Visiting Japan in May

May is easily one of the best months for a holiday in Japan, with warmer temperatures across the country but before the worst rain and humidity of summer begins. Perfect weather for exploring Tokyo and the nearby cities, although you won’t be the only one to think so. Wisteria trees are bursting into purple splendour across Honshu and even in northernmost Hokkaido, the snow has gone and temperatures hit the mid-teens with cherry blossom still in bloom. The rainy season is getting underway around Okinawa, but you can expect glorious sunshine between the torrential downpours, and highs of around 27C.

Festivals: Golden Week runs until May 5. This series of national holidays includes Children’s Day, when you can see traditional celebrations such as kite-flying, featuring traditional koinobori fish kites.
Sanja Matsuri takes place on the third full weekend in May in Tokyo, with colourful processions, and musicians in traditional costumes parading between the Sensoji Temple and Asakusa shrine

Best for: The best weather to explore, Golden Week celebrations, flowers in bloom.