Japan, Asia
Hokkaido in May
Cherry blossoms around early May in Sapporo and Hakodate, varies by year. Golden Week at the start brings domestic crowds.
The straight answer
May is a good month to visit Hokkaido. Cherry blossoms around early May in Sapporo and Hakodate, varies by year. Golden Week at the start brings domestic crowds.
- Weather
- Fresh, highs near 62F (17C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in Hokkaido
May is fresh and green, with highs near 62F (17C). Cherry blossoms arrive around early May in Sapporo and Hakodate, varying by year. Golden Week at the start of the month brings domestic crowds and higher prices, but after that, things calm down. Mountain roads and seasonal attractions reopen. Evenings are still cool, so bring a jacket.
It suits blossom chasers, road trippers, and families who want mild weather. Avoid the first days of the month if you want lower prices. For summer flowers and warmer days, July is the peak.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Hokkaido this month.
Cherry blossoms at Goryokaku
The star-shaped fort in Hakodate is a classic blossom spot, usually in early May.
Matsumae Park blossoms
Matsumae Park is famous for its many cherry trees, and the late bloom means a second chance after Honshu.
Roads reopening
Mountain roads and national park sites reopen, making May a good time to start a road trip.
What to pack for May
- A light jacket and layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A rain jacket
- A small picnic mat for blossom viewing
Our timing tip
Arrive after Golden Week ends in the first week of May for lower prices and easier trains.
Book Hokkaido for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in HokkaidoOpens a hotel search for Hokkaido in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in HokkaidoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in HokkaidoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Hokkaido for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Things to do in Hokkaido
Sapporo Snow Festival
Giant snow and ice sculptures in Odori Park and Susukino for about a week in early February. Book lodging months ahead.
Niseko and the ski resorts
Niseko is the most international; Furano, Rusutsu, and Kiroro are often quieter. January and February are the powder months.
Furano and Biei lavender
The fields peak in mid to late July. Go early morning to beat tour buses at Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond.
Otaru
Canal town with glassworks and sushi, 30 to 40 minutes from Sapporo. Magical during the Snow Light Path festival in February.
Shiretoko Peninsula
Five Lakes walk and bear-watching boat cruises in summer; drift ice walks in February and early March.
Asahiyama Zoo
Famous for its winter penguin walk and animal viewing design. A great family stop in Asahikawa.
Beat the crowds
- If you want the Snow Festival, book Sapporo hotels three to six months out, or stay in Otaru and commute.
- Ski in early to mid January or March for good snow with fewer people and lower rates than Christmas, Lunar New Year, and February.
- At Farm Tomita and the Blue Pond, arrive before 8am in July. By 10am the tour buses are in.
- Avoid Obon week in mid August for rental cars and lodging, and book summer rental cars early; they sell out.
Know before you go
- Shiretoko Pass (the road across the peninsula) and many mountain roads close in winter, usually from roughly early November to late April.
- Many summer attractions, ropeways, and lodges in national parks close from about November to April; check any specific site.
- Ski resorts generally open in late November or December and close between late March and early May depending on the resort and snow.
- Heavy snowstorms can cancel flights at New Chitose and shut roads and trains for a day. Build a buffer day into any winter itinerary.
Hokkaido in May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Hokkaido?
May is a good month to visit Hokkaido. Cherry blossoms around early May in Sapporo and Hakodate, varies by year. Golden Week at the start brings domestic crowds.
What is the weather like in Hokkaido in May?
Fresh, highs near 62F (17C).
Is Hokkaido crowded in May?
Crowds in Hokkaido are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Hokkaido in May?
Cherry blossom season (usually late april to mid may, varies by year).
Keep planning Hokkaido.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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