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Written by Akshaya Manoharan on April 25, 2023 Share on

Japan in May: Your Go-To Guide!

Japan tourism is a thriving industry, with visitors from all over the world coming to experience the country’s unique culture, history, and natural beauty. May marks the start of summer in Japan, with temperatures gradually getting warmer toward the end of the month. Nothing but love and joy are present in the city. Throughout the entire year, Japan is a fantastic destination. After visiting Japan, you can only depart physically because your spirit stays behind. The nation represents both contemporary and historically-rooted modern love. With so many different Japan tour packages to choose from, find the one that’s perfect for you. The following are some important considerations if you’re thinking about visiting Japan in May.

Weather in Japan in May 2024

May is a great time to visit Japan as the weather is generally comfortable, with mild temperatures and relatively low levels of rainfall. The average high temperature in Tokyo during May is around 24°C (75°F), while the average low temperature is around 15°C (59°F). Similarly, in Kyoto, the average high temperature is around 25°C (77°F) and the average low temperature is around 15°C (59°F).

CityAverage HighAverage Low
Tokyo2415
Kyoto2515
Osaka2517
Sapporo158
Fukuoka2416
Weather in Japan in May 

Festivals and Events in Japan in May

  1. Sanja Matsuri – Held in Tokyo on the third weekend of May, this is one of the city’s most famous festivals. It features a parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets, as well as traditional music and dance performances.
  2. Aoi Matsuri – Held in Kyoto on May 15th, this festival is known for its elegant procession of people dressed in traditional costumes, who carry various offerings to the city’s shrines.
  3. Kanda Matsuri – Also held in Tokyo, this festival takes place on the weekend closest to May 15th. It features a parade of mikoshi, as well as a variety of other traditional Japanese cultural performances.
  4. Kurama no Hi Matsuri – Held in Kyoto on May 15th, this festival involves a procession of people carrying torches up to the top of Mount Kurama. It’s believed that the torches ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
  5. Hakata Dontaku – Held in Fukuoka on May 3rd and 4th, this festival features a large parade with a variety of different floats and performances to explore on Japan honeymoon packages. It’s one of the largest festivals in the Kyushu region of Japan.

Average Expenses for a trip to Japan in May

Expense CategoryApproximate Cost per Day (INR)
Accommodation2,000 – 6,000
Food2,500 – 5,000
Transportation1,000 – 2,500
Activities/Sightseeing1,500 – 3,000
Total7,000 – 16,500
Average Expenses for a trip to Japan in May

Why May Gets Overlooked by Foreign Visitors to Japan

If you’ve never considered visiting Japan in May, you’re not alone. Most foreign visitors flock to Japan during two main periods: from late March to mid-April to catch the cherry blossoms (sakura) and from mid-November to early December for the stunning autumn foliage. Another popular time is from mid-December to mid-February, which aligns with Japan’s ski season.

It’s not just by chance that May often gets overlooked by foreign tourists. Some people think that the Golden Week holiday, which only lasts until early May, makes the entire month too crowded and difficult to navigate. Others mistakenly believe that May will be too hot or too rainy, or they feel that “just missing” the cherry blossom season would make their trip less enjoyable.

FAQs on Japan in May

Q: What type of weather can I expect in Japan in May?

A: May month in Japan is all about mild and pleasant temperatures with a bit rain. It is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities with your loved ones.

Q: Is May perfect month to explore Japan?

A: Yes, May is a good time to visit Japan and explore as the weather is comfortable and pleasant.

Q: What are the popular destinations to visit Japan in May?

A: Some popular destinations that you can expect to explore are Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido.

Q: Can I expect festivals or events in Japan in May?

A: Yes, many popular festivals like Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and the Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto are celebrated in May.

Q: Is May one of the busiest months to visit in Japan?

A: May is not as much crowded as April is, but still May is filled with various festivals so, you might expect crowd.

Is it good to visit Tokyo in May?

Tokyo is at its best in May. During the early days of the month (aka Golden Week), when much of the rest of Japan is inundated with domestic travelers, Tokyo is relatively quiet. For the rest of May, warm days and mild nights mean that Tokyo is pleasant to explore, even if rain showers become more common as June approaches.

Overall, a trip to Japan in May is great for those who want to enjoy the outdoors and experience Japanese culture and traditions. Book Japan honeymoon packages and have a perfect vacation, just as you even wanted.

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