Summer in Japan: Sun, Fun & Weather

Summer in Japan typically lasts from June to August and is characterized by hot and humid weather. The average summer temperature in Japan ranges from 25°C to 35°C, with occasional heat waves pushing the mercury even higher. Japan also sees plenty of rainfall during the summer season—and even typhoons in extreme cases. Thankfully, the rain often comes in short bursts and as a welcome relief from the heat. Rainfall also brings to life the flowers and vegetation around the country’s numerous nature parks and gardens. For cooler climes, head to the regions like Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Nagano, where average temperatures average between 15°C to 25°C.

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

There are many reasons to embark on a trip to Japan in summer. Here are a few of them:

• Festivals and events: Summer is the season of festivals in Japan. From the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo to the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto to the Aomori Nebuta Festival in Aomori to the Obon rituals held nationwide, you are unlikely to run out of events and festivals when you visit Japan in the summer.
• Beaches and water sports: To escape the sweltering heat, tourists and locals alike converge in the coastline areas to enjoy beach activities and water sports in summer. You will meet different groups of people snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, or swimming in a generally welcoming environment.
• Outdoor activities: Summer comes with warm weather and long daylight hours. This allows travelers to enjoy adventure activities like climbing Mount Fuji, hiking through the Japanese Alps, cycling along the Shimanami Kaido, and much more.

From bustling cities to cultural hubs to magical Islands, it is hard to run out of options when searching for summer destinations in Japan. Below are a few of our top picks:

1. Tokyo

Any trip to Japan is incomplete without exploring its vibrant capital city. Tokyo is a behemoth of a city, a microcosm of Japan, where past and future hold equal sway. A trip to Tokyo during summer offers numerous outdoor activities, such as visiting the many parks and gardens or cooling off at the Tokyo Disney Resort. You can also visit the city’s numerous shopping centers, fashion districts, and cultural sites.

Major attractions: Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Crossing, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Harajuku.

Pros:

• Tokyo hosts the annual Sumida River Fireworks Festival and Matsuri Festival, featuring impressive firework displays, cultural parades, and scrumptious dishes.
• The warm weather during summer is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
• In summer, the daylight hours are longer, providing more time for visitors to explore the city and its attractions.

Cons:

• Summer can be quite hot and humid in Tokyo, with temperatures often reaching 30°C or more.

2. Hokkaido

Hokkaido is an Island along Japan’s northern coastline, and its milder weather during summer makes it the perfect destination. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and camping in the various national parks while on the island. Summer is also a great time to take a dip in Lake Toya and relishes local delicacies, especially the Island’s famous dairy and seafood cuisines.

Major attractions: Lake Toya, Niseko, Sapporo Beer Museum, Shiretoko National Park, Otaru Canal, Hakodate, and Asahiyama Zoo.

Pros:

• The pleasant weather conditions offer a welcome relief from the hot temperatures experienced by most other parts of Japan during summer.
• Hokkaido’s scenic beauty comes alive in summer as colorful flowers and lush greenery dominate the surrounding landscapes.

Cons:

• Hokkaido’s mosquito population increases during the summer months. You will need an insect-repellent cream to spend your evenings outdoors.

3. Kyoto

The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to several shrines and temples. It’s one of the most popular destinations for cultural tourism in Japan. Immerse yourself in the ancient history and culture of Japan by visiting revered sites such as Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Nijo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. During a summer trip to Kyoto, you can also catch festivals such as the Gion Festival and the Daimonji Festival.

Major Attractions: Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nijo Castle, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Gion.

Pros:

• Kyoto hosts a month-long Gion Matsuri Festival, which is one of the largest and most famous cultural events in Japan, in July. The festival is a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about Japanese culture and interact with locals.
• A summer trip to Kyoto allows visitors to see the best of the beautiful scenery including the city’s blooming nature parks and gardens.

Cons:

• Kyoto is an all-year-round destination, so you may struggle with crowds even during summer.

• Climb Mount Fuji: Join a group of hiking enthusiasts who travel to Japan every summer to reach the summit of Mt Fuji. The hike to one of the world’s most iconic mountains is not difficult, and from atop, you get a sweeping view of the surrounding landscapes. Mount Fuji is also the perfect spot to see the sunrise across the Pacific Ocean.
• Beach fun: Summer in Japan can be very hot and humid, but the country has many beautiful beaches which offer a perfect escape from the heat. Okinawa, Shimoda, and Kamakura have some of the best beaches in Japan.
• Revel in the fireworks: Summer in Japan is the season of festivals and fireworks. Be it a massive metropolitan event or a small-town celebration, Japanese people are known for putting up the most dazzling displays of fireworks. For the best fireworks shows, look no further than Nagaoka Matsuri in Niigata Prefecture or the Shinmei Fireworks Festival in Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Enjoy water sports: Japan is home to several thrilling water bodies, and there is no better way to cool off the summer heat than spending time enjoying water activities. You may have a hard time choosing between kayaking in the mountains of Yamanashi, surfing on the beaches in Kanagawa, snorkeling in Wakamaya, or swimming in Lake Toya.

• Japan can be quite hot and humid during summer. So be sure to stay hydrated all the time.
• Wear light, breathable clothing when venturing outdoors, and do not forget your sunscreen.
• As summer is also the rainy season in Japan, carry an umbrella or pack your rain gear.
• Japan is already a popular tourist destination, and summer is the peak season for tourism here, so it is important to book your tours and accommodations well in advance.
• Summer also carries the risk of the occasional typhoons in Japan. Stay updated on weather forecasts and heed the relevant advisories.

Summer in Japan promises all-around fun, festivals, and fireworks. It is the time when travelers can explore many popular sites and destinations, take part in festivities and enjoy various activities that suit their interests. All you need is a good travel plan and rain gear to protect yourself from rain showers, and you are all set.

If you are planning a trip to Japan during the summer, you have certainly made the right decision. Enhance your journey by designing your own itinerary with our customized trip to Japan, for a truly unique and personalized travel experience.