May is an ideal month to visit Japan. Depending on your destinations in Japan, weather can change drastically, so it is best to double check the forecast for your travel days while packing. Daytime high temperatures range from the low 60s to the high 70s Fahrenheit, making it quite pleasant, particularly for outdoor activities such as walking and hiking. Hokkaido, in northern Japan, is a bit cooler, while Okinawa, to the south, is rainier. In May, you can expect plant life to be lush, especially the cherry blossom tree, which is Japan’s unofficial national flower.
Considering the comfortable May weather, it’s best to bring clothes that layer well. Cotton T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts are ideal. Evenings can be a bit brisk, so be sure to take sweaters or a light jacket. Raincoats will come in handy for occasional showers. For general clothing, stick to a smart but casual look. Jeans are not typically worn by adults. In Tokyo, the color scheme is mostly black and gray, so if you’re looking to blend in, it’s best to stay away from flashy colors. Under all circumstances, pack clothes that are clean and proper because shabby dress is usually inappropriate for any restaurants or temples you’ll be visiting.
One of the customs of Japan is taking off your shoes before entering into temples, shrines, traditional restaurants and homes. Pack shoes that you can put on and take off easily, especially without laces. Women can wear high heels, but considering the amount of time you’ll be walking, flats will be far more comfortable. While sandals are also acceptable, it is better to pack good, sturdy walking shoes. When packing socks, check for holes. You don’t want to take off your shoes at a formal location only to have holes in your socks because this is a sign of shabbiness.
Because of sporadic rain showers during May, a compact umbrella would likely come in handy. In many restaurants and cafes, tissues and napkins are usually not given to customers, so bring a few packs of tissues to keep in your daypack. You’ll also find that public restrooms do not provide paper towels, so pack some small, reusable washcloths. Buy a few small bottles of hand sanitizing gels for your bag because many public restrooms also don’t have soap available.
