In August, Japan is cloaked in summer heat. The air is heavy with humidity, and the days are bright and long. Yet within this warmth lies a season of celebration, marked by lantern-lit festivals, riverside dining, and fireworks that light up the sky. This guide provides all the information you need — from weather insights to packing tips — to help you not just endure August in Japan, but enjoy it.
Table of Contents
Japan Weather in August – Hot & Humid Summer in Japan
Highlights of Visiting Japan in August
Indoor Attractions to Escape the Heat in August
Beach and Water Activities in Summer(August)
Festivals and Summer Matsuri in August
Bathing in an Open-air Onsen in Summer
Foods to Try in Japan in August
What to Pack for Japan in August?
August in Japan: Your Questions Answered
1. Japan Weather in August – Hot & Humid Summer in Japan
August is the peak of summer in Japan, characterized by hot, humid, and sunny weather throughout the country.
In central areas such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the average daytime high temperature ranges from 30 °C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), and it often feels even hotter due to humidity levels that are typically above 70%.
On some afternoons, the mercury can climb to 35 °C or higher in Tokyo and other cities, and nights remain warm, with temperatures of around 25 °C (77 °F) or higher. This August weather in Japan means you'll be greeted by sticky heat as soon as you step outside each day.
However, weather conditions in Japan vary by region in August.
Northern Japan (e.g., Hokkaido) offers some relief, with average temperatures of around 21–26°C (70–79°F), which are noticeably cooler and less humid than in Tokyo. Many travellers escape to Hokkaido's national parks or higher elevations to enjoy the milder air.
Southern Japan (Kyushu and Shikoku) and coastal areas experience similar heat to Tokyo (highs of 32–36°C), but with the added risk of typhoons in late summer.
Okinawa and the southern islands experience a truly tropical climate in August, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 33°C, intense sunshine, and very high humidity, as well as the occasional typhoon warning. Generally, there are long, sunny days interspersed with sudden showers or thunderstorms. Japan's early-summer rainy season ends in July, but August can still bring bursts of rain or stormy days, especially if a typhoon passes nearby.
In short, it is very hot and humid in many regions of Japan in August, sometimes to the point of being uncomfortable. Follow the locals' action by carrying a small towel or handkerchief, using cooling wipes or sprays from drugstores, and seeking refuge in air-conditioned cafés or museums during the midday heat. Remember to stay calm and hydrated by buying frozen drinks or bottled water from convenience stores.
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2. Highlights of Visiting Japan in August
Despite the high temperatures, travelling in Japan in August offers unique experiences that are not available at any other time of year. Read on for some of the highlights and things to do in Japan in summer that make August a great time to visit.
a) Indoor Attractions to Escape the Heat in August
Ninja experiences: Try a ninja training dojo or museum, where you can dress up and learn stealth techniques. In Kyoto and Tokyo, for example, there are ninja dojos where you can throw shuriken and practise ninja moves indoors – an excellent activity for all the family and a great photo opportunity that keeps you out of the sun.
TeamLab Digital Art Exhibits: Immerse yourself in the futuristic world of TeamLab. Tokyo's TeamLab Borderless (reopening in a new location in 2024) and TeamLab Planets are popular indoor digital art museums where interactive light installations surround you. It's a magical, otherworldly experience—and it's nice and cool inside!
Cooking classes: Roll up your sleeves and join a Japanese cooking class. Learn to make sushi, ramen, or traditional sweets in a hands-on lesson. Not only will you stay cool indoors, but you will also get to eat your delicious creations. It's an ideal way to connect with Japanese culture (and cuisine) in the summer heat.
Other ideas include visiting museums, aquariums, or shopping malls during the hottest part of the day. Large cities have world-class museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto Railway Museum, etc.) and entertainment complexes where you can comfortably spend a few hours. Strategically scheduling indoor attractions for early afternoon will help you avoid the worst of the heat.
b) Beach and Water Activities in Summer(August)
Snorkelling and diving in Okinawa: Okinawa's tropical islands are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. In August, the ocean is warm and clear, making it an ideal time to explore the coral reefs teeming with colourful fish. The Ishigaki, Miyako, and Kerama Islands (near the main Okinawa island) are famous for their turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. You can take a day trip to go snorkelling or diving, and then relax on white-sand beaches under palm trees.
Surfing and swimming near Tokyo (Kamakura and Shonan): If Okinawa isn't on your itinerary, you can still enjoy a beach vibe on Honshu. The Shonan Coast in Kanagawa Prefecture (south of Tokyo), which includes beaches at Kamakura, Enoshima, and Zushi, comes alive in August. Locals and visitors alike flock to these beaches to swim, sunbathe, and surf. Imagine spending a morning exploring Kamakura's historic temples, then cooling off with a swim at Yuigahama Beach in the afternoon. Beach houses open in the summer, offering cold drinks, shaved ice, and snacks that contribute to the fun atmosphere.
Water sports: As well as snorkelling and surfing, you can try jet skiing, paddleboarding, sea kayaking, or banana boat rides at various beaches and lakes. Lake Biwa, located near Kyoto, offers water sports equipment rentals, while Okinawa's resort areas provide a range of activities, including parasailing and glass-bottom boat tours. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try canyoning or rafting in Japan's rivers? Gunma and Shikoku are great places to do this.
c) Festivals and Summer Matsuri in August
Japan in August means festival overload! Expect dancing, music, lanterns, fireworks, and plenty of summer snacks. Here are the highlights in a chart:
Date | Festival | Location
| Highlights |
Aug 13–15 | Obon Festival | Nationwide | Bon Odori dances, lanterns, family gatherings, and temples are lit up |
| Aug 16 | Daimonji Gozan Okuribi | Kyoto | Enormous bonfires shaped like kanji glowing on mountainsides |
| Late July or early August | Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival | Tokyo | Over 20,000 fireworks above the Sumida River with Tokyo Skytree as a backdrop. Easy access for city travelers. |
| Early Aug | Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival | Shiga (near Kyoto) | Around 10,000 fireworks reflected on Japan's largest lake. Spacious viewing areas and an easy side trip to Kyoto. |
Late Aug | Miyajima Fireworks Festival | Near Hiroshima | Thousands of fireworks over the sea, magical reflections at Itsukushima Shrine |
Obon Festival (mid-August, 13–15 August)
What it is: A Buddhist tradition to honour ancestors.
What to expect:
Imagine stepping into a town square lit by rows of glowing lanterns. Locals of all ages dress in light cotton yukata and join in with the Bon Odori dance, which has simple steps that are easy to follow. The rhythm of taiko drums carries through the warm night air and, before you know it, you find yourself moving in a circle with strangers who soon feel like friends. Families visit temples, offering flowers and lighting incense to fill the air with a faint, calming fragrance.
If you're in Kyoto on 16 August, look up to see five enormous bonfires shaped like giant kanji characters blazing across the mountainsides for the Daimonji Gozan Okuribi festival. It's not just a spectacular display, but also a poignant farewell to ancestral spirits.
You don't just watch Obon – you take part in it. It's one of the easiest ways for travellers to experience Japanese summer life.
Fireworks festivals (hanabi taikai)
On summer nights, Japan slows down and looks up. Families, couples, and groups of friends spread out their picnic blankets along riversides and beaches, sipping cold drinks while the buzz of cicadas fills the air. Then, suddenly, the sky erupts. Massive fireworks light up the entire horizon and reflect off rivers and the sea, transforming a humid night into pure magic.
Some of the best hanabi festivals for travellers in August are:
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Tokyo, late July or early August)
This is Tokyo's biggest and most famous fireworks display, held along the Sumida River. Expect to see over 20,000 fireworks and more than a million spectators, with the Tokyo Skytree glowing in the background. It's crowded, but unforgettable and easily accessible for city travellers.
Lake Biwa Fireworks Festival (Shiga, early August):
Just a short train ride from Kyoto, this festival sees around 10,000 fireworks launched over Japan's largest lake. The reflections on the water double the spectacle, and the setting feels more spacious than Tokyo.
Miyajima Fireworks Festival (Hiroshima, late August)
A dramatic finale to summer. Watch thousands of fireworks explode over the Seto Inland Sea, with the iconic red torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine silhouetted against the bursts of light. It's one of the most photogenic fireworks events in the country.
Japan's August Fireworks festivals are an important social ritual for locals.
Join them in their yukata robes, share the festival snacks, and experience the collective 'wow' when the crowd reacts to each explosion. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and spread your picnic mat, carry some cash for the food stalls (most don't accept cards), and be prepared for packed trains afterwards – it can be more fun to stroll around and let the crowds thin out.
Pro Tip: Skip the Train Crowds
Fireworks nights mean packed stations after the show. Instead of squeezing onto hot, crowded trains, let UME Travel arrange a private car transfer for you. You'll be back at your hotel quickly, with air-conditioning and comfort all the way.
d) Bathing in an Open-air Onsen in Summer
"Wait... Isn't it too hot to soak in hot springs during Japan's sweltering August?"
That's the first reaction many travellers have – and it's totally understandable. After all, jumping into hot water when it's 33°C outside isn't a good idea.
But here's a secret the locals know: summer onsen can actually feel refreshing. A short soak helps your body release built-up heat, and when you exit the water, the air feels cooler on your skin. Add in the mineral-rich waters, and you'll feel lighter, relaxed, and full of energy – perfect after a long day of sightseeing or going to lots of festivals.
Why It Works in Summer
Mountain Onsen Escapes: Many hot spring towns, such as Hakone, Kusatsu, and Gero, are situated at higher elevations, where evenings are cooler. Imagine having a bath in the open air, with a breeze coming from the mountains.
Rotenburo (Open-Air Baths): Nothing beats sitting in a natural hot spring while the sounds of cicadas can be heard and stars appear overhead. In summer, you can enjoy the heat of the water and the cool evening air outside.
Relax & Reset: Festivals, days at the beach, and sightseeing are fun, but they make you tired. A soak in a hot spring (an onsen) is beneficial for your body, can ease sore muscles, and help you feel calm amidst the busy August atmosphere.
Don't miss out on the onsen experience, even in summer. In hot weather, a 5–10 minute soak is usually sufficient for one session, and you can always take a break and return for more. Open-air baths are particularly invigorating, as they allow you to enjoy the cool evening breeze while you relax.
Complete the experience by slipping into a lightweight yukata robe (most ryokans provide these) and clattering along in wooden sandals.
Then, rehydrate with a traditional touch by enjoying an ice-cold glass of milk or tea afterwards. It's one of those uniquely Japanese experiences that feels truly unforgettable.
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3. Foods to Try in Japan in August
Travelling in Japan in August isn't just about fireworks and festivals; it's also an opportunity to enjoy seasonal food and drink that locals look forward to all year.
Editor's Pick: Must-Try Summer Eats
Kakigori (Shaved Ice) – The ultimate summer cooler. Fluffy, snow-like ice is piled high and drizzled with colorful fruit syrups such as matcha, strawberry, or mango, sometimes topped with condensed milk or fresh fruit. You'll find it everywhere in August, and it's the sweetest (and coolest) way to beat the heat.
Kawadoko dining in Kibune, Kyoto – Restaurants near Kifune Shrine set up wooden platforms over the river where you can enjoy seasonal kaiseki dishes while taking in the cool mountain air and the sound of flowing water. Dining with your feet almost touching the stream makes the experience both refreshing and unforgettable, especially on a hot August day.
Nagashi Somen in Kibune – A playful Kyoto tradition. Catch thin noodles sliding down a bamboo flume with chopsticks, then dip them into a chilled soy-based sauce served in a porcelain bowl. The sauce is a delicate blend of bonito broth, edible dried seaweed, sugar, mirin, and soy sauce, often garnished with chopped green onions and freshly grated ginger. Refreshing, fun, and uniquely summery.
Please tell us about the culinary experiences that interest you, and we'll meticulously plan and arrange them into a customized itinerary just for you.
4. What to Pack for Japan in August?
Packing smart = traveling happy. Here's your survival kit for Japan's summer heat.
Light clothes – tank top, T-shirts, shorts, sundresses (skip the heavy jeans).
Sun gear – hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, portable fan.
Comfy shoes – sneakers or sandals + socks for temple visits.
Rain protection – mini umbrella or poncho (sudden showers happen).
Stay fresh – small towel/wipes, bug spray, water bottle.
Light layer – cardigan for chilly AC and mountain nights.
Extras – swimsuit, camera/phone for summer festivals & fireworks.
No need to worry about forgetting something :) – Japan's convenience stores and clothing chain stores have got your back.
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5. August in Japan: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is it crowded in Japan in August?
Yes – it's peak travel season because of school holidays and the Obon festival (mid-August). Trains, roads, and popular places can feel busy. Here's a helpful tip: visit popular attractions in the morning or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Q: Will accommodation be hard to book in August?
Yes. Mid-August marks the Obon Festival, when millions of locals travel, so hotels and trains fill up quickly. Add in fireworks festivals, summer matsuri, and already busy hubs like Tokyo and Osaka, plus seasonal favorites like Hokkaido and Kyoto, and rooms disappear quickly. Best move: book 3–6 months ahead.
Q: Are attractions closed during Obon (mid-August)?
The main attractions will stay open. Temples, museums, and theme parks typically operate as usual, often with additional events. Only some small family-run shops might close if the owners take time off.
Q: Are mosquitoes a problem in Japan during August?
You're most likely to see them near water or in gardens at dusk. But don't worry, there are some easy solutions. Just a quick spritz of insect repellent or a pair of light long sleeves will keep you comfortable. If you forget, don't worry; you can always stop by the convenience store, and they'll sell you one.
Q: I'd love to know about the weather differences across Japan.
Hokkaido is a lovely, mild place to visit (perfect for hiking in August), while Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are hot and humid. Okinawa is a beautiful tropical paradise in August, with stunning beaches. But it's also the peak typhoon season, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the forecasts.
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What We'd Like to Say
If August is your ideal time to visit Japan, seize the opportunity! You'll create memories of lantern-lit streets and lively dance processions that you can't get in spring or fall. And remember, you're not alone in the planning process. Feel free to contact our travel specialists for a free consultation – we're happy to help you craft the perfect itinerary.
Whenever you go, Japan has magic waiting for you. Contact our travel experts and start planning now (the earlier the better), and get ready for an incredible journey.
Read on for more information about the weather in Japan throughout the year, as well as the best places to visit.