What’s It Really Like to Visit Japan in the Summer?
If you’ve already booked your trip to Japan for the summer – or are seriously planning one – you’re in good company.
For many travelers, especially families or those in the education world, summer is the only time they can get away. For others in North American and Europe, summer is the traditional vacation time. Work schedules are more flexible. The stars finally align for that long-awaited trip to Japan.
But let’s set expectations clearly from the start: Japan in the summer is hot & humid. And it’s not getting any cooler.
The summer season, realistically, now runs from June through September, and while every region has its own microclimate, the major travel hubs – Tokyo, Kyoto/Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Kyushu & more – are all affected.
This doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip. Far from it.
It just means it’s time to plan smart and travel mindfully. So let’s walk through what Japan’s summer is really like, what to pack, how to pace yourself, and how to keep cool – both physically and mentally.
How Hot Is “Hot” in Japanese Summers?
Japan’s summer heat goes beyond numbers – it’s about the feeling.
Tokyo and Osaka frequently reach daytime highs of 33–36°C (91–97°F), but what really makes it tough is the humidity, often hovering between 65% and 95%.
Kyoto in the summer can feel particularly stifling, partly because it’s a basin city, surrounded by mountains that trap the heat and moisture. Kyoto in July and August is especially notorious for sweltering conditions.
Nights are often warm and muggy, with temperatures barely dropping into the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F). So if you’re picturing a cool evening stroll to beat the heat – temper your expectations.
Even in September, the heat persists. And there’s a growing awareness, backed by data, that summers in Japan are only getting more intense. What might have been manageable a decade or two ago now requires extra planning and caution.
Why Travel to Japan in the Summer?
Despite the heat, summer in Japan offers unique opportunities. It aligns with many school holiday calendars, making it ideal for families and students. It’s also when some of Japan’s most iconic events happen.
Summer Festivals
From the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto (July) to the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo (late July) and Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori (early August), summer is festival season. These events bring the streets to life with music, food stalls, traditional clothing, and fireworks that light up the sky.
Fireworks Shows
You haven’t truly experienced a Japanese summer until you’ve stood shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, all wearing yukata, watching a hanabi taikai (fireworks festival) under the night sky. These are summer staples – and unforgettable.
Nature in Full Bloom
Hydrangeas in June. Sunflowers in August. Verdant green mountainsides in the Japanese Alps. Summer is when Japan’s nature bursts with color. If you can handle the heat, the photographic payoff is real.
June Through September: A Month-by-Month Look at Summer in Japan
June: Rainy but Lush
June is the beginning of summer – and the rainy season (tsuyu) in most parts of Honshu and Kyushu.
This is not a monsoon. But there’s a strong chance of rain on any given day, so much so that Japanese people will leave home with an umbrella every morning, even if it’s sunny at the moment.
You can expect frequent showers and humid, sticky days. That tends to work better in city plans (where you can duck into museums, restaurants, cafes, shops etc to avoid the rain) than in rural settings where you’re spending most of the day outdoors.
The silver lining is fewer crowds and lush, green landscapes. Umbrellas (available at hotels as well as many shops locally), lightweight rain jackets and quick-dry shoes will go a long way. Kyoto and Tokyo in June are wet but very much alive, with hydrangea-viewing spots like Meigetsuin Temple in Kamakura or Sanzen-in in Kyoto well worth a visit.
July: The Shift Begins
By early to mid-July, the rainy season ends, and full-on summer kicks in. High temperatures, intense sun, and humidity dominate.
This is when cities like Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo start to really heat up. If you’re here during this time, plan early morning activities and late afternoon strolls – and spend your midday hours indoors. Hydration and shade are critical.
August: The Peak of Heat and Crowds
August the peak travel month for domestic tourists, thanks to the Obon holiday in mid-August. Expect higher prices and busy transportation.
That said, August also brings the most lively festivals. They’re everywhere, really. But we’d say that northern Japan (Tohoku) shines in this season with traditional events like Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri.
September: Still Summer-like, and with Typhoons
Don’t be fooled by the calendar – September is still hot and humid.
Many first-time visitors assume it’s fall, but daytime highs often remain above 30°C (86°F), and humidity lingers.
Also, September is peak typhoon season. While these storms don’t usually pose a direct safety threat, they can disrupt travel plans. Flights may be canceled, trains delayed and outdoor sightseeing washed out.
Always have a Plan B for rainy days or typhoon situations.
How to Stay Comfortable: Heat & Humidity Strategies for Japan travel
There’s no getting around it: you’ll be sweating. But that doesn’t mean you have to be miserable.
Start Early, End Late
One of the best ways to avoid the midday heat is to wake up early and sightsee in the morning.
Then take a break indoors during the afternoon – at museums, department stores, cafes, or restaurants.
Resume sightseeing in the early evening when temperatures dip slightly.
Choose Accommodations Carefully
Look for hotels that offer:
Air conditioning (non-negotiable)
In-room laundry machines or easy access to coin laundries
Proximity to train stations or central areas, to minimize walking in the heat
If you're staying in Kyoto in the summer, for example, look into accommodations near subway lines to reduce long walks to and from major temples and attractions. And since those Kyoto buses tend to fill up fast and force travelers to have to wait for the next bus (or the one after that), a taxi ride in the summer can save you not only time but keep you cool.
Dress Smart for Japanese Summertime
Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking clothing
UV-blocking hats and sunglasses
Portable fans and cooling towels (sold everywhere in Japan)
A small foldable umbrella – doubles as sunshade and rain protection
Think about packing fewer clothes and doing laundry more often. This allows you to pack lighter, which makes travel between cities or walking to your hotel far more bearable.
Hydration is Everything
Every konbini (convenience store) sells sports drinks like Pocari Sweat and Aquarius, both of which are better than plain water for replenishing electrolytes. Public vending machines are everywhere, and frozen drinks are widely available at konbini and elsewhere in the summer months.
Where to Go: “Slightly Less Hot” Destinations in Japan
While no part of Japan is truly “cool” in the summer, some regions are more bearable.
Hokkaido
If you’re looking for a relative escape, Hokkaido offers cooler temperatures, especially in the Furano and Biei countryside. Sapporo in August still gets warm, but it rarely hits the 35°C highs of Honshu’s major cities. That said, not every accommodation in Hokkaido has air conditioning – check before you book.
Northern Tohoku
Cities like Aomori and Akita, and especially mountain towns like Hachimantai, can be a few degrees cooler. It’s still humid, but the reduced crowds and lush landscapes make it a great region to explore – especially if you're festival-hopping in August. And these (relatively) lesser-visited spots in Japan are a real treat!
The Japan Alps
Places like Karuizawa, Kamikochi and Nagano offer a break from the urban heat, but keep in mind these areas are also popular summer getaways for Japanese travelers, and prices may reflect that.
Japan’s Rainy Days & Typhoons: Have a Plan B
You don’t need to let bad weather ruin your trip – just be prepared.
Keep a flexible itinerary. Prioritize must-sees for good-weather days, and save museums or indoor attractions for rainy ones
Monitor typhoon forecasts, especially in August and September. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) provides English updates
Book travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations
Build in downtime – even a few hours in your hotel room can help you recharge and avoid burnout
Japan in the Summer Isn’t Perfect – But It Can Be Pretty Great Nonetheless
We won’t sugarcoat it: Japan in the summer is hot, sticky and occasionally stormy.
Japan is not tropical like Thailand or the Philippines, but the urban heat island effect in places like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto makes it feel more extreme than the numbers suggest. And while September may sound like fall, it rarely feels like it.
But if summer is when you can come, then come prepared; not just with packing lists, but with realistic expectations.
Plan a balanced itinerary. Take your time, and embrace a slower pace of Japan travel. Enjoy the food, the festivals, the fireworks – and the air conditioning.
Summer in Japan isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. It can be magical, if you go in with the right mindset and a solid plan.
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