Japan in May 2025: Spring Hike, Flowers & Festivals

Japan in May is one of the best times for your Japan tour, thanks to its mild, dry weather and warm temperatures. With plenty of sunshine and the end of spring bringing even warmer days, it's the perfect season for outdoor activities, whether you're hiking among blooming flowers in nature or enjoying the lively atmosphere of festival celebrations.

Japan's Weather in May

Perfect for those who love outdoor activities, Japan's weather in May is generally warm and sunny with less rainfall for most cities. As it is the last month of the spring season, you can still have a chance to see cherry blossoms in the northern part like Hokkaido, with a lower temperature range from 6 to 16°C.

Main destination cities in the central part, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the temperature is hovering around 23°C on average. The southern part is slightly warmer, yet the southern islands such as Okinawa may experience the rainy season at the end of May.

Japan Weather Map in May

Where to Go

Hokkaido

In early May, traces of snow can still be found in the northern and eastern parts of Hokkaido, making it possible to enjoy a spring skiing experience during your trip to Japan. Destinations like Niseko United offer ski-in and ski-out accommodations, complete with soothing onsen (hot springs) for ultimate relaxation. Most notably, cherry blossoms continue to bloom in Hokkaido during May, followed by vibrant displays of rape and plum blossoms, making it an ideal time to admire the diverse array of spring flowers with park hopping or a leisure hike.

Tokyo

With the arrival of early summer and warmer temperatures, Tokyo offers a wide range of activities in May. The city comes alive with various festivals, where you can savor a cold beer and local snacks while enjoying the stunning skyline or immerse yourself in vibrant traditional celebrations featuring parades, music, and gourmet delights. While early May can be bustling due to Golden Week, mid to late May provides a more relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal time to explore Tokyo.

Kyoto

Known as the cultural heart of Japan, enriching traditional experiences in Kyoto are the top recommended. Japan in May is an ideal time to enjoy freshly harvested tea leaves during an authentic tea ceremony hosted by a Geisha, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Japanese tea culture while savoring traditional wagashi desserts.

Don a kimono and stroll through this enchanting city, where tradition and modernity seamlessly coexist. Explore ancient temples and historic buildings, and don't miss the lively parades on festival days to fully experience the unique and captivating culture of Kyoto.

Osaka

As the second largest city in Japan, Osaka is renowned as the 'kitchen of Japan'. Diverse gourmet, colorful neon lights, and plenty of cultural activities for you to experience. Osaka warmly welcomes you to visit.

Take advantage of the perfect weather in May to taste some of the best gourmet foods, stroll on the street of Osaka to see the vibrant night view with colorful neon, and take a sip of Japanese sake in an izakaya. Osaka offers you a perfect slow-paced vacation to make you feel like living a one-day Japanese local life.

Osaka Night View

Fukuoka

Wisteria flourishes blossoming in May and Fukuoka is one of the best places to appreciate. Walking through the flourishing wisteria tunnels in Kawachi Wister Garden, appreciating the breathtaking flower waterfall, and taking some splendid photos.

Taste the authentic Hakata Ramen in Fukuoka, experience unique open-air street food - Yatai stalls, and taste seasonal fresh seafood. You may like to take a day trip from Fukuoka to nearby islands.

What to See & Do in May

Scent out the Spring Flower Aromas

Delve into the oceans of flowers by visiting gardens and strolling through streets and corners of Japan. There are many kinds of flowers still blooming in May, wisteria, late cherry blossoms, azaleas, irises, nemophila, moss phlox, and more.

Azaleas are blooming from mid-April to mid-May in Kyoto and other cooler areas. You can see the vibrant water red flower flourishing in Japan in May. White and purple irises start blooming in late May, you can appreciate them in Hakone Gardens, Korankei Garden, etc. And don't miss the wisteria that blooms in warmer areas such as Fukuoka. You can see the wisteria flourishing just like cascading waterfalls.

Sakura

Alpine Excursion: Hiking, Camping & Sightseeing

As a popular hiking period, Japan in May is considered as a perfect time for Alpine Excursions. The weather is warm in the day and cools at night, you could hike, camp in the pleasant temperature. Delve in the humid and fresh air of spring, and absorb energy from the natural world.

Kurobe Gorge Railway is one of the popular destinations to explore the heart of the Japanese Alps. You can discover the beauty of Kurobe Gorge by bus, cable car, ropeway, and trolley. You don't need to hike strenuously to appreciate the breathtaking view of the Japanese Alpines. Kamikochi and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route are also good choices for you to explore the Japanese Alpine.

Watch the Spring Sumo Tournament

From mid-May to late May, the sumo tournament will take 2 weeks in Tokyo. Sumo wrestling is the national sport of Japan that has lasted for centuries. From the pre-match rituals to the fast-paced matches, it is a fascinating display of Japanese traditions.

It is a captivating and enriching experience to watch this national sport of Japan. Through watching sumo tournaments, you will feel the Japanese tradition, witness exceptional athleticism, and enjoy a thrilling and vibrant sporting event for all ages.

Events & Festivals

Hakata Dontaku Festival (Fukuoka, May 3-4, 2025)

Each year on May 3 and 4, the Hakata Dontaku Festival is held in Fukuoka. With over 800 years of history, it was originally a celebration of Chinese New Year. Now it has evolved into one of the most important major events of Fukuoka. You can feel the vibrant atmosphere of the festival by watching a lively parade, energetic dances with music, and enjoying the delicacies of all the food stalls along the streets.

Aoi Matsuri (Kyoto, May 15, 2025)

Aoi Matsuri, literally meaning 'Hollyhock Festival', is held yearly on 15 May in Kyoto. The procession will start at Imperial Palace and pass Shimogamo Jinja and Kamigamo Jinja. These two shrines are dedicated to water deities and are believed to ensure bountiful harvests. Travelers can see the procession of Aoi Matsuri in designated viewing areas to take a glimpse into Japanese history and traditions.

Sanja Matsuri (Tokyo, May 16, 2025)

Sanja Matsuri (the third weekend of May) is an energetic celebration that is held annually in Asakusa, Tokyo. It is a celebration of the three deities of Senso-ji Temple, and you can enjoy traditional music and street food during the matsuri. You must not miss this celebration if you plan to travel to Tokyo in May for it is a unique blend of traditions, excitement, and gourmet foods that captures the spirit of Tokyo.

Senso-ji Temple

Crowds & Costs of Japan in May

Though the peak season of cherry blossom viewing has passed, May is still a popular choice for travelers. As a reminder, the Golden Week of Japan, which is a series of national holidays usually starts from late April to early May. In this period, Japan may be crowded for local citizens are planning their yearly vacation around the country.

Besides Golden Week, Japan in May is generally less crowded. With mild temperatures and less rainfall, it offers a slow-paced experience with fewer crowds at attractions and transportation hubs.

Compared to other shoulder seasons, prices for flights and accommodation might be slightly higher in Japan in May. However, compared to the peak season, costs are significantly lower.

Travel Tips for Traveling to Japan in May

The Golden Week

Golden Week is a public holiday for Japanese people. It is usually the first week of May. If you are planning to travel to Japan during this period, please remember to book in advance. The flight tickets and accommodation of hot destinations might be sold out early and the price might get higher approaching the scheduled date.

What to Pack for Japan in May

Pack light clothes and comfortable shoes. May is already warm and might rain a little. You can pack light raincoats or waterproof jackets and waterproof shoes. Don't forget to take your sun protection items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. Prepare well for a hike if it is in your plan.

Be Careful of Pollen Allergies

Colorful and vibrant flowers can be beautiful scenery but also be dangerous for those who are allergic to pollen. Prepare well for your Japan tour in May. Wear a mask to prevent yourself from contacting pollen directly, bring commonly used medicines, and take care of yourself while walking in the garden.

Explore Japan in May With Odynovo

Catch the tail of spring elf and take a forest bath in the humid and warm aroma of floras, and encounter diverse faunas in the dense forest. May in Japan is for outdoor activities! When planning your Japan tour in May, please feel free to contact us to design your own route.