charles M. Schulz that depict Snoopy and the Peanuts gang during their travels. There are more than 40 original comic strips borrowed from the Schulz Museum. "Traveling Peanuts" begins on February 1, when the Snoopy Museum Tokyo reopens after being closed for three weeks.  The museum now includes a new Snoopy Wonder Room, featuring various Snoopy goods, and a new light and video presentation in the popular Snoopy Room area, which is known for its approximately 8-meter-long giant statue of  Schulz's most famous character.  The museum's shop, Brown's Store, meanwhile, has added various items that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Adjacent to the museum is the Peanuts Cafe, which now includes terrace seating and a new grand menu. 
Date & Time Feb 01-Sep 01・10:00-18:00・Open until 20:00 between February 1 and 4, 19:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. Closed on February 20.
Price Advance Ticket ¥1,800 | On the Day ¥2,000
Location Snoopy Museum Tokyo

Tokyo Streets Exhibition

The Tokyo Streets exhibition series aims to highlight the myriad of different perspectives on Tokyo and Japan from both local and international photographers, using both film and digital cameras to bring their artistic visions to life. Explore each photographer’s unique viewpoint and gain insights into their creative processes by engaging with them in person at the gallery. There will be an exhibition party on May 25, 19:00-23:00.
Date & Time May 21-26・11:00-20:00
Price Free
Location Gallery Conceal

Black Beast, 1940. Sheet metal, bolts, and paint. 103" x 163" x 78 1/2". Photograph by Ken Adlard © Calder Foundation, New York.

Calder: Un Effet du Japonais Exhibition

"Calder: Un Effet du Japonais" explores the enduring resonance of the American modernist’s art with Japanese traditions and aesthetics. Curated by Alexander S. C. Rower, President of the Calder Foundation, New York, and organized in collaboration with Pace Gallery, the exhibition will comprise approximately 100 works from the collection of the Calder Foundation that span the 1930s to the 1970s, ranging from the artist’s signature mobiles, stabiles and standing mobiles to his oil paintings and works on paper.
Date & Time May 30-Sep 06・10:00-18:00・Fri, Sat: 19:00
Price ¥1,500

Tokyo Art Tank Vol. 11

Art and culture enthusiasts are invited to the 11th edition of Tokyo Art Tank, a week-long group exhibition featuring the work of 27 ground-breaking and talented Tokyo-based artists. Featuring mediums from contemporary paintings to avant-garde sculptures, this exhibition promises to inspire and captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and innovation, and to explore a diverse range of artistic expressions capturing the essence of Tokyo's vibrant art scene in spring. Stay tuned for details such as live music shows, poetry readings by the Tokyo Poetry Journal, and more.  
Date & Time May 27-Jun 02・11:00-20:00
Price Free
Location Gallery Conceal Shibuya

Tokyo Afternoon Tea, Food and Drink Events

Special Sober Curious Menu at Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in the heart of Shibuya, with bespoke mocktails. Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya is offering bookable mocktail experiences, featuring a range of specially designed non-alcoholic beverages.
Date & Time Apr 23-May 31・11:30~・Lunch and dinner options available
Price from ¥6194
Location Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Firefly Evening Dinner Buffet at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

To celebrate the arrivals of fireflies in May, the Chinzanso Tokyo is hosting a special "Firefly Evening and His Dinner Buffet" menu. This year, the menu will feature a variety of cuisines, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese. The buffet menu includes popular dishes, like special beef stew, rice and eggplant, as well as traditional menu items. After your meal, enjoy the fantastic collaboration of fireflies and the sea of clouds in the garden.
Date & Time May 17-Jun 30・18:00-20:00・Meal times depend on the day. Please check the website for more details.
Price Adult tickets from ¥13,500
Location Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

Gold Bar at Edition: Paradiso Guest Bartending Event

This Sunday, Gold Bar at Edition (stylized as EDITION) will be welcoming Barcelona's Paradiso, which in 2022 was crowned as the number-one bar globally at The World's 50 Best Bars. It will be showcasing its newly designed cocktails for this one-night-only event. In addition to the world-class drinks, there will also be DJ entertainment.   Guests can choose three creative cocktails from a total of five (additional cocktails can be added on the day depending on the quantity prepared). The event is reservation only, and will be held in two sessions: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30pm and 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  * Please note that since there is only a limited number of cocktails available, some kinds may sell out.
Date & Time May 5, 2024・16:00-17:30・Second session from 17:30-19:00
Price ¥7,500 (service charge and tax included)
Location Gold Bar at Edition

More Things To Do in Tokyo