This guide highlights what to expect from the weather, must-see seasonal attractions, and our featured tours you can join and enjoy during your visit.
Weather in May
Although Tohoku is known for its harsh climate, May is when the last remnants of heavy winter snow finally melt away in most of the region. It marks the final transition into full blown spring. There are blooming flowers, lush greenery, and the weather is typically pleasant. Don’t be fooled by the stretches of warm days though. In early May, areas in Yamagata, Aomori, and Akita are prone to sudden drops in temperature and sudden light snowfall especially at night.
Daytime highs in the city of Sendai usually range from about 22°C to 12°C (71°F - 53°F), while nighttime temperatures range from about 10°C to 12°C (50°F - 53°F). As the month progresses, precipitation is more likely in the city, but not typically heavy.
In areas like Koriyama the average temperature can reach up to 25°C (77°F) feeling like a humid summer day with temperatures plunging again upon sun down. Many areas in Tohoku can drop below 12°C (53°F) at night.
As mentioned above, more northern parts of Tohoku such as Aomori Prefecture tend to be a little cooler in early May especially. Aomori City can see highs ranging 20°C to 15°C (68°F - 50°F) with lows ranging 12°C to 8°C (53°F - 46°F). On average, the day is usually quite pleasant but there are chances of frost or freezing temperatures at night.
Overall temperatures throughout the vast Tohoku area can range by varying degrees during day vs. night. Due to these drastic fluctuations in temperature, it’s advised to always come with light clothing, but pack plenty of layers to adjust. This includes a light to medium jacket for cold mornings and evenings, comfortable walking shoes, as well as a hat for those extended periods of sunlight.
Seasonal Highlights in May
With winter’s cold touch usually behind us, May is a great time to visit gorgeous national parks or walk through the city. Here are the key seasonal highlights:
Scenic Views from Matsushima Bay
Matsushima Bay is located just a 30 minute train ride north of Sendai. Thanks to May’s temperate climate and light rain forecast, May is a great time to witness one of Japan’s top three scenic views.
On clear days, the bayside view shows a picturesque blue sky meeting the crystalline water below. The 260 pine-clad islands are a beautiful scene to behold.
Floating Forests of Yamagata
Shirakawa Lake in Yamagata prefecture gives a fantastic, but very limited, sight from late March to late May. Thanks to the heavy amounts of snowmelt from the mountains, the water levels in the lake rise significantly. This creates a magical view of reflected trees that appear to be floating just above the water line. On particularly clear and windless days, the clear reflection is truly breathtaking.
Stroll Through Fields of May Flowers
Yakurai Garden is a photogenic floral paradise located about an hour drive from Sendai Station in Miyagi prefecture's Kami Town. This garden boasts a plethora of plant life, and is open from mid April to November. In spring, a vibrant array of flowers—including daffodils, tulips, canola blossoms, and violas—bloom in all their glory. You can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the natural landscape as you stroll through the garden grounds. It also has a chapel and various monuments to pose for that perfect commemorative photo. The natural park also has a lovely cafe where you can sit and peacefully spend some time while enjoying a coffee, tea, frappe, or a light meal.
This year they are hosting the Yakurai Easter Fair event from April 8th (SAT) through June 14th (SUN) where you can see colorful displays of easter eggs, easter bunnies, purchase easter-themed goods, and more.
Festivals and Events in May
May is a busy time for traveling in Japan, with the Golden Week Holiday causing high traffic along with the warmer weather drawing locals outside, potential overcrowding can be a little overwhelming. With this increase in tourism, it’s a great time to venture out of the big cities and head toward the less traveled parts of northern Japan!
Sendai’s Aoba Festival
- May 17th (SAT) and 18th (SUN)
- 10:00 - 20:00 (SAT) / 10:00 - 17:00 (SUN)
- Downtown Sendai (paid seating is available on Jozenji-dori Ave)
Aoba Matsuri, one of Sendai’s most historical festivals, is held every year during May. The festival pays homage to the illustrious Date Clan, specifically Date Masamune who was the powerful feudal lord that founded the city. The festival includes colorful floats, traditional celebration and dancing, as well as a march of a portable shrine from Aoba Shrine at which Date Masamune is enshrined as a Shinto deity.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort’s Half-Day Tour in Sendai: Kitayama Gozan & Sendai Daikannon Statue – Day of Zen will give you a deeper appreciation for the strong Zen Buddhist ties Sendai has, both past and present. This tour covers the Five Zen Temples of the Kitayama area of Sendai and features a trip to the magnificent Daikannon Statue. This walking tour will also take you to Aoba Shrine of which is the very basis for this well-loved festival.
“I Dreamed Cats Could Be Us” Exhibition
- April 17th (FRI) - June 7th (SUN)
- 9:00 - 16:45
- Closed Mondays
- Sendai City Museum
- Adults ¥1500, University & High School Students ¥1000, Junior High & Elementary School Students ¥800
Have you ever wondered, “What if my cat could talk like a human?” This exhibition covers this exact idea. Anthropomorphism in Japanese is called gijinka and it is seen throughout many different art styles in various cultures. Japanese “pictures of the floating world,” or ukiyo-e, is no exception.
Artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798 - 1861) is famous for his triptych Skeleton Spectre woodblock print, and is considered one of the last great masters of ukiyo-e. However, he was also known as a great cat lover. He released a series of works around 1841 that feature anthropomorphized cats and even famous actors depicted in cat form. This exhibition features these works of art in a charming feline themed display of Edo period woodblock prints.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort’s 1-Day Tour in Sendai: Zuihoden Mausoleum, Sendai Castle Ruins, and Osaki Hachimangu Shrine – Date Masamune’s Legacy will take you to many historical sites throughout the city of Sendai, including the Sendai City Museum where this temporary exhibition is being held. Marvel at the impressive world heritage sites and exquisite examples of Momoyama period architecture while learning about Sendai’s samurai history.
Strawberry Picking in Miyagi
- Japan’s sweet and high-quality strawberries are a tourist favorite
- There are farms easily accessible via train along the coastlines of Miyagi, especially Yamamoto Strawberry Farm
- Best from late March - late May
- Adults (7+) ¥2,500, Children (3 - 6) ¥1,200, infants free
- 10:00 - 16:00
Yamamoto Strawberry Farm is one of the largest strawberry farms in Tohoku. It is a 40 minute train ride south from Sendai Station Joban Line to Yamashita Station, then about a 15 minute walk.
It houses over 230,000 strawberries in its impressive 32,000 square meter plot. The staff will guide you through their 10 large greenhouses to make sure you get the best pick of the crop that day. You can enjoy 40 minutes of all-you-can pick and eat strawberries. There is also a cafe and shop here for those wishing to spend a little more time.
Featured Tours in May
The comfortable weather and sunny days make May a perfect time to venture outdoors or walk the city streets in multiple areas of Tohoku. Here are some of our recommended tours for Tohoku.
Visit Two Spiritual Behemoths of Tohoku
This day tour will take you to two of Tohoku’s most grandiose sites; Sendai’s Daikannon and Yamagata’s Yamadera Temple. Witness the spiritual majesty of the 100 meters white-robed colossus that sits watch over Sendai city. Then take the trek up the 1,000+ steps of Yamadera Temple and witness the tranquil view from its peak.
Highlights:
- See the outside and inside of the Daikannon statue while learning about the spiritual statues within it
- Take part in a spiritual pilgrimage special to Japanese Zen Buddhism
- Visit a scenic mountain temple that was once highly praised by famous Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho
Explore one of Japan’s Top Three Scenic Views
Matsushima Bay is conveniently located just 30 minutes north of Sendai Station. This tour will cover many of the interesting highlights of the bayside town, including a stroll through a Zen garden, a visit to a historically important temple, among other things. The lovely trip ends with a comfortable 50-min boat cruise of the bay where you can see some of the 260 pine-clad islands up close.
New Tour
1-Day Tour from Sendai: Matsushima Bay — Highlights from One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views
- Spots:
- Matsushima
- Pick-up:
- Sendai
- Drop-off:
- Sendai
Curious about other Japan regional highlights in May? Check out our INFORMATION page for more details!
Tips for Visiting & Traveling in May
- Shinkansen: Traveling to Tohoku is easy and convenient with the JR East Pass.
- Plan for Golden Week: Early May includes Golden Week, one of Japan’s busiest travel holiday periods. Accommodation, transport, and attractions are likely to be crowded, so booking in advance and starting your day early is recommended.
- Dress: May weather in Tohoku is generally temperate, but the highs and lows between daytime and evening can vary. Long-sleeved shirts and/or layers are the norm. Light outerwear such as a parka or cardigan are also highly recommended in the mountainous areas.
- Footwear: Melting snow can cause muddy pathways, so waterproof footwear is typically recommended.
- Outdoor Excursions: Since May often brings clear skies and good visibility, it is a great time to enjoy views of the flower blooms and lush greenery of Tohoku. In fact, regardless of the region, this season is perfect for hiking at National parks or visits to World Heritage Sites.
Plan Your May Visit
May is one of the most comfortable times to visit Tohoku. The harsh winter has mostly melted away, and with mild temperatures and a cool breeze, it makes for the perfect time to enjoy the seasonal beauty Tohoku is so famous for.
As May falls within Japan’s spring travel season, visitor numbers typically increase, particularly during Golden Week. Planning accommodation, transport, and tours in advance, along with starting sightseeing earlier in the day, can help ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit.
Ready to discover Tohoku in May? Explore our seasonal tours and charters to experience the best Tohoku and other regions have to offer.
