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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
- Hydrangeas: famous spots include Meigetsu-in and Hase-dera in Kamakura and Mimuroto-ji in Kyoto.
- Early summer in Hokkaido: the hills of Furano and Biei and the Shiretoko Peninsula are fresh and green.
- Fireflies dance along clear streams across the country around June.
🌤 Weather and temperature
Tokyo averages about 22 °C and gets humid. Honshu's rainy season runs from early June to around mid July, though it doesn't rain all day every day.
| City | Average temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo | 17 °C | 60 mm |
| Tokyo | 21.9 °C | 168 mm |
| Osaka | 23.6 °C | 185 mm |
| Fukuoka | 23.3 °C | 250 mm |
| Naha | 27.2 °C | 284 mm |
Monthly averages based on Japan Meteorological Agency normals (1991–2020).
🚄 Crowds, holidays and prices
June has no Japanese public holidays, so sights are quieter and hotels cheaper.
🏮 Festivals and events
- YOSAKOI Soran Festival (Hokkaido · Early June)
Kochi's yosakoi dance meets Hokkaido's Soran Bushi folk song. Around 270 teams dance through the streets of Sapporo - Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival (Ishikawa · Early June)
Commemorates Maeda Toshiie's entry into Kanazawa Castle. A grand procession and floating Kaga-Yuzen lanterns - Hie Shrine Sanno Matsuri (Tokyo · Mid-June (even-numbered years))
One of Edo's three great festivals. The grand procession circles the Imperial Palace grounds
Dates change from year to year; always check the official announcement.
🍣 Seasonal food and traditions
- Seafood in season: Horse mackerel, sardines, pike conger, start of ayu season
- Produce in season: Ume plums, rakkyo shallots, cherries, melon
- Traditions and daily life: Switch to summer uniforms, start of the rainy season, Father's Day, ume preserving (umeboshi, umeshu), summer solstice
📍 Where to go this month
Great Buddha of Kamakura
An 11 m, 121-ton bronze Buddha sitting outdoors since 1252. You can step inside it.
Biei Blue Pond
Dissolved aluminium scatters light and turns the pond a glowing blue. Once an Apple wallpaper.
Oirase Gorge
A 14 km stream flowing from Lake Towada, with a walking trail along mossy rocks and a chain of waterfalls. Autumn colours peak in late October.
Yakushima Island
Ancient cedars thousands of years old in a moss-covered forest. A natural World Heritage island said to get 'rain 35 days a month'.
Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River
A 1,300-year-old fishing method. From May to October, watch masters guide cormorants by firelight from a wooden boat.
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Kamikochi
An alpine resort at 1,500 m: the Hotaka peaks seen from Kappa Bridge over the Azusa River. Private cars are banned; open late April to early November only.
🧳 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
Pack a folding umbrella and quick-drying shoes, and keep museums, aquariums and hot springs for rainy days.
🗓 Other months
January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December
Frequently asked questions
When is the rainy season in Japan?
On average Okinawa's runs from early May to late June, and Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku's from early June to mid July. Hokkaido has no distinct rainy season.
Is June a good month to visit Japan?
Rain is common, but crowds and prices are low, and it is the perfect month for a trip centred on Hokkaido.
