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

SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of Japan - 7 Days
- 9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)
- Japan Real Food Adventure
- Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
- Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
- Japan: Land of the Rising Sun (20 destinations)
- 14 Days Japan Panoramic
- Japan Share a Trip
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
- Discover Japan
Highlights of Japan - 7 Days
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Tokyo/Osaka Tour from June 8-14,2023 was an awesome experience. Very professional and knowledgeable.”
Socrates, traveled in June
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Hamamatsu, Osaka, Kyoto Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Tomato Travel May departure dates
14 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$2,274
9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)
27 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Nice combination of historical sites, modern Japan, food and onsen experience was excellent.”
Nena, traveled in October
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 $8,733
50% Off- NZ$4,366You save $4,366
Japan Real Food Adventure
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My favourite experiences on this trip were the fresh sushi from the Tokyo fish markets, the make-your-own takoyaki in Osaka, and the all-you-can-eat shabu shabu in Kyoto!”
Tatiana, traveled in September
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
15% Off- NZ$6,541You save $1,154
Japan: Hike, Bike & Kayak
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The company attracts like minded people & our enthusiasm was contagious.”
Jon, 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
15% Off- NZ$9,210
Japan: Tokyo Nights & Kyoto Temples
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hostels and other living arrangements were very nice, not at all like the reputation that hostels have in the rest of the world.”
Tyler, traveled in September
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
35% Off- NZ$1,403You save $756
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
25% Off- NZ$6,262You save $2,088
14 Days Japan Panoramic
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well-paced and covered a great mix of cultural, historical, and scenic highlights.”
lili, traveled in May
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 $10,546
50% Off- NZ$5,273You save $5,273
Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
123 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Her knowledge of Japan and the Japanese Culture was amazing and she was a very caring and thoughtful guide.”
Janelle, traveled in March
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
Discover Japan
66 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tour well organised with many experiences of local culture, food etc.”
lesleyrobson@bigpond.com, traveled in September
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
What people love about Japan Tours in May
- 9 Days Splendid Japan Deluxe with Nagoya(4 star hotels)
Beautifully planned trip. Love the sights they had planned for is
- 14 Days Japan Panoramic
This is the first time we have used Tourradar and Stunning Tours. The overall experience was very pleasant. We received a confirmation message once the payment was made and Peter from Stunning Tours greeted us and sent travel tips in 10 minutes. Every time we had a question Peter was able to reply us in 30 minutes. Excellent customer services! The actual tour was delightful. The tour guide had some accent but tried her best to help the whole group. The bus driver gave a smooth and comfortable ride. All of the accommodations were comfortable with good locations for us to walk around. It was a long tour and we enjoyed every minute of it. Japan is a wonderful country and we are so glad we did this tour.
- Japan Express – Osaka to Tokyo
Tour was very much a highlights tour but more reason to come back. Matchy was excellent and so sincere
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.