Japan in May

March to May and spring arrives in Japan bringing crisp blue skies, the weather slowly becoming warmer and humid. The climate can be particularly hard to predict at this time with temperatures ranging from anywhere from 2 to 24 °C (35 to 75 °F), with Okinawa in the south having the warmest weather. On some days you will want a coat, on other you will not even need a sweater. Tokyo at the beginning of spring sees lows of 6°C (43°F), while the end of the season sees highs of 23°C (73°F). Sapporo on Hokkaido is much colder than Tokyo, with lows in March of -3°C (27°F) and ending the spring with highs of 17°C (63°F). In Kyoto, the season starts with lows of 4°C (39°F) and ends with high temperatures of 24°C (75°F). The biggest draw to the country at this time is the flowering of the fabled sakura (cherry blossoms), which typically bloom between March and April, inspiring countless poets over the centuries, and to many are a symbol of the nation. Those with more robust tastes prefer to take the time see a sumo match in all its ceremonial glory, heading to the city of Osaka on the main island of Honsh? in March for their annual Sumo Spring Basho.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Japan

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $41,000
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Across 18 Centuries: Historic Japan

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $34,300
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Aman Japan Culinary Journey 2024 | Aman Jet Expeditions | May 14–23, 2024

Date
May 14–23, 2024
Price Per Person
$58,888
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Authentic Japanese Culture on the Islands of Kyushu and Shikoku

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $47,900
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Castles and Coastline: From Kyoto to Osaka

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,500
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Contemporary Art Wonders of Japan: Touring the Seto Inland Sea

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $26,000
See Itinerary

Culture, Food, and White Sand Beaches: A Honeymoon to South Korea and Okinawa

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,900
See Itinerary

Exploring Japanese Culture, Kyushu-style

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,200
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Japan with Kids

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,300
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Japanese Art and Culture Tour

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $31,900
See Itinerary

Recommended Festivals For Japan in May

Hanami - Cherry Blossom Season

March/April/May

Japan’s cherry blossom festival takes place throughout the country in the springtime, in conjunction with the blooming of the delicate and fragrant cherry blossoms, which lasts for about two weeks. Crowds from all over the country gather amongst the flowering trees, with parties going late into the night.

Location Countrywide, Japan

Kanda Matsuri

May

One of Tokyo's most famous festivals, alongside Sanno Matsuri and Fukagawa Matsuri, Kanda Matsuri takes place in odd-numbered years in mid-May. There are processions wthrough the streets and parades of portable shrines (mikoshi). Though the festival officially celebrates the Kanda Myojin Shrine and its trio of deities, over time Kanda Matsuri has come to be a celebration for wealth and good fortune.

Location Tokyo, Japan

Aoi Matsuri

May

Parading through Kyoto’s most important shrines, Aoi Matsuri is a colorful procession in honor of the ancient officials who delivered the emperor’s messages to the two shrines of Shimogamo and Kamigamo. Every year on May 15th, Hollyhock, kimonos and traditional blades take spectators back to Imperial times as the day begins with an elaborate display.

Location Kyoto, Japan

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