Take our Small Group Japan Cherry
Blossom Tour - Save $200 Early Bird! | 
Tokyo Weather in May: What 16-23°C Actually Feels Like
- Average Daily Temperature: 16-23°C (61-73°F)
- Daytime Highs: 23-25°C (73-77°F)
- Nighttime Lows: 14-16°C (57-61°F)
- Rainfall: 132mm over 8-10 days (manageable)
- Humidity: Starting to rise (66%) but not oppressive
- Comparison: Similar to San Francisco summer or Mediterranean spring
- Real feel: Like perfect spring anywhere in the world
This temperature range is Tokyo's sweet spot. You're past April's mood swings when one day might be 10°C and the next 20°C. May brings stability. The weather becomes predictable enough to plan outdoor activities without constantly checking forecasts.
Tokyo Weather Late May: Why May 20-31 is the Sweet Spot
Tokyo weather late May deserves special attention. After May 20, temperatures stabilize around 22-25°C daily. Cool mornings become rare. Rain decreases.
This is when sunset in Tokyo in May reaches its best – progressing from 6:27 PM on May 1 to 6:48 PM by May 31.
Japan in Spring 2026: Let's Party Under Cherry Blossoms!
10 Things You Can Only Do in Tokyo in May
A. May-Exclusive Experiences
- Join the Madness of Sanja Matsuri (May 16-18, 2026): Tokyo's wildest festival brings two million people to Asakusa over 3 days. Unlike polite cherry blossom viewing, Sanja Matsuri is pure energy. Yakuza members traditionally show their full-body tattoos while carrying shrines.
- Watch Sumo Wrestling Up Close (May 10-24): May's Grand Sumo Tournament fills Ryogoku Kokugikan with 11,000 fans daily. Watch massive athletes perform ancient rituals. The afternoon's heavyweight bouts create electricity you can feel in your bones.
- See Wisteria at Peak Bloom: Kameido Tenjin Shrine's wisteria reaches perfection in early May. Purple flowers cascade like waterfalls over pond bridges. Visit at 7 AM to photograph without crowds. The reflection in the pond doubles the visual impact. By late May, the flowers fade, making timing crucial.
- Rose Gardens: Kyu-Furukawa Gardens showcases 200 varieties in formal European-style beds. The garden's Western mansion provides Instagram-perfect backdrops. Best viewing: May 15-30.
- Attend Design Festa (May Weekend): Asia's largest art event transforms Tokyo Big Sight into creative chaos. Over 15,000 artists sell everything from traditional crafts to bizarre performance art.
B. Perfect May Weather Activities
- Eat at Rooftop Beer Gardens: May marks the opening of Tokyo's rooftop beer garden season. Department stores transform their roofs into all-you-can-drink paradises.
- See Mt. Fuji at its Best: May provides the year's clearest Fuji views. The snow cap remains picturesque without winter's harsh conditions. Take a day trip to Lake Kawaguchi for perfect reflection shots.
- Cycle the Imperial Palace Loop: Every Sunday in May, police close the Imperial Palace loop to cars. Join hundreds of Tokyoites cycling the 5-kilometer route. The route passes through areas normally off-limits, offering unique palace views.
C. Late Spring Highlights
- Witness Firefly Magic: Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo releases fireflies in their garden from late May. This free evening event recreates Japan's rural summer tradition in central Tokyo. Arrive by 7 PM for the best viewing as darkness falls.
- Join Hanami Part Two: While April gets cherry blossom fame, May offers azalea hanami in Nezu Shrine. Thousands of azalea bushes bloom in waves of pink, white, and purple. The festival feels more local since international tourists don't know about it.
Tokyo Tourist Attractions | Things to Do & Places to Visit in Tokyo
Tokyo Events & Festivals in May 2026: Your Complete Calendar
- Sanja Matsuri (May 16-18, 2026): Tokyo's wildest festival in Asakusa. Two million visitors over three days.
- Design Festa (Mid-May Weekend): Asia's largest art event at Tokyo Big Sight. 15,000 artists selling original works.
- Children's Day Celebrations (May 5): Thousands of carp streamers fly citywide. Tokyo Skytree displays 1,500 you can walk through.
- Thai Festival in Yoyogi Park: Authentic Thai food and performances mid-May.
| Date | Event | Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 29 - May 6 | Golden Week | Citywide | Extreme crowds, high prices |
| May 3-5 | Children's Day Festival | Tokyo Skytree | 1,500 carp streamers |
| May 5 | Kachiya Matsuri | Kameido | Samurai parade |
| May 10-11 | Kanda Matsuri | Akihabara area | Historic procession |
| May 10-24 | Sumo Tournament | Ryogoku | 15-day tournament |
| May 16-18 | Sanja Matsuri | Asakusa | 2 million visitors |
| May 20 | Tokyo Port Festival | Tokyo Bay | Free port tours |
| Late May | Firefly Viewing | Hotel Chinzanso | Evening illumination |
Note: Book accommodations 3-6 months ahead for Golden Week, 1-2 months for other May dates.
Tokyo events in May start with the Golden Week explosion. Children's Day on May 5 brings thousands of carp streamers (koinobori) flying across the city. Tokyo Skytree displays 1,500 streamers you can walk through.
The Hana Matsuri flower festivals peak in May. Beyond famous wisteria and roses, Jindai Botanical Garden's peony collection reaches full bloom around May 10. Hibiya Park's spring garden show runs all month, featuring garden designs you can replicate at home.
Late May brings early summer festivals. The Kachiya Matsuri in Kameido (May 5) features samurai parades most tourists never hear about. The Tokyo Port Festival (May 20) opens areas normally closed to the public.
Music lovers should note May's outdoor concert season beginning. Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall hosts free performances weekend afternoons.
What to Wear in Tokyo in May: Your Day-to-Night Guide
Tokyo weather in May what to wear depends entirely on the time of day. Mornings require a light layer – think cardigan or light jacket you can stuff in a bag later.
By 11 AM, you'll be peeling off layers. Afternoons call for t-shirts, short sleeves, or summer dresses. Evening brings the jacket back out, especially if you're near the water or in parks.
The sun gets surprisingly strong in May. UV levels reach 7-8 on clear days, similar to Mediterranean beaches. Sunglasses aren't just for fashion anymore.
For Golden Week, pack one rain jacket since crowds make umbrellas difficult. By mid-May, leave heavy layers home. Late May feels like early summer – cotton and linen work best. Always prioritize comfortable walking shoes over style. You'll walk 15,000+ steps daily.
Tokyo in May: Budget & Costs
Visiting Tokyo in May requires careful timing to manage costs.
- Golden Week (roughly April 29th to May 6th): The prices surge due to national holidays. Flights can be 20-40% more expensive, and hotel rates often jump by 30-50% or more, with mid-range rooms easily exceeding ¥25,000 per night.
- Rest of May (May 7-31): For the rest of May, a mid-range traveler can expect daily costs of around ¥15,000–¥22,000 ($100-$150). This budget comfortably covers a decent hotel, delicious meals, and local transportation, making the latter half of May a sweet spot for pleasant weather and excellent value.
Golden Week: What Every May Visitor Must Know
Golden Week (April 29 - May 6) completely changes Tokyo. During these eight days, expect triple the normal crowds at tourist spots. Even convenience stores in tourist areas run out of popular items.
Business districts like Marunouchi empty out. Many locals leave Tokyo entirely. Museums before 10 AM stay manageable.
May vs Other Months: Quick Comparison
| Month | Temperature | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 14-19°C | Cherry blossoms | Unpredictable weather, crowds | Good for sakura only |
| May | 16-23°C | Perfect weather, festivals | Golden Week chaos | Best overall |
| June | 21-26°C | Hydrangeas | Rainy season (15+ rain days) | Skip unless you love rain |
| July | 26-31°C | Summer festivals | Hot and humid (80%) | For heat lovers only |
Japan Weather in April 2026: Golden Month for Cherry Blossoms (Latest Guide)
Japan in June: Hydrangeas, Moss Gardens, Hokkaido & Itineraries
Japan Weather in July 2026: Festivals Peak & Avoid the Heat
How to Plan Your Tokyo May Trip: With Itinerary
If you're short on time and visiting after Golden Week, a focused 3-4 day trip is sufficient to experience Tokyo's main sights.
However, a 5 to 7-day stay is perfect for a more comprehensive experience, allowing you to explore the city at a relaxed pace and include a day trip.
For travelers with 10 or more days, you can expand your journey to include other major cities like Kyoto and Osaka or venture into Japan's beautiful mountain regions.
Best Arrival Dates
- May 7-10: Golden Week just ended, prices dropped, weather warming
- May 20-25: Most stable weather, all flowers blooming
- Avoid: April 29 - May 6 unless you want festivals despite crowds
Best Day Trip Options from Tokyo in May
Nikko (2 hours): Mountain temples, perfect hiking weather.
Kamakura (1 hour): Beaches warming up, early hydrangeas.
Hakone (1.5 hours): Mt. Fuji views, outdoor hot springs ideal at 20°C.
Mt. Fuji area (2.5 hours): Clearest views before summer haze.
May's comfortable climate is ideal for day trips. You can visit Nikko's mountain temples in perfect hiking weather or head to Kamakura as its beaches warm up. Hike to Breathtaking Vistas of Japan >>
Hakone is another excellent choice, with 20°C temperatures making its outdoor hot springs delightful, while the Mt. Fuji area offers some of the clearest views before the summer haze arrives.
How to Get from Tokyo to Nikko – 2026 Local Guide (Map)
How to Get from Tokyo to Kamakura for a Day Trip: 4 Train Routes
Tokyo to Hakone: Train, Bus, Car & Day Trips (2026)
How to Get to Mount Fuji from Tokyo
Tokyo February Itinerary: A Recommended 5-day Itinerary for First-timer
Day 1-2: Dive into Tokyo. (Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Akihabara, Tokyo Samurai & Ninja Museum)
Day 3: An unforgettable day trip to the Mt. Fuji area. (Arakurayama Sengen Park, Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, Tenjo-san Park Cable Car or Lake Kawaguchi Cruise)
Day 4-5: Tokyo. (Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Imperial Palace Outer Garden, Tsukiji Fish Market).
Tokyo Itineraries | Spend 1 Day, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days in Tokyo Japan
Common Questions About Tokyo Weather in May
Is May too hot for Tokyo? No. At 16-23°C average, May is perfectly comfortable. June-August are the truly hot months.
When does rainy season start? Rainy season typically begins June 6-10. Late May might see increased clouds but not the real rainy season.
Is May typhoon season? No. Typhoons typically occur August-October. May weather is stable and predictable.
How bad are Golden Week crowds? Extreme. If visiting then, book everything by January and expect to wait in lines.
Japan's Rainy Season 2026: How to Love Plum Rain Season (Tsuyu)
Discover Tokyo & Japan with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
Explore Japan with Asia Odyssey Travel! We are a local travel company with an office in Tokyo. We are here to help you enjoy the best of Japan. We offer simple, fun, and real local tours.
Our Japan Tours at a Glance:
✅ Japan Tours: 60+ Best Tour Packages
✅ Japan Group Tours: 6+ great value trips, including cherry blossoms & classical routes.
✅ Tokyo Tours: Explore a city of neon-lit streets, ancient temples, and world-class food.
Helpful Guides for Your Japan Trip:
Japan Travel Guide & Travel FAQs: All you need to know before you go.
Useful Advice: How to Plan · Best Time to Visit · Cherry Blossom · Things to Do · Beautiful Places · Temples · Food · Maps · Rainy Season
Contact us now and start planning your dream Japan tour.
Data in submission...
