May is an excellent time to visit Fukuoka due to its vibrant cultural and festive atmosphere.
- Hakata Dontaku Festival: Held from May 3-4, this lively street festival features colorful parades, traditional dance performances, and food stalls.
- Fukuoka Asian Art Museum: The renowned museum showcases a vast collection of Asian art, including Chinese ceramics, Japanese paintings, and Korean textiles.
- Fukuoka City Botanical Garden: Home to an array of plants and flowers, including vibrant seasonal blooms, the garden provides a peaceful and serene oasis.
- Ohori Park: A scenic urban park with a tranquil lake, boat rentals, and the Fukuoka Art Museum, offering a picturesque escape from the city.
- Canal City Hakata: A modern entertainment complex featuring a waterfront promenade, shopping malls, restaurants, and cinemas.
- Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: A historically significant shrine dedicated to the scholar Sugawara no Michizane, known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful plum blossoms in spring.
Weather In Fukuoka During May
May
- Average Temperature: 19.5°C (67.1°F)
- High Temperature: 24.2°C (75.6°F)
- Low Temperature: 14.8°C (58.6°F)
- Average Precipitation: 121 mm (4.8 in)
- Average Humidity: 75%
- Average Wind Speed: 4.2 m/s (9.3 mph)
Weather:
May is generally a warm and humid month in Fukuoka, Japan. Expect sunny days with intermittent rainfall. The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional thunderstorms or heavy showers.
Rainfall:
Fukuoka experiences an average of 121 mm (4.8 in) of rainfall in May, making it one of the wetter months of the year. The city is prone to occasional heavy downpours and thunderstorms, but these typically pass quickly.
Humidity:
Humidity levels in May average around 75%, which can make the weather feel muggy and uncomfortable at times. However, the breeze from the ocean can help alleviate the humidity.
Wind Speed:
The average wind speed in May is 4.2 m/s (9.3 mph), which provides some relief from the heat and humidity. The wind can be stronger along the coastline.
Clothing:
Pack light, breathable clothing that can be layered. Long sleeves are recommended for evenings and rainy days. Consider bringing a raincoat or umbrella for sudden downpours.
Activities:
May is an ideal time to visit Fukuoka’s numerous temples, shrines, and historical sites. The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene and excellent shopping opportunities. Outdoor activities such as cycling, walking, and water sports are also enjoyable during this time.
Things To Do In Fukuoka In May
May Festivals and Celebrations in Fukuoka:
- Hakata Gion Yamakasa (May 1-3): A thrilling festival featuring 750-pound floats (yama) carried through the streets by teams of men in colorful happi coats.
- Kokura Castle Festival (Early May): A historic festival at Kokura Castle that showcases traditional Japanese music, dance, and martial arts.
- Imazu Akamatsu Shinto no Gion (May 15-18): An ancient Shinto festival in Imazu, featuring a procession of portable shrines and performances of Noh theater.
- Yabusame Festival at Usa Shrine (May 16-18): A centuries-old festival where mounted archers shoot arrows at targets while galloping on horseback.
- Mizutaki Food Festival (May 19-21): A culinary event celebrating Mizutaki, a traditional Fukuoka dish of chicken and vegetables simmered in a broth.
- Kitakyushu City International Culture Festival (Throughout May): A month-long festival that showcases international culture through music, dance, and art performances.
Other Things to See and Do in Fukuoka in May:
- Visit Fukuoka Tower: Ascend the 234-meter tower for panoramic city views.
- Explore Ohori Park: Stroll through this beautiful urban park, featuring a lake, a Japanese garden, and a museum.
- Visit the Kyushu National Museum: Learn about Japanese history and culture from ancient times to the present.
- Shop at Tenjin: Discover the vibrant shopping and entertainment district, known for its department stores, boutiques, and restaurants.
- Indulge in Hakata Ramen: Sample the famous tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen at one of the many ramen shops in Hakata.
- Stroll through Canal City Hakata: Explore this indoor shopping and entertainment complex with its canals, bridges, and waterfront restaurants.
Tourism In Fukuoka, Japan During May
May in Fukuoka is a lively time for tourism as the city awakens from its winter slumber and welcomes the vibrant hues of spring. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant art scene, and delectable culinary delights.
Strolling through the historic streets of Hakata Old Town is a must, where travelers can explore ancient temples, wander through quaint alleys lined with traditional houses, and indulge in authentic street food. History buffs will delight in visiting Fukuoka Castle, a magnificent fortress that holds a captivating history and offers panoramic city views.
For art enthusiasts, the Fukuoka Art Museum showcases an impressive collection of contemporary and historical artworks, while the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum provides a glimpse into the traditional architecture and lifestyle of the region.
Fukuoka’s reputation as a culinary paradise comes alive in May. Visitors can savor fresh catch of the day at the vibrant Tsukiji Market, indulge in delectable Hakata ramen at renowned eateries, and embark on a culinary adventure through the bustling night markets, where aromatic street food tantalizes the senses.
With its lively festivals, such as the Hakata Dontaku, which transforms the city into a vibrant parade of music, dance, and colorful costumes, May in Fukuoka offers an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and culinary indulgence.