Hokkaido in May: Things to Do, What to Eat & Weather Tips

Planning a trip to Hokkaido in May? You’ll love it!

Hi, I’m Yuuka, your go-to Hokkaido travel expert. I grew up in Hokkaido, so I’m here to share insider tips to help you plan your trip.

In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do, what to eat, weather tips, and my top itinerary picks for May.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Why Visit Hokkaido in May?

May is one of the most underrated months to travel to Hokkaido, in my opinion!

The snow is mostly gone, and the cherry blossoms are still blooming in the east. The weather is warm enough to do some outdoor activities.

But just avoid the Golden Week. It’s a cluster of Japanese national holidays from the end of April to early May.

Many people travel during this holiday, so touristy places get very crowded. Prices for flights, hotels, and car rentals also increase.

With that in mind, here’s how to make the most of your Hokkaido trip in May.

Hokkaido Weather in May

Hokkaido’s May weather is cool but getting warmer, shifting from spring to early summer by the end of the month.

The average temperature in May is 10–15°C (50–68°F). Rain is minimal.

Snow is gone from most towns, but some high mountain areas still might have snow patches.

For packing, bring layers (a light jacket, hoodie, or fleece) and a windbreaker for mornings and evenings.

Top Things to Do in May

See Late-Blooming Cherry Blossoms

A breathtaking hillside in Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, blanketed in vivid pink moss phlox under a bright blue May sky. One of the most iconic sights in Hokkaido in May, with winding walking paths and early spring scenery.

If you missed the cherry blossom season in Tokyo or Kyoto, don’t worry! Hokkaido’s sakura blooms much later than mainland Japan.

In Eastern Hokkaido, you can still catch cherry blossoms in early to mid-May!

Some of my favorite spots:

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park: This isn’t a typical cherry blossom spot! it’s a hillside painted in bright pink moss phlox (shibazakura). Peak bloom is around early to mid-May.
Shibazakura Takinoue Park: Another shibazakura spot in the region.
Mount Tento in Abashiri: I love this spot because it’s a lesser-known hidden gem. From the mountain summit, you can enjoy cherry blossoms and a panoramic view of the Okhotsk Sea and the Shiretoko mountain range.

💡Pro tip: Cherry blossom forecasts are released around February and regularly updated throughout the season. Check the latest predictions to include the best cherry blossom spots in your trip.

Hike the Shiretoko Five Lakes Trail

Crystal-clear reflection of snow-dusted mountains and forest trees on a calm lake along the Shiretoko Five Lakes Trail in Eastern Hokkaido. A peaceful spring hiking spot to visit in Hokkaido in May, with early greenery and wildlife sightings.

In the Shiretoko National Park, the Shiretoko Five Lakes trail is one of the top attractions in Eastern Hokkaido.

In May, you’ll spot signs of early spring, like budding trees, birds, and possibly even deer and foxes!

Depending on the season, it’s required to hire a guide or take a quick safety briefing at the Shiretoko Nature Center, which is the starting point of the trail.

Protected Walkway (1.6 km): Passing Lake 1 only. Elevated paths protected from wild bears, no guide needed.
Small Loop (1.6 km): Lakes 1 & 2, guided in summer months.
Big Loop (3 km): All five lakes—best views! Guided in the summer.

Check the latest safety rules and schedules here.

>> ✅ Book a guided tour for the Shiretoko Five Lake Trail here<<

Hokkaido’s Scenic Drives

May is one of the best months for a road trip in Hokkaido. Roads are clear of snow, the scenery is greener, and the roads are not crowded (but again, avoid the Golden Week early in the month).

Here are some of my recommendations for scenic drives.

Shiretoko Crossing Road

Wind through 27 km of lush greenery connecting Utoro and Rausu.

This well-maintained mountain pass offers easy driving and amazing views of the Shiretoko mountain range and Mt. Rausu, often capped with snow even in summer.

📍Route: Utoro to Rausu (*Closed between early November and late April)

North Pacific Seaside Line

Travel from Hiro Town in Tokachi to Cape Nosappu in Nemuro along this 321 km coastal route.

The journey is lined with gorgeous cliffs and unique rock formations washed by the waves, offering an interesting landscape along the way.

Use this itinerary for the last part of the drive!

📍Route: Hiro to Cape Nosappu

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Road to the Heaven

A 28 km straight road in Shari that looks like it’s stretching into the sky.

You can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of mountains and fields while driving, or take a photo of this unique road leading up to the sky at the observatory here.

📍Route: Shari, Road 334 & 244