Why May is a refreshing time to visit Japan? May is one of the most pleasant times to visit Japan. The chill of early spring has faded, but the heavy summer humidity has not yet set in. Instead, you can expect mild, sunny days, vibrant flower festivals, and lively cultural celebrations. Whether you want to stroll under wisteria tunnels, join the locals at colourful street festivals, or head north to see the last cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, travelling in May offers the perfect balance of comfort and variety.
Want this planned for you? Learn about the May weather in Japan, and then explore our private May sample itineraries.
Table of Contents
Weather in Japan in May
Popular Events and Activities in Japan in May 2026
What to Pack for Japan in May?
Is Japan crowded in May?
Is Japan expensive in May?
Japan in May: Travel Q&A
1. Weather in Japan in May
May is one of the most pleasant months for traveling across Japan. The days are pleasantly warm, and the nights are cool; the rainy season has not yet begun. Read on for what to expect in each significant city and practical travel tips. Here's what you can expect in different cities:
Sapporo (Hokkaido)
Daytime/nighttime temperatures: 18°C/10°C (64°F/50°F).
Travel Tips:
Bring a light coat for cool mornings and evenings.
Bring layered outfits—you'll warm up quickly in the sun.
The ideal time for flower lovers is May, when tulips and lilacs bloom.
Don't miss: The late cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park and the colorful flower gardens across Hokkaido.
Tokyo
Daytime/nighttime temperatures: 25°C/18°C (77°F/64°F)
Travel Tips:
Light layers work best. Carry a thin jacket for the evenings.
Sunglasses and sunscreen are helpful for long walks.
Golden Week in early May is a busy time, so book your tickets and hotels in advance.
Don't miss: Explore Asakusa and Sensoji Temple, or enjoy the fresh greenery in Ueno Park. Visiting Nikko near Tokyo is also a great option for outdoor sightseeing.
Kyoto
Daytime/nighttime temperatures: 25°C/17°C (77°F/63°F)
Travel Tips:
It is comfortable for full-day walks among temples and gardens.
Wear breathable shoes for the cobbled paths and long strolls.
Early mornings are the best time to avoid crowds at popular temples.
Don't miss: The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the spring colors around Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Osaka
Daytime/nighttime temperatures: 26°C/18°C (79°F/64°F)
Travel Tips:
The warm sunshine is excellent for exploring the street food scene—don't forget your sunscreen!
Evenings are pleasant and perfect for taking a leisurely walk along the river.
Light cotton clothes will keep you comfortable all day.
Don't miss: The lively nightlife and neon-lit canals of Dotonbori.
Hiroshima
Daytime/nighttime temperatures: 25°C/17°C (77°F/63°F)
Travel Tips:
The weather is mild, making it ideal for unhurried sightseeing on foot.
Bring a light sweater for breezy evenings.
Ferries to Miyajima are less crowded than during peak seasons.
Don't miss: The moving Peace Memorial Park and a ferry ride to Miyajima Island.
Fukuoka
Daytime/nighttime temperatures: 25°C/18°C (77°F/64°F)
Travel Tips:
It's perfect for outdoor dining—try the evening riverside food stalls.
Carry a light umbrella, as brief showers are possible.
Evenings are mild enough for relaxed city walks.
Don't miss: Slurping Hakata ramen at the famous yatai street stalls along the Nakasu riverside.
Okinawa
Daytime/nighttime temperatures: 27°C/21°C (81°F/70°F)
Travel Tips:
It already feels like summer, so pack swimwear and beach sandals.
Sunscreen and hats are essential in the intense sun.
Plan indoor activities in case of afternoon showers.
Don't miss: The white-sand beaches of the Ishigaki and Miyako Islands and the historic Shurijo Castle.
2. Popular Events and Activities in Japan in May 2026
a. Flower Festivals and Seasonal Blooms
May is one of Japan's most colorful months. Across the country, gardens and parks burst into bloom with flowers that go far beyond cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossoms in Hokkaido: May offers the last chance to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Japan. In Hakodate, Goryokaku Park is transformed into a star-shaped sea of blossom. Another must-see is Maruyama Park in Sapporo, where locals gather under the blooming cherry trees for hanami picnics in late spring.
Wisteria: The Byodoin Temple in Kyoto and the Kawachi Fujien Garden in Fukuoka feature enchanting tunnels of cascading purple blossoms. Walking through these fragrant arches is like stepping into a dream.
Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi): Just a short trip from Tokyo, this world-famous park is renowned for its wisteria tunnels, which boast blossoms ranging from white to deep purple. At night, the illuminated wisteria creates a magical, otherworldly glow.
Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki): In May, over five million baby-blue nemophila flowers bloom across rolling hills, blending with the sky to create a breathtaking panorama. Tulip gardens add even more bursts of colour.
Shibazakura (Moss Phlox): Vast fields of pink, purple, and white flowers bloom around Mount Fuji, beneath Japan's iconic peak. This creates one of the most photogenic spring landscapes in the country.
Seize your last chance to see the cherry blossoms by joining our Hokkaido Sakura tours in May 2026. You can catch the final blooms of the season at Hakodate's star-shaped Goryokaku Park and Sapporo's Maruyama Park.
b. Traditional Festivals and Cultural Celebrations
Children's Day (Kodomo no Hi, May 5): Across the country, families celebrate by hanging koinobori (carp streamers) outside their homes. These brightly colored fish flags flutter in the wind, symbolizing strength and good fortune for children. Towns with rivers often display hundreds of streamers strung across the water, creating a spectacular sight.
Sanja Matsuri (Tokyo, mid-May): Held at Asakusa Shrine, this is one of Tokyo's most prominent and liveliest festivals. Crowds gather to watch mikoshi (portable shrines) carried through the streets, accompanied by chants, drumming, and endless food stalls. The atmosphere is raw, noisy, and exciting—a side of Tokyo you won't see every day.
Traveler's sight: Each festival has its own spirit. In Tokyo, expect the adrenaline of chanting crowds and sizzling street food under lanterns. In Kyoto, imagine the slow rhythm of ox-drawn carriages and the elegance of robes swaying in the breeze. Everywhere, there's a sense of community that draws you into Japan's cultural heartbeat.
c. Outdoor Adventures and Seasonal Activities
With clear skies, mild temperatures, and lush greenery, May is one of the best times to enjoy the great outdoors in Japan. From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the serene mountain valleys, nature is at its most inviting.
Fuji Mountain Adventures
Although the official climbing season for Mount Fuji begins in July, May is already a popular time to explore the Fuji Five Lakes area and the lower trails of the mountain. At its base, shibazakura fields bloom, creating a dazzling pink carpet beneath the peak. Observation decks and ropeways offer panoramic vistas without the need for strenuous hiking.
Travellers feel: Comfortable walks with cool air and vivid floral scenery.
Highlights: Seeing Mount Fuji framed by fields of shibazakura in full bloom.
Best for: Families, couples, casual travelers who enjoy sightseeing without heavy hiking.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route & Snow Walls
This world-famous mountain route fully opens in mid-April, and in May, visitors can walk between towering snow walls up to 20 metres high. The combination of snow, blue skies, and green valleys below is simply surreal.
Traveller's feeling: The exhilarating contrast between snow underfoot and sunshine overhead.
Highlights: Walking the Tateyama Snow Corridor, surrounded by snowy walls.
Best for: Families with older children, couples, photographers, and nature lovers. It is accessible, but involves walking outdoors in cool conditions.
Kurobe Gorge Railway
This picturesque railway sightseeing route in Toyama Prefecture winds through deep valleys, over suspension bridges, and alongside rivers roaring with spring meltwater. The open-air carriages allow you to gaze upwards and immerse yourself in the lush green beauty of May's nature.
Travellers feel: As you ride in the open-air carriages, you can feel the mountain wind on your face while gazing at the rushing rivers below and the cliffs rising above. It's an immersive experience that is both thrilling and safe, making you feel at one with nature.
Highlights: Cross the Shin-Yamabiko Bridge, where the rumble of the train echoes back from the valley walls, creating a natural 'yamabiko' (mountain echo). At Keyakidaira, you can stroll to the Okukane Red Bridge to enjoy sweeping views, or soak your feet in a natural hot spring footbath while admiring the gorge.
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, couples, and families. This relaxed, low-effort adventure is especially suitable for seniors and offers stunning views.
d.Tokyo Urban Highlights in May
Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament (Ryōgoku Kokugikan)
Every May, Tokyo hosts one of Japan's six official sumo tournaments. Tickets go on sale in early April and sell out quickly. The atmosphere is electric: crowds fall silent before the clash, then erupt in cheers as bouts end in seconds. For travelers, the rituals—such as salt throwing, stomping, and the dramatic ring-entering ceremony—make it as much a cultural theater as a sport.
Unique insight: Lower-rank matches in the morning are less crowded, letting you sit closer to the ring and even snap photos without obstruction—an insider tip many first-timers miss.
Best suited for: Culture enthusiasts, sports enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Japanese traditions. Less ideal for young children who may struggle with long sitting periods.
Tokyo International Art Fair (Tokyo Big Sight)
Held at Tokyo Big Sight, this fair brings together hundreds of contemporary artists from Japan and around the world. Visitors can browse paintings, photography, sculptures, and digital installations, often meeting the artists directly. The mix of Japanese aesthetics and global creativity makes it a stimulating cultural stop in the city.
Experience feel: Strolling the exhibition halls feels like hopping between worlds—from avant-garde Japanese minimalism to bold international street art.
Best suited for: Art enthusiasts, creative professionals, and couples seeking an inspiring urban experience. Suitable for all ages, with teens and adults likely to enjoy it the most.
There is something for every traveller in Japan in May. If you're looking for culture, nature, or vibrant city life, this month has it all.
What kind of customised tour would you like? Get in touch to create your own personalised itinerary, complete with private transport and a personal guide.
3. What to Pack for Japan in May?
Packing for Japan in May is easy—you don't need to overthink it. The weather is comfortable, mild, and traveler-friendly, so just a few wise choices will take you far.
Daytime wear: Light and breezy. Think T-shirts, shorts, casual dresses, and sandals for strolling through temples or flower parks. And don't forget a hat and sunscreen for daytime strolls.
Evenings
It cools down after sunset, so be sure to bring a light jacket and a pair of trousers to stay cozy.
Rainy moments:
May brings the odd shower (around 5 inches of rain in total), so a small umbrella is a lifesaver.
Pro tip: Don't overpack. If you realise you're missing something, Uniqlo and other shops in Japan have everything you need: stylish, affordable items that are perfect for the season.
4. Is Japan crowded in May?
You've probably heard of peak seasons:
But May feels different:
After the rush of cherry blossom season, May is calmer and easier to enjoy.
The weather is pleasant, and the major sights are less crowded.
The exception: Golden Week.
Early May is Japan's biggest holiday period.
Families travel nationwide, so trains, airports, and attractions are crowded and expensive.
Hotels often sell out quickly.
After Golden Week:
Tip: plan your trip after Golden Week for smoother sightseeing, shorter queues, and better hotel deals!
5. Is Japan expensive in May?
Golden Week = Price surge!
Taking place in early May, Golden Week is one of Japan's busiest holiday seasons.
Hotels often raise their prices by 50–100%, and the most popular rooms sell out quickly.
Even budget accommodation in Tokyo or Kyoto can seem expensive during this week.
After Golden Week = Better Value
From mid-May to the end of the month, prices drop back to normal spring levels.
Hotels are easier to book and much more affordable than during the peak seasons of cherry blossoms or autumn.
There is more choice, less stress, and better value overall.
Smart booking tips:
The best option is to travel after Golden Week, when there are fewer crowds and lower prices.
If you're going during Golden Week, Book 3–6 months in advance to secure reasonable rates.
Need help? We can design a personalised travel plan to ensure you have a smooth journey, even during peak demand.
Get in touch with us right away to secure an early-bird rate and a customised itinerary.
6. Japan in May: Travel Q&A
Q: Is it hot and humid in May?
A: Not yet! May is pleasantly warm, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C (68–77°F). Compared to the heavy summer months, humidity is low, and the rain usually comes in short showers. So it's an excellent time for outdoor sightseeing.
Q: Are there any public holidays to be aware of?
A: Yes, Golden Week runs through early May, which is a busy and expensive time for travel. After that, May is smooth sailing with no major public holidays.
Q: Is it possible to see cherry blossoms in May?
A: Yes, but only in Hokkaido. Places such as Hakodate's Goryokaku Park and Sapporo's Maruyama Park offer a glimpse of the very last blossoms of the season in Japan.
Q: Is May a good month for families to visit Japan?
A: Yes! The weather is comfortable for children, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy as a family, such as strawberry picking, visiting Disneyland, and attending outdoor festivals. To avoid the crowds during Golden Week, consider planning your trip for a less busy time.
What We'd Like to Say
May is really one of the best times to visit Japan. The weather is warm but not humid, the flowers are stunning, and, after Golden Week, the crowds are much easier to handle. You can immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions, embark on mountain adventures, or enjoy the buzz of Tokyo — it all feels balanced and refreshing at this time of year.
So if you're dreaming of visiting Japan in May, why not make it stress-free? Get in touch and let us design your customised trip, complete with a private car and personal guide, leaving you free to relax and enjoy yourself.