Is Visiting Japan in August Really That Bad? My Experience + Helpful Tips!

Is Japan in August really that bad? Let’s talk about it.

I won’t lie, the internet had me panicking about my visit to Japan in August last year. Facebook forums, TikTok, Reddit, Instagram…you name it, people were saying it was the worst. I was even told to cancel and go another time from someone! Needless to say, it made me incredibly nervous to go. 

But the thing is, that was the only time we could go! Between Chris’ work and other trips we had planned, August was the only opportunity we had to go for another 2 years. And I didn’t want to wait that long!

So we went, and it was great! Yes, I won’t lie, it was HOT. We were there on the hottest day ever recorded in Japan! However, sometimes, people can be overly dramatic online. Not to discount their experiences, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be.

If you’re in the same boat as me last year figuring out whether to go, let’s put your mind at ease. So in this guide, I’ve got useful tips to help you with your trip to Japan in August including how to structure your day, why it can be an amazing time to go, ways to beat the heat, and more!

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Is Japan in August Really That Bad?

Short answer, no, but it’s more nuanced than that.

I won’t lie to you, it is HOT. We were in Kyoto, a city in the valley where heat gets trapped, and it was the hottest day ever recorded in Japan. That was rough because walking outside felt like walking into a sauna.

To be honest, if you’ve been to Florida or the deep south in summertime, Southeast Asia, etc., it’s pretty comparable. Actually, a couple of weeks before we left we had corn sweat humidity in Cleveland, and I truly think that was worse! 

Will you be sightseeing all day and running around cities like you might in cooler months? No. But with the correct preparation, AC/cool off breaks, and mental mind set, you’ll be fine!

Japan Weather in August

Let’s talk about what the temperatures are around this time of year in popular spots in Japan. 

• Tokyo: 87-96ºF / 31-36ºC during the day and 74-81ºF / 23-27ºC at night. 
• Kyoto: 91-100ºF / 33-38ºC during the day and 77-81ºF / 25-27ºC at night. 
• Osaka: 91-95ºF / 33-35ºC during the day and 77-83ºF 25-28ºC at night. 
• Hakone: 86-93ºF / 30-34ºC during the day and 72-81ºF / 22-27ºC at night. 

That being said, with humidity and such, it can feel much hotter, including temps over 100ºF / 38ºC!

Again, it’s hot. There is no denying that. And yes, it is humid. But if you’ve been to the deep south in summer, it’s comparable, and honestly, less sticky than the south. Savannah, Georgia in the summer months is sticky and feels like you’re just wet the second you go outside. Japan did at times feel like walking into a sauna…but it didn’t feel as wet (other than me sweating from the heat, of course!). 

Again, if you’re been to hot places like Southeast Asia, the south in summertime, the Caribbean, etc., you’ll understand.

An important thing to note is that this time of year is also typhoon season, which can bring in rain. And honestly, that rain can really help bring in some blessed cool relief. We experienced a typhoon that came through the southern part of Japan about halfway through our trip, and it cooled down to a much more comfortable temperature after that for a few days!

Day-to-Day Breakdown:

Sunrise and sunset times are key to know while visiting Japan in August as it’ll likely help you structure your day. 

Sunrise is from around 4:50-5:30 am and sunset is around 6:10-7 pm based on when you’re there and where you’re at in Japan. 

• Morning: Cooler temperatures compared to afternoon. This is the best time to explore.
• Afternoon: Hottest part of the day (plan indoor activities).
• Evening: Cools off and is better for exploring again. 

How to Structure Your Day

Because you’re dealing with warmer temperatures, you likely aren’t going to plan your day as you would in cooler months where you sleep in a little, get up at a decent morning hour, explore all day, and then wrap up in the evening.

That isn’t the wisest way to approach Japan in summer. This is what we ended up doing:

• Get up early and explore. Yes, I highly recommend getting up early to explore when it’s cooler. We regularly got up around 5 am to go explore between 6 am-12 pm before it got too hot. Now the downside is that coffee shops aren’t open, but convenience stores are so you can grab your caffeine fix and breakfast there.
• Lunch: This is a great time to sit in AC and enjoy some of that delicious Japanese food.
• Afternoons: This is the time to explore places in the shade or indoors. We’d use this time to get a matcha at a cafe, explore exciting museums like the TeamLAB Borderless in Tokyo, or even go inside some temples in Kyoto. We also sometimes went back to the hotel for AC and to relax.
• Evenings: This is another great time to wander the streets and explore as the temperatures start cooling off. 

Indoor Things to Do in Japan in August

One of the best ways to beat the heat in August in Japan is to go indoors during the heat of the day!

Thankfully, unlike a lot of Europe, Japan uses AC, and you can find it in hotels, cafes, restaurants, museums, etc. It’s a blessed relief and a necessary one to cool down. 

Here are some great indoor activities:

• Museums! Most cities have great museums including art museums, history museums–we even visited an origami museum in Tokyo, and it was great!
• Cafes. I mean while in Japan, get a matcha! Mid-day when the heat kicks up, just head to a cafe for a coffee or matcha and embrace that delightful air conditioning.
• Department stores. Do some shopping around cities and train stations to cool off and get some fun souvenirs! 
• Eat! Go to good restaurants for lunch and enjoy the AC. Yes, it even made it bearable enough for us to eat hot soup while in Kyoto!
• Relaxing at your hotel. Because you’ll likely want to get up early to explore and beat the heat…you may want to take a nap or just hang out, put your feet up (much needed-you’ll walk a ton in Japan!), and relax mid-day. 
• Not indoors but in the shade: Markets and temples. Go inside markets and temples to get in the shade midday. Yes, you’ll likely still be hot, but it’s not as bad. 

Japan is Well-Equipped to Handle the Heat

If I had to choose between Japan in August or Italy… I think I’m choosing Japan every time. Why? Japan believes in air conditioning. Not that all of Italy doesn’t… but in a lot of European countries, AC can be hard to come by at restaurants, museums, etc. 

Japan definitely has air conditioning in a lot of places. So taking breaks helps.

But, being a country with a lot of innovations, they also found a way to beat the heat by having:

• AC. Like I just mentioned.
• Vending machines all over the place. Definitely get water AND electrolyte drinks like Pocari Sweat or Acquarius. You need electrolytes when you sweat that much during summer.
• Convenience stores (Konbini) everywhere. Again, get your liquids in!
• UV umbrellas. 
• Portable fans.
• Vests with fans! Yes, you may spot a Japanese person (or many) wearing this to stay cool in summertime heat.
• Cooling wipes. Japan sells cooling wipes you can use to have a cooling sensation. I will say I didn’t use these as I have sensitive skin and the ingredients can be irritating on skin. 
• Heck, they even have Uniqlo which has AIRism sweat-wicking technology!

Japan is no stranger to dealing with heat, making it again, not that bad in summertime. 

What to Pack For Japan in August 

Shockingly, Chris and I packed in just our carry-on suitcases around Japan. This was because 1) we didn’t plan to buy a lot of stuff and we saved room for things we wanted (at least Chris did!), 2) in the intense heat the LAST thing I wanted to do was haul luggage around, and 3) we planned to do laundry.

Thankfully, many hotels in Japan have laundry rooms!

But here are key things to pack for your summer visit to Japan:

Where to Escape the Heat in Japan

While Japan is hot in August, there are alternative places to visit that do bring a bit of relief. 

Hokkaido: Visit this northern island in Japan known for its beautiful mountains! Sapporo does get hot, but it’s more so in the 80sºF / 26-32ºC during the day this time of year. 

Japanese Alps: Use cities like Matsumoto and Takayama as bases to explore the mountains here! Again, temperatures are in the high 80s/90sºF / 29-35ºC during the day, so it isn’t like cool perse, but it’s better than places like Kyoto.

Hakone: I mentioned the temperatures above, but, again, being in the mountains, it’s still cooler than many big cities in Japan on the main island of Honshu (where Tokyo, Kyoto, etc., are located). 

Coastal Areas: You could head to the coastal cities of Japan, just know that it is typhoon season. Now typhoons hit worse in Okinawa and in southern areas of Japan, so avoiding these areas of Japan is a good idea if you don’t want to get stuck in a typhoon. There was a typhoon that hit during our trip, and trains were canceled in the areas that were mainly affected. 

Why I Don’t Recommend Okinawa This Time of Year

You’re probably thinking “I’ll just head to the beaches of Okinawa to enjoy the water and cool off.” Yes, that was our thinking at the beginning of trip planning too. However, Okinawa gets hit by typhoons this time of year, and that is what was affected by the typhoon that hit when we were there. 

This means we likely would’ve missed our flight back to the mainland to get home in time and it would’ve thrown off the trip. It’s also box jellyfish season…so I’m glad we skipped it this time. I’d love to go back and visit though! 

Who Should (And Shouldn’t) Visit Japan in August

While I’m glad we went in August, and it was completely fine, this time of year can be right for some and NOT for others. 

Who Should Visit Japan in August:

• Those who feel generally fine in heat and humidity. If you live in or often visit the south in summer, Southeast Asia, etc., you’ll be fine. 
• Those who want to enjoy local festivals. 
• People okay with taking their time. This is a great time to enjoy sites but also relax.

Who Should NOT Visit Japan in August:

• Those with medical conditions where heat affects them. As always, speak with your doctor, but if you have had heat stroke/heat illness, are pregnant, etc., maybe skip Japan this time of year.
• Those sensitive to heat. I was once on antidepressants and those made me sweat and get overheated all the time! I would not recommend going to Japan if you’re on medications that do that or if you’re sensitive to heat.
• People who want a fast-paced trip. Yea, the second the heat starts to wear you down… your dreams of visiting as many temples as possible in Kyoto in a day go out the window in favor of an AC break.
• Those who hate sweating. Let’s face it, everyone is sweating through their clothes, and nobody cares because it’s happening to us all. But if you hate sweating or will be uncomfortable walking around in sweaty clothes then Japan in August isn’t for you. 

Why Japan in August is Worth It!

Japan in August isn’t a waste at all! In fact, it can definitely be an interesting time to visit! 

For starters, there are summer festivals, the iconic Japanese gardens are stunning and green, and you’ve got far fewer crowds than during the cherry blossom season or during the autumn.

Seriously, Japan is most popular to visit for tourists in the spring and autumn months when the weather is nice and there are cherry blossoms or autumn colors. Summer isn’t high on many people’s lists here, making it a decent time to visit and enjoy crowds!

But the festival season is so cool! We were wandering around Tokyo and happened upon a small festival one evening, and it was so neat to see! 

From fireworks and music festivals to cities doing firework shows, it’s an exciting time to be here!

Important Things to Know While Visiting Japan in August

Here are some things you need to know while visiting Japan this time of year.

• You’re going to sweat a lot…it’s okay. Everyone else is also sweating. Literally everyone. Don’t be self-conscious about it. 
• You need electrolytes. Because you’ll be sweating a lot, you need to replace electrolytes. Drink water too, but electrolytes are also important to stay hydrated while you’re out and about in the heat. Thankfully, you can purchase electrolyte drinks like Pocari Sweat and Acquarius at vending machines and Konbinis in Japan. 
• Portable fans are super common. No, you won’t look like a tourist with it. Everyone is walking around with a fan.
• UV umbrellas are also common. Staying in the shade makes a WORLD of difference!
• Carry a towel with you. This is two-fold. One is that you’ll want it to wipe your hands after washing them as a lot of places won’t have towels. Two is to wipe your face from sweat.
• Don’t overdo it. Yes, you may want to see and do it all, but you’ve got to chill, literally. Doing too much in the heat isn’t good and can lead to things like heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Take AC breaks and cool off. 
• Stay at a hotel near the train station. This can help you avoid walking for a long time and make it easier to explore. 
• Plan to do laundry. Thankfully, many hotels in Japan have laundry rooms so you can do laundry during your trip. We ended up doing laundry halfway through our 2 weeks in Japan in Okayama. It was great because by then, I had sweat through a lot of my clothes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions on visiting Japan in August.

1. Is Japan too hot in August?

I won’t lie to you and say it’s not hot. It’s HOT. It’s not the most comfortable thing at all. But Japan in August is better than no Japan at all. So it really depends on what you’re willing to handle heat-wise.

Many people online will say it’s too hot. I found it to be hot, but manageable with the correct mindset, mental and actual preparation (I purchased things ahead of time like the UV umbrella and neck fan), and good attitude!

2. Is the humidity worse than Florida/Europe?

I would honestly say that the south in summertime feels comparable to Japan.

Compared to Europe, I’d say Japan is worse, but they also have AC in Japan in most places, making it easy to get relief versus that not always being the case in Europe.

3. Does it rain a lot in August? Is it typhoon season?

It can and does rain in Japan in August! Typhoon season is May-October, which can bring heavy rain and storms. I wouldn’t say it rains a lot (outside of a typhoon). It’s not like the whole month is rainy. When we were there, about halfway through it rained for a couple of days then cleared up as a typhoon passed in the south.

The rain brought the temps down which was nice! But most of  the time, the rain isn’t all day but has showers. It’s not bad (unless you’re stuck in an area with a typhoon where you can’t do much). 

4. Is Japan crowded in August?

Outside of Oban, which is a holiday honoring the spirits of ancestors, it’s not bad. 

We were there during Oban, and we were in Hakone, so we saw a lot of Japanese tourists as well as international tourists doing the Hakone round course.

However, outside of that, yes, the touristy places in Japan draw in a crowd year-round, but I’d say it’s probably much worse in cherry blossom season and the autumn. 

5. What should I wear?

I mentioned things to wear above, but lightweight, breathable clothing is key! I will say that while Japanese women tend to dress a bit more conservatively, most people won’t care that you’re a tourist wearing shorts and a tank top.

But I actually felt more comfortable wearing linen pants and a tank and/or a longer sweat-wicking dress. A big reason was sun protection! Less exposed clothing means less areas to burn in the heat! 

6. Can you still enjoy temples/shrines in the heat?

Of course! We explored a bit mid-day in Kyoto in between some AC breaks! A lot of temples/shrines are in the shade, so it makes wandering around a little better than in direct sunlight. Just get breaks indoors if you start getting too hot. 

7. Is Japan in August expensive?

If you’re wondering whether Japan in August is cheap, sadly, that isn’t the case, especially during Oban. Many locals are also traveling during the holiday, so prices do tend to increase for hotels during that time. 

I’d say it’s cheaper than peak Japan tourist season like cherry blossom season and autumn, but no, it’s not a lot cheaper.

8. Is visiting Japan in August worth it?

I think so! I really enjoyed my visit to Japan in August. Yes, it was hot, and I went into it with eyes wide open to that fact. But with preparation and a good mindset, it was completely fine!

Don’t let people online scare you into not going to a place that can be a lot of fun!

Again, if you have heat sensitivities or health conditions, talk with your doctor and probably avoid it this time of year.

But between AC breaks, early morning exploring (great for getting ahead of crowds too!), and just enjoying time in nature, I loved our trip to Japan in August!

I will say that next time I will 100% come during a cooler time of year, but if you’re like us and couldn’t go any other time, then it’s fine! 

Would you visit Japan in August?