My name is George, i'm currently in the British Army and i'm In Afghanistan now. I leave in May and I'm going to Korea and Japan for a short holiday. I'm just wondering if there are any good events i should go to in May? i think i'll be staying in Kansai Region. In total i will be in Korea for 4 weeks and japan for 2. Are there any good music events in May/June time? Also where else should i visit, i think i will spend most my time in Osaka. However i can travel anywhere within Reason
If you are going to stay in Kansai area, don't miss Kyoto and Nara!! Kyoto is bound of Japanese temples; the Kiyomizu-dera temple (walkable distance from the Kyoto station about 30min. or you can take a taxi), the Ryo-an-ji temple (in the north-west direction from the Kyoto station), the Kinkaku-ji temple, which has gilding on its surface, on the same direction as the Ryo-an-ji, the Ginkaku-ji temple, located on north-east area of the city central... are best known remains. Whereas Nara is famous with its Big Budda in the Todai-ji temple. Both the cities are 30-60min. train from Osaka.
When you hungry, why don't try some local renown food such as Tako-yaki, which is ball-sized and has a piece of octopus inside, and Okonomi-yaki, somewhat looks like pan-cake, but made of egg, bacon, cabbage etc.? In kyoto you can also access to traditional Japanese Kaiseki-cuisin, if you have enough money. hehehe...
Alongside is Onsen, the Japanese style spring bath. You can find Onsen easily in the area.
I'm not sure what kind of music festival will be held, since in Japan unlike European countries we usually don't have 'music weeks'; however, most concerts, no matter Pops or Classical, are available throughout the year. Maybe it's a good idea to ask the travel information centre for venue details.
May is one of the ideal seasons for travel Japan, I think. But the only thing is from late May to June we have a lot of rain (since it's rain season!). The weather can be like Feburary in England (as I now live here!), but warmer (can be around 25C), more moist (usually 70-90%), and fortunately, not such depressed...
Anyway, make the most of the area and enjoy your holiday!