To coincide with the Detective Conan movie that came out in April, Fallen Angel of the Highway, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is hosting a Conan-themed event. This year, visitors can enter Conan’s world by taking part in an exclusive, high-stakes escape room game.

The Detective Conan: The Escape - Prologue to the Highway game is joined by a special restaurant experience, where guests must solve a mystery while dining. The Detective Conan event is part of USJ Cool Japan 2026 line-up, which highlights popular Japanese franchises. This year includes special themed events from the likes of Jujutsu Kaisen and Monster Hunter.

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) J.K. Rowling. / MINIONS TM & (C) 2025 Universal Studios. / (C) Nintendo / TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment / 書・紫舟 / 原作／青山剛昌｢名探偵コナン｣(小学館｢週刊少年サンデー｣連載中) / (C) 2026 青山剛昌／名探偵コナン製作委員会 / (C) SCRAP All Rights Reserved. / Universal elements and all related indicia TM & (C) 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Keen adventurers visiting Nijigen no Mori’s Godzilla adventure park will be spoiled for choice thanks to a range of exclusive, new attractions.

The Godzilla theater shows its namesake alongside an original storyline, viewable only at Nijigen no Mori. Elsewhere, thrillseekers can zoom down the zipline courses, including one that takes high-fliers right into the beast’s mouth.

Target-hitters and target non-hitters(!) alike shoot towards a Godzilla-themed target at its newly-revamped shooting range, while general-knowledge buffs will enjoy the Godzilla Museum and studio tour, alongside a mystery-solving game. For those whom one day just isn’t enough, treat yourself and the family to a stay at the Godzilla-themed room at GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°.

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the Toei Kyoto Studio Park has changed its name to Uzumasa Kyoto Village and has completely renewed the entire site. Each day, for approximately 30 minutes each time, guests will be treated to a bridal procession.

Punters are invited to immerse themselves in the romantic tale of the bride and groom, stepping into their fairytale world, traditional Japanese style.

The Aoi Matsuri (also known as the Kamo Matsuri) is one of Kyoto’s largest festivals, rivaled only by Gion and Jindaiji. It has been observed for hundreds of years, depicted in the legendary literary work, The Tale of Genji, from the 11th century.

The festival celebrates the culmination of spring, named after a particular variety of Hollyhock flower. It consists of various rituals and ceremonies that lead up to a grand procession of over 500 people in period dress. There is also horseback archery and performances.

The 76th edition of the Himeji Castle festival highlights all things traditional Japan. Each day has its own distinct vibe. Friday, May 22, gently leads the festivities with a noh performance, before the celebrations begin in earnest on Saturday, May 23, welcoming a procession that includes period dress, horses and weddings.

The closing day is a lively affair, with dances from yosakoi groups and musical performances.

Travel back over 1,300 years at the Heijo-kyo Palace Tempyo Procession, a spectacular historical event held at Heijo Palace Site Historical Park. The procession recreates the court culture of the Nara period (710–794), when the area served as Japan’s first permanent capital.

During the event, participants dressed in Tenpyo-era costumes parade across the grounds of the former imperial palace. The procession includes figures representing emperors, court nobles, and attendants, bringing the grandeur of ancient Japan to life in the spirit of Golden Week.

Watch future stars and veterans compete on the Suzuka Circuit edition of the annual Super Formula race, for one weekend only. Revered globally as one of the fastest racing series in the world outside of Formula 1, it is known for producing incredibly high cornering speeds and intensely close competition.

While the chassis is spec, teams choose between two highly advanced 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engines from rival Japanese motorsport giants: Toyota and Honda. Since the machinery is so evenly matched, success in Super Formula relies on driver skill and precise team strategy. 2026 sees champions like Ayumu Iwasa for Honda and Sho Tsuboi for Toyota.

Art Osaka is Osaka’s most prominent contemporary arts festival, showcasing the best in Asian contemporary art. With galleries from across Kansai, Japan and Asia showing their top artists, it’s set to be a telling prediction of where the Asian art world is at.

It takes place around the Umekita area of Osaka, across two venues. There are over 60 galleries confirmed to be exhibiting, including Maki Gallery from Tokyo and Galerie Stephanie from the Philippines.

Creative studio Naked Inc., presents Naked Meets Gaudi to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the legendary Spanish artist’s death. The exhibition combines rare archival materials such as Gaudí’s handwritten notes, letters and tools with immersive art technology, introducing his works and thinking in a whole new light.

Visitors can enjoy interactive installations that go beyond traditional museum viewing, transforming Gaudí’s creative philosophy into a hands-on experience. In an upgrade from the popular Tokyo edition of the exhibition, the Osaka edition features an upgraded area themed around the Sagrada Família.

Kobe’s largest city-led festival is a glorious mix of old and new, from traditional Japanese dancing groups to samba dancers wearing incredible wings. Visitors are treated to full carnival fanfare, with music, food stalls and activities to go with the parade of dancers — a festival highlight.

The final stretch of Osaka Castle Park’s spring celebration highlights the gorgeous flowers on display in the castle grounds, across Golden Week and beyond.

Visitors can explore the special exhibition “Warring States Connections: Interactions Between Warlords,” on the museum’s 3rd and 4th floors, running until May 20. This exhibit displays historical materials shedding light on the diverse networks and interactions among feudal lords during the Warring States period. Guests can also visit the normally-closed Hoshoan Teahouse on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the month (excluding May 1) to enjoy a set of matcha and traditional Japanese sweets while admiring the garden vistas. For outdoor dining, the park features a special paid BBQ area set up near the Forest of Memorial Trees, which is open until May 24.

May is your last chance to catch the amazing art installations and performances in the majestic setting of Kyoto’s legendary Kitano Tanmangu Shrine. Kyoto Nippon Festival reaches its tenth year of action, and to celebrate, the festival is pulling out all the stops.

It’s invited EiM (Eternity in Moment) creative team, whose previous show at Tokyo Node drew rave reviews and comparisons to teamLab. The team joins Mika Ninagawa, whose brightly colored flower studies will light up the temple spaces, including its three gardens, which will dazzle with 1000 crystals.