Japan in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

August is a fantastic time to visit Japan as the country is vibrant, with good weather. Several festivals are in full swing across the country, including firework displays, traditional music, and dance. Beaches and water sports are popular, with swimming and snorkeling high on activity lists. August is an ideal month to explore the natural beauty of Japan, from its national parks to serene lakes and lush mountains, with hiking trails that run between moss-covered forests and ancient cedar trees.

August is also a wonderful time to enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine. Summer foods include fresh fruits and shaved ice, known as kakigori, a popular choice on a warm day. Fulfill your appetite with bites of ayu, a sweet fish often enjoyed at festivals. August is a busy time in Japan, so booking your visit in advance is recommended.

As summer is in full swing across the country, Japan in August can see major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka reaching average highs of around 90°F, tiptoeing down to around 75°F in the Hokkaido region. Days can be humid in Japan’s central region, with places such as Honshu reaching highs of 95°F and Kyushu and Shikoku in the south experiencing hot and humid weather. The southernmost island of Okinawa sees temperatures of around 84°F.

August in Japan sees less rainfall than that experienced earlier in the summer months, so days remain drier, particularly in the central and northern regions. You should be prepared for the warm weather and pack accordingly, or consider spending time in the Japanese Alps to enjoy a cooler climate.

Fukuoka • Best Place for Sightseeing

Located on the northern shore of Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is a city that blends rich cultural experiences with modern attractions. It is also home to wonderful outdoor spaces, with the warm weather toned down by gentle breezes and fewer visitors around at the start of the summer travel season. Enjoy a picnic or boating on the pond at Ohori Park, or, for indoor experiences, explore the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum and Kushida Shrine, which will be a pleasure to visit due to fewer crowds.

Delicious seasonal cuisine such as ayu, or “sweetfish”, can be enjoyed in the lively Hakata district, or perhaps a stroll through the yatai, or street food halls, is more your scene. Grab a bowl of ramen or a skewer of smoky yakitori as you wander around the festive streets of Fukuoka.

Hokkaido • Best Place for Great Weather

With a cooler climate in the northern regions, visiting Hokkaido and surroundings is great in August. Escape the heat and take a gentle hike up mountain trails, taking in the captivating and beautiful landscape. While on a hike in areas such as Biei and Furano, flower fields rise up to meet sloping mountains, painting a picture of sheer beauty. The milder conditions make spending time outdoors in August pleasant.

While dressing lightly is recommended when visiting the Hokkaido region in August, it is good to know that it can be a lot cooler at night. While you will avoid heavy humidity when visiting this region, a lightweight rain jacket is recommended when traveling to Hokkaido in late August as light rains start to fall and cool things down around this time.

Nara • Best Place for Families with Children

Nara is a wonderful choice for experiencing Japan as a family. Children can interact with the sika deer that roam freely in Nara Park, and your family can spend time feeding these national treasures while wandering around the park.

The Todai-ji Temple is impressive in design and size, the giant Buddha statue located at the temple a captivating sight. Adults and children will be amazed at the details, color, and respect the statue demands.

Picnic spots are perfect for families to sit under the shade of a Japanese cedar tree and evenings are a delight for everyone when the Nara Tokae festival sees the skies lit with lanterns.

Kamikochi • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi boasts beautiful landscapes that include ice-blue glacial waters and towering alpine peaks. With the Azusagawa River flowing through the area and the peaceful sound of surrounding nature, this is the ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic and relaxing getaway.

The weather in August is pleasant in Kamikochi, with warm days void of humidity and clear skies opening a curtain to the area’s natural beauty. You can enjoy romantic walks along the river or gentle hikes along mountain trails.

There are several hotels and accommodation options in Kamikochi that offer hot springs, a romantic and relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring. Soaking in a hot spring surrounded by nature is truly romantic.

Tohoku Region • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

With easy access from Tokyo, the northern part of the Honshu region offers a quieter environment in August in Japan. Here, you can enjoy immense yourself in scenic beauty while avoiding crowds. You can embrace activities and festivals without worrying about overfilled spaces.

Experience a Japanese festival without the crowds when attending the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, which features dancers parading through the streets, artificial flowers adorning their hanagasa hats.

Tohoku is rich in tradition and history, with temples and shrines scattered among dramatic scenic beauty. Genbikei Gorge is spectacular, with water spilling over large boulders and creating mini waterfalls.

Enjoy the Obon Celebrations in Mid-August

Celebrated over three days in several regions and with utmost respect for those who have passed, the Obon Festival is not to be missed if you are in Japan in August. With community dances performed and paper lanterns set up into the sky to call the spirits of the dead home, the festivities are colorful and spiritual. Lotus-shaped sweets, a popular Bhuddist symbol, are served, as is local cuisine such as jaga bata, a simple dish of potato and butter.

Pay Homage at the Toro Nagashi in Hiroshima

The Toro Nagashi ceremony takes place in Hiroshima on August 6 each year. This moving ceremony promotes peace while commemorating the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing. During the event, thousands of paper lanterns are set upon the water and float down the Motoyasu River.

Feel the Fire at the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi Festival

Held each year on August 16, the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi or Daimonji Festival marks the end of the Obon season in Kyoto. Bonfires in the shape of kanji characters are lit up on surrounding mountains, creating a blaze of glorious fire and light that reaches up into the skies. This is the last send-off for ancestral spirits.

From summer events to inviting beaches and cool hiking trails, Japan in August is hot, fun, and festive. Discover the country’s seasonal beauty, bask on pristine beaches, and avoid crowds by exploring less-popular regions.

For more ideas for your trip, find inspiration with our Japan tours or explore the possibilities of when to visit, where to go, and more with our Japan travel guide.