Summer is hot (32–35°C) and humid, but it is also festival season.
Side-by-side comparison
| Festival | City | Dates | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gion Matsuri | Kyoto | July (parade Jul 17 & 24) | Yoiyama evenings Jul 14–16 |
| Tenjin Matsuri | Osaka | Jul 24–25 | River fireworks |
| Sumida River Fireworks | Tokyo | Last Sat of July | Arrive by 3 pm |
| Nebuta | Aomori | Aug 2–7 | Join as haneto dancer (¥4,000 costume) |
| Tanabata | Sendai | Aug 6–8 | Streamers in arcades |
| Awa Odori | Tokushima | Aug 12–15 | Book hotels 6 months ahead |
Beat the heat
Head to Furano, Karuizawa or Kamikochi where it's 10°C cooler.
Obon
Mid-August Obon week means crowded trains and higher prices.
Plan it with our free tools
Price your route with the Shinkansen Fare Calculator, check the JR Pass Calculator, set a daily spend in the Budget Calculator, and convert prices in 30 currencies with the Yen Converter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest festival in Japan?
Kyoto's Gion Matsuri runs the whole of July.
When are fireworks in Japan?
Late July through August, nearly every weekend somewhere.
Is summer too hot to visit?
It's hot and humid; plan indoor afternoons and go north or to the mountains.
Can I climb Mt. Fuji?
Yes, official season is early July to early September.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: