Things to do in May 2025 near Tokyo
Looking for things to do in May near Tokyo? May is a great time to visit Japan with flowers, spring events, and pottery fairs.
Heike Taisai Festival
平家大祭（日光市）
Relive the Epic Tale of the Heike in a Dazzling Parade!
Last updated by Angus M
on April 3, 2025
We're sure this is happening, but dates & times have NOT been confirmed yet.
DATE
2025
: 7th June (Sat), 8th June (Sun)
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2025-04-03
TIME & SCHEDULE
*The schedule below is for the 2024
1st June (Sat) 2024
8:15 pm - Taiko Drumming & Parade
Place : Start at 'Yunishigawa District Center' and end at 'Yunishigawa Onsen town'
Cost to watch: Free
2nd June (Sun) 2024
11:00 am - Parade, Biwa Music & Demonstration
Place: Start at 'Yunishigawa District Center' and end at 'Heike no Sato'
Cost to watch: There is an entrance fee to enter 'Heike no Sato'
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2025-04-03
COST
Please see above
*Information last checked on 2025-04-03
How to enjoy the Heike Taisai Festival
Picturesque scenery
Traditional Japan
History & Culture
Great Onsen (Hot Spring)
Fun for couples
Fun for kids and family
Traveling solo
Enjoy for 1 whole day!
🎎 Legendary Parade Awaits: Become a Heike Princess at Yunishigawa Onsen
⚔️ Join the tale at the Heike Taisai festival in Yunishigawa Onsen, where the 800 year history comes alive!✨
👘 In early June, more than 200 samurai warriors and noble princesses parade through this charming town in stunning period costumes (and you can too!). 🏯
🎎 Watch as the streets fill with samurai and princesses, 🎶 enjoy traditional music performances and the colorful lights reflecting off the river, taking you back to the Heike era.
✨ Don’t miss this fairytale-like setting where history, culture, and nature combine for a magical day! 🎉 (If you are staying in Yunishigawa Onsen, contact your hotel to see if you can join the parade!)
What to do near the Heike Taisai Festival
- Culture
- Visit Heike no Sato and lern about the Heike samurai clan that escaped here 800 years ago
- Experience the ‘Samurai’ world in Edo Wonderland (Kinugawa Onsen)
- Dress up like a Heike princes
- Wellness
- Revitalize in a traditional Japanese Hotspring (Onsen)
- Active
- Take a duck tour on the Yunishigawa Dam
- Hike Mt. Maeyama (around 3hours)
Yagan Railway
Discover the hidden gems of Tochigi with the Yagan Railway. Hike through the stunning Ryuokyo Gorge, indulge in the famous onsen of Kawaji, Yunishigawa, and Shiobara, and be mesmerized by the ever-changing vistas from your train window.
Kitrip Nikko
Join Rieko on one of Kitrip Nikko’s tours through Nikko’s outdoors to have a truly local experience. Unique tours include incense making to harvesting Ice from frozen lakes. See website for more.
'Yunishigawa & Oku-Kinu'
(learn more about this area)
Yunishigawa and Oku-Kinu are deep in Nikko National Park, where the Hike clan escaped in the 12th century. It has interesting culture & excellent onsen hot springs.
Places to EAT in Yunishigawa & Oku-Kinu
Places to STAY in Yunishigawa & Oku-Kinu
Ryokan (Japanese Style Hotels)
This area is a famous Onsen (Hot spring) town so there are many nice Onsen Ryokans (Japanese Style Hotels with a hot spring).
Western Style Hotels
This area is a popular hot spring destination. There are many Hotels with Western style rooms that cater towards western guests.
Guesthouses & Airbnbs
There not many Guesthouses and holiday homes in this area, but there are many Hotels and Ryokans with hot springs.
Hatcho-no-yu
Located in Nikko National Park, ‘Haccho no Yu’ is said to be the last hidden hot spring near Tokyo. At an altitude of 1,400 meters, surrounded by wildlife, enjoy our locally sourced meal and open-air baths beside a waterfall. Our winter snow activities are also highly recommended.
Access (How to get to Heike Taisai Festival)
① Getting to 'Heike no Sato'
How to get there
Public Transport
2hrs 40min train ride from Tokyo (Asakusa).
Car
3hrs 15min drive from Tokyo by car.
Location & Address
Address
Heike no Sato
平家の里
1042 Yunishigawa Onsen, Nikko City, Tochigi Pref. Japan 321-2601
〒321-2601 栃木県日光市湯西川温泉1042
TEL：0288-98-0126
Access from Tokyo
By Public Transport
Via Yunishigawa Onsen Station (Yagan Tetsudo Line/Kinugawa Line)
Take the bus to Yunishigawa Onsen. After a 25-minute ride, get off at the Yunishigawa Onsen (the last bus stop).
*You can also take a bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station if you are staying in Kinugawa Onsen.
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
By Car
Via Nikko-Utsunomiya Road Imaichi IC
75 mins drive from Nikko-Utsunomiya Road Imaichi IC (via route 121 and route 249)
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
② Getting to 'Yunishigawa District Center'
How to get there
Public Transport
2hrs 30min train ride from Tokyo (Asakusa).
Car
3hrs 10min drive from Tokyo by car.
Location & Address
Address
Yunishigawa District Center
日光市役所 湯西川地区センター
709 Yunishigawa, Nikko City, Tochigi Pref. Japan 321-2601
〒321-2601 栃木県日光市湯西川709
TEL：0288-98-0026
Access from Tokyo
By Public Transport
Via Yunishigawa Onsen Station (Yagan Tetsudo/Kinugawa Line)
Take the bus towards Yunishigawa Onsen. After 20 mins ride, get off at Yamashiroya Hotel Mae Bus stop.
*You can also take a bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station if you are staying in Kinugawa Onsen.
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
By Car
Via Nikko-Utsunomiya Road Imaichi IC
70 mins drive from Nikko-Utsunomiya Road Imaichi IC (via route 121 and route 249)
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
Contact Details (Event Organizer)
For information about this event, please contact the Nikko City Tourism Association directly.
Tel: +81 (0)288-22-1525
Websites
Disclaimer: NearbyTokyo.com strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information by researching and contacting event organizers. All information on the page is provided in good faith. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, reliability, or availability of any information found here. Readers are encouraged to verify any information with official sources.
