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7月 · Japan Travel Guide

Japan in July

Temperature

24–33°C (75–91°F)

Crowds

High

What to Wear

Light

✈ Plan Your July Japan Trip

Weather in Japan in July

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Temperature

24–33°C (75–91°F)

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Conditions

Hot and humid. Rainy season ends mid-July. Strong sunshine and high humidity (70–80%). UV index high.

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What to Wear

Light, breathable summer clothing. Yukata (summer kimono) for festivals. Sunscreen, hat, and portable fan essential.

Tokyo

24–33°C

Rain: High

Kyoto

24–33°C

Rain: Moderate

Osaka

25–34°C

Rain: Moderate

Crowd Level

High

Hot and humid but summer festivals are spectacular — Gion Matsuri fills Kyoto all July

Hotel Prices

Medium to high hotel prices. Gion Matsuri week (July 17–24) sees Kyoto hotels at premium rates. Book well in advance.

Top Events in July

All July (parades Jul 17 & 24) · Kyoto

Gion Matsuri

Kyoto's greatest festival — enormous yamaboko floats parade through the streets in a 1,000-year-old tradition; the Yoiyama evening street festival is especially atmospheric

Late July · Tokyo

Sumida River Fireworks

20,000 fireworks launched over the Sumida River before 1 million+ spectators — Japan's most famous hanabi show

Jul 24–25 · Osaka

Tenjin Matsuri

One of Japan's three great festivals — a water procession of 100+ illuminated vessels lights up the Okawa River at night

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Local Tip

Start sightseeing before 9am, rest indoors from noon to 4pm, and enjoy evening festivals when temperatures drop — the heat is genuinely intense

What to Pack for July

Very light breathable clothing — linen or moisture-wicking fabricsPortable fan (uchiwa) — available at festival stalls and convenience storesCooling spray and cooling towel for outdoor eventsHigh-SPF sunscreen and wide-brim sun hatYukata for festival evenings — rent locally for ¥2,000–4,000Large water bottle — hydrate constantly in the heat

Book Hotels for July in Japan

Compare hotels in Kyoto with dates pre-set for July travel. Free cancellation on most bookings.

Expedia Agoda

Dates pre-set: 2026-07-15 → 2026-07-22 · Kyoto

Recommended Itineraries for July

Japan Summer Festivals 7days →Kyoto 5days →Hokkaido 5days →

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot is Japan in July?+

July is very hot and humid — Tokyo averages 27–33°C with humidity around 70–80%. Kyoto is particularly intense in summer. Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned spaces during midday, and carry a portable fan.

What is the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto?+

Gion Matsuri is Kyoto's most famous festival, held throughout July. The main highlight is the Yamaboko Junko parade on July 17 (Saki Matsuri) and July 24 (Ato Matsuri) featuring enormous ornate wooden floats (yamaboko) that have been maintained for over 1,000 years.

When are the best fireworks shows in Japan in July?+

Key July fireworks: Sumida River Fireworks (Tokyo, late July), Nagaoka Grand Fireworks (Niigata, early August), and Jingu Gaien Fireworks (Tokyo, mid-August). Many neighborhoods host local hanabi shows on summer evenings.

Is Hokkaido better in July than Honshu?+

Yes — Hokkaido summers are much cooler (20–25°C) and less humid than Tokyo or Osaka. July is peak lavender season in Furano and Biei, making it one of the best times to visit the northern island.

What is Tanabata in Japan?+

Tanabata (Star Festival, July 7) celebrates the mythical meeting of the stars Vega and Altair. People write wishes on colorful paper strips and hang them on bamboo. Sendai hosts the largest Tanabata celebration (August 6–8), while Tokyo's Asagaya is famous for its July decorations.