Things to Do in Chiba in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Chiba
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect spring weather with comfortable temperatures and the year's most pleasant humidity levels - ideal for walking the Chiba coastline without summer's oppressive heat
- Strawberry season peaks in May at local farms across the peninsula, with all-you-can-eat picking experiences at their freshest and cheapest (typically ¥1,500-2,200 per person)
- Golden Week tourists have departed by mid-May, leaving popular spots like Kamogawa SeaWorld and Tokyo Disney Resort significantly less crowded on weekdays
- The rainy season hasn't started yet, meaning those 10 rainy days are brief afternoon showers rather than the prolonged downpours that begin in June
Considerations
- Hotels near Tokyo Disney Resort maintain peak pricing throughout May due to international visitor surge, with rates 40-60% higher than March or September
- Weekend train crowds intensify as Tokyo residents take day trips to Chiba's beaches and attractions during pleasant spring weather
- Some outdoor festivals and beach activities operate on limited schedules as operators prepare for summer season - full operations typically begin in June
Best Activities in May
Tokyo Disney Resort Multi-Day Experiences
May offers the sweet spot for Disney visits - comfortable temperatures for all-day park touring without summer's exhausting heat, shorter queues than peak summer months, and extended daylight hours until 6:30 PM. Spring decorations remain while summer crowds haven't fully arrived. Weekdays in mid-to-late May see 20-30% fewer visitors than weekends.
Boso Peninsula Coastal Cycling Tours
May's mild temperatures and low humidity create perfect conditions for cycling the 120 km (75-mile) peninsula coastline. Cherry blossoms have ended but spring wildflowers bloom along coastal paths. Ocean breezes keep temperatures comfortable even during midday rides, and afternoon showers are brief enough to wait out.
Strawberry Farm All-You-Can-Eat Experiences
Chiba produces 30% of Japan's strawberries, and May represents the final month of peak season with the sweetest, most affordable fruit. Farms throughout the prefecture offer tabehoudai (all-you-can-eat) experiences with varieties like Benihoppe and Yayoihime at their absolute best before summer heat affects quality.
Kamogawa Sea World Marine Shows
May's comfortable weather makes outdoor marine shows enjoyable without summer's blazing heat or winter's cold. Orca and dolphin performances happen in optimal conditions, and the park's outdoor walking areas are pleasant for full-day visits. Spring feeding schedules mean more active marine life displays.
Naritasan Temple Complex Walking Tours
The sprawling temple grounds and surrounding Narita-san Park showcase late spring foliage without summer crowds. May temperatures make the uphill climbs to various temple buildings comfortable, and the complex's outdoor meditation areas are ideal in mild weather before humidity peaks.
Choshi Coastal Lighthouse and Fish Market Experiences
May marks prime fishing season with optimal weather for both lighthouse climbing and outdoor market browsing. The 99-step climb up Choshi Lighthouse is comfortable in mild temperatures, offering panoramic Pacific views. Morning fish markets showcase spring seafood varieties at their freshest.
May Events & Festivals
Kujukuri Beach Sea Turtle Nesting Season Beginning
Late May marks the start of loggerhead sea turtle nesting season along Kujukuri's 60 km (37-mile) coastline. Local conservation groups offer guided evening beach walks to observe nesting sites while maintaining safe distances from wildlife.
Chiba Prefecture Rose Festival
Multiple locations across Chiba showcase spring rose blooms throughout May, with the largest displays at Yatsu Rose Garden and Sakura Furusato Square. Peak blooming typically occurs mid-to-late May with over 450 varieties on display.