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!

It’s also important to watch out for heatstroke and stay hydrated throughout the day. As Ms. Mentaiko explains, “You really need to be more conscious about drinking water than you might be back home!”

She also recommends avoiding schedules that keep you outdoors under the sun all day during summer.

Going out early in the morning for sightseeing or outdoor activities is usually manageable, but from around noon to 2 or 3 PM, the heat and sunlight become especially intense. During these peak hours, it’s often more comfortable to spend time indoors at cafés, museums, shopping centers, or restaurants.

Once temperatures begin cooling down in the evening, heading back outside can make exploring Tokyo much more enjoyable.

Ms. Mentaiko says, “Whenever I take children out during summer, I always make sure to bring a change of clothes for them.”

Children tend to sweat easily in Japan’s hot and humid weather, especially after spending time outdoors. Having spare clothes on hand makes it easy to change into something dry and comfortable.

She also notes that this can help prevent children from getting chilled due to sudden temperature differences between the outdoors and heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces, as well as cooler mornings and evenings.

Starting in June, Tokyo’s weather becomes noticeably warmer, with daytime temperatures averaging around 23°C (73°F). On sunny days, temperatures can climb close to 30°C (86°F), especially around midday.

While the heat is usually not as consistently extreme as in some tropical destinations, humidity begins rising significantly during this period. Rain also becomes much more common.

By late June, Tokyo typically enters its rainy season. Weather forecasts often begin mentioning terms such as “rainy front” and “start of the rainy season,” and sudden bursts of heavy rain are fairly common.

This period marks Tokyo’s transition from late spring into early summer. While the weather is warming up, it’s usually not yet the intense, all-day heat that many travelers associate with midsummer in Japan. Mornings, evenings, and indoor spaces can still feel slightly cool.

Ms. Mentaiko says, “Both adults and children can comfortably wear short sleeves during this time!”

At the same time, she recommends bringing a lightweight, breathable jacket with UV protection. It can help shield you from the sun during the day while also providing extra comfort when temperatures cool down.

Ms. Mentaiko notes, “June marks the start of Tokyo’s rainy season, so it’s important to remember rain gear!”

Items such as folding umbrellas and lightweight raincoats become especially useful during this time of year, when sudden showers are common.

Even if you forget to pack them, Japan’s 100-yen shops and general goods stores make it easy to pick up affordable and surprisingly stylish rain gear, which can also double as a fun souvenir from your trip.

Ms. Mentaiko highly recommends the Toyosu area for rainy days in Tokyo.

“Senkyaku Banrai is especially great,” she says. “There’s a huge variety of restaurants and places to enjoy food and drinks, plus a children’s play area that I personally love.”

The surrounding area also offers plenty of indoor attractions. Nearby, visitors can relax at the onsen facilities of Manyo Club or visit KidZania, the popular hands-on career experience center for children.

Because these attractions are mostly indoors, both adults and kids can comfortably enjoy a full day in Toyosu without worrying about the weather disrupting their plans.

July in Tokyo is typically very hot and humid, with temperatures frequently climbing above 30°C (86°F). Combined with the city’s high humidity levels, the heat can feel especially intense.

Afternoon thunderstorms are also fairly common during this season. The mix of heat, humidity, and sudden rain showers can make spending long periods outdoors uncomfortable, especially if you are walking or sightseeing extensively during the day.

To stay comfortable, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight around midday whenever possible and to take regular breaks indoors. Staying hydrated throughout the day is also extremely important during Tokyo’s summer months.

In July, visitors can generally dress much as they would in other parts of Southeast Asia, choosing lightweight, breathable clothing that stays comfortable in hot and humid weather.

At the same time, sun protection becomes extremely important, as Tokyo’s midsummer sun can feel surprisingly intense.

Ms. Mentaiko explains, “Even if you wear short sleeves or sleeveless tops, it’s important to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and avoid exposing too much skin whenever possible.”

You may also notice that many locals avoid overly revealing summer clothing outdoors, often choosing light layers or long sleeves for extra sun protection.

Ms. Mentaiko adds that she frequently hears about overseas visitors getting badly sunburned or even experiencing heatstroke after underestimating Japan’s summer weather, so taking precautions against both the heat and the sun is highly recommended.

Japan’s summer festival season begins in July, bringing lively seasonal events such as the Asakusa Tanabata Festival and the Sumida River Fireworks Festival. These events offer visitors a chance to experience a more festive and traditional side of summer in Japan.

Ms. Mentaiko recommends checking whether any local festivals or fireworks displays will be taking place during your stay.

“For example, I visit SUMMER STATION at Roppongi Hills every year,” she says. “They display 66 different Doraemon figures, and there are food stalls plus classic festival games like ring toss and shooting galleries that children really enjoy.”

She also notes that its convenient central Tokyo location makes it an easy and family-friendly summer outing for both visitors and locals alike.

For travelers who want to avoid the rain or spend less time outdoors in the summer heat, Ms. Mentaiko also recommends several popular indoor attractions around Tokyo.

Places such as Tokyo Station Ichibangai, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Warner Bros. Studio, and Small Worlds Miniature Museum offer plenty to see and do while staying comfortably indoors.

All are easy to access from central Tokyo and can easily fill several hours or even an entire day, making them excellent options for escaping the summer sun, humidity, or sudden rain showers.

August is typically the hottest month of the year in Tokyo. Daytime highs can approach 35°C (95°F), while average temperatures hover close to 30°C (86°F). On some days, Tokyo can even feel hotter than many tropical destinations.

Because of the intense heat and humidity, staying hydrated and taking precautions against heatstroke are extremely important during this period.

Humidity levels often range between 70% and 80%, making the air feel even heavier and hotter than the actual temperature suggests. Sudden afternoon thunderstorms are also common, and August falls within Japan’s typhoon season, so carrying rain gear such as a folding umbrella or lightweight raincoat is highly recommended.

August’s temperatures are generally similar to July’s, so the same lightweight and breathable summer clothing is recommended.

However, August also brings a much higher chance of typhoons and severe rainstorms. Because weather conditions can change quickly, Ms. Mentaiko recommends checking forecasts carefully before heading out each day and preparing backup plans in case transportation is disrupted.

“My family once visited Tokyo in August and got caught in heavy rain that caused subway services to stop,” she recalls. “It’s a good idea to research multiple transportation options and prepare alternative indoor plans for rainy days.”

August is one of Japan’s busiest months for summer events, with fireworks festivals, Obon celebrations, and many other traditional seasonal festivities taking place across the country.

During this time, department stores and large shopping complexes also open seasonal rooftop beer gardens, where visitors can enjoy food and drinks in an open-air setting while taking in the atmosphere of a Japanese summer evening.

For travelers, it’s a great time to combine sightseeing with uniquely seasonal experiences that can only be enjoyed during summer in Japan.

The Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival is one of Tokyo’s most popular summer events. Although it is a ticketed fireworks show with reserved seating, the festival atmosphere extends far beyond the official venue.

Ms. Mentaiko shares, “I went to the Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival last year, and even without tickets, you could still see the fireworks from nearby areas. I watched from Aoyama Cemetery, where there were very few obstructions and the view was surprisingly clear.”

Because the event is extremely popular, anyone hoping to secure reserved seats should purchase tickets as early as possible. Even without tickets, however, many people still gather around the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy the summer festival atmosphere and fireworks displays.

Many travelers visiting Tokyo during summer look forward to wearing yukata to fireworks festivals and seasonal events.

In popular areas such as Asakusa, there are many shops offering yukata rental services. By reserving in advance, visitors can often have everything arranged at once, including hair styling and accessories, making the experience especially convenient.

For children, however, Ms. Mentaiko notes that purchasing a yukata can sometimes be easier and surprisingly affordable.

Stores such as Akachan Honpo, UNIQLO, and department store children’s sections often sell kids’ yukata sets throughout the summer season. Prices are typically around 2,000 to 3,000 yen, making them an easy and memorable souvenir that children can wear during the trip and take home afterward.

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 can be very hot and rainy from June through August, summer is also filled with seasonal events such as Tanabata festivals, fireworks shows, and Obon celebrations.

As long as you stay updated on the weather and take precautions against the heat, summer can still be a great time to visit Tokyo.

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 summer heat becomes overwhelming, it’s a good idea to take breaks regularly by stopping at convenience stores or other air-conditioned spots to cool down, drink water, and rest to help prevent heatstroke.

Ms. Mentaiko also says she likes treating herself to a cold dessert during especially hot days as a fun way to cool off.

Before heading out each day, be sure to check Japan’s latest weather forecast. Staying informed and having backup plans ready can help ensure that sudden weather changes don’t disrupt your trip.