Summer in Tokyo can be pretty intense. As temperatures soar and the humidity reaches rainforest levels, the city is united in its one goal: staying cool.
This can be achieved in a number of ways. Some choose the ice-cold beers, steady supply of ice cream, and minimal movement option. Others embrace the season, taking advantage of the myriad festivals and events across the city.
Whatever your tactics, we’ve got you covered with our guide to surviving Tokyo summer. Ideas for things to do, what to eat and drink, the best festivals and events, and a sample two-day itinerary, all right here.
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Things to do in Tokyo in the summer
Whether you want to enjoy the sunshine or beat the heat, there’s lots of things to do in summer in Tokyo. One of the most popular Tokyo summer activities is visiting a festival, so we’ve given that its whole own section. And of course, indulging in seasonal summer foods also deserves its own category. But those aside, there’s still much more to talk about. So, here’s what to do in Tokyo in summer.
1. Hit up the beach
While Tokyo isn’t known for its beaches, there are plenty within easy day-trip distance of the big city. You can head east to Onjuku Beach in Chiba Prefecture, or west to Enoshima, Zushi Beach, or Hayama, for example.
If you’ve got time for a longer trip, head to the Izu Peninsula in nearby Shizuoka Prefecture for white sand beaches, onsen (hot springs), and stunning hikes. There are also plenty of beaches in and around Tokyo where you can do stand up paddleboarding (SUP).
2. Retreat inside
If you’d rather stay indoors during summer, Tokyo has plenty of options to keep you entertained. To start, there are great museums and galleries where you can get your fix of art and culture. You can also hit up a shopping and entertainment complex like Azabudai Hills or Harakado.
Karaoke is another great option, and — pro tip here — it’s quite affordable during the day on weekdays.
3. Check out some summer blooms
Cherry blossoms aren’t the only seasonal flowers you can enjoy in Japan. For gorgeous lotus flowers, drop by Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park during July. And for the best sunflowers in the Tokyo area, don’t miss the Kiyose Sunflower Festival in August.
There are also thousands upon thousands of hydrangeas in bloom during the rainy season, in June. Check out the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, and you’ll see what we mean.
4. Take a day trip to somewhere cooler
When the Tokyo summer heat is getting you down, it’s time to head out of town. There are plenty of great summer day trips from Tokyo, with something to suit all tastes.
The outdoorsy types can head out to Okutama, while city-slickers can head to Matsumoto instead for a quiet urban escape.
5. Or travel even further to cooler parts of Japan
If you’ve got the time to travel further from Tokyo, there are some fun summer destinations awaiting you. Head north to Hokkaidō for milder weather and visit some of the famous lavender fields.
Alternatively, go the opposite way to Okinawa for beachy vibes or blood-pumping adventure activities — the choice is yours.
Summer events and festivals in Tokyo
With so much going on in the summer, we couldn’t possibly list it all here. Check the Tokyo Cheapo events page, where you’ll find detailed listings of absolutely everything that’s worth checking out in the city. Here are a few highlights, though.
Tokyo fireworks festivals
Fireworks festivals are a summer staple in Japan, giving everyone the opportunity to don their yukata, eat some street food, and gaze at the sky for an hour.
At the larger festivals, the Sumidagawa Festival, for example, some people make a whole day of it, although the main event only comes to life in the evening. The displays are always impressive and can last upwards of an hour, though it’s the party atmosphere and sense of occasion that tends to make the lasting impression.
Summer Sonic
Summer Sonic has quickly become Japan’s premier rock festival — a 2- or 3-day event that pulls in some of Japan and the world’s top acts and always lively crowds. If you’re into music, don’t miss Fuji Rock, either.
Ueno Summer Festival
The Ueno Summer Festival lasts for a mammoth five weeks between July and August every year. Consisting of all kinds of special performances and events, the festival has something for everyone.
The highlight of proceedings is always the colorful Ueno Natsu Matsuri Parade, which features 38 different teams of dancers and is not to be missed.
Summer food and drink in Tokyo
Refreshment is the name of the game when it comes to both food and drink in the summer. And what could be more refreshing than ice? Japan’s most persistent summer food is ice, shaved and drenched in flavored syrup and labeled kakigōri.
Living off kakigōri alone probably isn’t the best idea, though. Other good food options for the summer include sōmen noodles, served cold, as well as the street food (yakitori, takoyaki, yakisoba, etc.) you’ll find at all the summer events and festivals.
You could also turn up the heat with a barbeque. Head to the mountains, rivers and lakes or check out the top inexpensive Tokyo BBQ spots.
As for drinking, two words: beer gardens.
Tokyo summer itinerary: A perfectly cool weekend
Looking for a more detailed guide on what to do in Tokyo in the summer? Here’s a full, morning-to-evening itinerary for the perfect Tokyo summer weekend.
Saturday
Morning: Take a walk through Todoroki Valley
Make the best of the cooler morning air and get out into nature. A walk in Todoroki Valley, close to Shibuya, will make you feel like you’ve departed Tokyo and stepped into a Ghibli movie. Here, you will hear the gentle sound of the stream flowing through the ravine as the sunrays pierce the dense, green foliage above.
The walk takes about 20-30 minutes and ends at Todoroki Fudōson Temple. If you walk down the steps of the temple, the path will lead you through a bamboo forest and finally to a simple park, which is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch break.
Afternoon: Cool off with some kakigōri
Now it’s time to cool off. Head to Shimokita Chaen in Shimokitazawa for their matcha foam-topped kakigōri served by Japanese tea sommeliers. Prices start at ¥864. It’s a 5-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station, on the way back from Todoroki towards the city center.
Evening: Take a cruise around Tokyo Bay
Wrap up your evening with a summer cruise around Tokyo Bay. We love this yakatabune cruise, which has a variety of food and drink plans to choose from — including an all-you-can-drink option.
From the boat you can enjoy views of Odaiba and Rainbow Bridge, while you chow down on some local specialities like monjayaki.
Sunday
Morning: Explore Odaiba
Tokyo’s man-made island of Odaiba has plenty to keep you entertained on a warm summer morning. The malls are full of entertainment options, including the indoor amusement park Joypolis, the Unko (poop) Museum, and a Legoland Discovery Center.
Alternatively, simply bring a picnic brunch to Odaiba Marine Park and enjoy the sun, stunning views of Tokyo, and a gentle breeze. Note that shade is not available on the beach, only under the surrounding trees, so if it is a very hot and sunny day, bring some sunscreen and a hat.
Afternoon: Get crafty
When it comes to surviving the summer in Tokyo, a fan is an essential piece of equipment. And with this unique fan-making workshop you’ll create your very own. You can choose from a round or folding fan, and use stamps and pencils to make your own custom design.
Evening: Finish off your weekend at a beer garden
End a weekend of summer fun the traditional Tokyo way: with a cold one at a beer garden. And Tokyo has a lot of beer gardens to choose from. Since you’re already in Asakusa, Eki Beer is a solid option. This beer garden is on top of the Ekimise Building at Asakusa Station.
Other options include the Forest Beer Garden and Mt. Takao Beer Mount.
Summer weather in Tokyo
From June to September, average temperatures hover at around 25°C (77°F). Averages, however, hide the often far more uncomfortable (and sticky) truth. If you’re in Tokyo for August or September, average temperatures are solidly in the upper 20s and it’s not uncommon for the 30°C or even 35°C mark to be broken. And that’s not the real feel …
It’s not just the heat either; the humidity is arguably the real killer. At the height of summer, humidity levels can approach an unforgiving 80 percent. Bottom line: it’s really hot.
Rain, however, can bring partial relief. June and September are particularly wet, though the whole season does see a significant amount of rainfall. Typically, summer rain comes in short, sharp bursts rather than a slow drizzle, giving everyone a much-needed cold shower and simultaneously breaking the humidity for a while. Bliss.
How to deal with the heat
It may be tempting to waste the summer indoors, cowering underneath the air-conditioning unit. But we won’t let you. We’ve devised a few tricks over the years for beating the heat.
Generally, make sure you’re wearing light, breathable clothing, and if you’re going to be out all day, it may be a good idea to take a spare t-shirt with you.
Take advantage of the free promotional hand fans that are given out on the streets and don’t stop fanning until your wrist aches. Most important of all — drink a lot (we mean a lot) of water and sports/electrolyte drinks.
Frequently asked questions
What months are summer in Tokyo?
June, July, and August are Tokyo’s summer months. June is warm, but it’s usually the rainy season. September can be toasty, too, but by then Tokyo is heading into fall.
Is Tokyo worth visiting in summer?
Yes! There are a lot of things to do in Tokyo summer that make it worth visiting. But, if you really can’t deal with heat, you might want to move your trip to another time of the year. See our full article on the best times to visit Japan to help you work out when you should visit.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Post first published in May, 2017. Last updated in July, 2024, by Maria Danuco.
