Japan Weather in August 2023, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)

Hokkaido and Northern Japan in August: Summer Retreat

Visit Hokkaido in Summer

With higher latitudes, you could enjoy cooler weather in northern Japan than in central and southern Japan.

In late August, Hokkaido receives its heaviest rainfall, averaging 127 mm (5 in) for the month. However, this is only moderate and drier than further south. If you're looking for outdoor adventures, early August should be a bit drier.

August is also the best time to spot animals like whales and birds. Fully-blooming flowers light up the cities as well.

Check the hand-picked itinerary of a classic summer trip in Hokkaido>>>

9-Day Japan Highlights Tour Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Osaka

Tokyo and Central Japan in August: Hot but Best for Mountain Climbing

Seeing Mt.Fuji from Hakone

August is the hottest month in central Japan, averaging 31°C (88°F) at maximum. Its average rainfall is moderate at 147 mm (6 inches), and occasionally comes as afternoon downpours.

August is a good time for mountain-climbing expeditions, like up Mount Fuji or the Japanese Alps. You'll experience cooler temperatures, fresh air, and dense forests in the mountains.

When travelling in central Japan, the heat actually wouldn't bring too many problems. You could enjoy plenty of indoor activities inside air-conditioned buildings and travel in a private air-conditioned car, which is also helpful to minimize the inconvenience/discomfort of any rainfall.

As August is a peak time for family trips, you might be interested in our hand-picked family tour: 2-Week Japan Private Family Vacation>>> or would like to get some inspiration about planning your family trip in August.

11-Day Traditional Japan Tour Osaka - Hiroshima - Kyoto - Tokyo

Okinawa and Southern Japan in August: Hot Beach Destination

In August, the temperature range is from 27°C (80°F) to 32°C (90°F) in Okinawa. With occasional typhoons, southern Japan receives a high rainfall of 240 mm (10 in).

Packed with white sand beaches and water sports, Okinawa is a popular destination for summer beach holidays.

Wanna know more about planning your Japan trip? Read about How to Plan Your Trip to Japan >>>

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Sharon has been very helpful since the… Sharon has been very helpful since the beginning coordinating our itinerary in order to accommodate everything we want to see, it been great working with her More May, Jul 2023

When I first book I was scared of what… When I first book I was scared of what to expect, but oh my God! What an amazing experience this has been, from Sharon to all the guides Shawn and Mr. Ho, such amazing people! Their work is excellent More Saul Velez, Jul 2023

Albee was very helpful and responsive… Albee was very helpful and responsive in helping me make plans for their 10 day Japanese tour. More Bhavini Patel, Jul 2023

Alisa was a perfect tour consultant Alisa responded to my numerous questions with efficiency and accuracy. She was constantly suggesting options to make the trip more enjoyable More Matha Goram, Jul 2023

I highly Recommend Asia Highlights For our first guide Jun, he was amazing. Very accommodating. Kept in good communication & kept us on time for our activities. Reached out to me the night before to confirm meet times and locations. Our driver for this time was also so kind & driver was always on time. For our second Guide , Ho. He went above and beyond. He stayed in great communication. Stayed later with us on one of the days because we were worried about riding the train back alone but wanted to visit at the shopping center a littler longer, so he stayed with us and made sure we got off on the right stop! During our time with him he took pictures of us and sent them to us! He was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. He was kind and patient with our large group. He made our trip easy & memorable. The driver we had for this timeframe was also kind & always on time! We felt a bond with both guides given to us! If you want an easy going, stress free trip book with “Asia Highlights”!!! More Jessalynn Flores, Jul 2023

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Wonderful Service from Sharon! Sharon at Asia Highlights has been a HUGE help in planning our trip to Japan later this year. From her initial contact to finalization of the plan, she has been very responsive, professional, patient, and knowledgeable. She was able to quickly propose an amazing itinerary and helped us customize it for our interests. She also made many great recommendations and gave us tips for the trip. I wasn’t familiar with Asia Highlights before I reached out, but after Sharon’s wonderful service, I have full confidence in them. I can’t wait for the trip and I hope it’s as awesome as Sharon’s service!!! More Ali Tahir, Jul 2023

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Me and my son are traveling to Japan Me and my son are traveling to Japan. Albee is magnificent. Extremely efficient, helpful, trustworthy. I am very happy she is helping us with my son's dreaming trip. More Ana Letícia Urbanin, Jun 2023

A great way to plan a dream vacation Due to circumstances, we had to delay our trip to Japan so this review is only about the process of designing the trip. Albee was always available, responsive to our goals, and competent. Based on how involved he was with our family trip, we know we will be back next year and resuming the plan he built. Really impressed with the quality and extent of resources we found through Albee and KimKim. More KC, May 2023

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Sharon’s was very patient and helpful… Sharon’s was very patient and helpful when navigating me through the trip planning process. She helped me plan a very exciting and extravagant trip. More Jonny Abad, May 2023

Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!! Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More Lianne Stone, May 2023

11 days trip to Japan I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More LE, May 2023

Japan trip Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More Serene Storslett, May 2023

Quick, easy and detailed service Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary More Lynette Whittle, Apr 2023

Japan Tour Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets. The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs. More Madhu, Apr 2023

I organized a trip to Japan for my I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More Luisa, Apr 2023

5 Best Places to Visit in Japan in August

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are must-sees for a Japan first trip. August heat only slightly affects your trip there, as public places are well-equipped with air conditioners. What's more, our experienced guide knows how to make your private tour more comfortable by avoiding spending the hottest times of the day outdoors etc.

Here are some top suggestions for August, including Aomori for colorful summer festivals and Hiroshima, where the rain/heat won't stop you appreciating its tragic war history and promotion of peace.

To well discover the above 5 places, you might need at least 2 weeks. Get some inspiration about 2-week Japan itineraries or 3-week Japan itineraries...

17-Day Japan Summer Family Vacation Experience Oriental Summertime

1. Tokyo: Showcase of Japan Packed with Indoor Activities

Anime Shopping Paradise

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, offers a varied mix of advanced technologies, unique anime culture, and traditional culture. Undoubtedly, Tokyo is the No. 1 destination for a Japan trip, especially for families with school-age children.

Besides exploring its modernity, you and your kids could try on kimonos for family photos, wander through shrines and hunt for seasonal fruit-themed treats in August...

As the anime mecca, you could immerse yourself in hundreds of anime stores, anime museums, and anime cafes in Tokyo, all away from the heat of day.

Suggested reading: How to Plan a Japan Summer Trip>>>

2. Kyoto: Indoor River Dining with Traditional Japanese Food

Kiyomizu Dera Temple in Kyoto

Kyoto can be hot and humid in August. But a well-organized private tour would keep your trip comfortable nevertheless.

You're suggested to visit the iconic shrines and temples in the cooler early morning or late afternoon. For the hotter hours after noon, what could be cooler and more interesting than savoring delicious food while soaking your feet in floating water in a river restaurant?

If your trip is during Obon Festival (August 13 to 16), you could see its huge ceremonial bonfires and well-decorated streets with beautiful lanterns. If you like, you could join in with floating paper lanterns, giving the special experience of celebrating with the locals.

2-Week Japan Private Family Vacation Discover the diversity of Japan with your kids

3. Osaka: Food Hunting and Castle Exploring

Himeji Castle in Summer

With similar temperatures, Osaka is a little bit drier than Tokyo and Kyoto.

Always known as a foodie paradise, you could easily find yummy food to suit you, whether you're traveling with kids or aging parents. Its fantastic theme parks are family-friendly too.

History buffs, you could wander around Osaka Castle to learn about Japanese history and architecture. You could also take a side trip to Himeji Castle, the largest castle in Japan (just 1½ hours' driving away).

11-Day Classic Japan Tour Tokyo - Takayama - Shirakawa - Kanazawa - Kyoto

4. Hiroshima: Reminder of the Price of Peace

Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima

In August, you can not only see the beautiful torii (symbolic shrine gateways) over the water, but also learn about the tragic history of Hiroshima.

For families with kids, a trip to Hiroshima can be an educational opportunity to explore the site of the world's first atomic-bomb strike. You could join in the Peace Memorial Ceremony on August 6th as well.

5. Aomori: Join in Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival in Aomori

Located in northern Japan, the pleasant, cooler weather makes Aomori a perfect summer retreat. You could refresh yourself by hiking in a dense forest with waterfalls. You and your kids could have a night adventure with fireflies there!

If you're travelling in early August, go and see Aomori's Nebuta Festival (summer festival, August 2 to 7). Giant illuminated floats, majestic fireworks, and bustling food stalls create a memorable experience during your trip!

Costs and Crowding in August

Fully-blooming flower field in Hokkaido

Being the main school-holiday month in most countries, August is the peak time for family tours to Japan. With more festivals as well, you can expect more travelers and higher costs than that in June and July.

Due to the high demand, booking at least 6 months in advance is necessary to guarantee rooms and guides. For a worry-free booking, contact us to enjoy our free cancellation policy, and personalize your private tour itinerary.

Check more details about the best times to visit Japan: for the most comfortable weather, for the lowest crowds...

If you'd like to know the general idea about travel costs in Japan, read: How Much Is a Trip to Japan?>>>

8-Day West Japan Mountain & Sea Highlights Tour The best of West Japan

What to Pack in August

Try on kinomos and enjoy Japanese food

Because of the hot weather, summer clothing with breathable fabrics is advisable, such as short-sleeved shirts, dresses, and shorts with sandals.

Sun protection is a must due to the high UV on sunny days, so pack your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses...

You're also suggested to take some insect repellent as mosquito numbers peak in summer.

19-Day Japan, China, Singapore and Bali Tokyo - Kyoto - Beijing -Xi'an - Chengdu - Singapore - Bali

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for Japan

Exploring Japan with Asia Highlights

At Asia Highlights, we have created over 10,000+ big trips for insightful travelers, mostly for families and couples. August in Japan is a time for spectacular fireworks, interesting festivals, and delicious food. We will be happy to assist you to craft a summer tour and holiday vacation that offers you an unforgettable Japan summer!

Get inspiration from the below hands-on itineraries. All of them could be customized to your interests/schedule within 24 hours!

• 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour (Tokyo-Hokane-Kyoto)
• 10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring Mini-Group Tour
• 11-Day Traditional Japan Tour( Osaka-Hiroshima- Kyoto-Tokyo)
• 2-Week Japan Private Family Vacation
• 17-Day Japan Summer Family Vacation