May is a fantastic time to explore the Kansai region, including Osaka and Kyoto. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the humidity is relatively low, making it ideal for sightseeing. Whether you're strolling through Kyoto’s historic temples or enjoying Osaka’s vibrant street food scene, the season’s fresh greenery adds an extra charm. Just keep in mind that Golden Week (late April to early May) can bring crowds to popular spots.

In May, Kansai enjoys mild, comfortable weather. Average temperatures in Osaka hover around 20.2°C (68°F), while Kyoto averages 19.9°C (68°F). Highs reach about 25–26°C (77–79°F), and lows dip to around 15–16°C (59–61°F). Humidity stays moderate, around 60%. It’s perfect weather for light clothing—think jeans, short sleeves, or breathable layers. A light jacket may come in handy during the cooler mornings or evenings.

(Note: This is based on average weather data from 2019–2024.)

Universal Studios Japan welcomes spring with its annual Universal Easter Celebration 2025. In the vibrant street show GO! GO! Easter March, park entertainers and beloved characters parade in adorable pastel costumes to celebrate the season. Don’t miss the fun near Stage 22—when the parade stops, you’re invited to sing and dance along!

Over at Minion Park, join the Minion Mechakawa Easter Greeting, where the characters appear in colorful Easter outfits for an extra-cute meet and greet.

As a fun bonus, guests can receive a limited-edition eco-friendly “Tamakara Sticker” made from recycled eggshells—just say “Happy Easter!” to a crew member. Available March 7 to June 29, 2025, while supplies last, at Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, and more.

Be sure to try seasonal treats like the Easter Bunny Cake – Strawberry & Peach, and admire the pastel bunny-and-egg-themed decorations and colorful spring flowers across Universal Wonderland and Minion Park.

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Step into the world of Demon Slayer at Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island! From March 15 to December 14, 2025, experience a limited-time collaboration featuring two immersive adventures. By day, join Puzzle Walk: Village of Falling Flowers & the Phantom Demon, where you'll unravel riddles to escape a dreamlike world. Participants receive a limited-edition event pin badge.

At night, Night Walk: Path to the Infinity Castle lets you walk through a 1.2 km illuminated forest, reliving major battles from the anime and gathering intel to face Muzan Kibutsuji. Complete the mission to earn a special souvenir. Both experiences require walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

Don't miss the Awaji GODZILLA Festival 2025 in Spring, part of the park’s Godzilla Interception Operation attraction. Exclusive to Premium and VIP pass holders, enjoy themed games like archery, kendama, beanbag toss, and menko. Earn over 300 points to win a traditional-style notebook, or a postcard if under 300. All premium ticket holders also receive a Godzilla backpack!

Celebrate spring at Shima Spain Village’s Happy Easter event, running from April 7 to May 7, 2025. Enjoy festive treats like crepes with colorful Easter-themed toppings, a hearty burger with bologna sausage and fried egg-style omelet, and a playful carbonara dish where a soft-boiled egg is hidden under crispy bacon—just like an egg hunt on your plate!

From April 19 to May 25, don’t miss the Santa Cruz Flower Patio Festival, where the picturesque white-walled Santa Cruz Street becomes a vibrant photo spot adorned with floral decorations and a flower cart display.

During Golden Week (April 26 – May 5), the park stays open until 8 PM for evening fun. Look forward to the dazzling España Carnival “Buen Viaje” night parade and a spectacular fireworks and music show, Moonlight Finale, lighting up the night sky.

Step into the adorable world of Sumikkogurashi at this interactive event at Hirakata Park! Follow a story-driven adventure to find a giant rainbow, search for hidden Tapioka characters in the Puzzle Garden, and dress up for cute photos at the Dress-Up Photo Studio. Fans of all ages can immerse themselves in this charming experience.

Other attractions include the Ball Toss Ferris Wheel (500 yen), Sumikkogurashi Bouncy Land (300 yen), and the Rainbow Train ride through a sky-themed world (300 yen). Limited-edition goods like mini towels are available for purchase, and all event ticket holders receive a random Rainbow Amusement Park Passport-style Sticker (5 designs total).

Held every May at the historic Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater, the Kamogawa Odori is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated geisha dance performances. Set in Pontocho, a narrow street along the Kamo River known as one of Kyoto’s five hanamachi (geisha districts), this event offers a rare chance to see elegant performances by geiko and maiko—traditionally only seen in private ozashiki settings.

The 2025 show features two acts: Shiragiku no Koi, a charming dance drama, and Adesugata Kyo Mizumeguri, a graceful pure dance inspired by Kyoto’s classic literature and seasonal beauty. Visitors can also enjoy matcha tea served by a geiko at the 4th-floor tea room before the show (souvenir dish included). On select days during the first performance (11:10–11:40 AM), maiko will welcome guests at the 3rd floor entrance.

With a history spanning over 1,500 years, Aoi Matsuri is one of Kyoto’s three great festivals, alongside Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri. Officially called the Kamo Festival, it is the annual ritual of Shimogamo Shrine (Kamo Mioya Shrine) and Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo Wakeikazuchi Shrine), making it Japan’s oldest continuous festival since the 6th century.

A series of ceremonies begins in early May, including the Kurauma Ashizoroe (May 1), Yabusame horseback archery (May 3), and the Saio-Dai Misogi purification ritual (May 4). The main event, Roto-no-Gi on May 15, features a majestic 8-km procession of around 500 participants in elegant Heian-period attire, joined by 36 horses, 4 oxen, 2 oxcarts, and a portable shrine, traveling from Kyoto Imperial Palace to both shrines. Highlights include elaborately decorated oxcarts and giant parasols adorned with seasonal flowers like wisteria, peonies, and irises—offering a scene straight out of a classical court painting.

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Held at the iconic World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, the 75th Himeji Castle Festival unfolds over three days from May 16 to 18, 2025. Built in 1346, Himeji Castle is renowned for its elegant design and remarkable preservation. The festival kicks off on May 16 with the 54th Himeji Castle Takigi Noh, a traditional open-air Noh performance with the castle as a dramatic backdrop.

On May 17, enjoy the vibrant Castle Parade with marching bands, cheer squads, and calligraphy performances. The day’s highlight is the Himeji Daimyo Procession, where participants in period costumes recreate a lavish feudal-era parade through the city. The evening wraps up with the Grand Bon Odori & Finale, featuring traditional local dances with around 1,000 participants. Visitors can join in on the day—sign up on-site between 2 PM and 4:30 PM at the Karo Yashiki Park tent.

May 18 features the colorful 24th Himeji Yosakoi Festival, with energetic dance performances in ornate costumes.

Just 45 minutes by bus from Sannomiya, the northern part of Awaji Island bursts into bloom each spring during the Spring Carnival at Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park. Visitors can enjoy stunning displays of tulips, nemophila, cherry blossoms, ranunculus, and lupines. Tulips are the star of the show—peaking in early April with 168,000 bulbs across 100 varieties.

Weekend and holiday activities include cardboard animal crafts, painting experiences, and a garden market. Other highlights include flower guide tours with park volunteers, tulip bulb digging, and the chance to dress in traditional Dutch costumes for photos—all set against the vibrant colors of spring.

Osaka ComicCon 2025 is one of Japan’s largest pop culture events, showcasing the latest in movies, comics, and art from Japan and abroad. Expect exclusive merch, rare movie props, live art showcases, and even meet-and-greet sessions with Hollywood stars like Fast & Furious actor Sung Kang.

The event also features interactive tech exhibits, stage performances, and cosplay meetups. New this year is the Cosplay Collection, a fashion runway and performance event that debuted in Tokyo—now making its Osaka debut on a special stage.

May in Kansai is packed with variety—from flower festivals featuring tulips and nemophila in full bloom to elegant traditional events that bring Heian-era court culture to life, plus exciting seasonal celebrations at major theme parks. Take advantage of the pleasant spring breeze and enjoy these outdoor events to the fullest!

(Note: Information is current as of April 2025. Please check official websites for the latest updates.)