Japan in July 2025: Travel Tips, Fireworks & Events
July, a vibrant summer month in Japan, is packed with festivals and fireworks, as well as a farewell to the tsuyu (rainy season), making July traveling to Japan a great time to fulfill your summer holiday with its azure waters, majestic mountains and vibrant fields of flowers. A Japan tour in July promises unique and memorable experiences for your family, children, and loved ones.
Japan's Weather in July
July weather is characterized by rising temperatures and humidity from the rainy season, often bringing more rainfall during the first week, a good time to spot hanging teru teru bozu (Japanese sunny dolls), which are believed to bring sunny days. By mid-July, you can expect several sunny days and warm temperatures, perfect for a variety of activities.
Japan Weather Map in July
Northern Japan
With an average temperature of around 20℃, sunny Hokkaido is the perfect natural resort to escape the summer heat, where you can enjoy vibrant, spring-like flower fields in Biei and fresh beers in Sapporo to celebrate the lively summer. Also, don't forget to bring a coat to ward off the chilly nights.
Central Japan
In central Japan, temperatures range from 22℃ to 30℃ in July, and sun protection is essential while sightseeing in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The abundant sunny days in the latter half of July are also ideal for hiking adventures on Mt. Fuji or in the Japan Alps.
Southern Japan
Blessed with abundant sunshine, southern Japan like Okinawa and Fukuoka will be your ideal beach vacation destination. Temperatures here are similar to the center, but with a gentle sea breeze to keep you from getting too sweaty, making it a perfect summer escape for enjoying various water activities.
Best Places to Travel in July
Tokyo
A bustling city that showcases classic Japan, Tokyo is an ideal destination for both indoor and outdoor activities throughout your July journey, offering something for everyone. With numerous museums and parks, Tokyo is also a place perfect for a family tour. Whether it's the anime world of Akihabara and the Ghibli Museum or the wonderlands of Disneyland and Legoland, Tokyo caters to all the needs of your kids and family.
Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the best places to experience ancient Japan with its rich cultural heritage. Even in the rainy season, there are plenty of indoor activities for your July traveling. Discover the mystery of Shinto with a stroll through the winding Torii tunnel at Fushimi Inari Taisha, participate in a traditional tea ceremony dressed in a delicate kimono, and savor the traditional cuisine of kaiseki with wagashi for dessert.
Kimono Dressing Experience
Osaka
A cozy city perfect for a leisurely walking tour, Osaka offers endless charm, especially during a food tour through Dotonbori. Here, you can sample summer flavors amidst the gentle night breeze and dancing neon lights. Osaka is also a hub for Shinkansen adventures, with Nara Park and Universal Studios just an hour away from your family and kids, or extend your foodie tour to Kobe to savor authentic Kobe beef with sweet sake (Japanese wine).
Okinawa
For the ideal summer getaway, embrace sunny beaches and sparkling seas on an exhilarating island-hopping adventure in Osaka. Discover remote fishing villages with unique cultures, kayak through lush mangrove forests, explore mysterious caves, or dive into azure waters to experience an underwater wonderland of colorful fish, vibrant coral, and adorable turtles.
Nagano
The mountainous landscape of Nagano offers a perfect escape for your summer vacation, adding some hiking adventures to your July journey. This region boasts numerous hiking trails, including the Nakasendo, which winds through forests and hills and retains its ancient charm with traditional wooden houses. Another highlight is the tranquil Kamikochi within the North Japan Alps, where you can immerse yourself in splendid nature, featuring verdant forests, flowing rivers, and snow-capped mountains.
What to Do in July
Capture the Summer Flower
Although July is far from cherry blossom season, Japan still boasts an array of vibrant summer flowers. Travel to Japan in July, and you can witness the full bloom of hydrangeas, ranging from sakura pink to water blue, decorating every nook and cranny of shrines and gardens. The waterfall-like wisteria in its charming purple is another must-see, adding a touch of nature to your city sightseeing. For a splendid visual feast, head north to Hokkaido to see vast flower fields blanketing the hills and mountains into a wonderland.
Vast Flower Fields in Hokkaido
Explore Museums for Your Interest
For some recommended indoor activities, Japan's diverse and fascinating museums offer endless opportunities for exploration. For families, enter the enchanting worlds of the Ghibli Museum and the Kyoto International Manga Museum. For cultural experiences, visit the Sword Museum or the Samurai and Ninja Museum to step back in time to the Edo period. You can also make your own cup noodles in Osaka, or immerse yourself in the automobile museum of Toyota.
Enjoy the Coast & Sea
Traveling to Japan in July is ideal for enjoying the coast and sea. Whether you're in coastal Kamakura, celebrating with grand fireworks, or on the sandy beaches of Fukuoka, where lovely torii line the sea, there are plenty of options. Southern Okinawa is perfect for water activities, offering a fragmented island landscape ideal for partying, diving, or kayaking. Riding along coastal cycling trails is another great way to experience Japan's summer, catching splendid sunsets with a gentle sea breeze, and adding a touch of romance to your July journey.
The Lovely Torii Line the Sea
Take A Leisure Hike
Taking advantage of the sunny days in the second half of July for a leisurely hike in the mountains and forests is always a good idea. It's an ideal way to escape the summer heat without worrying about crowds, especially for those eager to conquer Mt. Fuji. For a more lively nature experience, head to the vibrant Japan Alps, which offer multiple hiking trails. Capture the snow wall along the Tateyama Kurobe or rest by the winding riverside of Kamikochi. For a lush forest experience, try the winding trails of Kumano Kodo.
Events & Festivals
Gion Matsuri
Part of a purification ritual to invoke good luck, the Gion Festival is an almost month-long celebration that can be experienced throughout July in Kyoto A highlight in mid-July is the Yoiyama Evenings, where you can enjoy lively nighttime food and drink stalls along the Kamo River. The main event is the grand procession of Yamaboko floats on 17 July, featuring huge, elaborately decorated floats. If you visit a little earlier in July, you can also witness the fascinating process of float assembly.
Kamakura Fireworks Festival
A quintessential summer event in Japan is the beachside Kamakura Hanabi Taikai (fireworks festival) in tranquil Yuigahama, not far from Tokyo. The Kamakura Fireworks Festival is renowned for its unique underwater fireworks, where you can witness splendid displays both in the sky and reflected on the ocean's surface, creating a magical, colorful summer night for your mid-July journey.
Tenjin Matsuri
Falling on July 24 in Osaka, this 2-day celebration includes both a procession and fireworks, making Tenjin Matsuri a great way to enjoy Japan's summer. The festivities begin with a ritual at Tenmangu Shrine, followed by a grand procession on the second day. You can see locals in traditional costumes parade through the streets with drums and music, culminating in the Okawa River procession at night, accompanied by splendid fireworks.
Crowds & Costs
Due to the rainy days in the first half, you can enjoy relatively empty streets and comfortable prices when traveling to Japan in July. It is the shoulder season, with fewer crowds and more accommodation options to enjoy the vibrant summer festivals.
Also, the end of July marks the start of Japan's summer holidays, leading to an influx of domestic visitors. Festival sites will packed with locals in yukata celebrating their lively summer, so booking in advance is also recommended.
Japan Travel Tips in July
Carry Some Cash
Most summer festivals in Japan feature lively nighttime stalls of street foods, small fireworks displays, yukata decorations, and various games you can take part in. To fully enjoy your July trip to Japan, don't forget to carry some cash for these immersive festival experiences.
Pack A Folding Umbrella
A folding umbrella can help protect you from occasional rain showers, especially for early July travel in Japan, which coincides with the rainy season, also to shield your skin from the strong summer sun.
Take Advantage of the Shinkansen
If you're on a longer trip with many cities to visit, the Shinkansen bullet train is a fast and convenient way to travel through Japan, which is also helpful to avoid the summer heat and make the most of your July trip.
Traveling to Japan in July? Check out These Great Itineraries
Highlights of Japan - 10 Days
Starting from the leisurely Osaka and its nearby cities like Kobe and Himeji, this is a classic trip to capture the highlights of the Golden Triangle (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka), with the majesty of Mount Fuji and the historic sights of Hiroshima.
Japan Family Vacation - 9 Days
A kid-friendly journey with a taste of Japan's unique culture. Catch the giant lantern in front of the Senso-ji, enjoy a boat ride across Lake Kawaguchi, capture the floating shrine in Itsukushima, and make a cup of macha during the tea ceremony.
Japan Vacation With Fireworks Festival - 10 Days
A journey to the heart of Japan with an exciting fireworks festival in Kamakura to light up your summer night. Start with the ancient shrines and palaces of Tokyo, head to Kamakura for the full bloom of the fireworks, and immerse yourself in Japanese culture in Kyoto.
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