Things to do in May 2025 near Tokyo
Looking for things to do in May near Tokyo? May is a great time to visit Japan with flowers, spring events, and pottery fairs.
Things to do
in MAY 2025
Nearby Tokyo
Written by
Angus Miyaji
Things to Know
Events & Festivals
Things to Do
Places to Stay
Things to know about MAY 2025
May is a fantastic month to explore the countryside near Tokyo. As the vibrant spring flower season peaks and transitions into the lush green of early summer, the weather is often warm and pleasant – perfect for getting outdoors before the rainy season and humidity arrive in June.
What to wear in MAY
You can wear T-shirts or light tops for warm afternoons, but bring a light jacket, cardigan, or fleece for cooler evenings or trips to higher elevations. Consider packing a light waterproof jacket or a folding umbrella, just in case.
Busy time in MAY (Golden Week)
Be aware of the Golden Week holidays which is the first week of May (until May 6th). It can get extremely busy, causing peak crowds at popular sights around Japan. Some expressways and train lines also have travel congestion and high prices. For a more relaxed and affordable experience we recommend exploring Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, or Ibaraki from the second week of May onwards when the crowds disappear.
Recommended Activity in MAY
May is prime time for spectacular flower viewing across the countryside near Tokyo, highlighted by the famous wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi) and the blue nemophila fields at Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki), with azaleas blooming widely. This beautiful scenery and pleasant weather make May ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, exploring traditional towns, and relaxing in the region’s renowned onsen resorts.
News for MAY 2025
Japan’s Ministry of Transport has officially recognized the “North Kanto Flower Corridor” under its Garden Tourism registration system. This exciting initiative connects 12 beautiful gardens across Tochigi, Gunma, and Ibaraki prefectures, such as Ashikaga Flower Park and Hitachi Seaside Park aiming to boost regional tourism by showcasing their unique floral attractions.
Events & Festivals in May
29th April (Tue) to 6th May (Tue)
Mashiko Pottery Fair - A week of Pottery and Japanese Crafts
2025:
29th April (Tue) to 6th May (Tue)
Japanese Name: 益子 春の陶器市
Meet potters and buy handmade pottery at Japan's largest pottery fair in Mashiko. (Mashiko Town / 益子町)
12th April (Sat) to 18th May (Sun)
*Illumination days 19th April (Sat) -18th May (Sun)
*Illumination days 19th April (Sat) -18th May (Sun)
Famous Ashikaga Flower Park Wisteria
2025:
12th April (Sat) to 18th May (Sun)
*Illumination days 19th April (Sat) -18th May (Sun)
*Illumination days 19th April (Sat) -18th May (Sun)
Japanese Name: ふじのはな物語 – あしかがフラワーパーク
Come and view the amazing Ashikaga Flower Park with the great wisterias in full bloom. (Ashikaga City / 足利市)
23rd May (Fri) to 22nd June (Sun)
*Annual bloom peak is around June 10th
*Annual bloom peak is around June 10th
Suigo Itako Iris Festival -75 min from Tokyo
2025:
23rd May (Fri) to 22nd June (Sun)
*Annual bloom peak is around June 10th
*Annual bloom peak is around June 10th
Japanese Name: 水郷潮来あやめまつり
Visit a Edo-themed Japanese festival surrounded by beautiful iris flowers beside a historical Japanese canal. (Itako City / 潮来市）
11th May (Sun)
Hojo Festival in Yorii - 1h 45min from Tokyo
2025:
11th May (Sun)
1hr 45min*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 寄居北條まつり
Visit Yorii Hojo Festival in Yorii (Yorii Hojo Matsuri) to see the ultimate Samurai battle and sword fight! Don't miss it! (Yorii Town / 寄居町)
19th April (Sat) to 6th May (Tue)
Lupin Spring Hill Festival
2025:
19th April (Sat) to 6th May (Tue)
Japanese Name: 春の丘のルピナス祭り
Visit Lupin Spring Hill Festival in Kanuma City (90 min from Tokyo) this spring to see the beautiful Lupin flowers in full bloom. (Kanuma City / 鹿沼市)
24th May (Sat) to 2nd June (Mon)
Kanuma Azalea Festival (Kanuma Satsuki Azalea Bonsai Festival)
2025:
24th May (Sat) to 2nd June (Mon)
Japanese Name: 鹿沼さつき祭り
Visit Kanuma Satsuki Azalea Bonsai Festival this spring to admire the colorful miniature bonsai trees, each a result of skill and patience. (Kanuma City / 鹿沼市）
Recommend things to do in May
Nikko Natural Science Museum
Visit Nikko Natural History Museum, conveniently located near Lake Chuzenji, to discover the fascinating natural wonders and rich history of Oku-Nikko through engaging exhibits.
NAOC
Come cycle with us in the Nikko World Heritage area, and experience history and culture, meet locals, and see rice fields. In winter, we have exciting snow bike rides in Oku-Nikko!
Kanuma Kaboku Center
Visit Kanuma Kaboku Center to explore bonsai and rare plants, join Kokedama workshops, and shop for Japanese gardening tools and ornaments. Don’t miss the Kokedama ice cream dessert!
THE DAY aozora PROJECT
Take a mountain e-bike or hiking tour to patrol the forest and learn how locals are preserving the area so they can live in harmony with wild animals such as monkeys, deers and bears. By joining the tour, you will be helping locals and animals live side-by-side and may even see some wild-animals!
shiobara viva
Join a unique walking tour of the great outdoors led by Ann-chan, a delightful guide who has been to 30 countries.
You can combine walking tours with open-air hot springs, agriculture experiences, kimono experiences, calligraphy, and more.
Edo Wonderland
Come time travel to Samurai roaming Edo-period Japan!
You can transform into a ninja, samurai, or townsperson for an immersive experience, or enjoy the day as a time traveler visiting Edo.
Kitrip Nikko
Join Rieko on one of Kitrip Nikko’s tours through Nikko’s outdoors to have a truly local experience. Unique tours include incense making to harvesting Ice from frozen lakes. See website for more.
Ashikaga Flower Park
Internationally known for their spectacular wisteria display and winter illuminations, Ashikaga flower park is beautiful to walk around at all times of year. Their 8 seasonal flower displays are ever changing and with lots to see you could easily spend a few hours here enjoying the flowers and taking lots of photos.
Hitachi Seaside Park
Visit Hitachi Seaside Park to see the colorful flowers throughout the seasons, such as nemophila in spring and kochia in autumn. In addition, there are a variety of attractions for kids such as an athletic field in the woods, and a BBQ plaza.
Ride Experience
Experience our incredible cycling tours, tailor-made for everyone, from novices to seasoned cyclists. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mother Nature as you pedal your way through awe-inspiring landscapes.
Watanabesahei Sake Brewery
Founded in 1842, Watanabesahei Sake Brewery is a traditional sake brewery in Imaichi, Nikko. They run a popular English brewery tour almost every day, and have a nice shop. Why not come to see a working sake brewery and learn how sake is made?
Katayama Sake Brewery
Katayama Sake Brewery is a very small, family-run sake brewery founded in 1879. Located near Watanabesahei in Imaichi, Nikko, it has a brewery shop to buy sake. Every drop of sake is gently made by hand, with the sake-pressing process alone taking three days!
Tonoike Sake Brewery
Established more than 80 years ago, Tonoike Sake Brewery is a traditional Sake brewery popular with overseas visitors. Visitors can drop by or book a tasting tour.
(Open 365 days)
Shimazaki Sake Brewery
Known as the ‘Cave Brewery’, we are a family-run sake brewery that produces award-winning aged sake. Come and visit the cave on our open-days or book a special tasting tour by our brewery owner.
Wakayama Farm
Experience traditional Japan in Japan’s largest bamboo forest! Stroll through the bamboo groves, capture precious memories with photos, and enjoy a Kimono experience. Exciting bamboo-themed activities for kids too! Don’t miss the impressive view that rivals Kyoto!
Max Minakami
We have guides with guiding experience in Australia and New Zealand as well as Nepalese guides who can provide outdoor tours in English.
Shoai Samurai
Visit Shoai Samurai for a unique, eco-friendly Japanese culture experience.
Try traditional indigo dyeing (Aizome) and support the local community. Create your masterpiece while making a positive impact!
Nasu Animal Kingdom
Meet diverse animals, enjoy thrilling shows, and see learn about animal conservation.
Popular areas such as, “Asia Forest”, “Tropical Forest”, “Aqua Stage” and “Sky Stadium” are great for both children and adults.
Popular areas such as, “Asia Forest”, “Tropical Forest”, “Aqua Stage” and “Sky Stadium” are great for both children and adults.
Places to stay in May
Akasawa Onsen Ryokan
Visit our cosy Onsen (hot spring) Inn with friendly cats. From newly refurbished western style rooms to traditional tatami rooms as well as glamping & cabin stays. Vegan and vegetarian meal options are available. Groups are also welcome. Ask about optional tours to Aizu.
Sansuikaku (Ryokan)
Indulge in luxury and Japanese tradition at a high-end Japanese inn near the Nasu Imperial Villa. Immerse in their healing hot spring with 1,400 years of history. Read more to create cherished memories and experience a heartwarming stay!
Nasu Village
Looking for a holiday home to rent?
Check out Nasu Village in the Nasu forest. There are 20 cottages suitable for couples, friends & families or larger groups. All houses come with free Wi-Fi, a BBQ space and cooking equipment. Read more to find out more.
Check out Nasu Village in the Nasu forest. There are 20 cottages suitable for couples, friends & families or larger groups. All houses come with free Wi-Fi, a BBQ space and cooking equipment. Read more to find out more.
Contributor: Angus Miyaji
Founder of Nearby Tokyo and Japan World Link, Angus helps visitors discover off the beaten track destinations in the North Kanto regions (Tochigi, Gunma, Ibaraki & Saitama north of Tokyo). He regularly travels between Japan and the UK promoting tourism and Japanese sake.
