May is Golden Week recovery season, but it’s also when Tokyo’s summer event calendar starts taking shape.
Kanda Matsuri (Kanda Myojin)
One of Tokyo’s three great festivals, Kanda Matsuri is held in odd-numbered years (2026 is an odd year — this is the one!). Takes place around May 9–15 near Kanda Myojin shrine, a short walk from Akihabara.
- Mikoshi processions — Portable shrines carried through Akihabara’s streets
- Street stalls — Yatai food stalls line the approach
- Otaku connection — The shrine and the district share a symbiotic relationship; anime-themed offerings are common
Design Festa Preparation
The late-May Design Festa at Tokyo Big Sight releases its exhibitor directory in early May. Browse it at the Design Festa website to plan which artist booths to prioritize.
Summer Comiket (C106)
If you applied for a circle at C106, results arrive in late April–May. Circle confirmation payments are due — check the Comiket site for deadlines.
Coming Up in June
- Tsuyu (rainy season) — Indoor activities season
- Anime film releases — Summer blockbuster season begins
- C106 final prep
Vocab: 神田祭 Kanda Matsuri — One of Tokyo’s three major Shinto festivals, held at Kanda Myojin in odd-numbered years.