Is It Hot in Japan Right Now?
Folks often ask us these days whether it’s hot in Japan right now.
It sure is!
As I’m writing this, it’s hot ALL OVER Japan today. From Okinawa and Kyushu, in Japan’s south, all the way up to Hokkaido, it’s hot everywhere.
Hokkaido, you may ask? Isn’t that supposed to be the place to go “cool off”?
Used to be. But recent years have seen changing weather patterns around the world, and Japan is no exception (in fact it’s a prime example).
Let’s talk about how this affects your trip.
How will heat and humidity affect your trip to Japan?
If you’re visiting Japan in July, August or even September, it’s going to be hot.
Now, depending on where you come from, how “hot” it feels may vary.
But even if you’re from, say, a warmer climate in the US (like Texas, Florida, etc), it’s best to take into account how much time you’ll be spending outside on your Japan trip, compared to your day-to-day at home.
When visiting places like Kyoto, for example, count on spending quite a bit of time outdoors, as the main attractions are shrines, temples and gardens. Same goes for visiting Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
And it’s not only the heat.
Japan’s humidity is quite notorious. It starts developing in June, during the rainy season, then cranks up some serious heat alongside the moisture from July into August and September.
Friend from India and Southeast Asia even tell me, “Ari-san, it’s sooooo hot here in Japan!” Now that’s saying something, isn’t it.
Is there a “better” time or place in the summer where Japan feels “drier” or “cooler”?
These are all relative terms here.
It’s hot all summer long in Japan.
And these days, even Hokkaido and Tohoku (Japan’s northern regions) aren’t immune to it. This past week has seen actual temperatures (not some concocted “fees like” index) around 40C or over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s in places that usually don’t see as much heat and often don’t even have air conditioning.
But it might feel a little bit better (or “less bad” anyhow) to travel in the mountains as opposed to the big cities; and, recent developments notwithstanding, usually the north is slightly less hot and humid compared to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka or points further south and west.
Do hotels in Japan have air conditioning? How about museums, shops, restaurants, trains, etc?
That’s the good news!
Most hotels in Japan are going to have air conditioning.
Always check, especially if you’re visiting Hokkaido or staying in a smaller inn or guesthouse, but for the most part you’ll encounter air conditioned rooms in hotels.
Museums usually have air conditioning. Many shops do. Restaurants, well more do than don’t, but there are still some hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Japan that either have fans only, or have their air conditioner turned to a weaker level.
Trains generally are air conditioned in Japan. But some train cars may feature what’s called “weak” or “soft” air conditioning, and this is usually indicated near the door and maybe even on the platform as well.
What are some good strategies to beat the heat (and humidity) in Japan?
In a nutshell, our recommendations to beat the heat are:
Enjoy the cool comfort of your hotel room
Hit the major sights early in the day, when it’s less hot/humid (and, bonus, less crowded too)
Use restaurants, cafes, museums and malls with strategy & intention to stay cool
Look into a “wearable” cooling unit, such as a neck fan, handheld fan or fan vest
Carry a sun umbrella (parasol) – it lets you walk around with shade anytime
Drink lots of water
The last one might just be the best one. Stay hydrated, friends.
Should I visit Japan at a better time and not in summer?
It doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker!
If your Japan travel plans are set for summer, don’t worry about it.
There are great festivals taking place across Japan in the summer. Great summer foods to enjoy. And since a lot of North Americans and Europeans get the most time off in the summer, it’s a great time for families to visit Japan.
Just come prepared, know what you’re getting into, and have a positive attitude.
If you’re curious and would like to read more, check out some of our content on traveling in Japan in the summertime:
Want to make the most of your summer travels in Japan? Use the calendar below to book a free consultation with Japan Travel Pros!