Things to Do in Japan in July
July is the starting month for matsuri, Japan’s summer festivals. Numerous hanabi (fireworks 🎆) regularly occur in the cities, on riverbanks, and in the mountains, mostly on weekends. During the cooler evenings, Japanese people enjoy relaxing over drinks, eating meat skewers like yakitori, or following nocturnal parades. Meanwhile, the summer cicadas signal the students’ well-deserved summer vacation.
Tourism statistics
More tourists visit Japan during July than almost any other month. School summer vacations in Western countries strongly encourage families and groups of friends to visit Japan for about fifteen days on average, though some people stay longer.
Tourists usually travel across the country and do not hesitate to venture outside the main cities to discover the lush nature and Japan’s traditional heritage. Southern destinations, such as Hiroshima or Shikoku and Kyushu islands, also receive an influx of tourists. Therefore, booking accommodations in advance is essential to ensure comfortable travel.
The National Japan Rail Pass is an interesting compromise that allows visitors to travel freely on the JR network’s numerous railways. Private bus companies also offer transportation passes for several days of highway travel—less expensive for sure, but less comfortable and quite time consuming.
Climate and weather
Tsuyu ☔️ rainy season covers the major part of the month and officially ends on July 19. Afterward comes heat and high humidity. Typhoons 🌀 can form at the beginning of summer, even if the risk is higher the following months. Clouds are numerous and dense, and they sometimes obscure beautiful views, such as the one on Mount Fuji 🗻.
The Kansai and Kanto areas experience high average temperatures from 27 to 31°C (80.6 to 87.8°F). Along the Pacific coast, the ocean’s temperature often exceeds 20°C (68°F). In the north, Hokkaido offers cooler weather at around 25°C (77°F).
National public holidays
July has only one unworked public holiday:
- Third Monday in July -- 海の日 umi no hi, Marine Day
Another important memorial day is celebrated in the capital:
- July 17 -- Tokyo Day, the day on which Edo was renamed Tokyo in 1868
Top things to do
In summer, days' outings can be extended in the evening. After sightseeing, tourists continue their discovery of the country through the Japanese summer nightlife: dance festivals, fireworks, fairground stalls or beer 🍺 garden.
Below is a list of Japanese seasonal attractions and events in July:
Travel packing tips
Choose light and comfortable clothes to stay cool despite the heat and rain. Do not forget your swimsuit. Hikers should pack a complete set of equipment, including hiking shoes with ankle support, protective gloves, and a warmer jacket for mountain peaks.
During matsuri season, even tourists can wear yukata 👘 (cotton kimonos) to wander the streets in the evenings. The hot, humid weather is a good reason to buy a pretty and efficient Japanese fan.
Do not forget mosquito repellent cream or spray, as well as a good sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap.