Japan Tours in May 2026
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10 best Japan trips in May 2026
Compiled by

SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a great time and enjoyable trip with appropriate schedule. Highly recommend to all who are interested!”
Lumia, traveled in April
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Nagoya, Nagano, Mount Fuji, Tokyo Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Stunning Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates8 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 9 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $8,803
50% Off- NZ$4,402You save $4,402
Japan Real Food Adventure
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Extremely rewarding, fascinating, and challenging (in a good way). This tour has permanently broadened our minds!”
Tim, traveled in March
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Koya-san, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates10 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 13 May, 2026 8 spaces left From $7,695
10% Off- NZ$6,925You save $770
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
122 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Osaka to Tokyo tour was fantastic thanks to our very organised and capable guide. It was a very jolly and fun group.”
Martha, traveled in April
Duration 9 days Destinations Osaka, Koya-san, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Hakone, Fuji, Tokyo Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 2 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $5,299
25% Off- NZ$3,974You save $1,325
Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“As always high quality tour, well organised.”
Chantal, traveled in March
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Onomichi, Kyoto, Shingu, Koguchi, Katsuura, Toba, Osaka Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates10 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 13 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $9,310
20% Off- NZ$7,448You save $1,862
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My expectations for the tour was exceeded. I had a really good time.”
Christa, traveled in June
Duration 6 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operator G Adventures May departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 5 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $2,159
30% Off- NZ$1,511You save $648
Discover Japan
66 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very informative and we were lucky to have clear views of the mountain Fuji.”
Mohamed, traveled in May
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Fuji, Kawaguchiko Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures May departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 3 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $8,719
35% Off- NZ$5,667You save $3,052
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun (20 destinations)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were good, the food was excellent, and the tour was exactly what I wanted.”
Elham, traveled in April
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Fuji, Takayama, Gifu, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Himeji, Kyoto Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel May departure dates
See All Departure Dates7 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 8 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $8,350
10% Off- NZ$7,515You save $835
14 Days Japan Panoramic
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“There were only 17 people on the tour and this number is excellent. Everyone was friendly and we all got along amazingly.”
Linda, traveled in April
Duration 14 days Destinations Tokyo, Nagano, Takayama, Shirakawa, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Himeji, Okayama, Hiroshima, OsakaSee all destinations Age Range 2 to 90 year olds Operator Stunning Tours May departure dates
9 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $10,631
50% Off- NZ$5,316You save $5,316
Highlights of Japan
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Seeing the snow monkeys and walking through the pine forests, travelling by coach through the country was very good.”
Lynn, traveled in March
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kanazawa, Osaka, Himeji, Hiroshima, Kyoto Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! May departure dates
17 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From $6,810
25% Off- NZ$5,080You save $1,730
What people love about Japan Tours in May
- Japan Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
Awesome experience! One of the best I've ever tried and I've tried a bunch! Thanks you!
- 9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)
Osaka was amazing but the climate stunned the cherry blossoms. In Nara and Nagoya we saw a few blossoms. We saw the beauty of Japan in the mountains and surrounding areas. Our tour guide Yusuke gave us insight about the Japanese culture and how the culture changes to evolve around the wonderful people of Japan and trends they create. Once we got to Tokyo the blooms were everywhere we added places accent this event that made the daily Tokyo tour worth while. You will enjoy this tour and don't miss any extra tours.
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
Mari-san was exceptional - always went out of her way to make sure we are taken care of.
What our customers ask about Japan Tours in May 2026
Are there any special festivals or events in Japan during May?
May brings some of Japan's most dynamic cultural celebrations to life. The Sanja Matsuri transforms Tokyo's historic Asakusa district with traditional music processions and food stalls. In odd-numbered years the Kanda Matsuri adds to the cultural calendar drawing thousands to watch ornate floats and traditional dancers move through Tokyo's streets. The festivals create natural meeting points where visitors and locals come together to share in centuries-old traditions. Past visitors often point to these May festivals as highlights saying "the festival atmosphere in May really brought Japanese traditions to life."
What are the best places to visit in Japan during May?
The mild May weather opens up both urban and natural attractions across Japan. The winding paths of Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove offer cool morning walks while the vermillion gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine provide excellent hiking conditions. Mount Fuji views are particularly clear from Lake Kawaguchiko during this season. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka become outdoor museums perfect for walking tours. Many travelers choose hotels like the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa as a starting point for exploring Hakone's outdoor hot springs. As noted by one visitor "May allowed us to fully enjoy both city exploration and nature spots without weather concerns."
How difficult is it to find accommodation in Japan during May?
May's popularity especially during Golden Week means accommodations fill quickly throughout Japan. High-end properties like the Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa and Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda often reach capacity several months ahead. Budget-conscious travelers should book even earlier particularly in Tokyo Kyoto and Osaka. Guest reviews consistently highlight the need for advance planning with some reporting successful bookings up to six months before their trip.
What are the best things to do in Japan during May?
The pleasant May climate creates ideal conditions for both cultural and outdoor activities. Kyoto's Kinkakuji Temple and Arashiyama district welcome visitors with shorter lines and comfortable temperatures. Tokyo's outdoor spaces including Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku Gyoen offer peaceful retreats. The hiking trails at Fushimi Inari Shrine provide excellent exercise opportunities in mild weather. Further afield Hakone presents clear views of Mt. Fuji while the Noto Peninsula's cycling routes become accessible as winter ends.
What type of weather can I expect in different regions of Japan in May?
Japan's regions offer distinct May conditions. Tokyo and Kyoto maintain comfortable temperatures between 19-24°C creating perfect conditions for walking tours. Hokkaido stays cooler at 15-20°C which suits visits to Asahiyama Zoo and the emerging flowers in Furano. The southern cities of Osaka and Hiroshima match Tokyo's mild weather pattern making outdoor exploration comfortable at sites like Dotonbori and the Peace Memorial Park.
What are the best day trips to take in Japan during May?
The fifth month provides reliable conditions for exploring beyond city centers. The "Mt Fuji Day Tour with Kawaguchiko Lake" benefits from clear spring skies and stable weather patterns. Nara Park's famous deer are active in the mild temperatures making it an excellent day trip from Kyoto. The Hakone region shows off its outdoor onsen (hot springs) and Lake Ashi appears particularly photogenic during May's clear days.