![Icon [object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-copy-url.3ada483d.svg?w=16&q=90){kind=icon}
![Icon [object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-check.bc62b17c.svg?w=15&q=90){kind=icon}
Curator’s statement
I love traveling to Japan in May! Now that I’m counting, of the 5 times I’ve gone to Japan, 3 times were in May. The weather was really nice in the 60s and 70s. I loved this temperature, it’s not too hot and not too cold. With that said, try to avoid the first week of May because it’s part of what’s called Golden Week in Japan and it’s a time when everyone in Japan is traveling as well so it will be more crowded and hotels will be booked and more expensive. And even flights into and out of Japan will be higher as well.
The Fora Difference
Book with Lorraine to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-travel-perks.a0f68fb9.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-recommendations.4eafc2de.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
![[object Object]](/_next/static/media/icon-inside-knowledge.e706581a.svg?w=42&q=90){kind=icon}
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Conrad Osaka
Chic property with polished rooms and suites offering city or river views.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Mikuniya
Experience authentic Japanese hospitality and tranquil surroundings at Mikuniya, where traditional ryokan accommodations, hot spring baths, and a serene atmosphere create a peaceful and rejuvenating stay in Japan.
Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Discover contemporary luxury and Japanese heritage at Hyatt Regency Kyoto, where elegant accommodations, traditional design, and a serene location near temples and historic landmarks offer a truly memorable stay in the cultural heart of Kyoto, Japan.
Fora Perks
- ★
Complimentary platform pick-up or send off service from Kyoto station.
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Lorraine to book your trip.
Day 1: Visit Arashiyama
We walked through the Bamboo Forest, just to see it. And then we hiked up to the Monkey Park. Most of it is shaded so that helped, but I would make sure to buy some water at the vending machine at the bottom. Once you are at the top you can enjoy the nice view of Kyoto and you can observe and maybe even feed the monkeys if you want to. And after this we took a boat ride on the Katsura River. I loved how there was another boat that came right up to ours and sold us drinks and snacks!
Day 2: Bike along the Kamo River
It was such a nice memory hearing a man practice his saxophone along the river and watching the neighbors play croquet.
Visit the gardens of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. There are beautiful trees and bridges and the locals walking their cute dogs as well.
Day 3: Tour the Suntory Whisky Yamazaki Distillery
They have a tour of the museum, their warehouse where they store the whisky barrels and you can smell the “angel’s share” and then have a tasting at the end where we made our own Whisky highball. But if you can’t book the tour, try to at least book the tasting to try whisky that is not readily available in stores or anywhere.
Other places to visit are the Kinkaku-ji Golden Temple, the Kiyomizu-dera with a nice view of Kyoto, Nishiki Market to eat some unique street foods.
Day 4: Take a train to the Kinosaki Onsen
I like to schedule a stay in between at a Ryokan for 2 nights so we can really relax and enjoy the place. As an Onsen Town, Kinosaki Onsen has 7 onsen around the town, all with a very different vibe. If you are like me, you’re going to want to try all of them. So I was at the onsen in the morning, before dinner, after dinner and again the next day. And of course, some in my group just enjoyed the onsen at our hotel. And because you will be at a Ryokan, you would usually have Japanese breakfast and Kaiseki dinner included with your stay. All delicious!
Day 5: Visit Kinosaki Marine World
We rented bikes to get there, but of course, if you don’t want to ride a bike you can take the bus or a taxi. The view of the coast is beautiful and there are a lot of fun things to do like catch your own fish for your lunch. We rented a pole and caught as many fish as we could. Then the restaurant fried it up for us! Can’t get fresher than that.
Travel Advisor
Lorraine Villanueva
Get in touch with Lorraine
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Lorraine within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Guide to New Years Skiing (Ja-Pow!) in Niseko, Japan.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Japan.