May is one of the most comfortable months to visit Japan. The cherry blossoms are gone in most of the country, but the weather is mild, the parks are bright green, and the summer humidity has not started yet. If you avoid the first few days of the month, when Golden Week fills trains and hotels, May is close to perfect for sightseeing.
This guide covers the weather in May, Golden Week and how to plan around it, the big festivals, what to pack, and where to go. In short: come after about May 6, bring light layers and a rain jacket, and plan at least one festival or garden visit.
Weather in Japan in May
May sits between the cool spring and the rainy season. Days are usually warm and sunny, evenings are fresh, and rain comes in short spells rather than for weeks. The north is noticeably cooler than the south, so the right outfit depends on where you go.
| Region | Typical daytime feel | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo and Kanto | Warm, often low to mid 20s °C | Mostly pleasant, a few rainy days, cool evenings |
| Kyoto and Osaka | Warm, sometimes hotter than Tokyo | Sunny days, getting humid at the end of the month |
| Hokkaido | Cool, often mid to high teens °C | Late cherry blossoms in early May, chilly nights |
| Japanese Alps and Nagano | Mild in valleys, cold at altitude | Snow still on high peaks and passes |
| Okinawa | Hot and humid | The rainy season usually starts here in May |
Treat these as rough guides. Check the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast a few days before you travel, especially for mountain areas. For a full year view, see my guide on the best time to visit Japan.
Golden Week: the one thing to plan around
Golden Week is a cluster of national holidays from about April 29 to May 5. Many people in Japan get several days off at once, so domestic travel peaks. Shinkansen seats sell out, hotel prices jump, and popular spots like Kyoto, Hakone and Kamakura get very crowded. For the exact 2027 dates and all other holidays, see my Golden Week 2027 and Japan national holidays guide.
- Avoid if you can: arriving or doing long train trips between about May 2 and May 5.
- If you must travel then: book Shinkansen seats and hotels early, and choose smaller, less famous places over the big sights.
- The sweet spot: from about May 7 to the end of the month, crowds drop sharply and prices return to normal.
If you plan to use long distance trains, read my guide on how to book Shinkansen tickets before your trip.
Honestly, Golden Week was the worst time of the year for me in Japan, and I would not recommend anyone to plan a trip for it. There are simply too many people everywhere. When we lived in Tokyo, we always escaped to the countryside instead: one year to Shikoku and the art island of Naoshima, another year to Fukuoka and the countryside around it.
Children’s Day and koinobori
May 5 is Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi), the last day of Golden Week. In the weeks before, you see colourful carp streamers called koinobori flying from houses, rivers and temples all over the country. Some towns string hundreds of them across a river, which makes a great photo.
The carp stands for strength and success, because it swims upstream. I wrote a whole guide on the meaning of koinobori and where to see them.
Festivals and events in May
May is a strong festival month, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto. Dates move a little every year, so confirm them on official sites before you plan your days.
- Sanja Matsuri (Asakusa, Tokyo): one of Tokyo’s biggest and loudest festivals, usually on the third weekend of May. Portable shrines are carried through the streets around Senso-ji.
- Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo): held in mid May. The large version with the long procession takes place in odd numbered years; in the other years the festival is much smaller.
- Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto): usually on May 15, a calm and elegant procession in Heian period costumes.
- Music festivals: outdoor events start in spring, for example Rainbow Disco Club on the Izu peninsula, usually held around Golden Week.
Flowers and nature in May
Even without cherry blossoms, May is full of colour. Fresh green leaves, called shinryoku, cover temple gardens and mountains. Azaleas bloom in many parks and shrine grounds, and wisteria is at its best around late April and early May in many places. Later in the month, irises start to appear in some gardens.
Gardens are a calm way to enjoy this season in Tokyo. Koishikawa Korakuen is a beautiful option with fresh greens and quiet paths away from the crowds.
If you are in Hokkaido in early May, you may still catch late cherry blossoms. In the mountains, routes that opened for the season can still show deep snow. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is famous for its high snow walls in spring. My wife and I did the route in May, and the walls were still towering over the road. My Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route guide covers timing and tickets.
Where to go in Japan in May
Almost the whole country works well in May, but some places are at their best.
- Tokyo: pleasant walking weather, festivals, rooftop bars and parks. A good base for day trips.
- Kyoto: green temple gardens and fewer people than in spring blossom season, once Golden Week is over.
- Nagano and the Alps: valleys turn green while peaks stay white. Great for scenery and onsen.
- Mount Fuji area: good for lakeside walks, although spring haze can hide the mountain, so plan a flexible day.
- Countryside: rice fields are flooded and planted around this time, which gives mirror reflections in rural areas.
I have been to Nagano prefecture eight times, and spring is a lovely time for it. My Nagano itinerary covers the main stops.
My own tip for May: get out of the big cities. Tokyo and Kyoto are great, but the countryside is where this month really shines, with green valleys, flooded rice fields and far fewer people. My Japan countryside guide has ideas for where to start.
What to pack for Japan in May
- T-shirts and light long sleeves for warm days
- A light jacket or sweater for evenings and mountain areas
- A compact umbrella or rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes that are easy to take off for temples and restaurants
- Sunscreen and sunglasses, the sun is already strong
- Allergy medicine if you react to pollen, as some pollen is still in the air in early May
For the full list, see my Japan packing list.
Prices and crowds in May
Outside Golden Week, May is usually a fair value month. Hotel prices are lower than in cherry blossom season and autumn, and you have more choice. During Golden Week, rooms in tourist areas can cost a lot more than usual and sell out early. If your dates are flexible, starting your trip in the second week of May can save money and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Japan?
Yes. May has mild weather, green landscapes and fewer crowds than cherry blossom season. Just avoid travel during Golden Week at the start of the month if possible.
When is Golden Week in Japan?
Golden Week usually runs from about April 29 to May 5. The busiest days depend on how the holidays fall in a given year, so check the calendar for your travel dates.
Is it rainy in Japan in May?
May is usually not very rainy on the main islands. The rainy season typically starts in June, but Okinawa often enters its rainy season in May.
Can you still see cherry blossoms in May?
In most of Japan, no. In parts of Hokkaido and at higher altitudes you may still see late blossoms in early May.
How hot is Tokyo in May?
Tokyo is usually warm in May, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. Late May can already feel humid on some days.
What should I wear in Japan in May?
Light layers work best: T-shirts, a long sleeve top and a light jacket, plus comfortable shoes and a small umbrella.
Is Japan expensive in May?
Prices spike during Golden Week but are usually reasonable for the rest of the month, often cheaper than late March, early April or November.
If you are still deciding on your route, my Japan itinerary is a good place to start. For day trips, pick places that let you enjoy the fresh green of the season.
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