May is an absolutely delightful month to visit Japan and enjoy outdoor activities with warm and comfortable weather. As spring arrives, the country gets colourful with spring flowers and green.
From the end of April to the beginning of May is holiday season in Japan, which is called Golden Week and every touristic spot gets extremely packed. So if you wish to avoid the crowds, better to visit Japan from mid May.
Related article: Best Things to Do during Golden Week in Japan
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Japan in May
May in Japan is the end of spring and the entrance of summer, offering various tourist attractions around the country. You can view late blooming cherry blossoms in colder areas as well as other seasonal flowers such as wisteria and nemophila. As winter snows melt in mountain districts, the season for Kamikochi and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route comes.
Please note that some places are more crowded for Golden Week, series of national holidays in the beginning of May, than usual. Rainy season begins as early as the end of May, depending on the year. Average temperatures in Tokyo in May range between 16°C (60.8°F) and 20°C (68°F).
1. Mt. Fuji and Green Tea Field
It’s the best season for the iconic view of Mt.Fuji and green tea plantations. The best season to visit tea plantations in Japan is in May, before leaves are picked and Mt.Fuji stands beautifully with remaining snow on the tip of the summit. Imamiya in Fuji city is highly recommended!
more info ▶ Obuchi Sasaba and Imamiya: Best Green Tea Plantations in Shizuoka
2. Late Blooming Cherry Blossoms
If you think cherry blossoms are only available in April, it’s absolutely wrong! There are some places which has late blooming cherry blossoms especially in northern part of Japan!
More info
▶ Amazing Spots for Late Blooming Cherry Blossoms from mid-April
▶ Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Tohoku Area
3. Wisteria
Wisteria (Fuji in Japanese) is popular spring flower in Japan and becoming a huge attraction for foreign visitors every year. The most famous wisteria garden in Japan is Kawachi Fujien Garden in Fukuoka Prefecture, but there is also another great garden near Tokyo, Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture.
Related article
▶ Kawachi Wisteria Garden: The Most Beautiful Tunnel in the World
▶ Great Wisteria Festival at Ashikaga Flower Park
▶︎ Best Places to See Wisteria in Japan
4. Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament
Discover the world of Grand Sumo Tournaments, held six times a year in odd-numbered months across Japan. Experience the thrilling matches in Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi, and Fukuoka. Notably, in May, the tournament takes place at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, the heart of sumo wrestling. Immerse yourself in Japan’s vibrant history and culture as you witness the power, skill, and tradition of these iconic events during your visit. Don’t miss this unique and unforgettable experience that showcases the essence of Japanese heritage.
5. Join Festivals
The festival season kicks off on April and continues through summer in Japan. There are numbers of big events in May such as Tokyo’s biggest festival, Sanja Matsuri. Join energetic and lively festivals in Japan to feel the traditional vibes. One of Kyoto’s three greatest festivals, Aoi Matsuri is also held in mid May, featuring a traditional parade with people in Heian-era costumes.
Related article ▶ Japan’s 3 Biggest Festivals in May
6. Pink Moss
Pink Moss (Shibazakra in Japanese) is popular spring flower along with cherry blossoms. There are numbers of Pink Moss fields and festivals in Japan. The most popular one is Fuji Shibazakura festival which is located on the base of Mt.Fuji.
Related article ▶ Best Shibazakura Festivals in Japan