Japan in May : Wisteria, Fresh Greenery & Golden Week

The weather is comfortable, spring flowers continue, mountains turn green again, and it’s a great month for day trips and nature spots.

The beginning of May is very busy because of Golden Week, but after that, things calm down a lot.

Here’s what May looks like across Japan 👇

🌿 Where to go in May (and why)

TOKYO

Hitachi Seaside Park

Known for the blue nemophila flowers covering the hills in early May.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine

Wisteria season continues in early May.

Showa Kinen Park

Spring flowers, cycling, picnics, and open green spaces.

KYOTO

Kibune & Kurama

Fresh greenery season starts. Good weather for walking between both areas.

Arashiyama

Calmer after sakura season with bright green bamboo and mountain views.

Byodo-in (Uji)

Wisteria season around the temple grounds.

OSAKA

Minoh Park

Easy nature day trip with fresh green forest scenery.

Katsuo-ji

Daruma temple, from which you can access Minoo falls & minoo park

Expo ’70 Park

Large flower fields and seasonal events.

KYŪSHŪ

Kujū Flower Park

Spring flowers with mountain views.

Beppu & Yufuin

Good temperatures for onsen trips before summer humidity starts.

Takachiho Gorge

Greener landscapes and comfortable weather for walking.

HOKKAIDŌ

Goryokaku Park (Hakodate)

Cherry blossoms bloom later here, usually early May.

Maruyama Park (Sapporo)

Late sakura season in Hokkaidō.

Furano & Biei

Green landscapes begin returning after winter.

🌸 Flowers & Seasonal Highlights

• Wisteria season peaks in many regions

• Late cherry blossoms continue in northern Japan

• Nemophila flowers bloom in early May

• Fresh green maple leaves become a big highlight in Kyoto and mountain areas

🌸 Most Famous Wisteria Spots Around Japan

Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi)

Probably the most famous wisteria spot in Japan. Huge illuminated wisteria trees and tunnels. Peak usually late April to early May.

Kawachi Fujien (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka)

Known for its wisteria tunnels. One of the most photographed spring spots in Japan.

Tennogawa Park (Tsushima, Aichi)

Large wisteria festival with long flower tunnels and evening illuminations.

Mandaraji Park (Konan, Aichi)

Large amount of wisteria varieties and seasonal festival.

Shirai Omachi Fuji Park (Hyogo)

Mountain wisteria park with long flower tunnels.

Ushijima no Fuji (Saitama)

Very old natural wisteria tree designated as a natural monument.

🌿 Wisteria Season Tips

• Peak season changes depending on region and temperature

• Most spots bloom between late April and mid May

• Night illuminations are common at major festivals

• Weekdays are much calmer than weekends

• Some famous spots like Kawachi Fujien require reservation tickets during peak bloom

🎎 Main May Events

Early May

Golden Week holidays, nationwide

May 5

Children’s Day (Koinobori carp streamers everywhere)

Early May

Ashikaga Wisteria Festival, Tochigi

Early May

Fuji Shibazakura Festival near Mount Fuji

May 15

Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto

Mid May

Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo (the yakuza gather.)

Throughout May

Tea harvest season begins in Kyoto, Shizuoka, and Uji

🍴 What to Eat in May

• Matcha desserts and drinks

• Fresh tea from new harvest season

• Kashiwa mochi (Children’s Day sweet)

• Strawberries still available in some regions

• Seasonal bamboo shoots

• Early summer vegetables

💡 Tips for May

• Golden Week is one of the busiest travel periods in Japan, so it’s better to avoid if possible

• After Golden Week, crowds drop a lot

• Weather is usually warm but comfortable

• Nature spots and countryside areas are especially nice this month

• Good season for hiking and day trips

• Light layers are usually enough

🗺️ Planning your trip

May is great if you want good weather without peak summer heat.

If you want to experience Japan, don’t forget I can plan your 100 percent custom Japan trip. Itineraries built around you & your taste. Or explore my Japan Travel Guides and Interactive Maps with curated spots and ready-to-use itineraries.