First things first: what should you expect the weather to be like in August in Japan? Depending on the area you are going to be visiting, things may change, but, by and large, August is pretty hot and humid.

Also, keep in mind that while Japan’s rainy season would be over by August, in some areas, it may continue for a little longer.

In Tokyo, you will likely be facing nice weather, but high temperatures. If you visit Osaka or Kyoto, it will be even more so. This is not to say that you won’t be able to thoroughly enjoy your time there, as long as you are prepared.

Temperatures and humidity will be high, so plan for it!

Women
・Outerwear: Summer dresses, light cotton shirts, summer skirts
・Footwear: If you are comfortable with open shoes, you are definitely going to be happy you brought them, but don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for your (likely) very long walking tours.
・Accessories: sunglasses, small towels, sunscreen

Men
・Outerwear: polo shirts, light shirts and buttoned shirts, shorts, light pants
・Footwear: comfortable socks and shoes, and if you are not planning to walk too much on a given day, open shoes
・Accessories: sunglasses, small towel, cold patches

What else to pack for Japan in August?
Lots of Japanese women, and occasionally men, like to wear long sleeves, light gloves, large hats and visors to cover themselves for the sometimes unforgiving sun. As odd as it may sound, there may be some benefit to it. Give it a go.

Make sure you also pack a comfortable backpack as you may need some items on the go, such as: shirt change, water, small towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, power bank.

The Japanese summer heat can be hard to manage, and significantly more so if you are planning to visit lots of places and walk a lot. Stay hydrated and make use of the many cafes all around you to rest and cool off when necessary.

If you are planning to spend some time at the beach, definitely remember to pack at least one swimming suit.

Japanese Festivals

・Tokushima Awa Odori Festival
This huge, fun festival takes place in Tokushima from August 12th to the 15th. It’s rich in folklore, dances, food, drinks, and jovial craziness that will certainly entertain you.
At the end of August, there is also a Tokyo Awa Odori.

・Nebuta Summer Festival
Aomori Prefecture is home to this 5-day festival that starts on the first Sunday of August. This is one of the three largest festivals in the Tohoku region.

Rent a summer kimono - Yukata - in Japan

Whether you are visiting bustling Tokyo or historical Kyoto, August is a great time to walk around in a Kimono, or Yukata or the perfect-for-summer jinbe. Especially in summer, you will be able to find many shops that offer a variety of kimono for rent at reasonable prices. Add a layer of tradition and immersion to your visit to Japan.

Beaches in Japan

You enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and that friendly beach vibe? Here are some places for you to try. Note that at many of the beaches around Tokyo and Osaka, unique beach houses are often set up to offer food, drinks, music, and a chance to get into the shade.

・Okinawa
The go-to place for beaches in Japan, and there are many to choose from, but just to get you started, some of the most popular include Manza Beach, Okuma Beach, Emerald Beach, Sesoko Beach and Araka Beach. There are also many other beautiful beaches in the outlying islands.

・For those of you who want to stay closer to Tokyo:
- Shirahama beach – Izu
- Enoshima - Kanagawa
- Odaiba - Tokyo

・And for those of you who feel like traveling a little to find a gem:
- Ogasawara Islands – A 24-hour ferry ride from Tokyo (once a week)
- Megijima Island – Kagawa Prefecture
- Shirahama Beach – Shizuoka Prefecture

Hiking in Summer in Japan

is a perfect time also for hiking, and some of the best places to do it are in and around the following areas.

Around Tokyo
・Mount Fuji: The dream hike! Check out a comprehensive guide to hiking Mount Fuji here.
・Mount Takao: A more leisurely walk with trails leading through the mountains and around.
・Mount Mitake: A beautiful hike with temples hidden amid unspoiled nature and waterfalls. An easy to medium difficulty hike.
・Ten-En Hiking course in Kamakura: A trail connecting two temples taking you through beautiful flowers, and perfect for bird watching, for those who are comfortable with a moderate hike.
・Hakone: The trails are from easy to challenging, and lead through mountains, beautiful paths, and sightseeing spots.

Around Osaka
・Minoo Park: Very close to the city center. A broad valley in which to enjoy an easy trek.
・Mount Yoshino: a mountainside immersed in the woods with trails leading through a temple town in Nara Prefecture.

Around Kyoto
・Fushimi Inari: A leisurely climb up the steps and path leading to the top of the mountain on which the shrine is erected. Amazing sights over the city of Kyoto.
・Kurama: A moderately strenuous hike that leads to Kurama Temple, located on the top of a steep, wooded mountainside.
・Daigoji Temple: A long and steep trail leading to a major temple in the mountains south of Kyoto

Hokkaido
・Rishiri and Rebun in Hokkaido: The trails are part of a vast national park and range from easy to difficult, offering floral landscapes, or volcano hiking.
・Shiretoko: Another national park rich with unspoiled nature.

Beer Gardens in Japan
While beer gardens are popular throughout most of the year, summer is when they really shine, and August is their prime month.

These open-air bars range from modern to traditional, offering domestic and foreign beers, liquors, and wine, in a refreshing environment that makes for a great break.

Music Festivals in Japan

There are a lot of Japanese music festivals, and most of them happen in summer. These are great events to enjoy a few days of fun, vibrant, sexy entertainment.

・Summer Sonic Festival
Mostly rock, usually on the third weekend of August in Chiba and Osaka or Maishima Sports Island

・Rock in Japan
Taking place in Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki, this large festival focuses on national music.

・Sukiyaki Meets the World
The city of Nanto, in Toyama hosts this unique all-genres festival at the end of August in an event of music, and other arts from all over the world.

・Rising Sun Rock Festival
In the city of Ezo, you can attend, at the end of August Hokkaido’s answer to the many other music festivals in Japan

・Earth Celebration in Sado Island (Niigata)
This event has been one of the most famous music festivals in Japan since its inception in 1988.

There is so much seasonal food that is great in summer, that you will certainly find something you like.

・Shaved ice: Japan is big on shaved ice in many different flavors, and this treat becomes extremely popular in summer, especially during festivals.

・Hiyashi Chuka: A refreshing, flavorful cold ramen with a number of different toppings.

・Eel: When it comes to eel preparation, Japan is king, and summer is the best time to try some of Japan’s best eel dishes.

・Watermelon: One of the fruits symbolic of summer, you are probably going to want to try it in Japan (be aware that it may be pricier than you expect).

・Summer drinks and edamame: If you drink alcohol, make sure you enjoy a few summer days or evenings in the company of friends, and a few cold Japanese beers, or one of the many other drinks the country has to offer. And one of the greatest accompanying dishes for drinks is edamame. Try it cold and lightly salted.

Japan is beautiful all year round, but those of you who like summer, will love August in Japan with its colors, sights, events, and happiness in the air.