June may be a good time for sightseeing in Japan, with pleasant temperature in sunny days, less crowds & reasonable prices, though it’s the start month of rainy season.

Although summer is torrid in Japan, it’s relatively mild in June as summer has just come, together with rainy season. The drizzles cool June down much from time to time. In cities like Tokyo, it’s likely to witness a highest temperature up to 30℃ (86℉) at noon, in a perfectly sunny weather. To Okinawa in the south, it is possible to experience 30℃ (86℉) in the day for most of the time.

Generally speaking, the typhoon season is from May to October in Japan, with the peak months from August to early October. In June, typhoons would not hit most places of Japan except Okinawa and adjacent region. Even in Okinawa, there might not be a typhoon in June, or a typhoon comes close but moves away at last.

Although rainy season brings drizzles to Japan, June is not the rainiest month in most areas. For Okinawa islands regions, June is rightly the month with most rainfall in a year, as July is no longer the rainy season there. For regions along the Pacific coast, the rainiest month would be July or even August, as the rainy season comes later and typhoons would also lead to rains. To the northwest coast, the rainiest time is always in winter, but it falls as snow.

As summer comes, shirt, T-shirt, light pants, dress, etc. are suitable for the weather getting hotter. Those absorbing sweat and drying easily are more recommended for the rainy season.  Although it doesn’t rain all the time, an umbrella, raincoat, rain boots, or more rain gear are the necessities. As it would be cooler somewhat when it’s raining, you can take a thin jacket or other long-sleeve outwears, long sweat pants is also good. A hat or sunhat is beautiful, while it can also protect you from drizzling. Comfortable water-proof sneakers or casual shoes are best for the rainy season, and mosquito repellent can’t be forgotten.

If you go to Hokkaido, a thin jacket or trench coat is necessary, especially at dusk and at dawn. Although Hokkaido is basically unaffected by rainy season, it is cooler for its higher latitude. On the contrary, Okinawa, in the southernmost part of Japan, has been muggy in June. Thus, light summer clothes, even beach wear, are suitable there. However, there is more rains than the mainland of Japan in June, you have to take rain gear.

June falls in the early summer in Japan. Apart from Tokyo, Kyoto and more cities suitable for all seasons, the destinations below are all prefect for travelling in June.

1. Hokkaido – Summer Resort

Hokkaido is a great summer resort in Japan to avoid the incalescent heat. Meanwhile, there are vast fields of flowers, like tulips and sunflowers blooming in June. Since mid-June to mid-August, it ushers in the best time to enjoy these flowers at Furano Flower Fields.

In addition, Yosakoi Soran Festival is a unique invitation of Sapporo. At the venue, mainly Odori Park, and on the parade, multiple teams sing the local folk songs loudly in their traditional dress. In 2025, it will be opening during June 4-8th. Besides, Hokkaido Shrine Festival in Sapporo, June 14-16th in 2025, is also a chance to experience Japanese culture with the festive parade.

2. The Japanese Alps 

Enjoy Water Sports in June

The high mountains in central Japan is also a great place to escape from the summer heat. The Shirakawa-go is a world heritage site in the mountains, while Nakasendo, the old post trail, is welcomed for hiking between Magome and Tsumago, as June is not the hottest month yet.

3. Okinawa Islands

Okinawa is the best to enjoy beach fun in Japan for the warmer weather. Snorkeling and more exciting water sports are available there. With many islands around the area, an island safari by boat/ferry is also intriguing. There is an overcast sky or light showers from time to time in Okinawa. To late June when the rainy season ends, it turns to be sunny, and it’s the best time to visit.

As in rainy season, museums, theaters, aquariums and more indoor sites are also wonderful to visit. Tokyo National Museum, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro, Kabukiza Theater for kabuki performances in Ginza, etc. are recommended if interested.