Planning to visit Tokyo this May?? If yes, you should definitely check out our list of the latest travel info and best things to do in the city in May! Various special events are held this month including traditional Japanese festival, beautiful spring flowers and Golden Week events! Let’s plan a perfect trip in Tokyo with our May To-Do list!
Tokyo in May
Tokyo in May, the end of spring, is very comfortable to travel since The average temperature in May in Tokyo is 16~20°C (60.8~68°F). While most of Tokyo’s cherry blossoms fell in the previous month, you can enjoy viewing other beautiful flowers including wisteria and nemophila. There are some traditional Japanese festivals such as Sanja Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri held in Tokyo in May. Please note the congestion during Golden Week, consecutive holidays in the beginning of the month, and the rainy season from the end of the month.
1. Golden Week
From late April to early May is “Golden Week” in Japan, which is a long holiday period formed with multiple public holidays. The great thing about the Golden Week is that there will be a plenty of special events in town which you may be entertained. The downside of it is that it’ll be very crowded everywhere. If you are travelling during the Golden Week period, put that in your mind 🙂
Check out the best Golden Week events in Tokyo:
Best Things to Do during Golden Week in Tokyo10 Things You can’t Miss over Golden Week!!jw-webmagazine.com
2. Watching Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan
Experience the excitement of sumo wrestling at the Grand Sumo Tournaments held annually in Tokyo every January, May, and September. Witness the powerful matches between skilled wrestlers at Ryogoku Kokugikan, and immerse yourself in Japan’s rich history and culture. Don’t miss this must-see event during your Tokyo visit. You can join a Tokyo Sumo Tournament Tour (Tickets Included)!
3. Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo’s most energetic, loudest and wildest festival, Sanja Matsuri (三社祭) is back. The festival is held at Asakusa Shrine near Sensoji Temple in Asakusa area for 3 days usually on the third weekend in May, and invite about 2 millions viewers. The festival features a number of portable shrine (Mikoshi) carried through the streets of Asakusa neighbourhood with the lively and energetic atmosphere.
4. Kanda Matsuri
Kanda Matsuri or Kanda Festival (神田祭) is one of the three great Shinto festivals of Tokyo, along with the Fukagawa Matsuri and Sanno Matsuri. It originally started in 17th century. The festival is held mid May every two years (in odd-number years), which means the festival is on this year. The festival takes place at Kanda Shrine and surrounding neighbourhood in Tokyo (around Akihabara and Tokyo Station), and about 200 mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried through in addition to musicians, dancers, and floats. Kanda Matsuri is held over a week, but the main event usually happens on weekend near 15 May.
5. Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival
Various flowers flourish in town during spring, and after cherry blossoms, it’s time for wisteria. Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival (亀戸天神社 藤まつり) is a popular flower festival held annually in Koto Ward, Tokyo. Over 100 wisteria flower bloom beautifully at the historical shrine site from late April to early May along with festival food stalls and special events.