Your guide to visiting Japan in May

The best time to visit Japan seems to always be on the top of peoples question list when they are planning their travels so let me tell you why visiting Japan in a May is one of my favourites!

Visiting Japan in May has it all, amazing weather, not too hot, not too cold and let me cut to the chase, everyone always thinks they have missed Cherry blossom season – but they haven’t!! 

Is cherry blossom season in Japan in May?

The official Cherry Blossom season in Japan is announced every year depending on how the season is headed but the major city’s usually experience the bloom in late March to mid-April. However, cherry blossoms are full bloom in Hokkaido in May with the average temperature in the north hitting 13C (55F) perfect for Sakura (Japanese word for cherry blossoms) to bloom! If you are looking for the best places locally the word ‘Sakura’ will tell the locals everything they need to send you in the right direction, and you get to practice some of your Japanese phrases along the way.

If you feel the cool weather isn’t for you, the tropical islands are just warming up in the southern regions such as Okinawa . Visiting Japan in May brings more comfortable weather in Places such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka after the official Sakura season has finished there are now fewer crowds, lower prices and you get to experience some great Japanese cultural national holidays.

There is so many great things to do in Japan no matter what you are into there will be something for you.

If you are after all the flower power whilst visiting Japan. May has to be the best month by far. Flowers such as  wisteria and hydrangeas are in full bloom at this time also. Places such as Hakusan-jinja Shrine in Tokyo and Hasedera Temple are famous for Hydrangeas and there is the famous wisteria tunnel at Kawachi Fujien. Cafes around the major tourist spots such as Kyoto and Hakone often have an amazing display of seasonal dishes and ice cream to play into the blooming festivities. – just to add to the ever growing list of food you need to try whilst visiting Japan.

May National Holiday Week – Golden Week

Visiting Japan in May brings festivities as it’s Japan’s national holiday week which is commonly called Golden Week.

Golden Week in Japan is a series of national holidays and a time for travel, family gatherings, and cultural celebrations, with traditions like visiting shrines, attending festivals, and enjoying spring scenery.

During Golden Week, the Japanese people traditionally celebrate Showa Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day. Also May 1st (aka May Day) also falls during Golden Week, and it has become customary for many employers to also give employees time off for that as well. This time is notorious for busy domestic travel within a Japan. Places such as Disney, and Universal Studios are busier than usual with Japanese families enjoying their vacation in larger numbers. If you are travelling to Japan over this holiday period it’s a good idea to book attraction tickets in advance. It can also be helpful to book fast passes in Harry Potter World and Nintendo World at USJ and at Disney locations also. Disney even releases special merch for the occasion.

During Golden Week, cities often feel less busy as many Japanese people are having a country side break, therefore make sure to book any distance trains or flights in advance also. The great thing is there are so many great places to visit in Japan, so the crowds are dispersed.

What to pack for Japan in May

With all this diverse amazing weather and festivals, the perfect options to pack clothing wise would be combination clothes, layers and breathable fabrics.

Japanese people like to dress well, and cities in Japan are traditionally corporate orientated. You will often walk the city streets surrounded by a combination of trendy street wear and business attire, even in the evening time.

For Japanese people it is rare to see men in shorts away from the beach and the same can be said for bare shoulders and crop tops for women. This can be associated with Japan’s harsh sun and conservative cultural traits.

On that note Japanese people don’t mind what foreigners wear as long as they are respectful. Japanese people will be the first people to say “you look Kawaii” (cute) if they like your outfit.

The most important thing to note here is to get hold of sun protection as the Japanese sun is harsh from the beautiful clear sky. Japan has some great affordable sun protection options, you could even add Japanese sunscreen to your souvenir list for Japan as the quality is that good.

The most common way to move around Japan (even for the locals) is by public transport. Some train stations alone are very large with shopping malls, restaurants and gaming centres inside, hence you will most likely be clocking up a lot of steps. Another important recommendation is to bring your most comfortable walking shoes x2 to switch it up. Some people also benefit from clothing that helps avoid chafing if you are not used to the warm days and lots of walking due to FOMO on all the amazing things to see.

You should also bring deodorant from home. Fun fact, a portion of East Asian people have a genetic variant that reduces body odour leading to lower deodorant usage, so deodorant can be more difficult to find than you may be used to at home.

Luckily by visiting Japan in May the rainy season hasn’t started yet, but I always like to be prepared for anything. Japanese people mostly uses clear umbrellas when it rains over rain coats. Most hotels have a stash of umbrellas they can lend guests when it rains. If you buy one and want to leave it behind the hotel will take them to share with other guests.

Hotels usually also have a floral forecast for their actual hotel location, Japan just thinks of everything. The problem is that you’ll have so much to do! Japan is a country you need to keep returning to so you can experience more. Every season has a new specialty, but May really is up there with the most perfect time to come.

What to wear in Japan in May?

Layers is always the best place to start. Bring a warm outfit but mostly pack for the most pleasant weather – not too hot and definitely not too cold on most occasions.

Is it a good time to visit Japan in May?

May is a great time to visit Japan, beautiful weather, not too crowded, prices are reasonable, great festivals and flowers everywhere for all the cute photos.

Is cherry blossom in Japan in May?

Cherry Blossom Season is not in May but cherry blossoms are still in bloom in the colder mountainous regions. Other flowers are in full bloom such as wisteria and hydrangeas! These are so underrated and towards the end of the month you may catch Azaleas also.

I hope you are convinced that visiting Japan in May will give you everything you are looking for and more, perfect weather, beautiful festivals, and top things to do for an unforgettable spring adventure. Plan your trip now!