Japan in August

Japan is a country that boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cities that blend the old and the new. August is an exciting time to visit Japan, as it is the height of summer, and the country comes alive with a range of festivals and events that celebrate its unique traditions and modern way of life. 

Whether you’re interested in exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, hiking through the lush forests of Hokkaido, or immersing yourself in the rich history of Kyoto, Japan in August offers a truly unforgettable travel experience. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Japan in August so special and highlight some of the top attractions and activities that you won’t want to miss. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of Japan in August!

Where to go

August is a great time to explore Japan, as the weather is generally warm and sunny, and the country is alive with vibrant festivals and events. One of the best places to visit in August is Tokyo, the bustling capital city that never sleeps. You can visit Tokyo during our 6-Day Tradition Meets Future In Tokyo & Kyoto trip.

Here you can experience the excitement of the city’s many summer festivals, such as the Asakusa Samba Carnival, and enjoy the city’s many attractions, from world-class museums to trendy shopping districts. 

Another must-see destination in August is Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, where you can escape the heat and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the island’s forests, lakes, and mountains. Be sure to visit Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, and sample the region’s delicious seafood and beer. To visit Hokkaido, simply customise this 10-Day Hokkaido Skiing and Culture trip.

If you’re looking for a more traditional Japanese experience, head to Kyoto, the former capital and a city renowned for its temples, gardens, and historic architecture. August is a great time to visit Kyoto, as many of the city’s traditional festivals take place during this month. You will visit both of these beautiful regions during our bestseller 12-Day Highlights of Japan trip.

Whatever your interests, Japan in August offers a wide range of destinations to explore and experiences to enjoy.

Trips you may like

9-Day Authentic Samurai and Sake Experience

This 9-day trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will immerse you in rich history and culture, as you uncover two of the things that make Japan truly unique; Sake and Samurai. When it comes to Sake, you’ll learn about the various processes behind making sake and the unique properties that make each style of sake different – and just how many different ways there are as you explore local sake breweries throughout Niigata and Yamagata. Now, it is time for your first introduction to the history of the Samurai. You’ll start in Nagoya and head out to Inuyama, where your swordsmith training will begin. Beginning with an exploration of Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s five national treasures, you will then spend the next two days learning the art of sword-making, its importance in Samurai and Japanese culture, its origins and the training behind it. Next, you will have the rare opportunity to meet with katana artisans in their own ateliers, where you will watch their crafts being practised firsthand and learn the history of their trade. You’ll visit a tsukamakishi (hilt-wrapper), a shiroganeshi (habaki-maker), a sayashi (scabbard-maker), and a togishi (sword polisher), and might even see their own personal antique collections on this tour! This bucket-list trip captures the heart and history of Japan; Samurai and Sake, but also allows you time to explore the spiritual side of Japan, following walking trails to temples, meeting extraordinary locals and embracing the culture of this unique destination. Accommodation listed or similar.

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6-Day Tradition Meets Future in Tokyo & Kyoto

Japan is a real feast for all of your senses, with sumo, geisha, sake, karaoke, onsen, and izakaya waiting to be discovered. Spend six days exploring the highlights of this enthralling country, centred around Japan’s two major cities, Tokyo and Kyoto. Begin your trip with a guided tour of incredible Tokyo, where you will explore Tokyo’s dazzling lights, the Tsukji Market, famous for its tuna auctions and the ultra-cool shopping district of Shibuya, complete with a never-ending array of lights and mega-street crossings. Boarding the Shinkansen bullet train, you will travel at up to 320km/h from Tokyo to Kyoto in complete comfort. Arriving in Kyoto, you will be guided through the wonders of this city, visiting the famous Gion ‘Geisha’ district, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Nishiki Market, otherwise known as Kyoto’s kitchen! The highlight of this trip is a traditional group tea ceremony with an authentic Geisha, where you will learn the importance of this sacred Japanese ritual. Transferring back to Tokyo for the final leg of your journey, you will have the opportunity for last minute sightseeing and shopping before your private airport transfer! Thousands of years of history are concentrated in this fascinating nation – come and explore Japan’s attractions for yourself. Accommodation listed or similar.

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10-Day Nature and Unique Culture of Japan

This 10-day journey highlights the hotspots, hidden gems, nature and unique culture of Japan! Taking you through parts of modern Tokyo, to the traditional and historical former capital Kyoto, stopping along the way in the food and nightlife capital of Japan, Osaka. From the serenity of grand gardens to conveyor belt sushi restaurants at the top of skyscrapers; from the observation decks sprinkled around the city to the humble little ramen shops tucked away on side streets, it’s understandable why Tokyo is the most popular starting point for travellers coming to Japan. Tokyo is where you will uncover the hot-spots and the hidden gems of the city. Next stop, historic Kyoto. From your first day in Kyoto, you may very well feel the elegant ambience of a city entrenched in history. Here you will be immersed in Japan’s culture with a local guide, exploring the beautiful scenery that is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, taking part in a traditional tea-ceremony and wandering amongst free-roaming deer in nearby Nara . Known by many as the food capital of Japan, the city of Osaka, your next stop is bright, vivacious, and friendly, however it also has a historical side. Here, you will explore Osaka Castle, a monument that played an integral role in the unification of Japan, before strolling down Dotonbori, where you can see the popular Glico running man display and try out Osaka’s signature foods: Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. This trip is the perfect trip for travellers looking for a combination of Japanese culture, nature and food. Accommodation listed or similar.

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14-Day Highlights of Japan: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto & Osaka

Embark on a two-week trip that covers all the major Japan highlights! From historical to modern, from urban to rural; you can enjoy the great diversity of Japan. In each area, local guides will show you the highlights of the region and introduce the local culture. The trip starts in Tokyo, the current capital of Japan. You will receive an introduction to Japanese culture and learn about modern Japanese life. Then, you’ll visit Hakone where you can appreciate a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji. You’ll then venture out to the countryside of Takayama, which is a small rural town with its own unique culture and traditions. From Takayama, you will visit Shirakawago, which is a well-preserved old folk village by car. Then, you’ll head to north to Kanazawa, a city produced by the Samurai which is home to the most beautiful Japanese garden. You will then visit Kyoto, one of the most beautiful cities in Japan and the mecca of Japanese culture. Here, you can experience authentic Japanese things such as food, culture, temples, art, gardens, crafts and more. You’ll then travel to Nara by train or car. Nara is an older city than Kyoto and it was the centre of Japanese religion and academia. Finally, you’ll head west to Osaka, the second biggest city in Japan. Osaka is famous as a paradise of street food with very open-minded and friendly local people! Geographically, Osaka is very close to Kyoto, but you will find a huge difference between them. From Osaka, you will take a day trip to Hiroshima by bullet train before heading back to Tokyo where your trip will come to an end!

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What to Do in Japan in August

Japan in August offers a variety of unique experiences that are not to be missed. One of the best places to visit during this time is the Awa Odori festival in Tokushima City on the island of Shikoku. 

This vibrant festival is one of Japan’s largest dance festivals and features thousands of dancers, musicians, and spectators who come together to celebrate the summer season. To participate, simply customise this trip 5-Day Taste Of Shikoku & Osaka.

Another must-visit destination in August is the O-bon festival in Kyoto, which is a traditional Buddhist festival that honors ancestors and includes a range of activities such as dance performances and lantern lighting ceremonies. Take part in O-bon festival during 7-Day Kyoto Highlights & Trips To Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima tour.

If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, head to Hokkaido to climb Mount Asahidake, the highest peak in the Daisetsuzan mountain range. 

The cooler temperatures make August the perfect time to climb and the views from the summit are breathtaking. For a unique cultural experience, consider staying in a traditional ryokan in Hakone, a popular hot spring resort area near Tokyo. Here you can relax in natural hot springs, enjoy traditional Japanese meals, and experience the art of Japanese hospitality. 

Finally, no trip to Japan in August would be complete without a visit to the beaches of Okinawa, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle. Our favourite trip to Okinawa is 7-Day Whale Watching & Water Exploration In Okinawa.

Festivals in Japan in August

Japan is renowned for its vibrant festivals and special events, and August is no exception. One of the most popular festivals during this time is the Obon festival, which takes place across Japan and is a time to honour ancestors and pray for their spirits. Many cities and towns hold lantern-lighting ceremonies, dance performances, and traditional food stalls during this time. 

Another popular festival is the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, which takes place in the northern city of Aomori. This festival features large lantern floats that are paraded through the streets, accompanied by traditional music and dancing.

For a more unusual experience, head to the Kanto Matsuri in Akita City, where performers balance long bamboo poles with lanterns attached to the top, creating a stunning display of light and movement. 

Finally, if you’re a fan of traditional Japanese arts and crafts, be sure to visit the Tokyo National Museum, which holds an annual exhibition of Japanese pottery during August, showcasing some of the country’s most beautiful and unique ceramic pieces. You can also combine it with our 9-Day Authentic Samurai And Sake Experience. Whatever your interests, Japan in August has a range of festivals and events to suit all tastes.

Weather

August is considered to be a peak season for tourism in Japan, as it falls during the summer months when the weather is generally warm and sunny. However, it’s important to note that Japan is a long and narrow country, and the climate can vary significantly depending on the region. 

In general, August is hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit) in most parts of the country. If you plan to visit during this time, it’s recommended to pack lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke. 

It’s also worth noting that August is typhoon season in Japan, and there is a higher chance of rain and strong winds, especially towards the end of the month. Despite this, August remains a popular time to visit Japan, as it offers a range of unique festivals and events that showcase the country’s culture and traditions.

Things to Know Before You Go

Here are some things to keep in mind before travelling to Japan in August:

• Visa: Citizens from many countries can enter Japan for up to 90 days without a visa, but it’s always a good idea to check the visa requirements before you go.
• Currency: Japan’s currency is the yen (¥). It’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, as many smaller businesses don’t accept credit cards.
• Cultural Notes: Japan has a rich culture and many customs that may be unfamiliar to visitors. It’s important to respect these customs, such as removing your shoes when entering a home or temple, and avoiding loud conversations or public displays of affection.
• Do’s: Try to learn some basic Japanese phrases before you go, as this can go a long way in showing respect and building relationships with locals. Also, do try local foods and drinks, as Japan is famous for its cuisine.
• Don’ts: Avoid littering in public places, as this is considered impolite. Also, don’t tip in restaurants or other service industries, as this is not customary in Japan. Finally, avoid talking on your phone on public transport, as this is considered rude.

Japan in August is a vibrant and exciting destination, with a range of festivals and events that showcase the country’s rich culture and traditions. The Obon festival, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, Kanto Matsuri, and the Tokyo National Museum exhibition are just a few of the highlights that visitors can experience during this time. 

To find your dream holiday to Japan in August, scroll through our gallery of fully customisable Japan trips or connect with our Local Designers on the ground and let them help you craft your ultimate Japan stay!