It could be a good time to go to Japan in July, as rainy season fades gradually there. Meanwhile, a great quantity of tourists go out for sightseeing during the summer vacation, causing a small upsurge of tourism in a year. Thus, your travel costs would rise a little, but it won’t be more expensive than in the cherry blossom season or red leaves season.

According to the statistics, the average temperature would rise to 29°C (84.2°F) or so in July around Japan. However, you may feel hotter as the sensible temperature can go up to 40°C (104°F) approximatively in the second half of July. Before the rainy season is gone, it is also very muggy. Relatively, mountainous areas and Hokkaido would be much cooler, at a temperature of 26°C (78.8°F) on average.

Generally, August is the hottest month in Japan. July is extremely hot but not the hottest, because in the rainy season. In Okinawa islands where rainy season is long over at the end of June, it is as hot in July and August.

On the muggy summer days in July, it’s optimal to wear breathable, moisture-absorbing and fast-drying clothes with short sleeves. T-shirt, sport shirt, cropped pants, light pants, shorts, dress, and skirt are all proper. Waterproof casual shoes are good for going out, while sandals are the best on beaches. An umbrella is also unmissable on the rainy days. In Hokkaido or mountain areas, you can put on a thin shawl or thin coat.

Sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and more are good around Japan in July. Besides, it would be better to take more clothes, as the washed clothes don’t dry easily for awfully high humidity. At the same time, moisture might lead to mildew, so you could take moisture absorber or other moisture-proof measures in case.

Japan’s summer is attractive as the same for many Natsu Matsuri - summer festivals in Japanese are held all over the country. In addition to well-known attractions, Nagoya Sumo Tournament is unique to learn this combat sports. To the end of July, Fuji Rock Festival is also unmissable for music lovers in Yuzawa, Niigata.

1. Gion Matsuri in Kyoto

Gion Matsuri is the grandest Natsu Matsuri festival in Japan in July, where you can watch the parade in the costume of ancient times, taste snacks at food stalls by the roads, and beautiful fireworks at night. In 2025, Gion Matsuri will take place at Yasaka Shrine throughout July, with the big parades on July 17th and 24th. The main activities are in the second half of July, by this time the rainy season is coming to an end and the weather becomes hotter. Thus, it’s crucial to prevent heatstroke. When the procession of parades close to Kamo River and Shijo Bridge, be careful in the crowds for your safety.

People on Gion Matsuri

Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto

2. Tanabata Festival Experience

If you travel to Japan in early July, it’s a God-given opportunity to explore Japanese culture with the Tanabata Festival on July 7th. Japanese would rush to the shrines, to pray for blessings, and hang their wishes on the “wishing tree”. The festival foods, like Somen – a kind of vegetarian noodles, are also worth a taste. In Kyoto, people would set sky lanterns off in mid-July, which is surprising to see countless lanterns flying into the sky.

3. Wonderful Fireworks Shows

Summer is the time of fireworks all over Japan. In some places, you can see the colorful fireworks at night during local Natsu Matsuri. Sumida River Fireworks Festival, on July 26th in 2025, is highly recommended. Tens of thousands of tourists see fireworks on the banks of Sumida River in Tokyo, mainly at Sakurabashi Bridge and Kototoi Bridge. You have to go to the venues like Sumida Park and nearby areas you booked early, as there would be a traffic restriction since 15:00/16:00 in the afternoon. Although there is a mass of people, it is truly a sight worth to see.

Tokyo in Hot July

The fireworks display for opening of Mt. Fuji climbing will be held at Lake Kawaguchi in early July, on the 5th 2025. Makomanai Fireworks Show in Sapporo is also a spectacle in Japan, which will be on July 12th 2025 in Makomanai Park. More fireworks gatherings would also provide a relatively leisurely chance for tourists, which wouldn’t be as crazy as in Tokyo.

4. Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka

Tenjin Matsuri is also a grand celebration in Japan, on July 24-25th every year. The major wonderful events are all held in the afternoon of July 25th usually. Firstly, the huge and gorgeous parade, with people in traditional clothes and various mikoshi, departs from Osaka Tenmangu Shrine to Tenjinbashi Bridge. Later, it is the highlight of Tenjin Matsuri - about one hundred festooned boats, decorated in ancient style, sail on the river at dusk. A special parade on water! After night falls, there is also fireworks show on the banks.

Pay attention to preventing heatstroke and avoiding congestion.

More popular places to visit are listed below, which can be added into Japan trip plan if you decide to travel to Japan in July 2025.

1. Beach Holiday – Izu Peninsula & Okinawa

How can you miss beach fun in summer? If you travel to Japan in July, Izu Peninsula and Okinawa are the best beach destinations. It is great to enjoy sun bathing in the sunny days in Okinawa, as rainy season has been over in July. It’s broiling in Okinawa, but Izu Peninsula is a little milder. Shirahama Beach is the best beach with silver sands along the coast of Izu Peninsula, a better place to enjoy swimming merrily. Moreover, the red torii standing on a seaside rock is a breathtakingly beautiful photo spot on Shirahama Beach.

Good Time on a Beach in Japan

2. Mt. Fuji Hiking/Mountaineering

Mt. Fuji is opened for mountaineering from early July to early September every year. Thus, it’s absolutely great to climb the iconic mountain on a clear day. Except for the fantastic views of the conical summit as well as mountain landscapes, Fuji Five Lakes are also charming. The Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway by Lake Kawaguchi and Hakone Komagatake Ropeway by Lake Ashi offer another angle of view to the Mt. Fuji on high.

Mount Fuji in July

Overview of Lake Kawaguchi

3. Cooler Hokkaido Vacation

Hokkaido is welcomed in summer for its cooler temperature around Japan. Blooming flowers make the region an enchanting paradise. In Furano Flower Fields, the most famous lavenders are in full bloom throughout July. Sunflowers and more summer flowers can also be admired. Sapporo Beer Festival is also popular with local refreshing beers.