Early May won’t be a good time to visit Japan, but the late May might be. The weather is pleasant in Japan in early May, but Golden Week from Apr. 29th to May 5th brings Japan a huge flow of people and increasing prices. To mid-late May, when Golden Week holiday has ended and rainy season hasn’t come in most areas, it is a better time for sightseeing in Japan.

May is pretty warm around Japan, when the temperature goes up to 23°C (73.4°F) in the daytime averagely. Even in cooler Hokkaido, all you need is a jacket on the top. If it is gloomy in early May, it may be somewhat chilling. To late May or in southern Okinawa area, it feels like summer; long-sleeve clothing can’t be suitable any more by the time.

There is cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, Japan in early May, with less visitors. Sakura has fallen in other regions in Japan, but it just begins to bloom fully when May comes in Hokkaido.

Read more about Cherry Blossom Season in Japan 

As May is a transition from spring to summer in Japan, you can wear a shirt plus light pants for the weather. Thin hoodie, blouse, suit coat, jeans, sweatpants, sneakers, etc. can be picked and matched together.

In early May or cooler Hokkaido, you’d better wear more in layers, in case of sudden shower, wind, or temperature drop at night. Later, a shirt, T-shirt or long dress is enough in most places during late days. If you are in the south where the rainy season has come, an umbrella or raincoat is necessary.

You will see a distinctive scenery in Japan in May - colorful koinobori, the carp streamers, are hanging everywhere; in particular, the rural areas. It is to celebrate Boys’ Day - one of Japanese Children’s Days on May 5th.

Golden Week – Rush Holiday in Japan

As Golden Week falls in the end of April & early May, people go out for sightseeing around Japan. It’s so crowded and expensive that it might not be a leisurely travel. If you can, try to avoid the period when planning to travel to Japan. Or, you could escape from the most-visited spots and city centers, to explore peaceful rural Japan.

Senso-ji: A Scene of Sanja Matsuri

Sanja Matsuri & Aoi Matsuri Festivals

Cultural experience is also welcomed in May as some traditional festivals are held. Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo and Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto are the grandest ones to touch Japanese culture. In 2025, Sanja Matsuri will be held from 16th to 18th in May, while the latter around 15th this month. You will see the festival parades in their traditional costume and interesting rituals to pray for blessings.

If you take an interest in sumo wrestling of Japan, the May Tournament in Tokyo is a great opportunity. It’s held in the stadium of Kokugikan, while the tickets are released since early April.

1. Viewing of Blossoms in the First Half of May

Early May is the last chance to admire cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan. Even though the famous cherry blossoms are past, other flowers are also enchanting to see. The vast stretch of wisteria can be appreciated in Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi, Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara, etc.

2. Hiking Adventure

The mountainous area and the weather in May is prefect for hiking. Nakasendo trail attracts the most adventurers between Magome in Gifu and Tsumago in Nagano, to explore the old post route on the roof of Japan. Kumano Kodo is an old pilgrimage trail of world heritage site through the mountains in Kii Peninsula, southern Kansai region. With old shrines and temples, it’s popular for the wild enchantment and religious charm.

Nakasendo Way Hiking in May