May in Japan is a sweet spot for travel, offering pleasant temperatures, fresh greenery, colorful blooms, and fewer people traveling than in peak sakura season—outside the Golden Week holiday period, anyway! It's also the perfect time to get off the beaten path and explore places that aren't on the typical tourist trail but shine in late spring. These nine destinations offer nature, culture, and quiet charm, each with something uniquely "May" about them.
Biei, Hokkaido
Why in May: While most of Japan is already in early summer mode, Hokkaido is just starting to thaw out, making May a fresh, green paradise. Biei’s rolling patchwork hills and Furano’s early flower fields begin to bloom, and you’ll get vast landscapes without the lavender-season crowds.
Perfect for: Cycling through gentle hills, photography, and enjoying wide-open countryside under the spring skies.
Sado Island, Niigata
Why in May: The island comes to life in May with vibrant rice paddies, blooming wildflowers, and pleasant sea breezes. The popular Earth Celebration event isn’t until August, but this is the month for birdwatching, remote beaches, and peaceful hikes.
Don’t miss: Taking a ride in a tarai-bune (tub boat) and spotting crested ibises in the wild.
Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori
Why in May: Before summer heat makes the dunes intense, May offers the ideal climate to explore this surreal coastal formation. The nearby San’in Kaigan Geopark is rich in geological wonders, caves, and hidden beaches. The Sand Museum's annual sculpture exhibit also started late last month, so be one of the first to check out the new displays.
Perfect for: Nature lovers who want dramatic landscapes without the crowds.
Kamikochi, Nagano
Why in May: Kamikochi reopens in late April, and May is when the alpine scenery still carries hints of snow. As it melts, it feeds into the Azusa River, making it crystal clear and intensely blue.
What’s special: Snow-capped mountains, fresh greenery, and migratory birds returning to the highlands.
Chichibu, Saitama
Why in May: Close to Tokyo yet often overlooked, Chichibu is full of dramatic rock formations, rivers, and late-spring flowers. The Hitsujiyama Park shibazakura (moss phlox) season lingers into early May, and the mountains are perfect for light hikes.
Extra bonus: Scenic trains like the Steam Locomotive Paleo Express offer nostalgic springtime rides through the countryside. Be sure to check the official website for operating days.
Iya Valley, Tokushima
Why in May: This deep mountain valley is lush with new greenery in May, and the misty mornings make it feel otherworldly. Before the summer humidity kicks in, the suspension vine bridges, remote onsen, and tiny mountain villages are perfect for peaceful exploration.
Perfect for: Adventurous travelers wanting raw nature, solitude, and a touch of folklore.
Ouchi-juku, Fukushima
Why in May: This preserved Edo-period post town is surrounded by mountains that glow with late-spring green. The thatched-roof buildings feel timeless, and the nearby hiking trails are at their most comfortable.
Don’t miss: Slurping negi soba (eaten with a Japanese leek instead of chopsticks) and strolling along quiet streets.
Shodoshima, Kagawa
Why in May: Olive groves, terraced rice fields, and Mediterranean vibes await you. May is warm but not hot, and the Seto Inland Sea looks extra beautiful in the soft spring light.
Why it's offbeat: Often overshadowed by nearby Naoshima, Shodoshima also has some great art installations, plus hiking, beaches, and a relaxing island pace.
Miyama, Kyoto
Why in May: Escape Kyoto’s tourist hotspots and head north to this rural village of preserved thatched-roof houses. May brings bright green rice paddies and irises blooming along narrow canals.
Perfect for: A countryside day trip or overnight stay in a kominka farmhouse with local food and river views.
