May is one of the best months to visit Nagoya and Central Japan. The weather is comfortable most of the month, there are many spring festivals and events, and the large crowds from cherry blossom season have dispersed.
This guide highlights what to expect from the weather, must-see seasonal attractions, and the best foods to enjoy during your visit.
Weather in May
May marks the transition from spring to early summer in Nagoya and the wider Tokai region. The landscape turns into many shades of green, with fresh foliage replacing the blossoms of April, and a generally mild, pleasant climate dominating much of the month (especially in the first half of May).
Daytime highs in May in Nagoya typically range from around 22°C to 26°C (72°F – 79°F), while nighttime temperatures are usually comfortable, hovering between 13°C and 18°C (55°F – 64°F). Early May often brings clear skies and low humidity, making it one of the most enjoyable times of year to explore the city. As the month progresses, humidity begins to creep upward, and the chance of rain increases slightly, especially toward the end of May as the region approaches the early stages of the rainy season.
In coastal areas like Ise, conditions are similar but can feel a bit more humid due to proximity to the ocean. Daytime temperatures are comparable to Nagoya, though sea breezes can occasionally moderate the heat. Rainfall becomes more frequent later in the month, and overcast days are not uncommon.
By contrast, alpine regions such as Kamikochi remain significantly cooler. May is when this highland valley fully reopens after winter, revealing snow-capped peaks and fresh greenery. Daytime highs typically range from 10°C to 18°C (50°F – 64°F), while nights can still be quite chilly, sometimes dropping close to freezing early in the month. Snow may linger on surrounding mountains, creating photogenic scenery.
In the Kiso Valley, temperatures fall somewhere between Nagoya and Kamikochi. Daytime highs usually reach 18°C to 24°C (64°F – 75°F), with cooler mornings and evenings. The valley’s forests are vibrant in May, and conditions are generally comfortable for hiking and walking along historic routes like the Nakasendo. Occasional rain showers become more common toward the end of the month.
What to Wear in May in Nagoya?
Visitors to the Tokai region in May should pack light, breathable clothing for warm daytime conditions, along with a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially if heading into mountainous areas. An umbrella or rain jacket is advisable as rainfall becomes more frequent later in the month.
Seasonal Highlights in May
Ayu River Fishing Season Begins
As late spring turns to early summer, one of Japan’s most anticipated seasonal delicacies begins to appear: Ayu, often called “sweetfish” in English. The season opens in May, especially in central regions like Gifu Prefecture, where pristine rivers set the stage for one of the country’s most iconic culinary traditions.
Ayu are known for their delicate, slightly sweet flavor—often said to carry hints of melon or cucumber. Unlike many fish, ayu are typically enjoyed whole, as their bones are soft and edible when grilled. The most classic preparation is salt-grilled (shioyaki), where the fish is skewered and cooked over charcoal. You’ll often see them presented with a gentle curve, mimicking the way they swim in the river.
One of the best places to experience ayu season is along the Nagara River, famed for its exceptionally clear waters. This river is also home to the centuries-old tradition of Ukai cormorant fishing, which begins each year in May. Watching trained cormorants catch ayu by torchlight is a memorable cultural experience that connects visitors to Japan’s deep relationship with its rivers.
Early in May, the fish are smaller and especially tender, while later in the summer they grow larger and richer in flavor. Many riverside restaurants and traditional inns (ryokan) serve ayu as part of seasonal set meals, sometimes alongside other local specialties and mountain vegetables.
Golden Week
Falling between late April and early May, this holiday period combines several national holidays into a long break, when many people travel and celebrate across the country.
For international visitors, Golden Week is both an opportunity and a challenge. Expect a festive atmosphere, special events, and beautiful spring weather—but also larger crowds at popular attractions.
Around Nagoya, many theme parks and attractions host seasonal celebrations, such as spring festivals and special performances. At Legoland Japan, there is a spring celebration that runs through the holiday period with flower themed displays, live shows, and seasonal food. The Aichi Museum of Flight holds hands-on exhibits and special programming during Golden Week. And the Nagoya Aquarium has extended hours offering visitors a chance to see the aquatic animals at night.
Trains, highways, and major attractions can become crowded, especially between May 3 and May 5. Booking accommodation and transportation in advance is highly recommended, and sometimes required.
That said, Nagoya is often considered slightly less crowded than cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, making it a good base for exploring the region. Day trips to nearby destinations, such as historic towns, coastal areas, or the mountains of Gifu, offer a chance to escape the busiest crowds while still enjoying the festive season.
Festivals and Events in May
Atsuta Shrine Bugaku Shinji (Sacred Court Dance Ritual)
- May 1
- 10:30 am
- Atsuta Jingu (Kaguraden Front Garden)
Bugaku Shinji is a traditional Shinto ritual featuring classical court dance and music that has been preserved since the Heian Period (794–1185). Held annually at Atsuta Jingu, the ceremony takes place on a vermilion-lacquered elevated stage set in the front garden of the Kaguraden.
The program progresses through a sequence of traditional pieces performed as sacred offerings to the deities. Dancers and musicians perform Bugaku accompanied by Gagaku, the oldest form of orchestral music in Japan. The choreography is slow, deliberate, and highly stylized with each movement filled with symbolism.
Dressed in bright colored ritual attire and occasionally wearing ancient masks, the dancers bring to life a cultural practice that has endured for centuries. Many of the Bugaku masks preserved in the shrine’s treasure hall are believed to date from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The performers include Shinto priests, shrine maidens, and members of the shrine’s dedicated Gagaku ensemble, who uphold these traditions in a manner faithful to their original form.
Aigi Tunnel Group Spring Special Opening
- May 2 (Saturday) – May 6 (Wednesday), 2026
- 9:30 to 15:00
- Tamano-cho, Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture 487-0004
The Aigi Tunnel Group Spring Special Opening offers a rare opportunity to explore a normally restricted historical railway site. For a limited time each spring, the former JNR Chuo Line Tunnels No. 3-6 and abandoned railway line are opened to the public for hiking and exploring. The hike is approximately 1.7 km along the old railway line. There is crushed stone remaining on the abandoned railway line, so comfortable shoes and a flashlight are essential.
Located along the scenic Shonai River valley, this series of red-brick tunnels dates back to 1900 (Meiji 33) and has been preserved in its original form since its opening. During this limited-time event, visitors can walk along the former railway line and see a unique combination of railway history and natural beauty. The event costs ¥100 per person with the fees going towards the Aigi Tunnel Group Preservation and Restoration Committee.
Visitors can also enjoy hands-on exhibits such as operating the driving wheels of a C57 steam locomotive using bicycle pedals, as well as a rope swing and beginner-friendly bouldering for children. Bento boxes are available for purchase during the event, or you are welcome to bring your own.
To reach the event, take the JR Chuo Line from Nagoya Station and get off at Jokoji Station (approximately 30 mins). As Jokoji Station is an unmanned station, it is recommended to purchase a round-trip ticket or use a transportation IC card. The event is about a 3-minute walk from Jokoji Station.
TOKAI Curry Festival
- April 29 (Wednesday, Holiday) – May 4 (Monday, Holiday), 2026
- 10:30 to 20:00 (last order 19:30)
- Yaba Park 3-26 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
The TOKAI Curry Festival is the largest curry-themed event in Central Japan. Held at Yaba Park, near the Nagoya Science Museum, approximately 20 curry vendors gather to showcase a diverse array of flavors, featuring renowned and emerging curry shops from across the Tokai area.
Visitors can taste an extensive range of curry styles, including traditional Japanese curry, European curry, soup curry, Indian curry, Taiwanese curry, keema curry, and intensely spicy varieties. Many stalls offer combination plates, allowing guests to sample and compare multiple types of curry in a single meal.
Nagoya Castle Spring Festival
- March 20 (Friday) - May 6 (Wednesday)
- 9:00 to 19:30
- Nagoya Castle: 〒460-0031 愛知県名古屋市中区本丸１−１
Nagoya Castle is home to about 900 cherry blossom trees with over 10 varieties of blossoms (mainly Somei Yoshino and Shidare cherry blossoms).
During the Nagoya Castle Spring Festival, the opening hours are extended, and you can enjoy the cherry blossoms lit up at night. In addition, there are special food vendors, stage events, and matchlock gun demonstrations during daytime hours.
Okazaki Wisteria Festival
- April 17 (Friday) – May 6 (Wednesday)
- Daytime viewing (free admission) / Light-up: 18:00 to 21:00
- Okazaki Castle Park (Oto River embankment, south side)
At Okazaki Castle Park (about 45 minutes from Nagoya Station) visitors can experience a stunning 1,300-square-meter wisteria trellis.
Wisteria is designated as the official flower of Okazaki City and has long contributed to the city’s cultural identity. Known as “Gomangoku Fuji,” these historic wisteria vines were further recognized in 2022 as a natural monument of Aichi Prefecture. Following the cherry blossom season, this event forms part of Okazaki’s two major flower festivals, drawing many visitors with its beauty and sweet fragrance.
During the festival, the wisteria trellis is illuminated at night, with the softly glowing purple blossoms creating a dreamlike setting.
Visitors can enjoy local cuisine while taking in the scenery and fragrance of the flowers as food stalls and kitchen cars are available in the wisteria area operating from 10:00 to 17:00, with extended evening hours on weekends and holidays.
LEGOLAND Japan “Spring Celebration Party”
- March 13 (Friday) – May 10 (Sunday), 2026
- Park hours vary by date (please check official schedule)
- LEGOLAND Japan Resort
Legoland Japan Resort hosts its annual “Spring Celebration Party” in May. This seasonal event is designed to congratulate children embarking on new beginnings. The entire park is transformed into a festive space filled with spring-themed decorations, interactive activities, and immersive Lego experiences.
Upon entering the park, visitors are greeted by an impressive Lego cherry blossom tree constructed from approximately 880,000 bricks and standing about 4.3 meters tall. Keeping with the flower theme, there is also the Lego Flower Garden, an elaborately decorated indoor space featuring botanical-themed displays and interactive building experiences. In addition, Miniland introduces limited-time photo opportunities where visitors can step inside the exhibits and capture unique, large-scale perspectives of famous Japanese landmarks recreated with Lego bricks.
The event also debuts a live entertainment show and limited-edition seasonal foods, and themed merchandise.
Spring Nagoya Horikawa Cruise
- Saturdays and Sundays from March 3 - May 31
- 9:30 to 19:30
- Gojo Bridge Waterfront Plaza (〒451-0042 愛知県名古屋市西区那古野１丁目１−２) or Nayabashi Pier (〒460-0008 愛知県名古屋市中区栄１丁目１−)
Enjoy an open-air cruise through Nagoya along the Hori river. Established in 1610, the river was once an important location for transportation of goods to Nagoya castle. But now you can enjoy viewing the city from a unique vantage point on the Horikawa Cruise.
There are two routes to choose from, one that operates between the Nayabashi Pier and Sakae, and the other that goes between the Gojo Bridge and Endoji Shopping Street. Both routes are one way only and reservations are highly recommended for the night time or special event time slots.
Chausuyama Plateau Shibazakura Festival
- May 9 (Saturday) – June 7 (Sunday), 2026
- 9:00 to 16:30 (last admission at 16:00)
- Chausuyama Plateau
The Chausuyama Plateau Shibazakura Festival takes place at an elevation of 1,358 meters, making it the highest flower-viewing spot in Aichi Prefecture. This scenic event features approximately 400,000 moss phlox (shibazakura) plants blanketing the mountaintop in beautiful shades of pink, purple, and white, creating a “carpet of flowers in the sky.”
The mountaintop gives a panoramic view of the Southern Alps, and provides a picturesque backdrop for the floral displays. Visitors can reach the summit via a ski lift or by hiking up the slope.
In addition to daytime viewing, the festival includes special nighttime illuminations and plenty of local foods from Toyone Village.
Recurring Monthly Events in Nagoya
Higashi Betsuin Morning Market
- The 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month (canceled if rain)
- 10:00 - 14:00
- Nagoya Betsuin: 〒460-0016 Aichi, Nagoya, Naka Ward, Tachibana, 2 Chome−8
- Okaya Nagoya Hall (1-1-3 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi)
A morning market featuring vendors selling all kinds of vegetables, breads, sweets, and miscellaneous goods.
Nagaragawa Night Market
- Every Saturday from mid-May to mid-October
- 17:00 - 21:00
- Nagaragawa River Right Bank Promenade Area: 51-2 Nagara, Gifu, 502-0071
This night market offers food and drinks and sells miscellaneous goods, allowing visitors to enjoy the river while also viewing cormorant fishing.
Nagoya Tsurumai International Shogi Class
- Every Second and fourth Sun of the month
- 9:30 - 11:30
- Okaya Nagoya Hall (1-1-3 Tsurumai, Showa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi)
Learn how to play shogi from a basic level. The instructors will teach you how to move the pieces and some strategy tips. The class is appropriate for all ages and nationalities. (Reservation required)
Featured Tours in May
Enjoy the Spring Air in the Japanese Alps
Recommended Tour: Escape the city for a day and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Japan Alps on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Kamikochi – Enchanting Landscapes & Seasonal Beauty.
This tour takes you to a vibrant flower park, a charming mountain farm, and the iconic Kamikochi region of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Hike the well-maintained trails to Kappa-bashi and capture stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
See the First Matcha Harvest of the Year
Recommended Tour: Step away from the hustle of modern Japan and into a world where centuries-old traditions meet unparalleled craftsmanship on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Matcha, Confections, and Traditions in Nishio.
From crafting your own tea ceremony sweets to a behind the scenes look at the production of premium quality matcha, this tour will take you deeper into one of Japan’s most treasured traditions than ever before. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur, a culinary enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this is an opportunity to experience Japan in a way that few ever do.
Take a Stroll Through The Gardens of Nagoya
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya's Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates will take you into several historical estates and private gardens of Nagoya's titans of industry. Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace and sip tea while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
Plan Your May Visit
Ready to discover Nagoya in May? Explore our seasonal tours and charters to experience the best the region has to offer.
