May is one of the most pleasant months for a first trip to Japan. The days are warm but not hot, and the parks are green. Spring festivals take place in several cities, and the crowds are smaller than in April. The early part of May is also part of Golden Week, so check the dates before you fix your plan.
Why May suits many trips
May has several strengths:
- mild days for long walks
- fresh green trees in the parks and hills
- fewer visitors than in the peak blossom weeks
- festivals that show local life
Later in the month, the days get warmer and more humid. Plan the heavy walking early in the month, and the indoor visits later.
Know the weather pattern
Weather in May can change fast. A sunny morning can turn into a warm, wet afternoon. Pack a light rain jacket and a small umbrella. A thin layer for the evening will keep you comfortable.
Check first: Check the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) forecast for each city a few days before you go. Check again each morning, because rain can start with little warning.
Festivals in May
Several festivals take place in May. The exact days vary each year, so check the official festival site before you plan a day around one.
- Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa, Tokyo, is a spring festival with a large parade. It is a lively event that draws large crowds to the temple area.
- Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo is a major festival near Akihabara. The big procession takes place on a set schedule, so check whether it runs in your year.
- Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto is a historic procession of people in old court costume. It takes place in May.
Festival days are busy. Arrive early, and plan a way out before the crowds grow.
Tokyo in May
Asakusa is a good area for a May visit. The temple is open for much of the day, and the market streets are lively. In the evening, the Sumida River area is calm and cool.
Ueno has parks and museums. Visit in the morning, then go indoors when the afternoon is hot.
Kyoto in May
Kyoto is green in May. The hills around the city look fresh, and the gardens are easy to enjoy. Kinkaku-ji and the temples in the north are popular, so go early. The Arashiyama paths are quieter before the midday crowds.
Osaka in May
Osaka Castle is a good day out in May. The grounds are large, with wide lawns for a break. The castle museum is a good choice for a rainy hour.
In the evening, walk along the Dotonbori canal. The bright signs and food stalls are fun in the mild air. Choose a restaurant with a booking, because the evenings fill quickly.
Plan the week
- Keep the big walks for the mild mornings.
- Plan one indoor visit for each city.
- Pick one festival day, and build the rest of the plan around it.
- Keep your evenings free for a slow walk.
A calm evening plan
May evenings are often mild. A slow evening suits couples who want a quiet trip. Pick one area with good food and a view, and walk there without a fixed route.
Book the dinner early. Many good restaurants fill on weekends and festival days. For food, use Tabelog to compare places near your hotel, and read the recent reviews before you choose.
Keep the last train time in mind. Plan the walk back to your hotel while it is still light, or check the train times before you leave the restaurant.
What to do next
Set your May dates in the planner, then read the city pages for the areas you want to see in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
