Image source: https://savorjapan.com/
When I arrived in Tokyo for the first time, a Japanese colleague came to greet me. It was during summer in Japan, and his first words were, “Mushiatsui,” or “It’s so hot and humid.”
Summer in Japan is notorious not only for its intense heat, but also for its humidity. Still, if you can brave the weather, summer is one of the best times to experience Japan’s unique festivals, fireworks, beaches, and seasonal traditions.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, Okinawa, Hokkaido, or somewhere more rural, here’s some practical advice from the hotel front desk on where to go, what to do, and how to survive the Japanese summer.
When Is Summer in Japan and How Hot Is It?
Summer in Japan begins in June and lasts until the end of August. Temperatures peak in July and August and can reach up to 40°C (104°F) in some areas. Humidity also becomes intense in mid-June with the start of the rainy season.
Image source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/3546/
Japan’s rainy season typically lasts from mid-June to mid-July. This period is generally considered the off-season for travel in many parts of Japan, because sightseeing in the heat and humidity can be exhausting.
If you plan on visiting Japan during June or July, consider traveling to Hokkaido instead. Unlike most of mainland Japan, Hokkaido experiences little to no rainy season and has much milder summer weather.
For advice on the most affordable times to visit Japan, be sure to check out my insight: The Cheapest Time to Book a Hotel in Japan
Where to Go in the Summer?
Deciding where to go during your trip to Japan in the summer depends on what you want to do and the kind of weather you like.
Hot Summer Destinations in Japan
If you enjoy hot weather and beach destinations, Tokyo and areas south of the capital are excellent choices.
Atami
Located on the Izu Peninsula, Atami is a popular coastal town known for its ryokan, hot springs, and ocean views. It’s a great destination for travelers who want to experience traditional Japanese onsen while overlooking the sea.
Pro insight: Consider booking a kashikiri onsen (private bath) if you do not feel comfortable using public baths with strangers.
Kamakura
Many Japanese people escape the busy cityscapes of Tokyo and Yokohama to relax at Kamakura’s beaches during the summer. The atmosphere is laid-back, and the ocean water stays pleasantly warm.
Seto Inland Sea
The Seto Inland Sea region stretches between Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu and contains hundreds of scenic islands. Destinations such as Shodoshima and Naoshima offer a glimpse into quiet rural Japanese life with beautiful coastal scenery that feels almost Ghibli-esque.
Image source: https://www.japan.travel/en/uk/inspiration/setouchi-inland-sea/
Okinawa
Located far south of mainland Japan, Okinawa is one of Japan’s top summer beach destinations for both domestic and international travelers. Many people describe it as the “Hawaii of Japan.”
In Okinawa, you can also experience Ryukyuan culture, which differs significantly from mainland Japanese culture. Keep in mind that Okinawa becomes extremely crowded during the summer vacation season.
Best Summer Destinations in Japan to Beat the Heat
Not everyone can tolerate Japan’s extreme summer heat and humidity. Fortunately, Northern Japan tends to stay much cooler, with summer temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F) at their highest.
Here are some of the best places in Japan to escape the heat.
Hokkaido
Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido is famous for its mountains, forests, flower fields, and outdoor activities. While it is farther from Tokyo than most tourist destinations, the cooler temperatures and natural scenery make it absolutely worth the trip.
Tohoku
Located directly south of Hokkaido, the Tohoku region includes prefectures such as Aomori, Yamagata, and Iwate.
Tohoku is accessible via shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, making it easier to reach compared to Hokkaido while still offering cooler weather, mountains, hot springs, and rural landscapes.
Hakone
Despite being close to Tokyo, Hakone is noticeably cooler due to its higher elevation near Mt. Fuji. It’s an excellent option for travelers who want to stay near Tokyo while escaping some of the city heat.
Keep in mind that Hakone is also a very popular tourist destination and can get crowded.
Best Summer Activities in Japan
Summer in Japan is packed with seasonal events and outdoor activities.
Japanese Summer Festivals (Matsuri)
Recommended festivals: Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Tokushima Awa Odori, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
Japanese summer festivals are held all across the country, especially during the Obon season. Visitors can enjoy Japanese street food, traditional dances, festival games, and people dressed in yukata and kimono.
For many travelers, attending a matsuri is one of the most memorable cultural experiences in Japan.
Image source: https://livejapan.com/
Be sure to check out more information on Japanese summer festivals from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO).
Fireworks Festivals in Japan
Recommended fireworks festivals: Asakusa Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, Osaka Tenjin Matsuri, Hokkaido Kachimai Fireworks Festival
Japan goes all out when it comes to fireworks festivals. Fireworks shows are held throughout the country from late July through mid-August and often attract massive crowds.
Pro insight: If you plan on attending a summer festival or fireworks show, book accommodations within walking distance whenever possible. Trains become unbelievably crowded after major events and can be difficult to navigate, especially with children.
Beaches in Japan
Recommended destinations: Atami, Kamakura, Okinawa
Japan has many excellent beach destinations during the summer months, ranging from easily accessible beaches near Tokyo to tropical islands in Okinawa.
Camping, Glamping, and BBQ
Recommended destinations: Hokkaido, Tohoku
If you plan on camping or glamping in Japan during summer, I strongly recommend sticking to cooler regions like Hokkaido and Tohoku.
Keep in mind that bear sightings and attacks have increased in recent years throughout parts of rural Japan. Dangerous insects such as mukade (giant centipedes) and suzumebachi (Asian giant hornets) are also common in forested areas.
Outdoor Adventures
Recommended destinations: Hokkaido, Tohoku
Japan’s mountainous regions offer plenty of outdoor activities including hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and nature tours. These experiences are especially popular with families, teens, and younger travelers.
Image source: https://www.japan.travel/en/japans-local-treasures/summer-hiking-niseko-2023/
Indoor Activities to Do in Japan
If the summer heat becomes overwhelming or on rainy days, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy across Japan.
Recommended Indoor Activities
- Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower
- teamLab exhibitions
- Animal cafés (cats, capybaras, owls, etc.)
- Shopping at Don Quijote (Donki), Uniqlo, and department stores
- Pokémon Centers
- Gourmet tours and bar hopping
- Aquariums
- Museums
Here’s more suggestions from Tokyo Cheapo on rainy day activities.
Helpful Tips to Stay Cool and Safe
The summer heat and humidity in Japan are no joke.
Every year at my hotel, international guests underestimate how exhausting the weather can be and push themselves too hard. Unfortunately, we end up calling ambulances surprisingly often for heatstroke-related emergencies.
Here are some practical tips Japanese people use to stay cool and hydrated during the summer.
Stop by Konbini Frequently
Japanese convenience stores (konbini) are air-conditioned and everywhere. They also sell water, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages such as Pocari Sweat to help prevent dehydration.
Buy Drinks from Vending Machines
Vending machines are found all across Japan, even in rural towns and countryside areas. Carry some cash or use an IC card such as Suica to quickly buy cold drinks on the go.
Use Cooling Products
Cooling body wipes are sold at nearly every convenience store in Japan and work surprisingly well in the humidity. Popular brands include Biore and Gatsby.
Many Japanese people also carry hankachi (handkerchiefs) to wipe sweat from their face and neck throughout the day.
Portable fans are another lifesaver during Japanese summers and can be purchased at convenience stores or electronics retailers such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and Yamada Denki (LABI).
Image source: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14966291
Get International Health Insurance
I cannot stress this enough: do not travel to Japan without international health insurance.
If you end up hospitalized due to heatstroke or dehydration, insurance can save you an enormous amount of money. Some hospitals may also hesitate to accept foreign patients until they confirm the patient can pay for treatment.
Do not let an unexpected hospital bill ruin your trip to Japan.
Have any questions or insight requests about hotels in Japan? Feel free to contact me below regarding any other travel advice.
