5 things to do in Japan this May

Weaving together Paris and Tokyo, Dior’s stunning Bamboo Pavilion store in Daikanyama encompasses a conceptual garden and this café by French star chef Anne-Sophie Pic. A highlight treat is the Le Trèfle pastry, an edible version of the maison’s signature four-leaf clover motif, adorned with a ladybug-shaped piece of chocolate to celebrate spring. Pic’s refined sweets are also available at the Dior Ginza store. 

Opened in 1908 and now an Important Cultural Property, the red-brick Nara Prison has been turned into a unique museum by hotel operator Hoshino Resorts. Exhibits include art pieces that extend across the building and into the surroundings, as well as displays that zoom in on life in the disciplinary confines of the former prison, prompting visitors to reflect on the meaning of freedom. 

Tokyo’s new ‘Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon’ theatre brings the world of the Sailor Guardians to life. In addition to a spectacular show featuring original stories, look forward to special cast greetings and other exclusive experiences. 

This experimental music festival, held until May 17, invites a diverse cast of artists from Japan and abroad to perform at standout venues such as the Shoseien Garden at Higashi-Honganji Temple. Sharing a theme with its sister event, the concurrent Kyotographie photography festival, Kyotophonie makes an ideal opportunity to expand your musical horizons.

Three leading Japanese contemporary artists join forces for this expansive showcase, on show until July 20. In addition to new works by the trio of luminaries who have helped put Osaka on the world map of contemporary art, the exhibition features their first-ever series of collaborative pieces.