This is a perfect example of why you should take everything on Reddit with a grain of salt and not base life decisions on the internet. Visiting Japan has been a lifelong dream, and this is the only time I could come, so it was now or possibly not for years. I was nervous because everyone and various websites claimed August is the worst time to visit due to the heat. People made it sound like stepping into lava pits 24/7, making it impossible to be outside.
Holy cow, I’m glad I ignored them because it’s not that bad—it’s just a normal summer! For context, I’m in Tokyo right now. Yes, it’s hot and humid, but it’s literally not a problem. I’ve been walking around all day in the sun, and it hasn’t impeded my activities even once. And no, I’m not from a subtropical environment; I’m from the Northeast U.S., I love cold weather and snow, and I’m not a huge fan of heat, but I’m doing just fine.
I've been drinking water and taking breaks as needed, just like I would in any weather. I’ve been wearing short-sleeve t-shirts and shorts. Sure, visiting Japan when it’s cooler would be more pleasant, but coming now isn’t bad at all—I’m having a blast. If it's between this or not coming at all, definitely come 100%. I guess everyone’s experience may vary, but if you’re like me and hesitating on visiting Japan in August, don’t!
by Whole_Kale_4349
47 comments
Now imagine cool breezes and cherry blossoms…
I mean if summer is the only time you’re free, then by all means
But if you could choose any season, why on earth?
Glad you are enjoying it here!
My wife and I just got back from two weeks in Tokyo. It was brutally hot, but totally manageable. We had an amazing time, too.
I’ve been in the summer many times. Japan is always awesome, but given the choice I would rather go any other time. June and early July aren’t too bad. August is brutal. It is definitely the worst season – and August is the worst month – to travel to Japan.
My wife is Japanese and she returned home for two weeks this summer for Obon and had several 39C days with insane humidity. The rest of the days were all at least 34 or higher. She’s used to it having grown up there and even for her she found it much too hot to do very much during the daytime.
Every time I’ve been in August I’ve needed to take 2-3 cold showers per day to cool down. Change clothes at least once (underwear more often). The heat and humidity is insane. Sweat so much after a short walk down the street. You do get a bit used to after a week or two but most people are probably only going for a week or two.
The intensity of Japanese summers are not overblown – especially August. Only go if it’s the only time you’ll be able to. Otherwise try to wait for fall or spring. IMO winter is the best though.
Some people do like the insane heat and humidity though. But in my experience that’s a small minority.
the first time i went to hong kong was in august and i couldnt handle the humidity, it was brutal for me, but after more trips to different parts of SEA in different months ive gotten used to it, so other than sweating its fine, but i can see first timers coming from easy climates to the heavy humidity having trouble , cause that was literally me
Summer is fine, you just need to manage it.
“Hot and humid” is not something I’d want to experience on a trip to Japan. That’s why we go in January or February. But, hey, if that works for you, then you’re good. Have fun and safe travels.
Summer is great, just gets pretty swampy. My two biggest complaints are always being sweaty and chafing a lot. Beyond that, it’s not so bad and certainly has its charms.
I think you are exagerating..I have read many posts saying it’s super hot but none comparing it to a 24/7 lava pit. The point is that if you have other options just be prepared and be careful about over heating. I think it’s always preferable to tell people of possible drawbacks , than pretend its all fine and people go in unprepared.
I’m lucky enough to have travelled to Japan all 4 seasons.
Summer is my least favorite season to visit. But I’ll still go in summer if my schedule and money permits.
It’s not only heat and humidity but also typhoons; one is approaching Kyushu and the mainland this weekend. They mess up your plans.
I’m Japanese, and that’s why I no longer go back to my country during the summer. I just don’t want to show up at a station and see a board saying all the trains and Shinkansen have been cancelled.
‘Now I need to get off Reddit and go buy some more Pocari Sweat and shaved ice!’
lol. Now you’re just taking the piss.
My friend’s family is in Japan right now.
Dying (not literally) from the heat and humidity. They’re miserable.
I have no idea what OP is talking about.
“I’m having a blast in Tokyo! I picked the best time to be here!”
*two days later: inundated by a huge typhoon*
I’m right now in Japan. Trip is definitely doable in August. Best to explore early morning or after sunset. Being in plain sunlight during the day is unbearable. Also numerous cold drink machines everywhere help.
The thing I like in Japan that the A/C is set to normal temperature, not like in the US or Dubai, you are freezing your ass off.
I was there in August, from North Eastern Canada and it was hot AF
When did you arrive? It’s massively cooled down in the last week with typhoons etc. It’s only 65 degrees humidity today as well, compared to some days in Tokyo earlier this month when it was like 36C and 85 humidity.
I do think people overblow it but I’d hardly choose to come at this time of year. Cycling leisurely around Yoyogi is very different from doing something like a hike… it just limits your options
Let’s not forget this…
“More than 120 people died in Tokyo from heatstroke in July as average temperatures hit record highs“
https://apnews.com/article/japan-heatstroke-death-elderly-5027f720692101bef9b787e6ae14312a#
Agree and disagree with this post. I’m in Japan at the moment 29 weeks pregnant and the heat has been very strong. The temperatures go from low to mid 30s. The difference is Japan especially Tokyo and Osaka are very populated by building and people and very dry. So if anyone wants to go during peak summer time make sure you remain hydrated, wear SPF, eat and rest when you can.
It can easily get overwhelming and feel suffocating as the humidity sits around the 90-100%! The good thing about Japan is there’s lots of stores with air-conditioning and lots of ice creams or cold drinks to drink. Everyone is different and should consider how they are in such climates. I’d also recommend packing light clothing and always having something on hand to drink/eat! You can also get mini fans and cooling towels to help.
There are also a lot of temples and gardens to see giving you the nature scenery.
I was there in August with my family and I’m from California. It was hot AF in the afternoon but we did a lot of things in the morning time and we’re doing a lot of indoor activities during the day. The evening time was really pleasant. We didn’t have a choice because of the kids summer vacation. I would definitely prefer a cooler time period for our next visit.
Yeah I’m here right now, and while it’s not unbearable, it’s hardly fun is it? In fact, if we lived here, we would probably go back to the UK for the summer 😂
The last week or so has been a bit more bearable – I don’t check weather forecast but it feels a bit cooler than what pretty much the rest of the month was. I still hate getting out during the day and would never ever visit Japan in August if I had an opportunity to come any other month.
I’m someone who sweats in 10 degree Celsius weather, and I doubt I’m the only one. Is it hard to imagine why some, or a lot of us, may think summer is hell here?
Feels like everyone wants to normalise their situation rather than realise everyone manages things differently
I am totally with you there. Would also go in the midst of summer. Living in the warmest region of Germany. We do get basically the same temperatures and often not much less humidity (in the high 70’s or low 80’s when worst). So I also can stand heat and humidity to a degree before melting.
But “people like us” are often the minority. Because many people can not take heat and humidity of that degree really well.
And, we should not forget, that this climate combo can be dangerous. And it literally can kill people if not careful under the wrong conditions.
I went in August 10 years ago right after college (going again in late September this year). I think different people have different levels of heat tolerance. It was godawful for me. I felt like a disgusting pig and had to wear layers of clothing to absorb the sweat and carry around a towel. All the locals were perfectly dry and powdered ;__;
This is pure cope.
My friend said summer is his favourite season because of all the events and festivals and I can’t dispute that, I came because I wanted to see nebuta.
Now that I’ve seen it whether I’d do summer again is a different story but it’s definitely got a ‘do it once’ appeal to me at least
are you a sweater? I been living here going on 3 years and hate this time of year because of the humidity. ANY level of humidity wreaks havoc on my hair and makes me sweat instantly. That being said, i did take a 1 week trip to see many festivals in tohoku and was outside most of the time…and i was in jeans…i hate how shorts fit on me so its a no go on shorts. Was i baking, yes, was i melting, yes too. But if youre enjoying your trip, it doesnt affect you as much. Your mind is focused more on what you are seeing and doing than the weather so it doesnt bother as much.
I mean, it also depends on where you’re from? Anything over 50-55% humidity is awful for me unless I’m going to Hawaii and I’m on the beach lol
It’s also knowing what your body can handle too. My skin breaks out in severe heat rash if I’m in hot and humid places for more than a few hours, so I would not be able to survive a summer trip to Japan. Some people can deal with the weather with no problem, some can’t. I wish I can do tropical summer because I’d love to visit those countries. For now, it’s cooler months for me for Japan trips
I got here on Sunday and feel like I need to shower 2-3x a day because it’s so humid and gross feeling for me lol I can’t even imagine what it was like when it was 10 degrees hotter and 20% more humidity lol
Waiting on news on this typhoon, hearing they might close the train to Osaka so half of my itinerary would be up in smoke if they do, or at least squeezed to be much tighter.
Different strokes for different folks but compared to going in the spring, my enjoyment of Japan has been a lot lower lol
Its doable. Just much better during a different time.
Fyi it’s cooler this week due to the typoon. Not the typical weather it’s been the past couple weeks.
It’s your first visit so any visit to Japan will be your best visit until, when you notice how much more pleasant and enjoyable the other 3 seasons are here you won’t really ever look forward to summer here lol.
I am glad you enjoy it, but disclaimer as such are there for a reason – some people may not be able to take it well and you are hella of lucky . My first visit was August and it was right after typhoon. I was insanely lucky since if I arrived a few days earlier I won’t be able to enjoy it . Do take those into account for your next trip.
why would you plan a trip during rainy season and typhoon season if you could help it? You guys have got to be rich to want to come here when it’s the highest chances of your trains being suspended or stuck inside because of the rain. We, who live and work here, don’t even like it but we can’t help it. You actually have a choice (maybe) of when you can come. We aren’t trying to put fear into your heart.
If you like it, good for you but don’t make us out to all out to be some fear mongers.
You weren’t here in early August.
These past few days have been pretty okay.
It also went down quite a bit (5C or so) from the peaks, so its easier right now.
Speak for yourself. Currently in Osaka and making my way to Tokyo in a couple of days. This weather has been crazy but then again I’m from a dry state from the US so completely different weather. Still having fun though and would come back, just not this time of year.
Folks should also take this advice/experience with a grain of salt.
Heat tolerance is subjective. No one is saying not to go, especially if you have no other options time wise, but be prepared that it *could* be rough.
Take this thread from last week. https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/s/pGJGVDI20X
Reddit is not trying to fear monger or scare anyone. But you should have information before you go.
It’s unusually cool right now.
That’s literally what I’ve just did a week ago. I had the opportunity to visit Japan for 15 days for the first time. It was early August or not going until at least one or two years later. I decided to go. I enjoyed it a lot, BUT NEVER GOING BACK IN SUMMER 😂😂
Obviously you can go and will manage, but walking 20 min to get to a temple, visiting the shrine at 35°C, I was boiling alive and I come from a similar summer weather (Barcelona). It was horrible, but enjoyed. Love hate, wanna go back next year or so in spring or fall or something.
I’m not sure what your point is. The fact that the heat, humidity and now typhoon didn’t bother you much doesn’t mean that everyone else would be the same, it’s not as if people were lying, the temperature and humidity levels are there to see.
Glad you’re having fun!
But as someone from a tropical country, there’s no way I’m spending my annual Japan trip in summer
I feel like the little window from the end of July and start of August is when the heat ramps up. I just don’t enjoy opening the door to the outside only for my clothes to get immediately damp from sweat. By the end of the month the heat does die down more but then you go into typhoons like the one that’s currently happening and screwing things up. If it’s not the heat, it’s the typhoon. I’d rather just not have both of those within the same month.
the weather rn is not an accurate representation of summer here, what with the typhoon bringing temps down a bit