Japan in June 2025: Beaches, Hiking, Festivals Await

June is considered a low season for traveling to Japan, with a relatively higher chance of short showers in this "month of water" (minazuki), as well as the lush greenery and fresh city scenes. Most importantly, the northern cities continue to enjoy sunny summer days, while the south islands farewell the tail end of the rainy season in the second half of the month. From beach holidays to mountain climbing, June still offers a unique experience, so don't hesitate to take a trip to Japan in June for this hidden gem!

Japan's Weather in June

Japan's weather in June is more humid. This early summer month marks the start of the rainy season in Japan, with milder temperatures compared to the peak heat of July and August, averaging between 20 to 30°C. Showers, especially in the second half of the month, are common in Honshu but usually short. Conversely, southern islands like Okinawa had their rainy season over by mid-June.

Northern Japan (like Hokkaido) enjoys pleasantly mild weather in June, with clear skies and vibrant flower fields ideal for outdoor adventures. Meanwhile, the central and southern regions experience warmer, more humid, but still manageable conditions, accompanied by the stunning full bloom of hydrangeas.

If you're traveling in June, it's a good idea to pack a mix of warm and cool weather clothing, as well as rain gear for the occasional shower.

Japan Weather Map in June

Best Places to Travel in June

Hakone: More than Mt. Fuji

Maybe you have never heard of Hakone, but you will not miss Mt. Fuji for the first time on a trip to Japan. No matter whether you would like to have a distant view of the iconic volcano Mount Fuji, take a boat to see a different side of it, or even hike to Mount Fuji, Hakone is one of the best places. This mountainous town offers more: experience the local hot springs (onsen), marvel at the Shinto shrine with a red "torii" gate, and enjoy a golf course.

Mt. Fuji With Summer Blossoms

Japanese Alps: Outdoor Heaven

The Japanese Alps encompass three parts: the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains), Central Alps (Kiso Mountains), and Southern Alps (Akaishi Mountains). This place is particularly well known for its spectacular landscape and rugged mountain ranges, making it a favorite for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. Enjoy various outdoor activities among the highest mountains in Japan, with pleasant temperatures and breathtaking views of lush greenery.

Hokkaido: Nature and Culture

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, gets significantly less rain than other parts of Japan. It is an ideal place to escape the rain and heat in summer. Whether you want to appreciate the lavender fields, would prefer to hike or bike in the stunning Daisetsuzan National Park, or like the idea of attending the Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo, Hokkaido has got it covered. By the way, the plentiful seafood and alluring hot springs in Hokkaido will make you love this place even more.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Hokkaido Nature Tour: Adventure from Sapporo to Furano 8 DAYS Explore This Tour

Okinawa: Beaches and Aquarium

Comprising more than 150 islands, Okinawa is remarkable in Japan. If you are a beach lover, you should consider choosing this place. Traveling here in the middle or late June when the rainy season ends in the south, you will embrace the serene shores, azure waters, and fresh air. Additionally, the Churaumi Aquarium (once the world's largest aquarium) with 77 tanks and over 700 species of marine life is highly recommended, especially the tanks Kuroshio Sea, Coral Sea, Shark Research Lab, and Deep Sea.

What to See & Do in June

Taste the Seasonal Food

Japan is a paradise for food lovers that can ignite all of your appetites. Why not try some seasonal food in June? From Michelin-starred eateries to small local restaurants, what you can savor is not the traditional Japanese food like sushi or ramen, but also fresh seafood like Ayu (Sweetfish), Ume (Japanese Plum), Unagi. Taste the luscious seasonal food with Japanese sake, making gastronomes linger in Japan.

Japanese Food

Enjoy the Variety of Museum

Any fun things to do when catching the rain when traveling to Japan in June? Making an interesting museum-hopping journey is always a good idea. You can visit the Samurai & Ninja Museum to try out weapons and swords, or head to the Cup Noodle Museum to create your own custom flavor. For anime enthusiasts, the Manga Museum offers a chance to dive into another world. Or bring your transparent umbrella and make a Shinjuku Gyoen drop-by, where to find the secret garden of words.

Climbing, Cycling, Canoeing and More

June surely is a good time for outdoor activities, as the weather is comfortable and the beautiful scenery with vibrant trees and colorful flowers covers the whole country. Delve into the Japanese Alps or Mt. Fuji's charm by climbing, wander through Japan's largest national park - Daisetsuzan National Park, and soak up the coastal view along Shimanami Kaido by cycling. You can also try canoeing and kayaking in peaceful lakes like Lake Towada.

Relish in Southern Beaches

Spending some days indulging in beaches would be a choice for most travelers while they are in Japan in June. The sun, sand, and sea always look similar from one place to another. But besides the scenic beauty, Japanese beaches are generally cleaner and have very well-maintained facilities. There are also cultural activities on the beaches, such as fireworks (hanabi), beachside festivals (matsuri), and traditional water sports like beach yoga.

Okinawa Beach

Join the Festivals

Japan owns numerous festivals! You don't even need to dwell on thinking about when to go to Japan to meet some festival. Slow down and get involved. Each festival has its unique feature. Taking part in some Japanese festivals, you will learn in-depth about its culture and customs. Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo, Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo, Atsuta Matsuri in Nagoya, Chagu Chagu Umakko, Himeji Yukata Matsuri... The countless festivals make June more meaningful.

Events & Festivals

Hokkaido Shrine Festival

If you travel to Hokkaido from June 14 to 16, you will have the chance to see the main festival of Hokkaido Shrine (also called "Sapporo Festival"). The fabulous customs, rituals, performances, and attractions make this festival a cultural banquet. Bumping into the dazzling parades of mikoshis (portable shrines) through bustling stalls and spectators, you will feel what the real "local event" means.

Fussa Firefly Festival

Japan not only has the Firework Festival in summer but also the Firefly Festival (Hotaru Matsuri). It is a natural "light show" where you can see a sea of fireflies in the green garden. Fussa, an outlying suburb one hour west of Tokyo, is a good place to see this festival. Generally, the event begins June 8 at 3 pm and lasts until 9 pm. Besides outdoor performances, like other festivals in Japan, they also provide food vendors, making this not just a visual satisfaction, but also a gustatory pleasure.

Otaue Rice Planting Festival

Summer is a rice planting season, and enthusiastic "festival-makers" even let this farm activity become a festival. On June 14, you can see the purification rituals in Osaka, which is the famous Otaue Rice Planting Festival. The procession of people dressed in full samurai garb to bless the seeds. Singing and dancing performances will go along with this festival.

Crowds & Costs

Traveling to Japan in June is a smart decision as it can create a good balance between prices and crowds. With the higher humidity, June is usually considered a low season when you can enjoy relatively bargain prices for rooms and flights, and empty streets or attractions for sightseeing. However, it is still advised to book flights and accommodation well in advance, especially during the time of festivals and events.

Japan Travel Tips in June

Many summer festivals take place in June, providing a wonderful chance to witness Japanese unique culture. Contact your travel consultant and see how to match the date of the festival that you want to participate in.

Be prepared with waterproof clothing or an umbrella in case you encounter rainfall. Bringing quick-drying clothing and moisture-wicking fabrics are also good ideas.

Respect Japanese etiquette and customs while traveling. Learn basic bowing customs, remember to take off shoes indoors, and try to use chopsticks. Check out more useful travel tips about things not to do in Japan.

Traveling to Japan in June? Check out These Great Itineraries

5-Day Tokyo, Mt. Fuji and Nikko Discovery

This short tour will show you the highlights of Japan. Covering the best places to visit in June, experience the charms of Japan with the must-visit sites in 5 days. The historical, cultural, and natural wonders are all in one tour.

13-Day Central Japan with Japanese Alps Hiking

In this 2-week tour, you will enjoy a physically refreshed and mentally satisfied, having immersed yourself in the beauty of the Japanese Alps and the highlights of Japan including Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, etc.

8-Day Japan Food Tour

This tour will fulfill your dream of being a gourmet. From street food like takoyaki to high-end Kaiseki dinner, from tea ceremony to whisky tasting, just giving a whirl. Join cooking classes, wander in local markets, and encounter any food with surprise. That's the real meaning of "Foodie Tour".