May is a great time to travel to Japan, as the temperatures are generally warm but not as stifling and humid as they'll become in the summer. The extremely busy Golden Week holiday earlier in the month should be avoided, but if you're coming later in the month, you'll find many places busy but not uncomfortably crowded. Here's what you need to know about traveling to Japan in May.

Weather

May is Japan's last month of spring, and temperatures throughout the country are relatively warm. While the northernmost island of Hokkaido remains quite cool—Sapporo has an average May high of just 63°F (17°C)—most southern locales are much warmer. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka have average May highs of 74°F (24°C); by the end of the month, they're likely to be quite hot. The subtropical and tropical islands of Okinawa are a few degrees warmer, and May is the start of the rainy season in the far south.

Crowds & Costs

If you dislike crowds, avoid traveling to Japan in the first week of May. The major national holiday, Golden Week, starts on April 29 and continues until May 5. Many Japanese people have holidays at this time, and popular (as well as less popular) spots get very crowded with domestic travelers, or just local people enjoying their time off. Domestic flights and Shinkansen trains may be hard to book unless you plan far in advance, and crowds at popular amusement parks, gardens, and art galleries can reach extremely uncomfortable levels.

The good news is that most Japanese go back to work immediately after! So, the rest of the month will be far less busy and will be a better time to visit Japan. This is peak travel season, though, so book accommodation and transport in advance, where possible.

Where to Go

With the exception of Okinawa, which is quite wet in May, everywhere in Japan is comfortable and accessible this month.

For cultural and big-city highlights, visit Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan's two cultural and historic centers. If the weather outdoors gets a bit hot, especially toward the end of the month, there are many indoor activities in these places, such as museums, galleries, and restaurants. If you have a bit more time, add Nara and Hiroshima to your itinerary, as these cities also offer diverse and attractive natural and cultural attractions.

If you'd like to see something beyond the main highlights that all visitors see, head to the islands of Kyushu or Shikoku. The third and fourth-largest of Japan's islands, respectively, these places have distinct cultures of their own. Learn about Nagasaki's unique history, stay inside a volcanic crater at Mount Aso, or check out some of Shikoku's 88 important temples encircling the island.

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What to Do

May is a great time to go hiking in Japan, as temperatures will be pleasant but not too hot in most places, and conditions will be mainly dry. Travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and physical activity should check out the 88-temple pilgrimage trek in Shikoku, Japan's least-visited main island. You can do the whole 745-mile (1,200 km) trek, or just parts of it. Alternatively, the Japan Alps, Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, and the area around Nikko are all great places for shorter hikes.

Events in May

Fuji-no-hana viewing, Nationwide. The Japanese love a good flower-viewing party, and early May (or late April in Kyushu) is fuji-no-hana (wisteria) season. People flock to see the dangling purple flowers in manicured parks and gardens.

Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo. Held in the old Tokyo neighborhood of Asakusa, this Shinto festival is one of the largest in Japan. More than 100 portable shrines are paraded through the streets over three days, attracting over 2 million visitors.

Traveling to Japan in May? Check out these great itineraries

Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Tour - 6 Days. Get ready for a memorable village-to-village trek on the Kii Peninsula along sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Perfect for avid hikers, this self-guided tour will take you past thermal hot springs, grand shrines, and waterfalls.

Japanese Cycling Adventure - 7 Days. The beautiful ancient city of Kyoto is the spiritual home of Japan and the perfect base for this weeklong cycling adventure. Explore the streets of Kyoto by bike and venture farther afield as you delve into Japanese culture and cuisine. 

More Helpful Information

Japan in April
Japan in June
Best Time of Year to Visit Japan
How Many Days to Spend in Japan

 

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