May

Most farmers plant their rice during May and there is also a rice-planting festival at Miyama’s thatched village (Kayabuki no sato). As the temperatures rise, the trees put out their new leaves and fill the mountainsides with light green hues. This season is called fresh green (Shinryoku) and it’s a great time to visit Japan and Miyama; it’s not yet too hot and humid and you also avoid the many cherry blossom tourists. The fresh green is very beautiful and the frogs get into full chorus in great numbers. This night-time performance is quite remarkable.
Temaki sushi is a great food to enjoy at this time of year.