Tokyo Weather in May 2026: Not Too Hot, Not Too Crowded

Tokyo's weather in May is mild, not hot or cold. You'll enjoy pleasant spring warmth before the rainy season and summer heat arrive.

May is the shoulder season in Tokyo. This means you could explore the city with fewer crowds and lower costs.

Discover everything you need to know about traveling to Tokyo in May. This article provides insights on the weather, top experiences, recommended clothing, crowd levels, and more, based on our visits to Tokyo.

Weather and Climate in Tokyo in May

• Temperature: 16-22°C (61-72°F)
• Rainy days: 8 days
• Humidity: 66%
• Feeling: Warm, but not hot

May is the final month of spring in Tokyo, with warmer weather and more sunny days.

Tokyo enjoys delightful weather in May, with temperatures ranging from 16-22°C (61-72°F). Days are warm, while mornings and evenings remain cool.

However, the weather can vary greatly. You might have hot days or cool days within the same month. For example, in mid-May 2025, Tokyo was hot, perfect for wearing short sleeves. Yet, just a week later, the weather cooled down, requiring a light jacket.

Before June's rainy season arrives, you can enjoy a relatively dry season in May. Typically, May sees about 8 rainy days, mostly with light rain or showers.

Top 5 Things to Do in Tokyo in May

May is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the great weather with fewer crowds. Check out our carefully selected experiences for this month.

1. Watch the Sumo Tournament or Experience Sumo

Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport. Tokyo hosts the largest sumo tournament every May, lasting about 2 weeks. You can enjoy thrilling matches while immersing yourself in Japanese culture.

However, getting tickets for the sumo tournament is very hard. You need to secure a ticket through a lottery system, not reservations.

If you can't get tournament tickets, no worries! We can arrange a special sumo experience for you instead. You'll get to watch performances by former sumo wrestlers, sample authentic chanko-nabe hot pot, and even have a fun sumo match with the wrestlers.

2. Catch the Last Chance to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms in the Mount Fuji Area

Still hoping to see cherry blossoms in May? Lake Motosu in the Mount Fuji area offers your last chance. It's just a 2-hour drive from Tokyo.

The Shibazakura Festival at Lake Motosu usually runs from mid-April to late May. Unlike most of Japan's cherry blossoms, these pink-purple flowers bloom on the ground instead of on trees. The sight looks like a vibrant carpet with Mount Fuji in the background. Such a charming scene!

3. Enjoy Tokyo's Earliest Adachi Fireworks

The Adachi Fireworks kick off Tokyo's summer fireworks season. You'll experience an amazing show with around 14,000 fireworks lighting up the sky in just an hour! Many Tokyo locals love attending this spectacular event.

This fireworks show has both free and paid seating options. We suggest opting for the paid seats for better views, and you won't have to arrive very early to secure a spot.

However, the fireworks may be canceled due to bad weather. For example, both the 2024 and 2025 events were called off because of rain on the day.

If you prefer a more reliable choice, visit the Zushi Beach fireworks. You can enjoy the fireworks from the beach. 

4. Admire Blue and Purple Hydrangea in Kamakura

Starting from late May, you can enjoy hydrangeas, the iconic flowers of summer. The best place to see them is in Kamakura, just 1.5 hours from Tokyo.

My top picks for seeing hydrangeas in Kamakura are Meigetsu-in Temple and Hasedera Temple. Both locations are rich with hydrangeas, offering a serene Japanese Zen atmosphere.

5. Immerse Yourself in Tradition at the Sanja Matsuri Festival

Sanja Matsuri ranks among Tokyo's top three important festivals. It occurs over the third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of May, with the majority of events centered around Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Shrine.

This festival is full of a traditional cultural vibe. During the parade, you'll see locals dressed in traditional clothes, chanting, clapping, and carrying portable shrines. You could also catch traditional dance performances by geishas.

The most exciting part of the festival is on days 2 and 3, when parades through the streets with portable shrines.

What Should I Wear in Tokyo in May?

I suggest dressing in layers when visiting Tokyo in May. Days are warm, but mornings and evenings can be cooler.

• Daytime: long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirt
• Morning and evening: light sweaters, jackets, and windbreakers

Is Tokyo Crowded in May?

May is Tokyo's shoulder season with fewer crowds. It's quieter than the busy cherry blossom months of late March and April.

But Golden Week (April 29 - May 6 in 2026) is the busiest time in May. Many Japanese people travel during this holiday, so you'll face large crowds and higher costs. If you have flexible travel dates, I suggest avoiding this period.

Is Tokyo Expensive in May?

Travel costs in May are average since it's the shoulder season. However, prices can double during Golden Week (April 29 - May 6 in 2026).

Hotels are much more expensive during Golden Week. The prices go up by 50-100%, and rooms get reserved quickly. If you're planning to travel during this time, I strongly recommend booking your trip 3-6 months in advance. This can help you secure a better deal.

FAQs for Travelling to Tokyo in May

Can I See Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo in May?

No, you can't see cherry blossoms in Tokyo in May.

However, in the Mount Fuji area near Tokyo, you can still enjoy cherry blossoms. The Shibazakura Festival at Lake Motosu offers you the last chance to see blooms. It usually runs from mid-April to late May.

Is It Still Cold in Tokyo in May?

In May, Tokyo mostly has warm days.

But it can sometimes turn cool, with temperatures around 18°C (64°F). You might need to wear a light jacket.

Does It Rain a Lot in Tokyo in May?

No, May is not the rainy season in Tokyo. On average, there are about 8 rainy days.

However, the humidity reaches 66%, so you may feel a bit humid at times, especially after it rains.

The rainy season starts in June, bringing more rain at that time.

Need Help Planning Your Trip to Tokyo?

We're here to help you customize your trip to suit your needs, answer any questions you may have, and take care of every detail for you. Contact us now!

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Tokyo Travel Guide by Month

Here are the weather details and travel guide information for each month in Tokyo.