Travel tips
From vibrant festivals and tranquil mountain escapes to the art of staying cool with elegance, discover how to experience summer in Japan with comfort, insight, and style. Whether you're drawn by fireworks, food, or cultural rituals, this guide reveals the season's best — and how to thrive in its heat.
April 2, 2025
8 mins
Summer in Japan is a season of vivid contrasts: soaring temperatures meet gentle mountain breezes, bustling festivals unfold beneath tranquil evening skies, and ancient traditions come alive in city streets awash with color. From Kyoto’s storied Gion Matsuri to the cool mountain retreats of Kamikochi, this guide helps you savor Japan's summer—while keeping your cool.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore a different region, we’ll walk you through the best ways to embrace the season, from what to pack to where to go when the heat rises.
Japan’s summer stretches from late June through early September, with the height of the season peaking in mid-July to mid-August. School holidays begin around late July and continue through late August, making this a popular time for family travel and local festivals.
Planning your full itinerary? Our Best Time to Visit Japan guide breaks down every season.
Summer here brings more than heat—it’s a full-sensory experience. Expect daily highs between 29°C and 38°C (84°F–100°F), with dense humidity adding to the intensity. Fortunately, Japan is well-equipped for summer, offering a variety of ways to stay comfortable on the go.
Typical July-August Weather:
City | Avg High (°C) | Avg Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|
Tokyo | 29°C | 75% |
Kyoto | 31°C | 80% |
Sapporo | 25°C | 65% |
Naha | 31°C | 85% |
"Summer in Japan is a cultural feast — but stay shaded between noon and 3pm!" — Yuki, Kyoto walking guide
Staying Cool:
Sightsee in the early morning or late afternoon
Wear light, breathable fabrics
Bring a UV-blocking umbrella or hat
Pick up cooling gel sheets and portable fans from local shops
Stay hydrated: vending machines are everywhere
From late July to late August, schools close and families travel—especially around Obon in mid-August, when many return to their hometowns for ancestral rites. This means busier trains and hotels, but also an abundance of festive energy.
Gion Matsuri runs all of July, with must-see parades on the 17th and 24th.
Summer is when Japan lights up—literally and figuratively. The season offers a dynamic mix of tradition, celebration, and escape, inviting you to experience the country at its most expressive and energetic.
Fireworks Festivals (Hanabi Taikai)
Known as hanabi taikai, Japan’s fireworks festivals are a beloved summer tradition dating back centuries. Unlike the brief finales common in Western celebrations, these events are meticulously choreographed visual symphonies. Each burst is timed to music and often tells a thematic story, transforming riversides and harbors into open-air theaters.
Where to watch: Tokyo Sumidagawa (late July), Osaka Tenjin Matsuri (July 24–25), Lake Biwa (early August)
What to bring: picnic mat, hand fan, yukata (summer kimono) if you want to blend in
Traditional Summer Festivals
Japanese matsuri are exuberant expressions of faith, heritage, and community. Tied to Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples, these festivals celebrate everything from local deities to seasonal harvests. Visitors are immersed in a sensory blend of taiko drums, lantern-lit parades, and the warm scent of street food drifting through the night.
Kyoto Gion Matsuri (July 1–31): giant floats and lively street food
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (Aug 2–7): dramatic illuminated floats
Tokushima Awa Odori (Aug 12–15): crowds dancing in the streets
Escape to the Mountains or Coast
For travelers seeking a reprieve from the summer heat, Japan’s landscapes offer two sublime paths: the cool hush of the mountains and the sea-kissed tranquility of its coasts. The Japanese Alps beckon with alpine meadows, cedar forests, and crisp mountain air, while island destinations promise white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and gentle breezes.
Mountains: Kamikochi, Hakuba, and Mount Fuji trails
Beaches: Okinawa, Enoshima, the Izu Peninsula, and Niijima
Refresh with Food & Drink
Japan’s summer cuisine is designed to cool and delight. From finely shaved kakigori topped with matcha syrup or seasonal fruit to somen noodles chilled in ice water and served with a savory dipping sauce, every dish is a sensory reprieve from the heat. Even sipping cold green tea beneath the shade of a tree or enjoying a frosty beer in a rooftop garden becomes part of the seasonal ritual.
Kakigori: shaved ice with fruit, matcha, or syrup
Somen: thin noodles served ice-cold with dipping sauce
Cold green tea & beer gardens: perfect for winding down at sunset
Pro Tip: Pick up a folding fan or towel at a shrine—they make beautiful keepsakes and help beat the heat.
Packing smartly is key to enjoying Japan’s summer in comfort. Opt for lightweight, breathable clothing—natural fabrics like cotton or linen are your best friends in the heat. A wide-brimmed hat or a UV umbrella offers welcome shade during long sightseeing walks, and sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential if you plan to explore festival grounds or historic districts on foot.
Don’t overlook the small but mighty essentials: sunscreen and bug spray will keep you protected, while cooling gel sheets, a portable fan, and a compact sweat towel (often available in charming patterns at local shrines) will help you stay refreshed throughout the day.
Need a full checklist? Explore our Japan Packing List for summer essentials.
To make the most of your summer visit, plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are more manageable. During the hottest part of the day, take a break in air-conditioned havens like museums, department stores, or Japan’s iconic konbini, which offer everything from cold drinks to frozen snacks.
Coin lockers at major train stations make it easy to travel light between sightseeing stops. If you're using public transport, aim for early or late departures to avoid the midday crowds. And if you're traveling during August or September, stay updated on typhoon activity via the Japan Meteorological Agency or JR East's advisories.
When is summer in Japan?
Late June through early September, with peak heat in mid-July to mid-August.
Is it too hot to visit?
It can be intense, but many travelers enjoy summer festivals and coastal escapes. Stay flexible and pace your sightseeing.
Where is best to visit in summer?
Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps offer cool escapes. Okinawa is perfect for tropical beach lovers.
Are there many festivals?
Yes—summer is the heart of Japan’s festival season, with fireworks, dancing, and community spirit in full swing.
What should I pack for July or August?
Pack light clothes, sun protection, hydration tools, and anything that helps you stay cool on the go.
From the festive streets of Kyoto to the shaded trails of Nagano, summer in Japan is a time of celebration and contrast. Embrace it with curiosity, good planning—and maybe a folding fan or two.
Whether you're wandering temple-lined alleys or tracing the neon skyline of Tokyo, the right local insight can transform a summer trip into something unforgettable. Our private and custom-guided experiences are thoughtfully crafted for travelers who want to explore Japan with depth, ease, and a touch of elegance.
From the festive streets of Kyoto to the shaded trails of Nagano, summer in Japan is a time of celebration and contrast. Embrace it with curiosity, good planning—and maybe a folding fan or two.
Ready to see Japan through the eyes of an expert? Book one of our Guided 1-Day Tours and enjoy a stress-free, immersive experience with a personal guide.
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