Japan in May
Crowds and Radiant Warmth
May is one of the most pleasant months in Japan, with mild temperatures and comfortable weather. It is often considered the ideal time to travel, which means many people take advantage of it. The busy period known as Golden Week, spanning late April to early May, brings crowded trains, fully booked hotels, and high travel demand. Planning ahead is essential if traveling during this time.
Know Before You Go
- Golden Week is one of the busiest travel times, so expect crowds and higher prices.
- Popular tourist destinations can be very crowded, making quieter, lesser-known spots a good alternative.
- Traditional carp streamers called koinobori are displayed across the country for Children's Day.
- The second half of May is calmer and ideal for travel before the rainy season begins in June.
Floral Highlights Around Japan
By May, cherry blossoms have mostly disappeared in central and southern Japan, though they can still be seen in northern regions like Hokkaido until mid-month. Fortunately, many other flowers take their place.
In Tochigi Prefecture, Ashikaga Flower Park hosts a wisteria display featuring centuries-old trees, beautifully illuminated at night.
Another popular spot is Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden, known for its long, colorful wisteria tunnels that peak in early May.
Other seasonal highlights include:
- Hitachi Seaside Park - fields of blue nemophila flowers covering the hills.
- Hitsujiyama Park - vibrant pink and purple moss phlox (shibazakura) in bloom.
Sumo and Festivals in Tokyo
The May Grand Sumo Tournament takes place in Tokyo over two weeks in mid-to-late May, drawing large crowds and featuring decisive matches toward the end.
During the third week of May, the Sanja Matsuri at Asakusa Shrine is one of the city's largest festivals, with portable shrines carried through the streets.
For a more relaxed cultural experience, events like Design Festa showcase creative works from artists around the world.
Alpine Excursions
With mountain routes reopening in April, May is a great time to explore Japan's alpine regions. Places like Kamikochi and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route offer scenic landscapes where snow may still be visible.
Another option is the Kurobe Gorge Railway, which provides a unique journey through mountainous terrain and deep valleys.
Despite the crowds during Golden Week, May remains one of the best times to visit Japan, offering a balance of pleasant weather, natural beauty, and cultural events.
Popular Events (May in Japan)
- Golden Week
A major holiday period from late April to early May when domestic travel peaks and destinations become very crowded. - Children's Day
A national holiday on May 5 celebrating children, marked by decorative carp streamers (koinobori) across Japan. - Sanja Matsuri
One of Tokyo's biggest festivals, featuring portable shrines and large street processions in Asakusa (usually mid to late May). - May Grand Sumo Tournament
A professional sumo tournament held in Tokyo over two weeks in May, with intense final-day matches. - Design Festa
A large creative arts event in Tokyo where thousands of artists exhibit and sell original works. - Ashikaga Flower Park
Famous for its illuminated wisteria blooms during mid-April to mid-May. - Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden
Known for its iconic wisteria tunnels that bloom in early May. - Hitachi Seaside Park
A scenic park where vast fields of nemophila flowers bloom across hills in spring. - Hitsujiyama Park
Famous for colorful shibazakura (moss phlox) flower fields in May. - Kurobe Gorge Railway
A seasonal mountain railway offering scenic views of valleys and alpine landscapes.