The summer is a good time to visit Tokyo, but also a challenging one. Japan starts to warm up around June with some days being cool due to the rainy season, but that all ends once we enter July and gets worse as we move into August. While Tokyo has many ways to cool off during the day, taking a day trip outside of the city is also a great way to be cool down and see more of the wonderful country. Use our interactive map to find an area right for your trip!
This guide brings together everything you need to know about the Tokyo area in August. Joining a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the area without the stress of queues or missed connections, letting you focus on the views, the food, and the charm of Japan's largest city.
Weather in August
July days in Tokyo are when it starts to warm up after rainy season. The average temperature highs and lows range from around 35°C (95°F) to a low of 25°C (77°F). With humidity added, the temperatures feel even higher. Be sure to check the drug stores and stores like Don Quijote for summer products that can keep you cool! Here are some recommendations:
- Cooling Body Wipes
- Cooling Neck Ring or Towel
- UV Blocking Parasol
- Handheld Fan
- Frozen Drinks
Restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls are an easy way to take a break and stay cool with some AC!
Festivals and Events
Tokyo has anything and everything for anyone and everyone! Here are some events going on in August that you should check out in the greater Tokyo area:
Bon Odori Festivals
Dates: August
Location: Tokyo Area
Popular Tokyo Locations:
- Sunshine City Ikebukuro Bon Odori - July 30th - Aug 1st
- Ebisu Bon Odori - July 31st - Aug 1st
- Kanda Shrine Anime Bon Odori - Aug 7th - 9th
- Shibuya Bon Odori - Aug 8th
- Chuo Ward Oedo Bon Dance - Aug 21st - 22nd
- Shimokitazawa Awa Odori - Aug 22nd - Aug 23rd
- Roppongi Hills Bon Dance - Aug 22nd - Aug 24th
- Koenji Awa Odori - Aug 29th - 30th
Bon Odori is one of Japan's most cherished summer traditions. These festivals are held throughout August to celebrate the Obon holiday that honors and remembers the spirits of your ancestors. Throughout Tokyo, parks, temples, shrines, and local neighborhoods come alive with lively festivals featuring traditional Bon dances, colorful lanterns, festival food, and live taiko drumming. While the event has deep Buddhist roots, today it is also a joyful community celebration where locals and visitors alike are welcome to join the dancing, experience Japanese culture, and enjoy the festive atmosphere on warm summer evenings.
Fireworks
Dates: Summer
Location: Country-wide
Popular Tokyo Area Shows:
- Edogawa Fireworks Festival - August 1st @ 19:15
- Chigasaki Fireworks Festival - August 1st @ 19:20
- Hakone Ashinoko Fireworks - August 1st - 5th (varying locations & times)
- Meiji Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival - August 8th @ 19:30
- Enoshima Summer Fireworks Festival - August 18th @ 19:40
July signals the beginning of Summer here in Japan and this is when schools get out so the festivals and events are in full swing for the students to enjoy. These festivities continue on into August so don't worry about missing out! Don't forget to bring a picnic sheet, some snacks, and drinks to fully enjoy the fireworks shows, as most of them are near parks with seating area. Also be aware that a lot of these shows are very popular so show up ahead of time if you want to secure a good location.
Zama Sunflower Festival
Dates: August 14th - 16th
Location: Zama Sunflower Field, Kanagawa
If you are looking for a more local festival away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a great place to get your fill of summer. Every year, this sunflower field just over an hour outside of Tokyo in Kanagawa is home to over 500,000 sunflowers! Just hop on the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku and take it down to Soubudai-mae Station where they have a special bus running during the event to take you directly to the flower field.
Beer Gardens & Festivals
Dates: Summer
Location: Country-wide
Popular Tokyo Beer Gardens & Festivals:
- Forest Beer Garden - April 23rd - Sept 30th
- Takao Beer Mount - May 30th - Nov 29th
- Oedeo Beer Festival - July 29 - Aug 11th
Lovers of beer rejoice! The summer marks the return of beer gardens all over the country. Take a break at one of these festivals to refresh with an ice-cold beverage and get out of the hot sun. The Takao Beer Mount is Tokyo's "Highest" beer garden, situated near the summit of Mt. Takao at 500 meters. Some of these festivals may have an entrance fee or a ticket system, so be sure to check ahead of time to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Featured Tours in August
1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima: Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea
Highlights:
- The opportunity to have a traditional matcha and Japanese sweet experience in a Bamboo forest and temple!
- Feed Japanese Koi in a beautiful Japanese garden and pond!
- See the Great Buddha of Kamakura and go inside this amazing statue!
- Ride the iconic ’Enoden’ train through the picturesque streets and alongside the sea!
- Go to the top of Enoshima Island’s observatory and take in panoramic views of the sea of Japan and the coastline!
Kamakura is a popular day trip to do during your trip to Tokyo as it’s only just over 60 minutes away from Shinjuku station. This tour is a great opportunity to venture out and see a different part of Japan but with the ease of still being close to the city!
Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Highlights:
- Learn all about ’Yanesen’ old Tokyo and Shitamachi style with a local guide
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony and drink from antique tea bowls!
- The opportunity to explore historic hidden gems and trendy neighbourhoods in Tokyo!
- Visit a popular art museum and enjoy views of Tokyo from its rooftop terrace
Take in the sights and experiences of traditional and old Tokyo on this walking tour. Known as ’Yanesen’ in Tokyo, the trio of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi make up this area and have retained their old ‘Shitamachi’ (lower city) style, architecture and charm, despite being a stone’s throw away from some of the well-known metropolis areas of Tokyo. If on your trip to Tokyo you want a chance to step off the tourist trail and see a different side to this amazing city, then ’Yanesen’ must be added to your Tokyo itinerary!
Small Group
Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Mount Fuji Day Trip: Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip from Tokyo to see Mount Fuji with an English speaking guide!
- Visit three popular vantage points to see Mount Fuji from different perspectives!
- Visit a unique museum and get up close to beautiful kimono!
- Enjoy a ropeway ride and enjoy views of Mount Fuji, and across Lake Kawaguchiko!
This tour has been designed to ensure customers will have opportunities to see Mount Fuji from many impressive locations around the Lake Kawaguchiko area. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, this tour is for you!
Hakone Highlights: Explore Japan’s Mountainous Region
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip to experience Hakone from Tokyo!
- Enjoy a relaxing pirate ship boat cruise on Hakone’s Lake Ashinoko!
- Visit the beautiful and picturesque Hakone Shrine and see its famous Red Torii Gate in Lake Ashinoko!
- Experience the volcanic valley of Owakudani and try an outdoor footbath!
Experience nature, the lush mountainous landscape and Japan’s most famous and iconic landmarks during your trip to Japan on this day trip from Tokyo! During the summer, the mountains of Hakone are a lush green and allow people to escape the concrete of Tokyo to relax. It's also a great place for enjoying the autumn leaves. Due to the elevation in Hakone, the foliage starts changing colors a little earlier than in Tokyo, so this spot is perfect from late October onwards! The winter brings snow and is the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing hot spring.
Mount Takao Adventure: Discover Nature and Tradition in Tokyo
Highlights:
- Climb one of Japan’s most popular mountains!
- See and feed Japanese Snow Monkeys, walk across a suspension bridge and marvel at ancient Cedar trees!
- Try the traditional Japanese snack of Dango freshly made on the mountain!
- Visit one of Tokyo’s most sacred temples and learn all about mountain worship!
- The opportunity to escape the metropolis of Tokyo’s city centre and experience being immersed in nature for the day!
When you think of Tokyo you probably don’t think of mountains and green landscapes. However, Tokyo prefecture is in fact home to many beautiful hiking trails and mountains. Mount Takao is beloved by the residents of Tokyo as the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metropolis full of nature and tranquility.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in August
- Large crowds - While August might not be the busiest time in terms of international travel, be ready for large crowds. Make sure to reserve your train tickets in advance, if possible, if you are taking the bullet train or any of the express trains like the Tobu SpaciaX. By joining one of our tours, your transport is reserved in advance, ensuring you won’t miss out on seats or connections.
- What to Wear – August days in Tokyo are hot and the humidity starts rising. Be sure to check out some of the items mentioned in the beginning of the article to help you cool down. The average temperature ranges from around 35°C (95°F) during the day to 25°C (77°F) at night.
- Timing Your Visit – Weekends and festival days are very busy. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting locations on weekdays so you don't also collide with local tourists.
Where to Stay
The extreme heat and humidity of the summer make July and August less popular times to visit Japan, but there are plenty of activities that are only doable at this time. You can head to the beaches, rivers, and lakes to cool off, enjoy the street food of a summer festival, or go to a fireworks show.
Tokyo is a great hub to use in order to reach some of the more off-the-beaten path areas like Kamakura, Shizuoka, and Nikko. You can also then head out into other parts of the country such as Nagano, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. You can also easily get to some lesser visited cities like Toyama, Takayama, Kanazawa, or Nagoya. If you're looking for places to stay in Tokyo, here are a few areas that you should consider:
- Ikebukuro – The new and upcoming anime hub of Tokyo. This area has tons of shops that focus on anime goods, K-pop goods, collectable trading cards such as Pokémon and One Piece, and plenty of food options. It is also home to the second busiest train station, so you will be well connected to other parts of Tokyo with the JR, Marunouchi, Yurakucho, and Fukutoshin lines.
- Asakusa – This area of Tokyo is home to the oldest temple in the city and quite possibly the most famous. Because of this, the area has a more traditional vibe to it, and you can find many shops and locations that feel like they were stopped in time.
- Shimokitazawa – This area is the hip area popular with students and young adults. It is home to many trendy cafes and clothing stores. It is on the outskirts of the center of Tokyo, but still connected well enough that you won't have any trouble getting around. Consider this area if you want a more relaxed and quieter escape when staying close to your hotel.
Wherever you choose to stay, it’s best to make arrangements well in advance. For more guidance, see our Best Neighborhoods & Accommodation Areas guide.
Plan Your Visit
The summer is a great time to visit Tokyo and experience all it and the surrounding regions have to offer but beware of the heat. The city has many events, festivals, and gardens where you can enjoy a nice bowl of matcha and sweets. Be sure not to overdo it, make sure to take breaks, and drink plenty of water! The surrounding mountains are now lush with green at the end of the rainy season, so be sure to take a day or two out of the concrete jungle to experience the nature of Japan as well.
With large crowds expected and express trains like the bullet train often selling out, planning ahead is essential. If you're planning on getting out of Tokyo to experience more of Japan, why not check out some of our articles explaining the months in other regions on our News page!
Tokyo Throughout the Year
Check out our other pages about Tokyo in the different months of the year!
