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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original
Key points
- Gion Matsuri (Kyoto, all of July): the float processions on 17 and 24 July are the highlight. Osaka's Tenjin Matsuri (24–25 July) is another of Japan's top three festivals.
- Fireworks: big displays such as the Sumida River Fireworks (last Saturday of July) start across the country.
- Mount Fuji: the climbing season opens in early July; mountain huts and advance registration are required.
🌤 Weather and temperature
Tokyo averages about 26 °C, and after the rainy season ends in mid July, days above 35 °C are possible. Watch out for heatstroke.
| City | Average temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 21.1 °C | 91 mm |
| Tokyo | 25.7 °C | 156 mm |
| Osaka | 27.7 °C | 174 mm |
| Fukuoka | 27.4 °C | 300 mm |
| Naha | 29.1 °C | 188 mm |
Monthly averages based on Japan Meteorological Agency normals (1991–2020).
🚄 Crowds, holidays and prices
The Marine Day long weekend (third Monday) and the start of school holidays in late July bring crowds to beaches and mountain resorts.
🏮 Festivals and events
- Sumida River Fireworks (Tokyo · Last Saturday of July)
Traces back to the 1733 Ryogoku river-opening. Around 20,000 shells and a million spectators - Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival (Kanagawa · Early July)
Tanabata decorations up to 10 m tall adorn the shopping streets. One of Kanto's three great Tanabata festivals - Noto Kiriko Festivals (Ishikawa · July–October (across the Noto Peninsula))
Giant lantern floats (kiriko) over 10 m tall are carried through the streets. Resuming across the region after the 2024 earthquake - Gujo Odori (Gifu · Mid-July to early September (all-night dancing August 13–16))
Japan's longest Bon dance, spanning 32 nights. A festival you join rather than watch - Gion Matsuri (Kyoto · July 1–31 (float processions on the 17th and 24th))
Yasaka Shrine's festival, 1,100 years old and one of Japan's three great festivals. Yoiyama evenings and the Yamaboko float procession; UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage - Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka · July 24–25)
The festival of Osaka Tenmangu Shrine. A procession of 100 boats and votive fireworks. One of Japan's three great festivals - Nachi Fan Festival (Nachi Fire Festival) (Wakayama · July 14)
Twelve 50 kg torches whirl before Nachi Falls. The annual festival of Kumano Nachi Taisha - Hakata Gion Yamakasa (Fukuoka · July 1–15 (the Oiyama race at dawn on the 15th))
Men in loincloths race 5 km carrying massive floats. 780 years of history; UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Dates change from year to year; always check the official announcement.
🌸 Flowers and autumn colours
- Lavender of Furano and Biei (Hokkaido · Mid to late July)
The purple hills of Farm Tomita. Biei's rolling hills and the Patchwork Road - Hokuryu Sunflower Village (Hokkaido · Late July to mid-August)
2 million sunflowers across 23 hectares. One of the largest sunflower fields in Japan
🍣 Seasonal food and traditions
- Seafood in season: Eel, Japanese flying squid, abalone
- Produce in season: Corn, edamame, watermelon, peaches, tomatoes
- Traditions and daily life: Tanabata (7th), Marine Day, Doyo no Ushi eel day, ochugen gifts, summer festivals, fireworks, summer holidays
📍 Where to go this month
Climbing Mount Fuji
Early July to early September only. Five to seven hours from the 5th station to the summit; the classic plan is a nap in a mountain hut and sunrise at the top. Since 2025: ¥4,000 fee and reservation.
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto's month-long July festival. On the 17th and 24th, 25 m floats are pulled through the streets; the evenings before are filled with stalls and lanterns. Over 1,100 years old.
Summer Fireworks Festivals
Fireworks every summer weekend nationwide. Shells that open to 800 m wide, yukata, food stalls; paid seats from a few thousand yen.
Farm Tomita Lavender Fields
In July, hillsides of purple lavender — and admission is free.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Whale sharks over 8 m long glide through one of the world's largest aquarium tanks.
Miyakojima Yonaha Maehama Beach
Seven kilometres of white sand and 'Miyako blue' sea. The 3.5 km Irabu Bridge is Japan's longest toll-free bridge.
🧳 What to pack
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen: humidity over 70% and up to 35 °C
- A folding umbrella: rainy season June–July, typhoons August–September
- Cooling wipes and a hand fan, available at any convenience store
- A light layer for strongly air-conditioned trains and shops
💡 Travel tip
Spend the hottest hours indoors and sightsee in the morning and evening; drink plenty and take salt.
🗓 Other months
January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Japan in July?
Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto reach 30–35 °C with high humidity. Hokkaido stays comfortable at around 25 °C.
When can you climb Mount Fuji?
The regular season runs from early July to early September. Both the Yamanashi and Shizuoka sides require advance registration and a fee.
