As the last of the cherry blossoms give way to vibrant greenery and the weather settles into a pleasant warmth, May reveals Japan in one of its most magnificent states. Nestled between the celebrated cherry blossom season of mid-April to early May and the onset of the summer rainy period in early June, May offers visitors an ideal blend of comfortable temperatures, cultural festivities, and natural splendour. For the discerning traveller seeking an authentic Japanese experience with fewer crowds than during peak cherry blossom season, May presents a perfect opportunity to visit Japan with its pleasant weather and spring season charm. Let’s dive in with Designer Journeys!
Post Contents
May Weather: The Sweet Spot
May weather in Japan hits the sweet spot that travellers dream of – warm, pleasant days with comfortable evenings and minimal rainfall before the rainy season begins in June. With average daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F) across most of the country, outdoor activities become particularly enjoyable.
Shibuya Crossing is famously known as one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
Tokyo and central Japan experience average temperatures around 19-23°C (66-73°F), creating perfect conditions for urban exploration and garden visits. The northern regions of Tohoku might be slightly cooler, whilst the southern islands of Okinawa already bask in early summer warmth.
Okinawa enjoys a warm, subtropical climate, supporting diverse vegetation.
The weather remains predominantly dry throughout May, with the rainy season (tsuyu) typically not beginning until early to mid-June. This makes May one of the last chances to enjoy extensive outdoor activities before the humid, wet summer takes hold.
This climatic sweet spot means you’ll need to pack versatile clothing—light layers that can be added or removed as temperatures fluctuate throughout the day are ideal. A light jacket or cardigan for evenings should suffice in most regions, though those venturing to mountainous areas might need something warmer.
Are you planning a trip to Japan?
Browse our gallery of fully customisable Japan itineraries and connect with one of our expert Local Designers to get you started! Designer Journeys can design your ultimate experience and offers hand-crafted itineraries built by experienced Local Designers who have first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Spectacular Natural Beauty
May in Japan presents a landscape transformed from the delicate pink of cherry blossoms to a vibrant tapestry of diverse floral displays and lush greenery.
Wisteria Gardens in Full Bloom
Perhaps the most breathtaking natural spectacle in May is the country’s wisteria (fuji) blooms. The Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden in Fukuoka Prefecture becomes a fairytale landscape of hanging purple, white, and pink wisteria flowers forming enchanting tunnels and canopies. Similarly, the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture boasts Japan’s oldest wisteria tree, estimated to be over 150 years old, along with spectacular wisteria trellises covering vast areas of the park.
Known for its long flower clusters and fragrant blooms.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
At the foot of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival showcases approximately 800,000 pink moss phlox plants (shibazakura) blooming across the landscape. With Mount Fuji standing majestically in the background, the fields of pink, white, and purple flowers create one of the most photographed spring scenes in Japan.
The view of Mount Fuji towering over the blooming fields is a major attraction.
Late Blooms in Northern Japan
While central and southern Japan have moved beyond cherry blossom season by May, the northern Tohoku region often experiences later blooms. Places like Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori Prefecture might still display magnificent cherry blossoms in early May, offering a last chance to experience this iconic Japanese phenomenon.
The nighttime illumination allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms beyond daylight hours.
Fresh Verdant Landscapes
Beyond specific floral displays, May brings about a refreshing greenery across Japan’s mountains, gardens, and countryside. The bright new leaves (shinryoku) create a vibrant backdrop for exploration, particularly beautiful in garden settings where the contrast between architectural elements and fresh foliage reaches its aesthetic peak.
Celebrated on May 5th, it is a day to honor children’s health and happiness.
Design your perfect Japan trip today!
Work with your expert local travel designer to customise your itinerary so it is exactly what you want from a Japan trip. Get exclusive experiences, top-rated restaurants, and hotels that fit your interests.
May Festivals: Cultural Immersion
May in Japan is rich with traditional festivals (matsuri) that provide extraordinary opportunities for cultural immersion. These celebrations, many dating back centuries, allow visitors to witness Japanese traditions, spirituality, and community bonds in action.
Golden Week: Japan’s Holiday Paradise
The first week of May in Japan brings with it the famous “Golden Week,” a cluster of national holidays that creates one of the country’s most significant holiday periods. Beginning with Shōwa Day on 29th April and extending through Children’s Day on 5th May, this period sees Japanese citizens embarking on domestic travels in droves. For many foreign visitors, planning a visit to Japan during the Golden Week holiday experience becomes a priority on their travel bucket list, despite the Golden Week crowds that descend upon famous attractions across the country.
Celebrated on May 5th, it is a day to honor children’s health and happiness.
For foreign visitors, Golden Week presents both challenges and opportunities. While popular tourist destinations become extraordinarily busy with domestic travellers, the atmosphere throughout the country is undeniably festive. The Japanese people are in holiday spirits, and numerous festivals and events take place across the archipelago.
If you’re planning to visit during Golden Week, booking accommodations and transportation well in advance is absolutely essential. Hotels in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka often reach full capacity months beforehand, and train reservations become scarce as the dates approach. Those who wish to visit Tokyo during this period should be particularly vigilant about securing arrangements early, as the capital experiences some of the most significant Golden Week crowds.
Carp are chosen because in Japanese folklore, they symbolize courage, strength, and perseverance.
However, don’t let the potential crowds deter you—the cultural experiences available during this period are unparalleled. From traditional festivals to modern celebrations, Golden Week offers a glimpse into Japanese culture that few other times of the year can match. The famous festivals that take place during this period provide extraordinary opportunities to witness Japanese traditions in full display, making it worth navigating the holiday rush.
Sanja Matsuri
One of Tokyo’s three major festivals, the Sanja Matsuri takes place at Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple in mid-May. This three-day celebration honours the three founders of the temple with elaborate processions featuring portable shrines (mikoshi). The energetic atmosphere, with chanting shrine bearers, traditional music, and thousands of participants in historical costume, offers an unforgettable glimpse into Tokyo’s spiritual heritage.
It is one of Tokyo’s largest and most famous festivals.
Aoi Matsuri
Held on 15th May in Kyoto, the Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Festival) is one of the city’s oldest festivals, dating back over 1,400 years. A solemn procession of over 500 people dressed in Heian-period (794-1185) imperial court costumes makes its way from the Imperial Palace to Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines. The participants and horses are decorated with hollyhock leaves, believed to protect against natural disasters.
Hakata Dontaku Festival
In Fukuoka, the Hakata Dontaku Festival on 3rd-4th May brings over two million people to the streets to watch parades, traditional performances, and modern celebrations. With origins dating back to the 17th century, this festival blends historical customs with contemporary revelry, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city.
Participants often carry and playfully beat shamoji (wooden rice scoops), a unique tradition of the festival.
Kanda Matsuri
In odd-numbered years, Tokyo celebrates the Kanda Matsuri, one of Japan’s three greatest festivals alongside Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri. Centred around Kanda Myojin Shrine, the festival features ornate processions with portable shrines, traditional music, and dance, offering visitors a spectacular display of Edo-period traditions.
The festival has a long history, dating back to the Edo period.
Avoiding the Crowds: Strategic May Travel
While Golden Week brings crowds to popular destinations, the latter half of May offers a perfect window for travellers seeking a more relaxed experience. After Children’s Day on 5th May, domestic tourism decreases significantly, leaving many famous sites considerably less crowded than during April’s cherry blossom season or early May’s holiday rush.
To maximise your experience during busy periods, consider these strategies:
-
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late afternoon
-
Explore lesser-known destinations within popular regions
-
Book accommodations and transportation well in advance
-
Consider staying in smaller towns and taking day trips to major sites
-
Visit popular indoor attractions during midday when outdoor locations are busiest
Regional Highlights
Tokyo and Surrounds
By May, Tokyo settles into a comfortable rhythm with pleasant temperatures and vibrant greenery in its parks and gardens. While early April sees Tokyo at its most crowded with cherry blossom enthusiasts, May offers a more relaxed atmosphere to visit Tokyo’s famous attractions. After Golden Week, popular spots like Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens become notably less crowded than during the early April rush.
The sheer number and variety of the decorated barrels create a visually impressive display for visitors.
The Nezu Shrine Azalea Festival typically continues into early May, with thousands of azalea bushes creating stunning colour displays. Meanwhile, the aforementioned Sanja Matsuri brings Asakusa to life with traditional celebrations.
Day trips from Tokyo become particularly appealing in May weather. Consider visiting Kamakura to see its Great Buddha and lush temples, or Nikko for magnificent shrines set amongst fresh green forests.
Kyoto and the Kansai Region
Kyoto in May offers a more peaceful experience than during the cherry blossom peak. The city’s countless temples and shrines are framed by fresh greenery, creating perfect photographic opportunities. The Aoi Matsuri provides a glimpse into the city’s ancient heritage, while the Kamogawa River banks become popular spots for evening strolls and casual dining.
Over a thousand deer roam freely throughout the park’s grounds, interacting with tourists.
In nearby Nara, the famous deer park and magnificent temples can be enjoyed without the extreme crowds of earlier spring. The fresh green backdrop makes the ancient capital’s cultural treasures stand out even more beautifully.
Osaka in May buzzes with energy, its famous street food scenes and modern attractions complemented by pleasant evening temperatures perfect for exploring the lively Dotonbori district.
Northern Japan
For those seeking fewer crowds and later cherry blossoms, northern Tohoku presents an excellent May destination. The region’s natural beauty, with mountains, lakes, and forests transitioning fully into spring, offers spectacular scenery. Hot spring towns like Nyuto Onsen provide relaxing retreats amongst nature, while historical sites such as Hirosaki Castle might still feature cherry blossoms in early May.
Each of the seven onsen has its own unique water properties and atmosphere.
Southern Islands
In Okinawa and Japan’s southern islands, May brings early summer conditions with warmer temperatures ideal for beach activities. Before the rainy season arrives, these tropical paradises offer clear waters perfect for snorkelling and diving. The Ryukyu Kingdom’s unique cultural heritage, distinct from mainland Japan, provides additional dimensions to explore beyond natural beauty.
The aquarium showcases the rich marine biodiversity of the Okinawan seas.
Culinary Delights of May
Japanese cuisine strongly emphasises seasonality, and May brings its own special flavours and ingredients. Look for these seasonal specialities:
-
Bamboo shoots (takenoko): Fresh spring bamboo features in numerous dishes, from simple rice accompaniments to elaborate presentations
-
Sea bream (tai): Considered auspicious and particularly delicious in spring
-
Spring cabbage (shungiku): Sweet, tender cabbage often used in hotpots and stir-fries
-
Firefly squid (hotaru-ika): These tiny luminescent squid are a spring delicacy
-
Green tea: May brings the first harvest (shincha) of the year, prized for its fresh, vibrant flavour
Seasonal wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) in May often feature kashiwa (oak) leaves for Children’s Day or incorporate fresh seasonal fruits like early summer strawberries.
Practical Travel Tips for May
What to Pack
-
Light, layerable clothing suitable for temperatures ranging from 15-25°C
-
A light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings
-
Comfortable walking shoes for extensive exploration
-
Portable umbrella for occasional spring showers
-
Sunscreen and sunglasses for increasingly strong spring sunshine
Transportation and Accommodation
If you plan to travel during Golden Week (approximately 29 April to 5 May), book all accommodation and transportation—especially Shinkansen tickets—well in advance. If you plan to travel extensively, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass before arriving in the country.
Reservations remain advisable but become less essential for post-Golden Week travel, and spontaneous itinerary changes can be made with greater flexibility.
Cultural Etiquette Reminders
-
Remove shoes when entering traditional ryokan, some restaurants, and private homes
-
Carry a small towel for hand-drying in public facilities
-
Observe quiet behaviour in temples, shrines, and on public transportation
-
Learn basic Japanese phrases—even simple greetings are greatly appreciated
-
Follow specific instructions at the onsen (hot springs) regarding washing procedures
May in Japan offers a splendid balance—the freshness of spring without the intense humidity of summer, vibrant cultural festivities, and spectacular floral displays beyond the famed cherry blossoms. While Golden Week presents certain challenges for travellers, with proper planning and a flexible attitude, it can become an enriching part of your Japanese experience rather than an obstacle.
Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!
For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
Japan reveals itself in May as a country of celebration and natural beauty. It’s a time when the country fully embraces the season of renewal, with locals and visitors alike venturing outdoors to appreciate the magnificent transformation of the landscape. Whether you’re wandering through purple wisteria tunnels, participating in ancient festivals, or simply enjoying the comfortable climate perfect for exploration, Japan in May offers memories that will last a lifetime.
As we say in Japanese, “Yoi tabi o!” — Have a good journey!
Visit Japan in the other months? Explore our Japan travel guide for an unforgettable journey.
