August can be considered as a not bad month to visit Japan. The rainy season is over already, so it turns to be extraordinarily hot. Bon-Odori Festival in mid-August cause a large migration of people in Japan. Thus, it’s somewhat expensive to travel to Japan in August, but cheaper than in the season of cherry blossoms or fall foliage.

August is the hottest month in Japan with no doubt. August is hotter than July, because the rainy season brings it cool down a little bit in July. Even in Okinawa where rainy season had been over in June, August is the hottest the same as July.

August is typhoon season in Japan. In general, the typhoon season starts from May and ends in October. However, there are very few typhoons in May and June. From July, there would be more typhoons hitting Japan. In August, especially the second half of August, it is the peak time of typhoon season in Japan until early October. According to statistics, half of typhoons occur during July to October (about 25 typhoons in a year and 13 typhoons during this period), while August is the month suffering from most typhoons (5-6 typhoons averagely).

During this hottest month in Japan, short-sleeve clothes breathable and moisture-absorbing are the best, like T-shirt, shorts, dress, skirt, and cropped pants. A pair of comfortable sandals is good for such a torrid weather, especially convenient to have fun on beach. Sunglasses, sunhat or parasol are also essential for sun protection. For possible thundershowers, you can put a convenient umbrella or raincoat in your pack.

Perhaps, you can also try yukata – the light Japanese casual wear in summer if interested. Japanese like to go to a firework gathering in their yukata very much, which becomes a symbol of summer.

In Hokkaido, you may need to wear a little thicker – choose clothes with slightly thicker materials or add a thin jacket or a shawl on the shoulders, especially at dawn and night.

1. Fireworks & Natsu Matsuri

Natsu Matsuri with fireworks show is the greatest event during July and August around Japan. Aomori Nebuta Festival is the grandest one in early August, on August 2nd-7th 2025. The giant lanterns in the image of ancient generals and others, bringing you into a wondrous world and showing old stories. Akita Kanto Festival is also popular in early August, where to see the splendid lanterns in night and the local excellent skill to hold dozens of lanterns with a pole. In 2025, this festival will be held from 3rd to 6th in August. Sendai Tanabata Festival, August 6-8th, is also unmissable to feel the traditional festive atmosphere.

Among a number of fireworks gatherings, those of Nagaoka Matsuri and at Port of Yokohama are the most magnificent to see. Nagaoka Matsuri Fireworks will be lit by Sinanogawa River in Nagaoka, Niigata, on August 2nd-3rd 2025. At Port of Yokohama, you could enjoy a fireworks show in the sky on August 4th, 2025.

Go to a Natsu Matsuri

People in Summer Kimono

2. Obon Celebration

Obon is a major festival and holiday in mid-August in Japan, and it’s celebrated with varied activities in different cities, like special festival dance and lantern show in a temple or shrine. Awa Odori Dance Festival is the best-known gathering during the Obon in Tokushima, Shikoku; the local folk dance catches the attention of many tourists, in particular culture buffs. It will be celebrated from 13 to 15 in August in 2025.

Japanese follow a tradition to return their home to worship ancestors during this holiday. Thus, this is a time of heavy traffic as well as a small peak of travelling in Japan. In this case, you would expend more on your travel for increased prices. Also, you need to book the train tickets before the holiday.

1. Okinawa for Beach Fun

Okinawa embraces dotted islands in the sea, with stunning beaches of great scenery and colorful activities. It is the best destination for beaches in Japan, where surfing, snorkeling, beach volleyball, etc. are all welcomed. However, it’s necessary of sun protection under the burning sun.

Apart from Okinawa, Izu, Nagasaki, Enoshima in Kamakura, etc. are the great beach destinations as well in Japan.

Surfing in Okinawa, Japan

2. Hiroshima: Commemoration of Peace

Hiroshima was the first and one of the two cities bombed by an atomic bomb in August, 1945. Atomic Bomb Dome left over in the disaster, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum show you the tragic history in memory of peace. In early August, there is the commemorative ceremony and more memorial activities, which also attract many visitors.

Shore of Miyajima Island

Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima

3. Mt. Fuji Mountaineering

As mountaineering on Mt. Fuji is allowed throughout August, you can climb to the summit from the 5th Station. As there might be sudden afternoon showers on the mountain, you need prepare thicker clothes and rain gear beforehand. Since you have come to Mt. Fuji, the area of Fuji Five Lakes is also highly praised to be away from the heat of summer.