Japan in August offers a vibrant blend of traditional culture and modern summer experiences, albeit with challenging weather conditions. Despite the challenges, a Japanese adventure in August promises unforgettable experiences, from joining in festive celebrations to savoring the fleeting beauty of summer in the Land of the Rising Sun. Read our guide to travelling to Japan in August 2025, covering things to do, the best places to visit, festivals, weather, packing list, etc. Submit your preference if you hope to enjoy a stress-free and private Japan travel in August.
Table of Contents
1. What to Do in Japan in August 2025
2. Best Places in Japan to Visit in August
3. Japan Weather in August 2025
4. Clothes to Wear in Japan in August
1. Best Things to Do in Japan in August 2025
Before planning a trip to Japan in August 2025, it is essential to know what to do in Japan August. Here we have sorted out the top 10 things to do in Japan in August:
Attend Summer Festivals (Matsuri): Experience Japanese Culture and Enjoy Traditional Music and Dance If You Travel Japan in August
August is peak festival season in Japan, with numerous lively and colorful matsuri (festivals) happening across the country. The Awa Odori Dance Festival in Tokushima (August 12-15) features energetic dancing in the streets. Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri (August 2-7) showcases huge and illuminated floats parade. The Akita Kanto Festival (August 3-7) is another spectacular event in Japan August, where performers balance long bamboo poles with arrays of paper lanterns, creating a mesmerizing night-time display. Be sure to join one of some of these festivals in Japan August 2025 to enjoy the lively atmosphere during your trip.
Enjoy Beaches and Coastal Getaways: A Cool Break from Sightseeing and a Taste of Summer Leisure in Japan during August
August is beach season in Japan, and there are plenty of coastal destinations for relaxation and water activities. Shirahama Beach offers white sand and clear water, while Okinawa's beaches are great for snorkeling. Near Tokyo, Zushi Beach is a convenient getaway and Enoshima offers a mix of beaches, scenic views, and cultural sites. All of these spots are the best places to visit in Japan in August.
Enjoy Fireworks Displays (Hanabi Taikai): An August Event in Japan Combines Beautiful Pyrotechnics with a Festive Atmosphere
Japan's summer is synonymous with spectacular fireworks festivals and you will find that fireworks light up August nights in Japan, making them the best things to see in Japan in August. Major displays include the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo, with over 20,000 fireworks, and the Lake Biwa Fireworks in Shiga which displays over Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa, with reflections of fireworks lighting up the water. And don't miss the Miyajima Fireworks Festival in Hiroshima as the fireworks over the iconic Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine create a magical scene.
Experience Obon Festivals: A Festival in Japan in August Provides Insight into Japanese Spiritual Beliefs and Family Traditions
Obon, held from Aug 13 to Fri, Aug 15, 2025, is a time when Japanese people honor their ancestors. Many return to their hometowns for family gatherings and grave visits. Some areas hold beautiful lantern-floating ceremonies. When traveling to Japan in August, you can watch or join in lively Bon Odori dances in local communities across Japan, particularly in places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, which is also one of the fun things to do in August in Japan.
Climb Mount Fuji: August in Japan Is the Perfect Time for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Trek up Japan's Highest Peak
Is it good to travel to Japan in August? Yes, if you are looking for outdoor adventures. August is a popular time to climb Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain. The official climbing season runs from July to mid-September, with August offering the best weather. Many climbers start in the afternoon and reach the summit for the marverlous sunrise. While challenging, the climb is doable for most fit people and offers amazing views. Remember to book mountain huts in advance if you plan to visit Japan in August, as it will get crowded.
Sample Summer Food Specialties: One of the Top Things to Do in Japan in August for a Foodie Trip
Summer brings special foods to Japan. Kakigōri (shaved ice with syrup) is a popular sweet treat. Hiyashi chūka (cold ramen) and sōmen (thin cold noodles) are refreshing meals. Grilled eel, or unagi, is traditionally eaten to boost energy in summer. Trying these seasonal dishes during August in Japan is a delicious way to experience Japanese culture.
Visit Cooler Mountain Regions: Escape the Heat for a relatively Comfortable Japan Travel in August
To beat the heat of Japan on August, you can consider visiting those cooler mountain areas. Hokkaido, Japan's northern island and the coolest place in Japan in August, offers mild weather and beautiful nature, including lavender fields in Furano and Shikisai-no-Oka in Biei. The Japanese Alps are great for hiking and visiting historic villages like Shirakawa-gō. Nikko, near Tokyo, combines natural beauty with important shrines and temples. These areas provide relief from urban heat and showcase Japan's diverse landscapes.
Tanabata Festivals: A Romantic Festival Not to Miss for a Honeymoon Trip to Japan in August
Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is based on a romantic legend of two stars, Vega and Altair, who are separated lovers allowed to meet once a year. Tanabata is a symbolic celebration of their reunion and a reminder of the fleeting nature of happiness and the importance of perseverance. During the Tanabata festival on the lunar calendar on July 7th (29th August 2025), you can write wishes on colorful strips of paper (tanzaku) and hang them on bamboo branches, which is one of the top things to do Japan in late August.
Explore Air-Conditioned Museums and Art Galleries: Immerse in Japanese Culture and History in Cool Spots
Museums and art galleries are great places to visit in Japan in August for rich cultural immersion while offering a cool escape from the August heat. The Tokyo National Museum houses Japanese art treasures, while the Mori Art Museum features modern exhibits. Kyoto National Museum showcases the city's rich history. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum provides a moving look at World War II history. These venues combine air-conditioned comfort with cultural enrichment, leaving seniors with memorable Japan tours in August.
Shop the Summer Sales: Don't Miss the Lower Prices of International Brands in Japan August
August in Japan brings substantial summer sales, offering great opportunities for shoppers. Major department stores like Isetan, Mitsukoshi, and Takashimaya hold their annual bargain events, with discounts on everything from high-end fashion to home goods. Fashion districts such as Harajuku and Shibuya in Tokyo are particularly lively, with many shops offering significant markdowns. For brand-name bargains, outlet malls like Gotemba Premium Outlets near Mt. Fuji provide discounts on both Japanese and international brands. These sales not only offer a chance to snag some deals but also provide insight into Japanese consumer culture and fashion trends.
Now tell us what you hope to experience when you travel to Japan in August, and we will create a tailor-made trip for you!
12 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Suwa Lake - Matsumoto - Nagono - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka Tour
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Okinawa 7 Days Naha - Onna Tour
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14 Days Tokyo - Mt.Fuji - Kyoto - Nara - Arashiyama - Hiroshima - Miyashima - Himeji - Okayama - Kurashiki - Osaka
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12 Days Tokyo - Hakone - Mt.Fuji - Sapporo - Furano - Asahikawa - Biei - Toya Tour
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Check Out Japan Travel Calendar 2025 Below
■Get to know more monthly things to do in Japan before planning your trip to Japan in 2025:
2. Where to Travel in Japan in August
Is Japan good to visit in August? August may not be the best time to visit Japan because of the hot weather, but there are still some stunning places to explore. And here are some places to go in Japan in August for your reference.
Shiratani Unsui Gorge, Kagoshima
Shiratani Unsui Gorge in Yakushima, Kagoshima, Japan, has dense forests and many ancient cedar trees. You can enjoy the appearance of the cedars without much effort, which is very suitable for outings and sightseeing. It is worth mentioning that the animated film "Princess Mononoke" produced by Studio Ghibli was based on a place in Shiratani Unsui Gorge, which has attracted many fans to make a pilgrimage. The mountains in "Princess Mononoke" were filmed in Shirakami-Sanchi in Akita Prefecture.
Address: Miyanoura, Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima 891-4200, Japan
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +81 997-42-3508
Akeno Sunflower Field, Yamanashi
In the hot summer month of August, there is a yellow sunflower field in Japan. Located in Akeno Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, the flower field has as many as 600,000 lively sunflowers. No matter from which angle you take the picture, you can feel the thriving and warm atmosphere. When you come here during August in Japan, you will be inexplicably infected with a cheerful atmosphere. In Akeno Town with sufficient sunshine, every sunflower is looking up and smiling, making it one of the beautiful places to see in Japan in August.
Address: 5664 Akenocho Asao, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0201, Japan
Phone: +81 551-42-1351
Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima
For an immersive Japan culture and history tour, the Atomic Bomb Dome is the best place in Japan to visit in August. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, located in the center of Hiroshima, has deep historical significance. This iconic structure not only symbolizes the brutal memories of the war but also mankind's eternal call for peace. The Peace Memorial Museum is another important building in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. The building is an overhead rectangular block, which displays a large number of documents, relics, pictures, and models about the atomic bomb explosion. These exhibits recreate the scenes of the atomic bombing and speak to visitors about the importance of peace. August 6 marks the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The city hosts a Peace Memorial Ceremony, and the Peace Memorial Park is a solemn but important place to visit.
Address: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, Japan
Submit your preferred places to visit in Japan in August and our travel expertise will create your personalized itinerary for you to enjoy an enjoyable and stress-free Japan tour in summer.
3. What Is the Weather Like in Japan in August
What season is August in Japan? How hot is it in Japan in August? Does it rain in August in Japan? What is the weather in Japan in August? August in Japan is part of the summer season, characterized by hot and humid conditions, especially in central and southern regions. Here's a breakdown of the weather in Japan in August 2025 you can expect:
General Climate of Japan during August:
Temperature: Daytime highs often range between 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), with nights cooling to around 25°C (77°F). In urban areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the heat can feel more intense due to concrete surfaces.
Humidity: The humidity is quite high, often exceeding 70%, making it feel hotter.
Rainfall: August can also be a rainy month, particularly during the latter half, as the country approaches its typhoon season. Typhoons can bring heavy rain and strong winds, though they are typically more concentrated in coastal and southern regions.
Sunshine: Despite rain spells, there are plenty of sunny, clear days, which can feel scorching.
Regional Weather in Japan August:
Hokkaido (North): Cooler with temperatures around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). It's a popular escape from the intense heat elsewhere.
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka (Central Japan): These cities experience the full brunt of summer heat, with temperatures around 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F).
Okinawa (South): Even hotter, with temperatures often in the low-to-mid 30°C range (86°F to 95°F), and it's prone to typhoons.
Despite the heat, August is a vibrant time in Japan with summer festivals and fireworks! Remember to pay attention to the latest forecast of weather in Japan August 2025 before visiting Japan in August.
4. What to Wear in Japan in August 2025
Here's a guide on what to wear in Japan in August:
Light, breathable fabrics:
●Cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking synthetic materials are ideal
●Loose-fitting clothes help with air circulation
Casual summer wear:
●Short-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, and tank tops
●Shorts, skirts, and light dresses
●Lightweight, loose-fitting pants
Sun protection:
●Wide-brimmed hats or caps
●Sunglasses
●Light cardigans or long-sleeved shirts for sun coverage
Footwear:
●Comfortable, breathable walking shoes
●Sandals or open-toed shoes
●Water-resistant shoes for sudden rain showers
Rain gear:
●Compact, lightweight umbrella
●Thin, packable rain jacket
Modest clothing for temples and shrines:
●Shirts that cover the shoulders
●Shorts or skirts that reach the knees
Evening wear:
●Light jacket or cardigan for air-conditioned spaces
Swimwear:
●For beaches, pools, and onsen towns
Undergarments:
●Breathable, moisture-wicking materials
Accessories:
●Small towel or handkerchief to wipe away sweat
●Reusable water bottle
Remember, while casual wear is fine for most situations, some upscale restaurants or events may require more formal attire. By following these tips, you'll be comfortable and stylish during your visit to Japan in August.
Conclusion
From savoring refreshing seasonal delicacies to participating in outdoor activities, experiencing the traditional summer matsuri, or enjoying serene beaches, spectacular fireworks displays, and enchanting natural scenery, August in Japan offers a memorable and multifaceted travel experience that balances traditional charm with summer fun. Contact us to plan your private guided trip to Japan during August now!