Planning a trip to Japan is always exciting. However, you will always need to be mindful of the time of year you plan to travel. Summer months in Japan are always the most humid, so you will need to prepare for high heat and a lot of rain. While these weather conditions may sound unbearable, a trip to Japan in the summer is worth it if you plan it well.
The most humid months in Japan are June through August, which are the months a lot of people prefer to travel.
Hot and humid and rainy weather should be expected, but this doesn’t mean you will need to spend the entire trip inside air-conditioned rooms. A trip to Japan in the summer can still be very enjoyable.
If you have plans to travel to Japan during the summer, you’ve stopped at the right page. We’re going to list some great tips for visiting Japan in the summer. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know for the perfect trip.
What to expect when visiting Japan in the summer
If you are visiting Japan in the summer, the weather will be your biggest concern. Summertime in Japan is also typhoon season. When a typhoon has hit, there is always a lot of rain and heavy winds. After the typhoon passes, the heat and humidity starts to rise and it gets very uncomfortable for some outdoors.
To many travelers, this is off-putting. The summer months are always the rainiest, which means that the weather could put a halt to any outdoor activities that were planned.
If a typhoon has hit while you are on your trip, you will need to spend the day indoors until it passes. The wind and rain are too intense to go anywhere and even public transportation can come to a near halt.
Typhoons may cause travelers to spend a great deal of time indoors, but what about when the typhoon passes? When the typhoon is over, the humidity hits. You can expect the temperature to rise as well. During the daytime, it’s common for the temperature to be above 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should travelers avoid Japan in the summer?
The two most popular seasons to travel to Japan are spring and autumn. During spring, the cherry blossoms are blooming and Japan is visually at its best.
Autumn is a popular travel time because the leaves have changed colors and there are a lot of Japanese holidays this time of year. However, that also means fall can be a busy time to travel.
Summer is often the best time of year for people to travel schedule-wise. This is the time of year when the kids are out of school and many people have vacation time to use at work.
For some people, summer may be the only time of year when they can travel. Just because the weather isn’t ideal, doesn’t mean it’s not a good time to visit Japan.
Typhoon season hits Japan harder along the coast. If you plan a trip to Japan in an area near the mountains, the weather conditions won’t be as severe. It is much cooler in areas near the mountains and tourists are able to participate in more outdoor activities.
There is actually a lot that happens in Japan during the summer that tourists wouldn’t want to miss out on. Summer months also bring on a lot of traditional Japanese festivals. These also feature some amazing fireworks shows or Hanabi.
We also can’t talk about summertime in Japan without talking about the amazing Japanese street foods that people can find. (A trip isn’t complete without kakigori and cold ramen noodles.)
What areas of Japan should travelers visit in the summer?
One of the best tips for visiting Japan in the summer is to visit the right area. As mentioned above, a location in the mountains is ideal.
The Northern region of Japan is a much better summer destination to avoid unbearable humid weather conditions. Some of the top spots to visit include:
- Mt. Fuji Area
- Japanese Alps
- Hokkaido Region
- Tohoku Region
These have been named some of the best locations in Japan to visit during the humid summer months. They are very popular tourist destinations from June through August. Some other locations worth visiting as well include Nagano’s Hakuba area, Nikko, Hakone, and Karuizawa.
Why visit Mt. Fuji
If you enjoy climbing, summer is the best time to visit Mount Fuji. This is because the summer is the best time in which Mt. Fuji can be climbed. This is because all the snow has finally melted, making for a beautiful climb. After your hike, you can visit the Fuji Five Lakes for a day by the water.
Why visit the Japanese Alps
The Japanese Alps is a larger region that is also great to visit in the summer. There are many outdoor destinations that people can visit that aren’t as humid as the metro areas of Japan. The Japanese Alps has many options for public transportation to get to and from different destinations.
Why visit Hokkaido
Hokkaido is an island in the Northern region of Japan. It makes our list for one of the best travel destinations in the summer because this location has the most tolerable weather conditions. The island also has a lot of beautiful attractions, such as lavender fields and waterfalls.
Why Visit Tohoku
Tohoku is located on the Northern side of Honshu Island. A lot of people overlook this location when planning a trip to Japan, but it’s actually one of the best spots to visit during the summer months.
There is a lot of beautiful scenery, especially for people who enjoy hiking. This region is full of culture and people can learn much about Japanese history when visiting this area.
Why Visit Okinawa (Southern Japan)
Okinawa may seem like an odd place to choose because it does get hit by typhoon season. However, we feel the need to give this area a mention because it has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. While there are many periods of scorching heat when the sun is out, there are many great ways to cool off at Okinawa’s numerous beaches.
Flights From Tokyo To Okinawa (Google Flights)
How to pack for a trip to Japan in the summer?
When you visit Japan in summer, it’s recommended to pack light. By light, we mean lightweight clothing. While the average daily temperature during summer is 86 degrees Fahrenheit, in some areas the temperature rises even warmer than that. It’s very likely that you could be traveling when it’s 95 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
For this reason, you’ll want to pack very light and thin clothes. Thin shorts, t-shirts, and summer dresses are ideal. You will want to wear as few layers as possible. It is also important to make sure every piece of clothing you pack is made with breathable fabric.
One thing you should consider when packing is how bright the sun gets during the day. Make sure you bring sunblock to protect your skin. It is also recommended to pack a wide brim hat to provide yourself with shade.
There are many areas that tourists visit that don’t have shaded areas, so the hat and sunscreen will keep you protected.
As hot as it is, it’s also recommended to pack a windbreaker or light jacket to bring along with you on daily outings. This is because indoor establishments will have air conditioning.
If you take a break from outdoor activities to have lunch indoors or do some shopping, you may find the temperature change uncomfortable.
Cooling off in Japan
On a hot summer’s day, there is no better activity than visiting the beach. If you’re excited about visiting the beach, Japan is a great spot to explore. Many locations in Japan have beautiful beaches and waters.
The best time to make a trip to the beach is during the early morning or in the evening when the sun starts to set.
Typically, beach season begins at the end of June in Japan. More people arrive at the beach to cool off during the scorching heat.
Japan Meteorological Agency Official Site For Japans Weather
Of course, water is one of the best natural ways to cool off when it’s hot, but you will still need to be careful to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses when at the beach.
Always wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors in Japan, especially when the sun out. You should also bring a sufficient amount of water with you. It’s important to keep yourself well hydrated when spending time outdoors in Japans intense summer heat.
