Japan in June: Warm Weather and Better Rates

The best way to spend your vacation in Japan in June is to do something outdoorsy. Temperatures are mild everywhere in the country, with a daily average of 24°C and a nighttime temperature of around 18°C. This means that you can spend an entire day exploring Osaka on foot without feeling uncomfortable. Summer is also the perfect time to enjoy the natural beauty of Japan’s north. The hiking trails of Hokkaido, an island famous for its winter activities and ski resorts beckon travelers during this time of year. Here, the average maximum is 22°C.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Japan.

If hiking trails and sightseeing tours are not enough reasons to head for Japan in June, we have listed a few more below.

• Fewer crowds: Since the climbing season is yet to kick in, you might avoid some of the crowds during your trip to Japan this month. Thanks to mild weather conditions, this is the perfect time to enjoy Mount Fuji with its gardens, parks and five lakes.
• Lower rates: The rainy season in Japan typically starts in June, which means that accommodation and transportation rates are lower across the country except in Hokkaido and Okinawa.
• Festival time: One of the most popular festivals in June is Yosakoi Soran Matsuri, which is held in Sapporo. This is an annual folk dance celebration with performers from all over the world.
• Summer food: June marks the beginning of summer in Japan. This is the time to indulge in delicious shaved ice called ‘Kakigori’. Fluffy, light and flavorful, this dessert is the perfect remedy against humidity.

Tokyo is always a must-see during any trip to Japan, no matter the season, and June is the month when firefly festivals (such as the Fussa Festival and Kugayama) are held across the city. Admire these tiny animals buzzing all over the metropolis, like little lanterns in the sky. These festivals also include food stalls and stage performances as side attractions.

Head to Tokyo for another unmissable event at this time of year is Katsushika Shobu Matsuri, or the Iris Festival, during which 6,000 iris plants representing around 200 varieties are on display. You can enjoy picnics, parades and live musical performances while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Horikiri Shobuen Garden during this event. If you are looking for something more lively, head for Asakusabashi where the festival of Torigoe Matsuri takes place in early June. The highlight of this event is a four-ton shrine that is carried and paraded through the streets.

The Himeji Yukata Festival takes place every year in the city of Himeji. People celebrate this festival dressed up in traditional yukatas of many colorful designs. The festival also features parades, fashion shows, games and food stalls which give tourists plenty of things to do in Japan.

In Okinawa, located in the country’s southwest, you can discover traditional crafts like pottery and admire 300,000 hydrangeas blooming in the hilly areas of Motobu Town. While there, you might also want to go on a hiking trip in Irimote and snorkel in Ishigaki.

Hokkaido is yet another destination worth discovering during your stay in Japan in June. The rainfall here is much less than in other parts of the country, which means you can explore national parks like Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu, filled with alpine plants and awashed with birdwatching opportunities.

Do not forget to include a weekend up north while preparing your itinerary. However, please keep in mind that humidity levels might be high in this part of the country. So make sure that you stay hydrated.

The term ‘rainy season’ should not discourage you from traveling to Japan this month. While you might get caught in a shower at any time of the month, serious downpours start whipping the country only towards the end of the month. Make sure that you pack wet towels to wipe off the sweat. Since the weather is a mix of sun, rain and humidity, we suggest that you carry a mix of summer clothes, open shoes and outwear attire. You will be spending a lot of time outdoors, so add a light waterproof jacket. It is easy to carry and perfect for any weather condition.

If you want to visit in June, you can look forward to enjoying nature at its finest, decked in the bright colors of summer. Wondering how you can cover it all? Reach out to our travel experts who can help you plan customized Japan trips.

Check out our tours to Japan in June for more inspiration.

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