When is Summer in Japan?

Summer in Japan begins in June and lasts until the end of September. It consists of two main phases: the rainy season (tsuyu) and the peak of summer. The rainy season in Japan usually begins at the end of June and lasts until mid-July. During this time, it rains frequently but not continuously. Temperatures typically range between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is high. From mid-July, the rainy season transitions into the peak of summer. Temperatures often rise above 30 degrees Celsius and can even reach the 40-degree mark. The humidity remains high, making the weather particularly oppressive.

How Hot is it in Summer in Japan?

In summer, temperatures in Japan rise significantly. In peak summer, temperatures in many regions of Japan range between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. In recent years, however, peak values of up to 40 degrees Celsius have been recorded more frequently, especially in urban areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The humidity in summer averages about 70 to 80 %. The high humidity can make the weather extremely oppressive and exhausting, as the body has difficulty cooling down through sweating.

Is Summer a Good Time to Travel to Japan?

Yes, summer can be a great time to travel to Japan, despite the high temperatures and humidity. Summer is the peak season for traditional Japanese festivals. Famous matsuri like the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori, and the Awa Odori in Tokushima offer unique cultural experiences with parades, dances, and fireworks. The summer months are ideal for hiking in the Japanese Alps and climbing Mount Fuji, which is only possible from July to early September. The beaches in prefectures like Kochi and Okinawa offer perfect conditions for a relaxing beach vacation. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and there are many water sports opportunities.

Summer Vacation in Japan: 6 Tips to Beat the Heat

Summer in Japan is hot and humid. The Japanese summer begins at the end of June with the rainy season. Although it doesn't rain every day, when it does rain, it often lasts for many hours. During this time, nature truly flourishes, turning green and showcasing beautiful hydrangeas in colors ranging from white to pink, blue, and purple.

By mid-July, the rainy season transitions into the peak of summer, and the hydrangeas give way to lotus flowers and sweltering heat. Temperatures climb from just under 20 degrees Celsius to over 30 degrees. Even at night, the cities barely cool down. In recent years, temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees have become more common, and the high humidity of about 80 % is challenging, even for the Japanese.

Blooming blue hydrangeas — Blooming hydrangeas are the symbol of the rainy season in Japan.

No wonder fewer tourists travel to the Land of the Rising Sun in the summer. Between the beautiful cherry blossoms in April and the colorful autumn leaves from October to the end of November, summer is not a popular travel time for Japan.

Why a trip to Japan in the summer is still worthwhile for you and how to best beat the heat is what I'll share in this post. With my tips, you can enjoy a beautiful summer vacation in Japan – despite the heat.

Why Travel to Japan in the Summer?

But why should you travel to Japan in the summer despite high temperatures and humid heat? There are several reasons that make a trip in the summer worthwhile. Since it is so warm, fewer tourists find their way to Japan. In return, lively summer festivals await you across Japan, offering a unique experience.

Traditional Japanese Dancers of Awa Odori — The Awa Odori is Japan's largest dance festival.

There are also some activities that are only possible during the summer months. For example, if you want to climb Japan's iconic Mount Fuji, you can only do so from July to early September. The best time for hiking in the Japanese Alps and exploring the Kurobe Alpine Route is also in the peak summer from mid-June to September.

Mount Fuji covered with snow — Mount Fuji can only be climbed in the summer.

If you prefer a beach vacation in Japan but don't want to travel all the way south to Okinawa, the hot summer months are also ideal for that. In the summer, the sea in Japan is warm enough for comfortable swimming. In Kōchi Prefecture, there are beautiful beaches perfect for surfing.

Coast of Shishikui in Kochi prefecture — The coast of Shishikui is a popular surf spot.

If you want to go whale watching in Japan, summer is also the best time. Tours are offered from May to October, but your best chances of seeing whales are in August and September.

6 Tips to Master the Summer Heat in Japan

A summer vacation in Japan can be an unforgettable experience – but the heat remains a challenge. To help you fully enjoy your summer vacation in Japan, I have compiled six practical tips on how to beat the heat in Japan and make the most of your holiday.

Tip 1: Stay hydrated

My first tip is as simple as it is important: drink enough to stay hydrated. It's incredibly important to consume enough fluids when spending the summer in Japan. Even a short city stroll can become a sweaty endeavor in the high temperatures. Therefore, it is all the more important to compensate for fluid loss immediately.

Japanese Ice cream float — A very special refreshment: soda with ice cream.

Vending Machines in Japan

Fortunately, this is not a problem in Japan, as there are beverage vending machines or convenience stores on every corner. The prices are very affordable, at around one euro per drink, and the drinks come straight out of the machine ice-cold. Tap water is generally drinkable in Japan, so you can bring your own bottle and refill it at water dispensers in parks or most public restrooms.

Japanese vending machine in Anpanman design — There are as many vending machines in Japan as there is sand on the beach – here in Anpanman design.

Free Water & Cold Tea

In cafés and restaurants, it is customary to be served cold tea or tap water free of charge with your meal! Often, a drink is placed in front of you as soon as you sit down, even before you order. Since COVID-19, some places have switched to self-service, allowing you to help yourself at a small station with cold drinks.

Kanzarashi with Japanese tea — You also get tea with desserts.

Be sure to drink not only water or tea but also isotonic sports drinks like Aquarius or Pocari Sweat. These ensure you get enough electrolytes.

Tip 2: Choose the Right Sun Protection for Japan

The Japanese summer is not only hot, but the sun's rays are significantly stronger than in Europe. The UV index in Japan sometimes reaches values that are twice as high as here. It's even more important to protect yourself adequately from the sun's rays.

Japanese Sunscreen

The most important protection for your skin is sunscreen. In my experience, German sunscreen is not sufficient in Japan. If you have sensitive skin and get sunburned quickly here, it's better to buy appropriate sunscreen in Japan. It is a bit more expensive than here, but it's also much stronger and better.

Japanese sunscreen is also available with SPF 50++++ and has a completely different consistency. Instead of forming a sticky film on the skin, the gel-like Japanese sunscreen is quickly absorbed. After just a few minutes, you won't even notice that you've applied sunscreen, but you'll still be well protected.

Sun Protection for the Japanese Summer

A sun hat is also important to protect your head, neck, and face from too much sun. In Japan, there is a huge selection of sun hats – from inexpensive ones at the 100-yen shop to functional hats with extra neck protection from the outdoor manufacturer Montbell. Don't forget your sunglasses either!

Japanese woman with parasol in front of the torii of izumo shrine — Many Japanese women also carry a parasol and wear arm sleeves.

You can find special UV umbrellas at drugstores, department stores, or even at 100-yen shops. They are a bit more expensive than regular umbrellas but protect you especially well from the sun.

Tip 3: Cool down

On particularly hot days and when spending a long time outside, it's wise to cool down properly. Many Japanese people carry a small towel with them or around their neck in the summer. The towel can be used to wipe off sweat and also, when wet, acts like a cold compress for cooling.

Tourists at the Great Torii in Hiroshima

Instead of a towel, you can also bring a pack of wet wipes. Wipes with menthol are especially popular, giving you an extra fresh kick. This way, you can stay fresh on the go.

Towel and menthol wipes for cooling down.

Traditional Japanese fans are also popular for a cool breeze on the go or small battery-powered fans. There are pocket-sized fans or even ones that can be worn around the neck.

Tip 4: Enjoy Refreshing Food in Japan

The Japanese love good food. So it's no wonder there are many summer dishes that are not only incredibly delicious but also refreshing. Japanese summer food is light and easy to digest, even in the hottest weather.

Nagashi Sōmen & Zaru Soba

Cold versions of traditional noodle dishes like Zaru Soba or Sōmen are particularly popular. Unlike usual, the noodles are not served in hot broth but cold with a separate dipping sauce and toppings like spring onions, nori, and wasabi.

Cold Sōmen noodles with maple leaf — Cold Sōmen noodles are perfect for summer.

A very special noodle dish in the summer is Nagashi Sōmen. Cooked Sōmen are washed down a bamboo slide with water to the guests. Here, you have to be quick, as you have to catch your food with your chopsticks from the flowing water and put it into your bowl!

Ice Cream in Japan

As a dessert, Japan offers many crazy ice cream flavors – from matcha ice cream to soy sauce-flavored ice cream, even ice cream with squid ink or gold leafs. Of course, you can also find regular milk ice cream with chocolate or vanilla flavor. Parfaits – small, artfully arranged ice cream specialties with various toppings and whipped cream – are also very popular in the summer.

For those who prefer healthier options, fresh fruits are a great choice. Summer in Japan is the time for watermelon, called suika in Japanese. But you can also find pineapple, apples, and native citrus fruits fresh and pre-cut in the refrigerated section.

Tip 5: Plan the Right Itinerary for Summer in Japan

To make your summer vacation in Japan a success, you should spend some time planning the right attractions. How about a beach vacation, a hiking tour in the Japanese Alps, or nature excursions instead of a classic city trip to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima?

Nature Excursions Instead of City Trips

In Japanese cities, the temperature rises significantly in the summer. Kyoto is particularly bad, as it is nestled in a valley between mountains, where the heat accumulates even more. You don't have to completely exclude cities from your plans, but I would recommend spending as much time as possible on nature excursions.

Imabuki Waterfall in Japan — Waterfalls are a refreshing summer destination.

Japan offers many attractions and destinations in nature that are particularly worth visiting in the summer. Visit Japan's most beautiful waterfalls, go hiking in the Japanese Alps, or climb Mount Fuji! Many temples and shrines also offer shady gardens and quiet places to rest.

Peaceful Coastal Town Tomonoura Near Hiroshima — Tomonoura is a peaceful coastal town near Hiroshima.

Visiting coastal towns like Kamakura or Tomonoura offers a refreshing change, or visit the impressive World Heritage Sites of Nikko and the hot springs in Oku-Nikko. Due to its elevation, Nikko is a cool destination in the summer, just a stone's throw from Tokyo.

Schedueling around the Heat

Plan your days so that you set out early in the morning to make the most of the cooler half of the day. During the hottest part of the day around noon, take an extended lunch break or spend time in a museum, aquarium, or cultural workshop.

In the early afternoon, you can enjoy the last hours of sunlight at comfortable temperatures before arriving at your hotel or ryokan. Keep in mind that in Japan, even in the summer, the sun sets around 7 p.m., and it doesn't stay light for long as it does here. In the evening, a stroll through local restaurants or onsen is most suitable.

Tip 6: Bring a Light Sweater

It may sound strange at first, but a light sweater is very useful in the summer in Japan. Many buildings are heavily air-conditioned due to the heat, and the temperature differences between inside and outside can be as much as 20 degrees!

After a day in the heat, it feels like being in a refrigerator indoors. If you were just sweating, the sudden cooling can be very unpleasant. To avoid getting cold indoors, I recommend bringing not only summer clothing but also something to wear on top.

Sign with Japanese Text Indicating the Air Conditioner is On — "Please close the door, as the air conditioner is on."

In my first summer in Japan, I caught a nasty summer cold due to constantly switching from hot to cold and ended up in bed with a fever. So I always bring a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt for heavily air-conditioned stores and trains.