Visiting Japan In Summer? ☀️ Don’t Miss These 9 Tips!
This video is to help you enjoy Japanese summer, which I swear is more than possible. People say, “Don’t come to Japan in summer.” But really, they just weren’t prepared. Probably didn’t watch this video. Hi everyone, it’s Abby from Pctor. I’m a photographer and guide in Japan. And today, I will share nine tips to enjoy summer in Japan. So, if Japan were a video game, there would be many boss battles such as spring and fall crowds, winter’s cold and snow, and of course, summer’s heat. Even the language barrier, differences of food, those are all their own boss battle. And I sure hope you’d never prance into a boss battle without a clue about what’s about to go down. So, as my first tip, let’s learn about summer. Not to scare you, but just to prepare you. So, when does summer actually start in Japan? Japanese people generally consider July to midepptember summer after the rainy season ends. But by my standard, Japan’s summer season really kicks off around June and it stretches all the way into mid October. The peak of the heat is from late July to mid August. And this is just by a basic it’s hot so it feels like summer standard. But things finally cool down to like European sunbathing summer levels in mid to late October here. So, how hot does it actually get? Let me break it down. In July, Tokyo averages around 31 degrees, while Kyoto and Osaka hit around 33. August cranks it up even more. Tokyo climbs to 33, and Kyoto and Osaka often reach 35. But the real kicker is the humidity, which hangs around 75 to 85%. In Kyoto, especially, the heat gets trapped in the basin, so it feels way worse. And because of that humidity, even if your app says it’s 33° outside, your body is like this is 40. That’s the heat index or in Japanese the tyono. So basically, it’s how hot your body feels, not what the weather app says. Heat index is especially relevant here because of the humidity. So all right, now that you have the boss’s stats in mind, what about everything else? Tip two, get the heat beating items ready first. These are your potions and your armor and your weapons that you need to prepare for the boss. And I’ve never in my life seen a country with more items to fight heat than I have in Japan. You can find stuff literally everywhere from quick dry UV protecting clothes from Uniqlo and breathable linen from Muji. USB powered handy fans, neck fans or cooling neck rings, UV sun umbrellas, fastrying towels, and of course the legendary construction worker armor. So, I have a super thorough list of everything you should buy, but that would take way too long to talk about in this video. So, look forward to that next week. And reminder to subscribe so you don’t miss it. And I’ll have you fully armed, locked, and loaded with that one. So, third tip, try to reduce your time outdoors. I know it’s really tempting to line up for that famous Instagram restaurant, but standing in the sun for an hour just to get a bowl of noodles is not worth heat stroke. You would not do that at home. So, why would you do it in the summer heat here? And Japan has tons of underground walkways that let you move around without stepping foot into direct sunlight. Yes, they’re a bit like a labyrinth, so you can be a vampire, but they’re safer, cooler, and they even have treasures like great shopping and restaurants you would have never seen otherwise. So, if you’re in Tokyo, check out the Yayasu Underground Mall. In Osaka, you have Umeida’s Underground City and Namba Walk. And in Kyoto, you can go from Kyoto station to the Yodabashi camera next door in the underground. Uh Kawamachi has an underground route and Tamachi Shinyoku has a roof which is not underground, but it is nice to protect from the sun. But you’d really be surprised how many options there are to travel underground in cities. Um as well as how much is down there. So also instead of trying to like run around outside all day every day, do some indoor experiences as well. Do a tea ceremony. Do a crafting class. Do indoor shopping. Give yourself time indoors throughout the day so that the time you spend outside is not nearly so bad. Fourth, know your cold shelters. If you start to feel even a little too warm, don’t wait. Head into a cafe, a combini, a department store, whatever is close. Just cool off before it gets serious. It also helps to pin a few of these spots on Google Maps in advance. And you can also take breaks at your hotel. Seriously, there’s there’s no shame in heading back for a shower and a lie down under the AC. And even 30 minutes of rest can honestly reset your energy for the rest of the day. Which leads me to my fifth tip. Avoid hotels that have no option to control the AC. When you’re doing your hotel research, make sure you see what the reviews say about this. Of course, you can ask the front desk for a fan, and they usually will have them, but maybe just do your research from the beginning. The sixth tip is to take advantage of nighttime sightseeing. Japan at night is its own special vibe. Temples light up in the evening. You have riverside walks, rooftop, beer gardens, summer festivals, and food stalls. So, it’s really magical. You can also avoid UV, avoid some crowds, and honestly, the air just feels better. But yes, it is still warm, so hydrate, and not just with beer. Seven, don’t miss all the awesome seasonal events and foods. If you’re hot, try some kaki gordi, which is Japanese shaved ice, or cold s noodles in hiashuka, which are so refreshing and delicious. Uh, eel is also a classic summer food. And of course, you’ll want to try all the fun festival street foods at one of the countless summer festivals you can attend. And along with festivals, you can enjoy fireworks and yukata, which are the much lighter, more breathable kimonos only worn in summer. So tip eight, and this is quite an important one, might I add. Travel smart and avoid the negativity. Don’t go to Japan in summer. This comment is all over the place. And let’s be honest, half the people leaving the comment didn’t even finish watching this video. It’s like they’re on patrol. They’re just going to swoop in and shout too hot on anything tag Japan and summer. And look, I get it. Japan summer is intense. But not everyone has a choice. Some people love summer. Some people can only take vacation during summer. Are they just supposed to never come to Japan then? Plus, Japan and summer has a lot to offer. There are so many things you can only experience this time of year. It’s also a very special time to Japanese people as this is when kids finally get a break from school and families often come together. People wear yukata. They dance at Bon Odori. They run into classmates under the glow of lanterns. Beaches and Mount Fuji open up. hydrangeas and sunflowers and morning glories are blooming. Kids are running around catching cicas. There’s windchimes at shrines. You have the emotional energy of summer koshian which is a massive high school baseball tournament. And then you have music festivals like summer sonic and Fuji rock. So summer in Japan is not just hot. It’s full of life. It’s full of memories and it’s what you make of it. So, don’t go to Japan in summer. What that really means is I didn’t prepare. I had a bad time. And because I couldn’t figure out how to handle it, I don’t think you can either. So, when you see one of those comments, just smile and think, “Ah, you’re one of those people who leaves a comment before finishing the video.” There’s no perfect time to visit Japan. Spring is crowded. Don’t go. May is golden week. Japanese people are everywhere. Don’t go. June is rainy season. Don’t go. Summer is hot. Don’t go. September and October, you have typhoons, kids returning to school, Halloween, so don’t go. November has fall foliage and Thanksgiving crowds. Don’t go. December has holiday crowds. Don’t go. And winter’s freezing and snowy, so just wait for spring. Don’t go. So, when do you go? You go when you can. And you make it awesome by being prepared. Your trip will be amazing as long as you travel smart. That’s it for this video. I’ll see you guys next week. Bye-bye.
Yes, you can enjoy Japan in summer—and I’ll show you how.
📷Our Tours and Photography: piqtour.com
(Check out our blog, and our Ultimate Trip Timeline! piqtour.com/timeline)
🍧Don’t let the heat scare you off—Japan in summer is vibrant, local, and full of unforgettable experiences. From seasonal foods to smart travel strategies, this guide will help you enjoy everything summer in Japan has to offer without melting in the process.
Perfect for first-time visitors, returning travelers, or anyone wondering if summer is the wrong time to go (spoiler: it’s not).
#japansummer #japantravel #japan2025 #summerinjapan #piqtour
22 Comments
I'm going to Japan in late May and I really enjoy your content! I appreciate that you talk about history and Japanese culture a lot more than other channels.
I'm going with my family this summer and everyone says it like a mantra: "It's too hot". My kids can't miss 2 weeks at school alright, summer is the only time available. I think the plus side will be there will be less crowds than autumn or spring. We'll handle it.
Is first of June summer or rainy season?
It was just this morning that I was looking at lower-cost airfares to Japan for July-August (which is mid-winter here in the Southern Hemisphere), and I started wondering about whether it was a good time to go or not.
Thank you for this video!! Me and my partner are going to Japan for the first time in July and I've only hear bad things about Japan in summer but this video made me feel so much better about our trip. Can't wait for Gion Matsuri!
You are officially my favourite youtuber with travel japan content. Thank you for all the hidden gems you shared in other videos 🙂 There is on more reason – less tourists 🙂
It definitely took me a second visit over the summer to understand how to navigate the scorching heat! I wholeheartedly encourage people to consider a summer Japan visit!
First time I went to Japan, with my daughters was in summer. Was it hot, yes. Was it humid, yes. Was it like Australia in summer, yes. Would i do it again? Yes! It's the only time I can really go, but I was used to it as well, and all I wanted to do was go again.
I went back again the next year during Golden week, and I would do it again. Go when you can, it was the most diverse country i have ever been to and I can't wait to go back, again and again and again!
Any tips for Lake Biwa? We're thinking of including a 2-3 day trip there.
If you are a nature lover, August is the best time to visit. From the Tokyo area, if you are a sea person, you can visit Minami Izu, if you are a mountain person, you can visit the Japanese Alps or Chichibu Mountains. I recommend renting a car and staying at camp sites.
住んでる者からしても夏が一番耐えられない季節です。
楽しいことは海に入れること、盆踊りです。
海は日本だけではないので日本の夏しか味わえないものは
盆踊り＆お祭りでしょう！
暑さ対策で最近は塩飴=salt candyもありますよ。
汗をかき塩分が失われるので、味噌汁を意識してよく飲むようにもしています。
I am going June so looking forward to it. Thanks for the tips
Thank you for the guide! Found your channel recently and have been enjoying the tour videos and travel guides a lot. Prepping for a trip at the end of Summer and this will help immensely!
We loved Japan in July it was hot but less crowded and then there was Gion matsuri and eating on the river in Kibune… would do it again
17 days till i fly out to Osaka ❤🎉 Any tips for people playing Gofest? 😊
Our first trip was in summer. We had a great time. All of these tips are perfect. We have been in July October December and next week in May. In the summer an afternoon shave ice break was everyday :). I agree. You go when you can 🙂
Dont listen to her! Don't go in Summer!! …less crowd for me next july ❤
My first trip to Tokyo was in july 2023. I was unprepared and i didnt know what hit me. finding my way in Shinjuku Station felt like hell but the Tokyo vibe kept me going ❤one year later i went back again. It was even warmer that year but it didnt feel like that because i was prepared now 😊 just take this ladys advise and you’ll be fine, and if you dont it will be less crowded next time when ill be going 🎉
Thankyou for this video. Me and my son are in Japan in June. West and hot Yes, but this is The time my son har finnished his collegestudies
Abby tells me exactly what I want to know to make my trip to Japan much more stress free and enjoyable. 🙂
What about mosquitos in the summer? What do you recommend?
I was stationed in Japan for a lot of years and never had an issue in the summer. I want to see the Awa Odori festival in Tokushima, which is in mid August.