Is May the right time to visit Japan
Is may the right time to visit Japan – Japan is a country that is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Every year, millions of tourists flock to this island nation to experience its vibrant cities, picturesque landscapes, and unique traditions. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you may be wondering whether May is the right time to visit.
May is one of the most popular months for tourists to visit Japan. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with the cherry blossom season coming to an end and the arrival of the fresh green foliage of spring. Additionally, May is a month of festivals and celebrations, with many events taking place throughout the country.
One of the most famous festivals in May is the Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo, which takes place over the third weekend of the month. This three-day festival is dedicated to the three men who founded the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, and features a procession of elaborately decorated portable shrines, traditional music and dance performances, and food stalls selling local delicacies.
Another popular event in May is the Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto, which is one of the oldest festivals in Japan. This festival dates back to the 6th century and features a grand procession of people dressed in traditional costumes, accompanied by musicians and dancers. The procession makes its way from the Imperial Palace to the Shimogamo Shrine, where a Shinto ceremony is held to pray for a good harvest.
However, visiting Japan in May does have its drawbacks. The crowds can be quite overwhelming, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Tokyo. Accommodation and transportation can also be more expensive during this peak season, so it’s important to plan ahead and book in advance.
Overall, May can be an excellent time to visit Japan, particularly if you’re interested in experiencing the country’s vibrant festivals and events. Just be prepared for the crowds and higher prices, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to this beautiful country.
Things to do in Japan during May month
Japan is a country that is rich in culture and traditions, and May is a month of festivities and celebrations across the country. Here are some of the top things to do in Japan during the month of May:
- Experience the Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo: This three-day festival is held in the Asakusa district of Tokyo and features a colorful procession of portable shrines, traditional music and dance performances, and food stalls selling local delicacies.
- Attend the Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto: This ancient festival dates back to the 6th century and features a grand procession of people dressed in traditional costumes, accompanied by musicians and dancers. The procession makes its way from the Imperial Palace to the Shimogamo Shrine, where a Shinto ceremony is held to pray for a good harvest.
- See the Fuji Shibazakura Festival: Located near Mount Fuji, this festival celebrates the blooming of Shibazakura, a pink moss that covers the fields in vibrant colors. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery, as well as food stalls, musical performances, and traditional crafts.
- Visit the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo: This festival takes place every two years and is one of the largest in Tokyo. It features a procession of portable shrines, traditional music and dance performances, and other events over the course of a week.
- Enjoy the Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo: This festival is held in even-numbered years and features a grand procession of portable shrines, horseback riders, and traditional musicians and dancers. The procession makes its way from Hie Shrine to the Imperial Palace and back again, with a number of events held along the way.
- Take a trip to the Wisteria Festival in Ashikaga: This festival celebrates the blooming of wisteria flowers in the Ashikaga Flower Park. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of the purple and pink flowers, as well as food stalls, musical performances, and traditional crafts.
- Explore the Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri: This festival celebrates the history and culture of Kanazawa, a city in Ishikawa Prefecture. It features parades, traditional performances, and food stalls, as well as the lighting of a huge bonfire in the city center.
Weather of different regions of Japan During May month
May is a popular month for tourists to visit Japan as the weather is generally mild and pleasant throughout the country. However, the climate can vary greatly depending on the region of Japan. Here is a breakdown of the weather in some of the different regions of Japan during May:
- Tokyo and Central Japan: May is a great time to visit Tokyo and the surrounding regions, as the weather is usually mild with an average high of around 23°C (73°F). The cherry blossom season is typically over by early May, but visitors can still enjoy the fresh green foliage of spring. Rainfall is moderate, with an average of 115mm of precipitation throughout the month.
- Hokkaido: Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan, and May is still relatively cool in this region, with an average high of around 14°C (57°F). Visitors can expect a mix of sunny and cloudy days, with occasional rainfall. The cherry blossom season usually lasts through early May in Hokkaido, and visitors can also enjoy the blooming of tulips and other spring flowers.
- Kyoto and Western Japan: May is a popular month to visit Kyoto and the surrounding regions, as the weather is usually mild with an average high of around 24°C (75°F). The cherry blossom season is typically over by early May, but visitors can still enjoy the fresh green foliage of spring. Rainfall is moderate, with an average of 135mm of precipitation throughout the month.
- Okinawa and Southern Japan: May is a great time to visit Okinawa and the southern regions of Japan, as the weather is warm and sunny with an average high of around 28°C (82°F). Visitors can enjoy the beaches, clear waters, and coral reefs of the region, as well as the local cuisine and culture. Rainfall is relatively low, with an average of 100mm of precipitation throughout the month.
Overall, May is a great month to visit Japan, as the weather is usually mild and pleasant throughout the country. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional rainfall and check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.
List of festivals in May month in Japan
Here are some of the popular festivals and events that take place in Japan during the month of May:
- Golden Week: Although not a specific festival, Golden Week is a series of national holidays that take place in late April and early May. This is one of the busiest travel times in Japan, with many people taking advantage of the holidays to visit family, travel, or attend festivals.
- Kanda Matsuri: This festival takes place in Tokyo during odd-numbered years, typically in mid-May. It is one of the largest festivals in Tokyo, featuring a procession of portable shrines, traditional music and dance performances, and other events over the course of a week.
- Aoi Matsuri: This ancient festival dates back to the 6th century and is held in Kyoto on May 15th. It features a grand procession of people dressed in traditional costumes, accompanied by musicians and dancers. The procession makes its way from the Imperial Palace to the Shimogamo Shrine, where a Shinto ceremony is held to pray for a good harvest.
- Sanja Matsuri: This three-day festival is held in the Asakusa district of Tokyo in mid-May. It features a colorful procession of portable shrines, traditional music and dance performances, and food stalls selling local delicacies.
- Sanno Matsuri: This festival takes place in Tokyo during even-numbered years, typically in mid-June. It features a grand procession of portable shrines, horseback riders, and traditional musicians and dancers. The procession makes its way from Hie Shrine to the Imperial Palace and back again, with a number of events held along the way.
- Hakata Dontaku: This festival is held in Fukuoka from May 3rd to 4th and features a large parade of people dressed in colorful costumes, traditional music and dance performances, and food stalls selling local specialties.
- Kurayami Matsuri: This festival takes place at the Okunitama Shrine in Tokyo from May 5th to 6th. It is known as the “darkness festival” and features a procession of portable shrines that are carried through the streets in complete darkness.
These are just a few of the many festivals and events that take place in Japan during the month of May. Visitors to Japan during this time can experience the country’s rich cultural traditions and enjoy the festivities that make this time of year so special.
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