The end of August is bringing a mix of conditions across Japan, so keep a close eye on the forecast! The week kicks off with partly sunny to cloudy skies, but scattered showers and localized rain will become more common toward the mid-week and weekend. Temperatures will remain quite warm in northern areas like Sapporo, while central Japan (including Tokyo) stays hot, and the southern islands like Naha stay very warm and tropical.

Please be aware of the latest updates on Typhoon Saudel (Typhoon No. 18). Between August 26th and 27th, a low-pressure system moving east near northern Japan will pull a weather front down toward eastern areas. By the 28th and 29th, a high-pressure zone shifts toward the Kuril Islands as another low moves across northeastern China. Heading into the 30th, high pressure will strengthen south of Japan while the low system slowly tracks east, stretching a rain front over the Sea of Japan.

Disaster Prevention Notes: Northern Japan and the Sea of Japan side of eastern Japan could experience heavy, warning-level rain around the 27th. Meanwhile, due to Typhoon Saudel, Okinawa and Amami might face severe stormy weather, high seas, heavy downpours, and storm surges through the 28th. Across eastern and western Japan, things will be hotter than usual—with temperatures topping 35°C (95°F). Please take extra precautions against heatstroke and stay hydrated!

Typhoon Saudel is expected to bring severe winds and heavy rain to Okinawa from August 25–26 as it moves west-northwest. Travelers in Okinawa and Japan’s southwestern islands should prepare for possible flight, ferry, and other transport disruptions, and avoid coastal areas during rough weather. Tokyo, Kyoto, and most of Japan’s main islands are unlikely to be affected, but travelers should check NHK World for more information.

Japan's typhoon season runs from May through October, with most activity from July to September. During a typhoon, transit delays and cancellations can be expected. Be sure to stay updated on the latest weather and flight information. For real-time updates on railways and airports, visit LIVE JAPAN's transport information page.

August brings the peak of summer in Japan, characterized by hot, sunny days and the lively sound of buzzing cicadas. It's the ultimate time to experience massive summer festivals (matsuri), with iconic events like Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri and Tokushima's Awa Odori taking center stage.

August is also the height of the spectacular fireworks (hanabi) season, with dazzling displays lighting up the night skies across the country. Mid-August brings the Obon holiday, a traditional time filled with local Bon Odori street dances.

Looking to beat the heat? Head north to Hokkaido for cooler breezes and vibrant sunflower fields, or hit the beautiful white-sand beaches of Okinawa. For adventurers, the Mt. Fuji climbing season is in full swing. Whenever you need to cool down, be sure to try seasonal summer treats like fluffy kakigori (shaved ice), chilled somen noodles, and refreshing slices of watermelon.

Tokyo is set for a warm, variable week that transitions from sunny spells to cloudier, damp conditions around midweek before settling into a mix of sun and clouds. Afternoon highs will start out quite hot at around 34°C to 35°C (93°F–95°F), gradually cooling off to a more comfortable 30°C (86°F) by the end of the period. Overnight lows will gently taper down from 27°C (81°F) to 23°C (73°F). Showers become most likely toward the middle of the week, so keeping a light umbrella handy will serve you well.

Sapporo welcomes the week with warm, summery conditions that will gradually cool into crisp late-summer weather. Daytime highs will drop from a muggy peak in the low 30s Celsius (around 86°F–90°F) early on, down to a comfortable mid-20s Celsius (around 77°F). Nighttime lows will also cool off from the low 20s Celsius (low 70s Fahrenheit) down to a refreshing high-10s Celsius (around 66°F). Overcast skies will dominate the week, bringing frequent rain showers that taper off near the weekend for a brief stretch of sunshine before clouding over again.

Sendai greets visitors with a sweltering start as afternoon highs peak in the mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit). However, a gentle cooling trend will bring daytime temperatures down into the comfortable mid-to-high 20s Celsius (around 77°F–82°F) by the weekend. Mornings and evenings follow a similar downward slope, easing from a humid mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit) to crisp, breezy lows near 21°C (70°F). While bright spells kick off the week, overcast skies quickly take over, accompanied by a chance of scattered mid-week showers and lingering clouds through Sunday.

Osaka warms up with brilliant sunshine early on before giving way to cloudier skies and a slight chance of rain toward the middle of the week. Daytime highs will begin intensely hot at around 37°C (99°F) before easing into a slightly more manageable 34°C (93°F). Nightly lows will gently dip from 28°C (82°F) down to 26°C (79°F).

Fukuoka is bathed in brilliant sunshine this week! The initial clear skies will gradually give way to light, scattered clouds as the days progress. Highs will hover consistently in the mid-30s Celsius (around 95°F), while muggy nights will stay warm around 27°C to 29°C (81°F–84°F). Rain chances remain minimal throughout, keeping outdoor sightseeing smooth and dry.

Naha starts the week with gentle, sunny skies, but conditions will quickly deteriorate mid-week as heavy rain and stormy winds sweep through the island. Precipitation chances will peak during this stormy turn before clouds gradually break apart, ushering in brighter, sunnier weather for the weekend. Warm and humid conditions will prevail throughout, keeping daytime highs and overnight lows consistently tropical.

Source for forecast and images: Japan Meteorological Agency website (www.jma.go.jp)

Whether you're planning to be in Japan this week or later this year, check out these fun things you can add to your itinerary!