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May in Okinawa is a special time of year that begins with the bustle of Golden Week and ends with the arrival of the rainy season.
The climate is different from that of Honshu, and the unique culture and nature of Okinawa can be felt.
Let’s take a look at what you need to do to enjoy your May trip to Okinawa 120%.
A recommended hotel in Onna Village, one of the best beach resorts in Okinawa, Japan!
In this issue, we will introduce you to travel sites that are easy to compare so that you can get the best deals on hotels for your special trip. Each site offers limited time discounts and special offers, and depending on the season, you may have the chance to stay at a top resort hotel for up to 20% off! We hope you will take advantage of them.
May Climate and Clothing
May in Okinawa is already warm with an average temperature of 24.2°C, indicating the arrival of summer.
However, the rainy season begins in mid-May, and humidity begins to rise.
Therefore, it is advisable to prepare lightweight clothing that is moisture absorbent and easy to dry, as well as a cooling cloak.
Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential items for enjoying the sunny weather.
Also, don’t forget a folding umbrella for the rainy season.
Here’s how to choose a rental car that won’t fail on your trip to Okinawa
Weather and Climate
In May, daytime temperatures in Okinawa can reach 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, making some days seem like summer.
Although sunny days are possible at this time of year, the weather is changeable and one must be prepared to enjoy the sunny weather.
Here’s how to choose a rental car that won’t fail on your trip to Okinawa
Temperature and recommended clothing
Men’s Clothing
Lightweight T-shirts or polo shirts and shorts or lightweight long pants are appropriate for travel to Okinawa in May.
Because the rainy season brings high humidity, quick-drying materials and moisture-absorbent clothing are recommended.
Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses to protect against sunburn. If rain is expected, carry a folding umbrella and a light raincoat.
Women’s Clothing
Women, like men, are comfortable in light blouses, T-shirts, camisoles, and shorts or light skirts.
Especially during the rainy season, choose materials with good ventilation to avoid muggy weather.
Also, if UV rays outdoors are a concern, a light cardigan with long sleeves is a good idea.
In rainy weather, sandals or shoes with waterproof spray are useful to keep feet dry.
Children’s Clothing
The best clothes for children are comfortable and easy to move in.
A T-shirt and shorts combination or, for girls, a lightweight dress is also a good choice.
Since children are more active than adults, it is a good idea to bring clothes made of material that absorbs sweat well and a spare T-shirt.
In addition, hats and UV-protective clothing can be chosen to protect against sunburn, and outdoor play can be enjoyed.
Tips for enjoying Okinawa in May
To enjoy Okinawa in May to the fullest, it is important to have a flexible plan to cope with changing weather conditions and to know how to enjoy the unique pleasures of the rainy season.
Below are some tips for enjoying Okinawa in May.
Enjoy the beauty of the rainy season
May is the beginning of the rainy season in Okinawa, but there is beauty unique to this season.
A walk in the botanical gardens and parks is especially recommended, as the fresh greenery looks vibrant after the rain and the flowers look alive.
In addition, on rainy days, the volume of water in the waterfalls and rivers increases, allowing visitors to enjoy more dynamic natural beauty.
Enjoy indoor activities
Make a list of activities you can enjoy indoors in case of rainy weather during the rainy season.
Okinawa has many indoor places to enjoy such as art museums, museums, and aquariums.
In particular, the whale sharks and manta rays swimming through the world’s largest acrylic panels at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium provide a refreshing experience even on a rainy day.
Visit spots that are available.
After Golden Week, tourist destinations become relatively empty, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy sightseeing.
Take advantage of this time of year to visit popular spots that are usually crowded, as well as hidden gems that are rarely visited.
Enjoy seasonal gourmet food
May is a time of year when Okinawa is rich in seasonal produce. Dishes using fresh seafood and island vegetables such as bitter gourd have a flavor unique to this time of year.
Enjoy the taste of the season at local markets and eateries.
Roadside stations and direct sales are recommended!
Provide adequate protection against ultraviolet rays.
Even in May, ultraviolet rays are strong in Okinawa, so be sure to use sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses.
Use UV protection, especially when spending time in the ocean or at the beach.
Plan for the weather.
Since the weather can be changeable, it is a good idea to include both outdoor and indoor activities in your plans.
We recommend that you keep your plans somewhat flexible so that you can adapt to sudden changes in the weather.
Despite the rainy season, there are many attractions in Okinawa in May that can be enjoyed only during that limited time of the year.
Here are some sightseeing spots that can be enjoyed even on rainy days
Please enjoy the unique charm of Okinawa in May.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
May is also the rainy season!
In a word, Okinawa in May is “a journey to find hidden charms in changeable weather.
Around the end of Golden Week, Okinawa enters the rainy season.
Unlike Honshu, the weather in Okinawa at this time of year is characterized by frequent changes in the course of a day, with brief intervals of sunshine and sudden bursts of rain.
However, the changeable weather hides many of the charms of a trip to Okinawa.
Weather and temperature characteristics
The average temperature in May is a comfortable 24 degrees Celsius, but the humidity is high and sometimes it can feel hot and humid.
While the continuous rain may seem a bit uncomfortable, when the weather is sunny, Okinawa offers extremely beautiful scenery with bright greenery and clear air.
UV protection is essential
At least on sunny days, the amount of ultraviolet rays in Okinawa is high, so good UV protection is necessary.
In addition to sunscreen, utilize hats and sunglasses to protect your skin.
How to spend the rainy season
Visiting Okinawa during the rainy season is a chance to enjoy activities on sunny days and at the same time enjoy a different kind of Okinawa trip, such as indoor cultural experiences, visits to museums and aquariums on rainy days.
When does the rainy season begin in Okinawa?
In Okinawa, the rainy season begins at the beginning of May and ends at the end of June.
Usually, the rainy season is announced around the end of Golden Week, and while rainfall is frequent during this period, sunny spells can also be seen.
The end of the rainy season varies from year to year, but most years it is around June 23, after which Okinawa transitions to the heat of midsummer.
After the rainy season ends, the weather will be refreshingly summery, and the perfect season for spending time at the beach and outdoors will begin.
To learn more about the rainy season in Okinawa, click here.
May Events
In May, Okinawa is bustling with a variety of events.
The event is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature, as well as culture, history, and local food.
Here is an in-depth look at the must-see events in Okinawa in May.
The 50th Naha Hurley
- Date: May 3 (Fri., holiday) – 5 (Sun., holiday), 2024
- Venue: Naha Port Shinko Wharf
It is a traditional event to pray for good catches and safety at sea, and is a springtime tradition in Naha. 32 rowers join forces to row the boat, which is 14.5 meters long and weighs 2.5 tons, and the sight is breathtaking.
Various teams compete in rowing races, and locals and tourists alike cheer in unison. The festival culminates with a fireworks display at night.
Bios Hill Night Tour
- Holding period: Mid-May to late June (Saturdays and Sundays only)
- Venue: Bios Hill, Uruma City
This is a special tour that allows you to fully enjoy nature at night. On the main night cruise, you can observe fireflies and a variety of other creatures.
The light of fireflies in the darkness is fantastic and a rare opportunity to experience the mystery of nature at night.
Children’s Festival Adventure World ’24
- Date: April 27 (Saturday) – May 6 (Monday), 2024
- Venue: Chatan Dome (Chatan Park Indoor Sports Ground)
Children are the stars of this festival. Giant slides, dinosaur battles, and other attractions for children and adults alike.
This event is an ideal family outing during Golden Week, allowing visitors to experience and enjoy Okinawa’s culture and nature.
May Seasonal Ingredients
May is the month in which a variety of foods come into season in Okinawa. During this season full of life, unique fruits, vegetables, and seafood grace our tables.
Fruits
acerola
- Season: May – November
- Characteristics: Rich in vitamin C, 34 times higher than that of lemons. Motobu-cho in the northern part of Okinawa’s main island is the largest producer in Japan. Fresh acerola is extremely valuable, but juice and processed products are also popular.
- Suggested Use: Enjoy as a smoothie or acerola vinegar. It can also be tasted as a processed product in juices, dressings, confections, etc.
Fruit papaya
- Season: April – June
- Characteristics: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and carotene, it is good for health and beauty. When fully ripe, it turns yellow and sweet.
- Suggested Use: Eaten raw or in juices and smoothies, it is a great way to enjoy its sweetness and flavor.
pineapple (Ananas comosus)
- Season: Mid-May to early August
- Characteristics: Okinawa Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of pineapples. Different varieties of pineapples offer different sweetness and flavor.
- Recommendations: Best eaten raw. If ripe, refrigerate before cutting to enhance the balance of sweetness and acidity. They are also delicious in juices and smoothies.
island banana (var. of banana)
- Characteristics: Some varieties are unique to Okinawa and have a different flavor from common bananas. They have a strong aroma and a characteristic sweetness.
- Suggested Use: Delicious eaten raw or in smoothies or banana bread. You can also freeze them and use them as ice cream.
Seafood
Indo-Pacific blue marlin (Makaira mazara)
- Season: May – July
- Characteristics: It is a staple of sashimi in Okinawa. It has a light flavor and is delicious not only as sashimi, but also as meuniere, sautéed, or fried.
- Recommendations: Fresh sashimi is the best way to eat it. Taste simply with salt, wasabi or soy sauce.
Taman (Hamafuki)
- Season: May-August
- Characteristics: One of the three most expensive fish in Okinawa. It is characterized by its white flesh and light flavor. It is also designated as the city fish of Ishigaki City.
- Recommendations: Sashimi is the best way to enjoy the freshness and flavor of this fish. It can also be enjoyed with skin-frosted sashimi or boiled in salted water.
Vegetables
Eun chae
- Season: April – September
- Characteristics: A vegetable native to Southeast Asia, it is characterized by its thick, hard root base in Okinawa. It goes well with sesame oil and is often used in stir-fries.
- Suggested Use: Stir-fry with pork belly or tuna and flavor with sesame oil for an excellent dish.
Japanese leek (Allium chinense)
- Season: March – May
- Characteristics: Crunchy texture and strong aroma. Popular in salted and tempura dishes.
- Suggested Use: Marinated in salt and served as a snack, or tempura for a crunchy texture.
Bitter gourd
- Season: April – July
- Characteristics: Bitter melon is rich in vitamin C and has a distinctive bitter taste. It is a representative summer vegetable of Okinawa.
- Recommended: Bitter melon stir-fry is famous. Stir-fry with pork and tofu to soften the bitter taste.
tomato
- Season: January – May
- Characteristics: Fresh, sweet and tart prefectural tomatoes. Rich in vitamin C and lycopene, good for health and beauty.
- Suggested Use: Eat raw or in salads, cold pasta, tomato juice or smoothies. It is also delicious heated.
zucchini
- Season: November – May
- Characteristics: Rich in potassium and vitamin C, low in calories. High water content and refreshing taste.
- Suggested Use: Thinly sliced and served in salads, or grilled or stir-fried. Add to soups and stews for a gentle sweetness.
sweet corn
- Season: December – May
- Characteristics: Sweet and juicy Okinawan sweet corn. Delicious raw or cooked.
- Suggested Use: Nibble raw as is, or boil and spread with butter is another classic. Grilled corn is also delicious and savory.
Through these ingredients, we can see that Okinawa in May is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Enjoy the nature and culture of Okinawa with these seasonal ingredients.
Airline ticket prices in May
May is one of the most popular travel seasons in Japan, and the number of tourists visiting Okinawa increases especially during Golden Week (GW).
Okinawa at this time of year is very attractive because of its mild climate, beautiful nature, and many events.
However, while these attractions are growing, the price of airline tickets is also rising, which can be an expensive expense if travel is not planned carefully.
Airline Ticket Quotes and Price Trends for May
- Price fluctuations around Golden Week: Toward the beginning of May, airfare prices increase due to Golden Week, ranging from 18,210 yen to 25,140 yen. Prices especially peak just before and at the end of Golden Week.
- Price stability after mid-season: After Golden Week, prices drop sharply and stabilize in the range of 14,470 yen to 14,140 yen. This is a great opportunity for those wishing to avoid Golden Week and visit Okinawa, as airfare to Okinawa is relatively reasonably priced during this period.
Points to keep prices low
- Early Booking: Airline tickets can be purchased at a discount by booking as soon as they go on sale. Early reservations are especially important during peak periods such as Golden Week.
- Campaigns: Airlines and travel agencies may offer special promotions to help you obtain airline tickets at lower prices than usual.
- Consider weekday departures: Weekday departures are often less expensive than weekends and holidays. Booking on a flexible schedule can help keep costs down.
May Hotel Prices
The market price of hotels in Okinawa in May varies greatly between the Golden Week period and after the rainy season.
During Golden Week, many tourists visit Okinawa, making hotel reservations difficult to obtain and prices skyrocketing.
On the other hand, once Golden Week is over and the rainy season begins, the number of tourists declines due to weather conditions, making hotel reservations easier and prices more stable.
Hotel Class and Rates
There is a wide selection of hotels in Okinawa, ranging from resorts to business hotels, rental villas, and private accommodations.
Rates vary depending on hotel class, location, and services offered.
- 1-star class: Under about 5,000 yen, mainly business hotels and guesthouses with simple facilities. Cost-effective and suitable for short-term stays.
- 2-star class: about ¥5,000 to ¥20,000 and includes business hotels with comfortable facilities and small resort hotels.
- 3-star class: Hotels offering good service and facilities for about 20,000-30,000 yen. Suitable for families and couples for longer stays.
- 4-star class: For about 30,000 to 40,000 yen, high-class resort hotels and some high-class business hotels. You can enjoy excellent facilities and services.
- 5-star class: Top of the line resort hotels at over ¥50,000. Luxurious facilities and world-class service.
Booking Tips and Savings
- Early Booking: During Golden Week and before the rainy season, it is important to book early. Early booking discounts may be available to save you money.
- Weekday Use: Rates are often lower on weekdays than on weekends and holidays. Traveling on weekdays during the vacations can help keep costs down.
- Compare lodging plans: Travel agencies and reservation sites offer a variety of lodging plans. Compare offers and choose the one that best suits your needs.
For a trip to Okinawa in May, the choice of hotel is an important factor.
Planning your reservations with weather, events, and Golden Week dates in mind will help ensure a pleasant stay.
To fully enjoy Okinawa’s rich nature and culture, make sure to plan your trip accordingly.
A great way to reserve a rental car that locals also use!
summary
Planning and preparation is the key to a May trip to Okinawa. Avoid Golden Week or book early to accommodate, and consider traveling during the first half of the rainy season to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the attractions of Okinawa.
Although the weather can be unpredictable, if you take advantage of this and plan ahead to experience Okinawa’s unique culture and taste its seasonal produce, you will have an unforgettable trip.
Enjoy a trip to feel the rich nature and culture of Okinawa and the warmth of its people.
If you want to enjoy Okinawa, get discount tickets online!
special feature article
Roadside Stations and Direct Selling Stations Special Feature!
Michi no Eki (Roadside Stations) and direct sales shops in Okinawa are very popular tourist attractions. Each has its own unique characteristics, making them 200% worth visiting! Please visit them!
Special feature on beaches on the main island of Okinawa!
The main island of Okinawa has many wonderful beaches that can only be found in the tropics. We will introduce each of them in an easy-to-understand manner, from the very secluded to the well-serviced executive beaches.
Typhoon Okinawa
We have compiled a list of points to keep in mind when a typhoon approaches so that you can respond without panic before or during your trip. We hope you will find it useful.
One of the best spots for lunch in Okinawa!
