Visitors might assume that Japan, with its higher latitude, would offer cooler summers compared to many parts of the world. However, this is a significant misconception! Recent years have seen a marked increase in summer temperatures in Tokyo, particularly in July and August, where the average daily temperature often exceeds 28°C (82°F), with peaks surpassing 33°C (91°F). This rivals the intense heat experienced in many tropical regions, so those looking to escape the heat by visiting Tokyo might be surprised. Moreover, the rainy season begins in June, introducing a level of humidity and warmth similar to many hot and humid regions around the globe. Unless you're venturing to cooler areas such as Karuizawa or the vicinity of Mount Fuji, be prepared to face the heat and occasional rain!

Ms. Mentaiko remarks, "For me, summer is the season that requires the most preparation in Japan!" Due to the increasingly hot summers each year in Japan, Ms. Mentaiko is always fully equipped for the season. Her essentials include a hat, a sun-and-rain umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen, cooling spray, and peppermint oil, among other items. These are all indispensable tools for tackling the summer heat!

Additionally, it's crucial to be cautious of heatstroke and ensure you're constantly hydrated. Ms. Mentaiko emphasizes, "You really need to be more conscious about drinking water than you might be back home!" She also advises that during the summer, it's best not to plan activities that require being outdoors in the sun all day. Starting your day early and enjoying outdoor activities is fine, but it's wise to schedule indoor activities during the peak heat hours from around noon to 2 or 3 PM when the sun is strongest and the weather is hottest. Venturing back outdoors in the cooler evening can make the experience much more comfortable.

Ms. Mentaiko: "When taking children out to play, I always make sure to bring spare clothes for them. After all, children tend to sweat easily, so having spare clothes to change into if they get sweaty can prevent them from catching a cold due to temperature differences, whether it's morning, evening, or indoors."

Starting in June, the weather in Tokyo becomes noticeably warmer, with daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F), and the midday sun can push temperatures close to 30°C (86°F). Although it can get somewhat hot, it doesn't frequently exceed 30°C (86°F) as it might in more tropical regions. What to watch out for are the rainfall and humidity levels. By the end of June, Tokyo typically enters its rainy season, with weather forecasts mentioning terms like "rainy front" and "start of the rainy season," often characterized by brief, intense downpours.

At this time, Tokyo is transitioning from the end of spring to the beginning of summer. It's not the intense, all-day heat that some might be accustomed to, but rather a time when one might still feel a bit of coolness. Ms. Mentaiko advises, "Both adults and children visiting Tokyo can comfortably wear short sleeves during this period! However, remember to carry a breathable, UV-protective light jacket, which can serve both as sun protection and to keep the chill at bay."

Ms. Mentaiko mentions, "June marks the start of the rainy season in Tokyo, so it's essential to remember to bring rain gear!" Items such as folding umbrellas and lightweight raincoats are indispensable helpers during this period. If you haven't packed any, you can easily purchase them at Japan's 100-yen shops or general merchandise stores, which also makes for a great souvenir of your trip to Japan.

Ms. Mentaiko highly recommends visiting Toyosu for those who want to avoid the rain. "The recently opened 'Senkyaku Banrai' is there, boasting a vast selection of restaurants to enjoy food and drinks, along with a children's play area that I personally adore. Nearby, there are also onsen lodging facilities at 'Manyo Club' and a children's career experience camp at 'KidZania,' where both adults and children can have fun. All these attractions are indoors, so you don't have to worry about the rain affecting your plans."

The weather in July is usually very hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). During this time, the humidity is relatively high, making the weather extremely hot. The high humidity, coupled with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, can make prolonged outdoor activities uncomfortable due to excessive sweating. It's advisable to avoid being under the direct sun around midday as much as possible and to always stay hydrated.

Visitors in July can dress similarly to how they would in other areas of southeastern Asia, opting for breathable, lightweight short sleeves, and should also remember to take sun protection seriously, as the Japanese sun at this time is unrelenting. Ms. Mentaiko notes, "Although you can wear short sleeves or sleeveless tops for the upper body, it's essential to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and try to minimize exposed skin." You'll notice that locals seldom wear shorts and short sleeves directly on the street. Ms. Mentaiko also mentions that she often hears about visitors from abroad getting sunburned or even suffering from heatstroke due to inadequate protection, so it's crucial to be cautious.

Japan starts hosting many seasonal events and summer festivals from July, such as the Asakusa Tanabata Festival and the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, which are great opportunities for international tourists to participate in. Ms. Mentaiko suggests, "You might want to check if there are any festivals or fireworks shows happening during your visit. For instance, I make it a point to visit 'SUMMER STATION' at Roppongi Hills every year, where they display 66 different Doraemon figures. There are food stalls and traditional festival games like ring tossing and shooting galleries, which are a hit with the kids. Plus, it's conveniently located close to the city center, making it highly recommended for everyone!"

For those who are wary of rain or don't want to spend an entire day outdoors sweating, indoor attractions like "Tokyo Station Ichibangai," "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio," and "Tokyo Mini World Museum" are also great summer destinations that Ms. Mentaiko recommends. These locations are easily accessible and offer plenty of entertainment to fill your day. They are excellent choices for those looking to avoid rain, sun, and heat.

August sees some of the highest temperatures of the year, with peaks nearing 35°C (95°F) and average temperatures close to 30°C (86°F), making it the hottest period. There are times when Tokyo experiences hotter temperatures during the day than many tropical regions, so it's crucial to stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke. With humidity levels typically ranging from 70% to 80%, the moisture in the air can make it feel even hotter. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and there's also the possibility of encountering typhoons, so carrying rain gear is a must.

August's temperatures are essentially similar to July's, so the same attire applies, but the likelihood of encountering typhoons significantly increases in August. Ms. Mentaiko advises everyone to check the weather forecast before setting out and to have a contingency plan in case of typhoons to avoid disruptions to your schedule. Ms. Mentaiko shares, "My family visited Tokyo in August once and encountered heavy rain, causing the subway to shut down. It might be wise to research multiple transportation options and have backup plans for rainy days."

In August, Japan hosts numerous summer festival events across the country, such as fireworks festivals, Obon festivals, and other traditional events. Department stores and large shopping malls also feature summer-exclusive beer gardens on their rooftop, providing tourists with opportunities to enjoy sightseeing while experiencing the essence of Japanese summer.

The "Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival," which had been suspended due to the pandemic, has finally made a comeback, exciting many despite being a ticketed event with assigned seating. Ms. Mentaiko shares, "I went to see the 'Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival' last year, and actually, even without a ticket, you can still see the fireworks from nearby areas. I ended up watching from 'Aoyama Cemetery,' where there are no obstructions, and the view was incredibly clear!" Given its popularity, if you're interested in purchasing tickets for a seat, remember to buy them early. Even without tickets, you can still join the festivities in the areas surrounding the event.

Many travelers visiting Tokyo in the summer wish to wear yukatas to fireworks shows and festivals. In areas like Asakusa, numerous shops offer yukata rental services, and if you book in advance, you can even have your hair and accessories taken care of at once, making it incredibly convenient. However, if it's just for children, Ms. Mentaiko mentions that yukatas are actually available for purchase all over during the summer. Places popular with visitors, such as Akachan Honpo, UNIQLO, and the children's floors of department stores, sell them. With prices around 2,000 to 3,000 yen, you can easily buy a set for children to wear and even bring it back as a souvenir.

Finally, we've gathered some common questions that visitors often have before traveling to Japan in the summer. Let Ms. Mentaiko help answer them for you!

A. Although Tokyo's weather can be extremely hot and rainy during the summer months from June to August, there are various seasonal traditional events such as Tanabata, fireworks festivals, and Obon Festival. As long as you stay updated with weather information and take measures to stay cool, you can still have a great time!

A. In Tokyo, the weather becomes increasingly hot and humid starting from June. It's advisable to wear short sleeves, light outerwear for sun protection, and a hat to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. It's also essential to carry sunscreen and rain gear with you.

A. The rainy season typically starts around mid-June in Tokyo. It's essential to carry an umbrella with you at all times and have rainy day plans in place for your itinerary. Consider visiting indoor attractions such as the Harry Potter theme park, aquariums, department stores, outlets, etc. Additionally, this period coincides with the hydrangea season, so you can also enjoy viewing hydrangea flowers if you don't mind a little rain.

A. The period from July to October is the peak season for typhoons in Japan, with August to September being particularly active. Before your departure, it's essential to stay updated with weather information.

A. Ms. Mentaiko recommends events such as the Omiya Nisshin Tanabata Festival, Sumida River Fireworks Festival, Roppongi Hills Summer Station, and Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival. These are all fantastic Tokyo summer activities that she suggests experiencing firsthand.

If the high temperatures outdoors become unbearable, it's a good idea to take a break by finding a convenience store to cool off in the air conditioning, have some water, and rest a bit to avoid heatstroke. During such times, Ms. Mentaiko also makes it a point to treat herself to a cold dessert to cool down. Don't forget to check the weekly updated weather information for Japan before you set out. Staying on top of the latest weather forecasts and having contingency plans ready ensures that unexpected changes won't dampen your travel enthusiasm!

(*The content of this article is based on interviews conducted in March 2024.)