May is a wonderful month to visit Japan, as the country bursts into vibrant colours under clear, pleasant skies. In northern regions, you can still catch the late cherry blossoms in bloom, while other areas transform into lush green landscapes. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto come alive during Golden Week in Japan, where festivals, parades, and lively crowds create an exciting atmosphere. It’s also a prime season for discovering Japan’s rich cultural heritage, from ancient temples and serene gardens to traditional tea houses tucked away in quiet alleys. Make the most of visiting Japan in May! Plan the ultimate spring trip and check out popular things to do.
What To Know Before Your Trip
Before packing your bags, it’s essential to understand Japan’s travel patterns in May. The first week is dominated by Golden Week, a series of national holidays from late April to early May. Expect transportation, hotels, and tourist sites to be crowded and more expensive during this time. However, once Golden Week ends, Japan returns to a calmer rhythm, offering better prices and more relaxed sightseeing opportunities. Booking accommodations and transport at least one to two months ahead is highly recommended, especially if you plan to travel during Golden Week.
Comfortable Weather Perfect for Exploring
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May is a fantastic time to visit Japan, as it strikes a perfect balance between the chilly spring and the humid summer months. Japan’s weather in May averages around 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F), depending on the region, with little rainfall compared to the upcoming rainy season in June. However, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip, as temperatures can vary depending on the region.
You can expect mostly sunny days and clear skies in Tokyo and Kyoto, making it ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing, hiking, and visiting temples. Light jackets or sweaters are enough, especially for cooler mornings and evenings. Packing comfortable walking shoes is a must, as cities like Kyoto and Nara are best explored on foot.
Additionally, May is a great time to experience some of Japan’s unique festivals and events, such as Children’s Day and the Kanda Festival in Tokyo.
Pre-Arrival
When planning your itinerary, it’s wise to monitor holiday schedules. Major attractions like temples, museums, and parks operate as usual, but trains and highways can get crowded during Golden Week in Japan.
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JR Passes are highly recommended if you’re planning to travel between cities, as they offer unlimited rides on most Shinkansen lines. You can book your JR Pass online and pick it up at designated stations like Tokyo Station or Narita Airport. Payment options in Japan have also evolved, with most places now accepting IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, as well as cashless apps like PayPay.
The Crowd
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Early May sees an influx of local travellers due to Golden Week. Tourist hotspots like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo Disneyland can be packed, with accommodation rates peaking. After the holiday week, crowd levels drop significantly. This makes mid to late May one of the most pleasant periods for sightseeing. If you’re planning to visit flower parks or seasonal festivals, arriving after May 6 gives you the best mix of accessibility and serenity.
What To Do in Japan During May
Japan offers a wide range of destinations to explore in May. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Kyoto, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with the pleasant weather, it’s the perfect time to explore Japan’s stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or nature, Japan has something to offer every traveler in May. Continue reading to discover the best destination to travel in May.
Hike to Mount Fuji
This active volcano is a famous tourist site for Japanese and foreign visitors, drawing hikers worldwide. The most excellent part of visiting Mount Fuji in May is that you can take in the fresh air and vegetation while still seeing snow on the mountain’s pinnacle.
Hiking Mount Fuji at this time of year allows you to enjoy the excitement of mountain climbing while escaping the harsh winter weather. The beautiful views from its peak are spectacular, and it’s best to come early in the morning to avoid crowds. The ascent to the mountain’s peak is also a favourite pastime for couples, with many individuals proposing to their spouses at the summit.
Attend Golden Week Festivities
Golden Week Japan (April 29 to May 5) is one of the most festive times of the year. During this week, cities host parades, cultural exhibitions, and street festivals.
One highlight is the Hakata Dontaku Festival in Fukuoka, drawing over two million visitors with colourful processions and live performances.
The Hakata Dontaku Festival dates back to the 12th century when it was a ritual to pray for good harvests and peace. Because the festival has occurred on the first Sunday of May since the Edo Period (1603-1868), the name Dontaku derives from the Dutch word Zondag, which means Sunday or holiday. It features various performances and activities, such as traditional dances, music, comedy, martial arts, etc. One of the highlights is the Shamoji Dance, where thousands of people dance with wooden rice paddles in their hands. Experience the best period to go to Japan and the best time to visit, especially in May, to witness this vibrant festival.
Another highlight is the Dontaku Port Festival, where fireworks and laser shows light up the night sky over Hakata Bay. The Festival is an excellent opportunity to experience the culture and spirit of Fukuoka, a city known for its food, history and hospitality. You can enjoy local delicacies such as Hakata ramen, mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and motsunabe (hot pot with beef or pork innards). You can also visit historical sites such as Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka Castle and Hakata Machiya Folk Museum making them one of the best destination to travel in May.
Location: Hakata Station area, Fukuoka
Date/Time: May 3-4, 2025
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: https://www.dontaku.fukunet.or.jp/
Another must-see is the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo, held in mid-May during odd-numbered years, but smaller related festivities often happen around Golden Week even in even years. This festival features a grand parade of mikoshi (portable shrines), musicians, and traditional dancers winding through central Tokyo.
Location: Kanda Shrine area, Tokyo
Date/Time: May 8-15, 2025
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: https://kandamatsuri.com/
Travel can be hectic during this time, but if you plan ahead, experiencing Golden Week offers a dynamic glimpse into Japanese culture. Note that many domestic travellers will also be moving around, so advanced reservations for bullet trains and hotels are essential.
See the Last of the Cherry Blossoms
While peak sakura season is typically in March and April, you can still enjoy late cherry blossoms in Japan’s northern regions during May.
Image Credit: Japan All Pass
Hokkaido’s Matsumae Park, often called the “castle of cherry blossoms,” showcases over 250 varieties of sakura, typically blooming in early May. Don’t miss out on the 77th Matsumae Sakura Festival happening from April 19 to May 11, 2025!
Location: Matsushiro, Matsumae, Hokkaido
Opening Times: Park is open all day, attractions inside have operating hours from 9:00AM-5:00PM
Entrance Fee: Free, but requires a fee to enter attractions like the Matsumae Castle (¥360)
Website: https://travel-matsumae.jp/
Image Credit: Rob Report
Another excellent spot is Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, known for its star-shaped moat lined with cherry trees. Watching the cherry blossoms under the soft spring sun feels magical, and May’s mild climate allows for longer outdoor strolls compared to colder months.
Location: Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Opening Times: April to October 5:00AM to 7:00PM; November to March 5:00AM to 6:00PM
Entrance Fee: Free, but requires a fee to enter attractions like the Goryokaku Tower and the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office
Website: https://www.hakodate-jts-kosya.jp/park/goryokaku/
Watch the Tokyo Sumo Tournaments
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Sumo fans should not miss the May Grand Tournament held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The event usually runs from mid-May (May 12–26 for 2025) and offers a chance to witness Japan’s national sport up close. Tickets can be reserved online through the official website of the Japan Sumo Association, where you can also view tournament schedules.
Location: Ryogoku Kokugikan (National Sumo Hall or National Sumo Arena)
Date/Time: For the official schedule of matches, check out their website
Entrance Fee: Varies depending on the seat, view prices, and book your tickets here
Arriving early lets you watch the lower-division matches and soak in the arena’s vibrant energy. If you’re new to sumo, pamphlets in English are available at the venue.
Witness Asakusa’s Sanja Festival
The Sanja Festival is one of Tokyo’s most exciting Shinto festivals, held every third weekend of May (May 16–18 for 2025). It celebrates the three founders of Senso-ji Temple and features vibrant parades with mikoshi (portable shrines) carried through the streets of Asakusa.
The festival’s highlight is the parade of three giant mikoshi on the second day, representing the three founders. The mikoshi believes in bringing good luck and prosperity to the area and its people.
Location: Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo
Date/Time: May 16-18, 2025
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: http://www.sanjasama.jp/
Streets fill with food stalls, taiko drum performances, and energetic participants dressed in traditional happi coats. The atmosphere is electric, blending religious reverence with festive chaos. The event is free to attend, and nearby stations like Asakusa Station on the Ginza Line provide easy access to the festivities.
Join Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto
Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri, held on May 15 annually, is one of Japan’s oldest festivals, dating back over 1,000 years. It was a way to pray to the gods for protection from natural calamities. It features a grand procession from Kyoto Imperial Palace to Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines, with participants dressed in elegant Heian-period costumes. Reserved seating along the route costs around ¥2,500–¥5,000, while standing areas are free.
Location: The route of the process will start from the Kyoto Imperial Palace (at 10:30AM) to the Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines (until 3:30PM)
Date/Time: May 15, 2025
Entrance Fee: View and reserve your seat online through this site
Website: https://kyoto.travel/en/see-and-do/aoi.html
It’s advisable to arrive early, as prime viewing spots fill up quickly. Payment for reserved seats can be made online using major credit cards. Watching the parade amid Kyoto’s serene greenery provides an unforgettable connection to Japan’s imperial past.
Go Sightseeing at Hitachi Seaside Park
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May is the prime season to visit Hitachi Seaside Park flowers, especially the famous Nemophila Harmony event, where millions of blue nemophila flowers blanket the hillsides. Aside from nemophila, tulips and poppies also bloom across the park in May, making it a paradise for flower lovers. You can reach the park via Katsuta Station and then take a direct bus.
Location: Hitachinaka, Ibaraki
Opening Hours: 9:30AM – 5:00PM
Entrance Fee: View pricing here
Website: https://hitachikaihin.jp/en/
Visit the Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Image Credit: Kyuhoshi
The Fuji Shibazakura Festival showcases over 500,000 blooming pink moss phlox (shibazakura) across vibrant fields. The festival also features local food stalls offering treats like Fujinomiya yakisoba and fresh strawberry mochi. Shuttle buses are available from Kawaguchiko Station, but arriving early is advisable to avoid midday crowds.
Location: Fuji Motosuko Resort, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
Date/Time: April 12 – May 26, 2025 (8:00AM-4:00PM)
Entrance Fee: ¥1,000 – ¥1,300
Website: https://www.fujimotosuko-resort.jp/en/
Explore Kawachi Wisteria Garden
Kawachi Wisteria Garden is one of Japan’s most magical floral spots, best known for its dreamy 100-meter-long wisteria tunnels. You’ll see wisteria varieties in shades of lavender, purple, pink, and white hanging overhead like natural chandeliers. Due to its global fame, timed entry tickets are mandatory during peak season. Visitors should book online in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
Location: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
Opening Times: 8:00AM – 6:00PM
Entrance Fee: ¥1,500
Website: https://kawachi-fujien.com/
Relax in an Onsen Town
May’s warm days and cool nights make it the perfect time to experience Japan’s onsen towns without the winter chill. In Hakone, visitors can enjoy open-air baths (rotenburo) with panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Image Credit: Visit Gunma
Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts, offers the rare experience of public “yumomi” water-stirring shows at Netsu-no-Yu. Many onsen facilities and bus lines now accept cashless payment if you’re using an IC card like Suica or PASMO.
Location: Kusatsu, Kusatsu, Agatsuma District
Entrance Fee: For rates of their hotel and other facilities, visit their official website
Website: https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/guide/en/
Experience the Mifune Matsuri in Arashiyama
The Mifune Festival transports visitors to the Heian Period with a grand re-enactment of imperial boating ceremonies on Kyoto’s Hozugawa River. The riverside setting near the famed Togetsukyo Bridge makes it especially scenic, and you can rent small boats for a closer view of the festivities (for an additional fee).
Location: Katsura River, Arashiyama, Kyoto
Date/Time: May 18-19, 2025
Entrance Fee: Free
Website: https://www.kurumazakijinja.or.jp/mifunemathuri2.html
Walk Through the Kurobe Gorge
Image Credit: Zekkei Japan
If you want a nature-focused activity, Kurobe Gorge in Toyama offers an unforgettable scenic train ride and trekking experience. In May, the gorge is vibrant with fresh greenery, waterfalls, and rivers bursting with snowmelt. You can take the Kurobe Gorge Railway to experience deep valleys and suspension bridges, then stop at key points for short hikes or even visit outdoor hot springs like Kuronagi Onsen.
Location: Kurobekyoukokuguchi, Kurobe, Toyama
Website: Reach Kurobe via train and start your adventure! Visit this website to secure your tickets
Witness Children’s Day in Japan
Children’s Day is a public holiday that’s held every May 5 of the year. It is a day to honour children’s individuality and happiness and to thank their mothers for their love and care. Some fun activities are yabusame (horseback archery), origami (paper folding), and kabuto origami (paper helmets). This occasion has its roots in an ancient ceremony called Tango no Sekku, which was celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month in the old Chinese calendar.
Did you know that Children’s Day was also known as Boys’ Day, a day for boys to show their courage and strength? Girls had their day on March 3, called Hinamatsuri, or Doll’s Festival. In 1948, the Japanese government made May 5 a national holiday for all children, regardless of gender.
Japan in May: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the weather like in Japan during May?
May in Japan is part of the late spring period. The weather in Japan in May is usually mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from comfortable to warm across most of the country.
2. Is May a good time to visit Japan?
Absolutely! May offers vibrant natural scenery, making it an excellent time to explore Japan.
3. What is Golden Week in Japan?
Golden Week is a series of national holidays that occur within a week, from late April to early May. It’s a festivity period and a peak travel season for domestic tourists.
4. What about travelling to Northern Japan in May?
Northern Japan, including regions like Hokkaido, greets travelers with fresh spring blooms. Cherry blossoms reach their peak, especially in Hokkaido. The weather in Japan in May is relatively calm, with temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) in colder areas to about 17°C (63°F) in more temperate zones. Be prepared for cooler nights and occasional rain showers. Discover the best period to go to Japan and the best time to visit, especially in May, to experience these breathtaking spring blooms and pleasant weather.
5. Are there any unique cultural experiences in May?
Yes! May hosts several festivals and events across the country. For example:
The May sumo tournament takes place in Tokyo, with the last day promising more drama than usual as final results shape competitors’ careers. Experience the best period to go to Japan and the best time to visit, especially in May, to witness this exciting event.
Annually, over a million people are attracted to the Sanja Matsuri at Asakusa Shrine in Tokyo. During this significant festival, parades of portable shrines fill the streets. The Sanja Matsuri is a must-visit during your trip to Japan in May.
Tokyo Big Site hosts the annual Design Festa, where 10,000 artists worldwide display their works. This event showcases the vibrant creativity of artists from around the globe, making it one of the best destinations to travel in May.
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