Summer kicks off with tsuyu, Japan's rainy season, which lasts for most of June before paving the way for the two hottest months of the year.

Strictly speaking, summer is the three months of June, July, and August, but temporally it kicks off around mid-May, lasting through to mid-September.

If the time you come to Japan during the course of this window, you'll be able to ditch the jackets and overcoats and unleash your new summer wardrobes.

While summer invariably sees lots of tourists enter Japan, it doesn’t necessarily coincide with peak season. The majority of inbound tourists flock to Japan during the spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season, so you may be able to capitalize on lower accommodation rates and a higher number of vacancies!

You don't need me to tell you, but here it is anyway, be sure to bring sun cream (or buy a Japanese sunscreen product when you arrive).

In summer, the skies of Japan can get a little muggy but, if you're out and about in the middle of a 37℃ day, you will absolutely need it.

In many respects packing for summer in Japan is far easier than it is for other seasons. Unless you're planning on going to Hokkaido in summer or climbing Mount Fuji or another mountain, there's a very slim chance that you'll need any warm clothing.

However, a light waterproof jacket would certainly be worth your while because when it rains in the Japanese summer, it really pours.

Apart from that, your Japan pack list for summer should include:
☑ Shorts
☑ T-shirts
☑ Sunglasses
☑ Sandals
☑ Bandanna or headscarf
☑ Small hand towel
☑ Summer hat
☑ Wickable short-sleeved, lightweight hiking shirts
☑ Light shoes

The important thing will be good, comfortable footwear that breathes. Odds are you will be doing much more walking in Japan than you do normally (likely around 8-11km or 5-7 miles or more), so a solid pair of walking shoes or sneakers that will support you along the way - and release some sweat at the same time - is important.

The last idea could be to pack a portable electric fan. Of course, you can buy one of the Japanese hand fans—which also double up as cool souvenirs—but their utility really pales in comparison to their electric and battery-powered counterparts.

Below are links to information on what summer is like in other areas of Japan and how to prepare.

In Japan, the days on which the temperature climbs above 30°C/86°F are called manatsubi (“midsummer days”), and days with temperatures over 35°C/95°F are called mōshobi (“sweltering days”).

According to the data for 2017 by the Japan Meteorological Agency, Tokyo’s average temperature is 27.3°C/81.1°F in July, and 26.4°C/79.5°F in August. Furthermore, there are 42 “midsummer days” in these two months and two “sweltering days.”

The factor that really makes Tokyo’s heat almost unbearable is the humidity, however. In 2017, the average humidity was 78% in July and 83% in August. You’ll also find numbers like these in tropical areas, such as Thailand’s Bangkok. And with the heat index, it can feel almost as though you’ll soon melt!

Tall buildings seem to rise to the sky as dense as a forest in large cities such as Tokyo, and the ground is covered in asphalt and concrete. That contributes to high temperatures at ground level.

Meanwhile, Japan is thoroughly air-conditioned inside buildings of all sorts, so going inside might send down a chill down your spine. The air conditioning dries your sweat and suddenly, you’re in danger of catching a summer cold.

Because of that, you should carry a small towel with you to wipe off your sweat and walk in the shade while staying hydrated and replacing the salts and minerals your body sweats out with water and sports drinks. Protect yourself against heatstroke!

Here’s yet another weather phenomenon typical for Japanese summers: “Guerilla rainstorms.” It describes sudden, almost unpredictable downpours that bring a large amount of rain to a small, local area.

These rainstorms are known to cause quite a bit of damage with flooding and landslides, as rivers rapidly rise. While carrying a folding umbrella will protect you from any other kind of sudden rain, it is almost useless against guerilla rainstorms because the amount of water is just too much to handle.

Instead, flee indoors as soon as the downpour starts, to the next best shop, café, or someplace similar. If you’re at a river or the sea, you might find yourself stranded on a sandbank – keep an eye on both the clouds and the water level. If there’s any sign of rain, quickly move away from bodies of water.

Summer in Japan also means typhoon season. A typhoon is a tropical cyclone that develops in the northwest Pacific Ocean (called the Northwestern Pacific Basin) and brings strong wind, gale, and heavy rain as it moves northward.

Every year, there are about 40 such typhoons, with most of them developing between July and September. Okinawa and Kyushu are most often hit by typhoons that do approach the Japanese mainland, but Tokyo and Osaka also experience their fair share of cyclones.

If there is a typhoon, its path, strength, and so on is extensively covered by the weather forecast. Should you be unlucky enough to cross the path of one while you’re in Japan, do avoid going outside.

Typhoons often bring heavy rain and strong wind even before it hits. Cancel any outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, visiting the beach, or anything on or close to a river. Public transport may also be delayed or stopped entirely and air service may be canceled.

While few people are strangers to intense summer heat, a characteristic of Tokyo is that it barely cools down after the sun has set, which is called nettaiya (“tropical night”).

Nights in which the temperatures do not fall below 25°C/77°F earn that notorious title. While this phenomenon is most prominent in Japan’s southwest, the concrete jungle of Tokyo and its radiating asphalt and concrete has their own share of hot, humid nights.

It is said that Tokyo and other major cities around the country experienced between 27 and 28 of these tropical nights per year. People who aren’t used to a climate like that will likely find themselves having issues sleeping – and keeping on the air conditioning all night isn’t great for your health, either.

Remedies come in the form of cooling sprays and sheets commonly found at drug stores, and fans set to weak and rotating also help fight the heat.

As you explore Tokyo during the summertime, there’s one particular thing that you will likely raise an eyebrow at: Japanese people in suits. It’s a mystery to many why and how office workers walk around on scorching days with jacket, shirt, and tie – they’re clearly sweating!

This is somewhat of a modern tradition handed down from worker to worker because of the strong conception of “office = suit & tie.” In recent years, a style called “Cool Biz” has become prominent as an effort to save energy, allowing people to leave the tie at home and wear short-sleeved shirts. Nonetheless, you’ll still spot a good deal of proper suits on the hot streets.

Women are part of this as well, even if a little different. Many Japanese women combine their short-sleeved shirts with arm covers all the way down to their wrists and walk under a parasol. “Fair skin” is a rather ancient beauty standard in Japan, so people will go to great lengths to prevent sunburn and shield their skin from UV rays.

That’s also why makeup and foundation with UV protection are so popular. Even at the pool or beach, some people are wearing long sleeves – it’s a sight that often puzzles tourists.

This tip may seem kind of obvious, but it's worth remembering. Really. The humidity can be unbearably stifling when it's at its worst, so always be sure to carry some water on you. This is most important when you're out exploring the great outdoors.

Thankfully, Japan is covered with vending machines, so you're never too far from a thirst quencher in the cities. But if you do veer off the beaten path, be sure to bring a couple of bottles of water with you!

Something that Japan does lack somewhat, however, is the availability of taps for water bottles. If you bring your own water bottle (or water pack), you would be able to fill up at your hotel - but you might not find cold water taps in public.

Of course, Japanese people had to deal with summer heat long before air-conditioning was a thing, and there are numerous traditional customs around staying cool.

A prominent example is the folding fan, still used to cool and refresh oneself nowadays. This traditional tool isn’t only handy, it also comes in various colors and designs and thus makes for a wonderful memento of your trip!

At Japanese summer fireworks, a lot of people wear yukata, a cotton garment originally worn right after a bath. Over time, people started wearing it to summer events and now it is the iconic traditional outfit for fireworks and festivals.

A lot of shops around sightseeing spots or hot springs offer yukata rental, allowing you to experience the beautiful “light kimono” for yourself.

If you hear a sweet tinkling and jingling as you walk along Tokyo’s summer streets, you’ve come across another seasonal tradition. The fūrin is Japan’s wind chime. The chime has provided the “soundtrack” to Japan’s summer for centuries.

The Japanese of old also knew how to cool the air without electricity. People would pour water in front of their houses and on the cobblestone streets in the mornings and evenings. That custom is called uchimizu and done to cool the area and to keep down the dust.

And do you know the mosquito coil, the spiral-shaped, insect-repelling incense? That was invented in Japan, and the distinctive shape and aroma of the handy goodie are closely tied to the hot summer months.

When it comes to Japanese summer food, one of the most iconic dishes is sōmen. This term refers to ultra-thin noodles made from wheat flour which are enjoyed with a cold, soy sauce-based sauce. Ingredients such as leek, mioga (Japanese ginger), or white sesame are added as desired.

An extra-fun way to eat this cool dish is called nagashi-sōmen or “flowing noodles.” That name is rather literal, as the noodles literally flow down a bamboo slide, and you have to catch them with your chopsticks.

Zaru-soba and zaru-udon provide a similar cool noodle experience and are equally popular summer dishes. Hiyashi-chūka also falls in that category, referring to a dish of ramen noodles with cold broth, cucumber, ham, and fried egg. The slightly sour sauce makes for a refreshing taste!

Then there’ a category called “stamina cuisine,” dishes made to charge your battery and fight against summer sluggishness. Una-don or eel bowl is a famous example, tickling your tongue with grilled eel in a thick, savory sauce on top of rice. Specialty restaurants serve it throughout the year, while others feature una-don as a summer-only dish.

Of course, Japanese classics such as sushi and sashimi are also available throughout the summer. You can also find a variety of outdoor barbecues, beer gardens, and terrace seating as well!

Summer sees ice cream, shaved ice, fruit parfaits and countless other chilled and frozen sweet treats decorating the glass-panelled counters of stores, bakeries, patisseries, gelaterias and confectioners all across the land of the rising (and baking) sun.

Each prefecture will have its own specialities and, with such a spectrum of colors on display, the selection of desserts is as eye-catching as it is mouth-watering. Be sure to give a try!

Tokyo’s summer may be hot, but it also brings its own selection of fun activities! Great spots to find such activities are the Okutama/Ōme area (about 90 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station) and its Tama River in west Tokyo, as well as the Chichibu-Nagatoro area (2 hours by train from Ikebukuro Station) in northwest Saitama. There, exciting kayaking and river rafting await to keep you cool with plenty of fun and adrenaline!

In Japan, bathing in the ocean is also always an option, alongside savoring seafood cuisine at the Izu Peninsula spanning Kanagawa and Shizuoka Prefectures. Chiba’s Bōsō Peninsula also beckons with beaches and delightful food!

Besides that, Mount Fuji’s climbing season starts in July until early September. For the extra adventurous people, conquering the peak of Japan’s most famous mountain is a stunning 2-day activity.

Despite all efforts and activities, you might be overcome with the urge to just flee from Tokyo’s crushing summer heat.

Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful spots around the capital that only take between 2 and 3 hours to reach! One of the most prominent examples is Karuizawa, a resort area in Nagano Prefecture. The average temperature in July and August is around 20°C/68°F, reaching about 24 to 26°C/72 to 79°F at max. Compared to Tokyo, it’s a refreshing summer paradise!

Kiyosato or the Fuji Five Lakes in Yamanashi Prefecture are also great examples of summer escapes for Tokyoites, as are the Nasu Highlands in Tochigi Prefecture.
・Karuizawa: about 1 hour from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station via JR Hokuriku Shinkansen.
・Kiyosato: about 3 hours from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station via JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, Koumi Line.
・Fuji Five Lakes: about 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Kawaguchiko Station via Fujikyuko (train service).
・Nasu Highlands: about 1 hour 10 minutes from Tokyo Station to Nasushiobara Station via JR Hokuriku Shinkansen.

In many of Japan's rural areas, the summer season ushers in a slew of new activities. First and foremost, it is the peak climbing season for Mount Fuji. Though beware, this means that it will be considerably busier on weekends and public holidays!

There are several different routes to the summit, and climbers make the 3,776m journey up the mountain at all times of the day. A popular option is to climb Fuji overnight so you can watch the sun rise from the peak. From personal experience I can tell you it's certainly worth the grind.

Of course, you may need to bring some extra warm and waterproof clothing with you to mitigate against any potential storms or typhoons. The weather up there can be pretty erratic in the summer months.

Japan is a great country for those who love the outdoors. Unknown to some, the options for outdoor activities go well beyond the many hiking trails, scenic walking routes, and powdery ski resorts. As an island nation, Japan has a pretty vast coastline of nearly 30,000km. Along the said coastline, a host of beaches provide awesome surf conditions, particularly on a breezy summer day.

While most of the coastal prefectures will offer the ability to surf in some capacity, a few seem to be the pick of the bunch. Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo's laid-back neighbor, has a huge selection of top-rated beaches with local water sports aficionados.

Japan's isolated prefecture, Okinawa, which sits idly in the East China Sea, is another great location to hit the waves. And coastal areas of Tokushima in Shikoku are said to play host to the beaches that offer the nation's best surf conditions!

There are a plethora of fun, unique, and exciting events throughout Japan’s summer that’ll make you forget about the heat!

Prominent examples are Art Aquarium, Asakusa Samba Carnival, and the Sumidagawa Fireworks, but there is much and more to discover all around Tokyo and its surroundings!

Big and small, traditional and modern – put on your yukata and join the Obon Dance or the local Tanabata Festival!

Festivals are an integral part of every season in Japan, but in summer it is the season of the firework show.

Hanabi "fireworks" shows are held all over Japan throughout July and August especially. The pyrotechnics and explosive choreography involved in Japanese firework festivals are of an unparalleled level anywhere else on the planet. They are truly breathtaking.

One caveat that's worth noting, however, is that their appeal doesn't go unnoticed, so they tend to be outrageously busy. If you want to go to one of the big firework festivals, make sure you get down early to secure a spot and bring whatever provisions you feel you might need—beer, water, food, chopsticks, etc.

Two of the big summer festivals are Tanabata (on July 7th around Tokyo; August 6-8 in Sendai) and Nebuta, from August 2-7.

Tanabata is a festival that's based on an old romantic tale from Japanese folklore, celebrating the concept of star-crossed lovers. Obon is held during the vacation period in mid-August, honoring those who have passed away.

The Aomori Nebuta Festival features huge floats called "Nebuta" made in the likeness of warrior dolls and based on traditional Japanese mythology; it's one of northeast Japan's biggest festivals.

Not only are the fireworks on display in all their booming glory at these festivals, but the locals will also dress up in traditional yukata summer kimono, lending an authentic vibe to the atmosphere.

Japan is infamous for its hot, humid summer during which even nighttime does not ease the heat. However, if you know how to deal with the weather, you won’t just be able to survive a Japanese summer like a boss but also make the most out of it!

Always keep a bottle of water with you and head out to the beach, join a traditional festival, and indulge in delectable dishes for wonderful Japanese summer memories!

Make your trip extra memorable by booking one of these recommended tours!