The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of warning-level heavy rain and strong winds on the Pacific side of Japan from May 4 to May 5 [2].
This weather system arrives during the Golden Week holiday period, potentially disrupting travel and outdoor activities for millions of residents and tourists across the archipelago.
The agency said the severe weather is caused by a low-pressure system accompanied by a front passing near Japan [1]. While the Pacific side of western and eastern Japan is most at risk, the agency said that rain and wind could also intensify in northern Japan and the southwestern islands [4].
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the risk of heavy rain and wind reaching warning levels is concentrated between May 4 and May 5 [2]. A TBS NEWS DIG announcer said that some areas in western and eastern Japan, particularly on the Pacific side, would likely experience these severe conditions [1].
Temperature forecasts for the period include a high of 24 degrees Celsius in Tokyo and Osaka, 20 degrees Celsius in Fukuoka, and 17 degrees Celsius in Sapporo [1].
Conditions are expected to improve quickly following the storm. The agency and other reports indicate that sunny intervals will expand on May 5 and May 6 [1, 3]. Livedoor News said that these dates would be suitable for outings across a wide area [3].
“warning-level heavy rain and strong winds on the Pacific side of Japan”
The timing of this low-pressure system creates a sharp divide in the Golden Week holiday experience. While the initial peak of the storm poses significant safety risks and potential transportation delays for those traveling on the Pacific coast, the rapid transition to clear weather suggests that the latter half of the holiday window will remain viable for domestic tourism.
