Japan and Tokyo Travel in July – Part 1: Weather, What to Wear & How Crowded It Gets
- Shinya Yamada
- Jun 25
- 4 min read
Understanding Tokyo, Japan’s Weather in July: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Summer matsuri festivals. The opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season. July is one of the most popular months for international travelers visiting Japan, thanks to vibrant summer festivals and the opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season. But with soaring temperatures and high humidity, how can you make the most of your trip?
This article uses up-to-date data from the Japan Meteorological Agency and Japan Tourism Agency to suggest ways to enjoy Japan and Tokyo more comfortably in July, focusing especially on the weather in July, what to wear, and how crowded it gets.
This post is Part 1 of a 12-part monthly blog series—your practical guide to traveling in Japan and Tokyo month by month. We’ll explore seasonal weather patterns, crowd levels, clothing tips, cultural festivals, and immersive experiences that align with Japan’s traditional calendar.
Let’s begin with July. In Part 1, we’ll dive into three essential topics: weather trends, how to dress, and crowd levels—so you can plan your trip with confidence.
Rising Temperatures: 125 Years of Data Tell the Story
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Tokyo’s average annual temperature has steadily increased over the past 125 years. In 1900, the average was 13.6°C (56.5°F). By 2024, that number had climbed to 17.6°C (63.7°F)—a 29% rise.
Naturally, July has seen the same trend. The average temperature in July has gone from 22.8°C (73.0°F) in 1900 to 28.7°C (83.7°F) in 2024—an increase of 26%.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
When looking only at recent years (2010–2024), July’s average is 26.8°C (80.2°F), making it the second hottest month of the year, right behind August at 28.1°C (82.6°F).
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
Humidity and Rainfall: Why July Feels Hotter Than It Is
What makes July particularly uncomfortable isn’t just the temperature—it’s the humidity. From 2010 to 2024, July had the highest average humidity of the year at 77.6%.
Rainfall, meanwhile, averaged 148mm in July—making it the 6th rainiest month of the year, just slightly above the annual average of 139mm (a 7% increase).
In short, while rainfall is about average, the combination of high heat and humidity makes July one of the least comfortable months for outdoor travel in Japan.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
What to Wear in Japan in July
Given the intense heat and humidity, lightweight clothing is essential—short sleeves, shorts, breathable fabrics. Don’t forget a hat or parasol for sun protection and stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke.
We strongly recommend scheduling more indoor activities such as museums, art galleries, or traditional cultural experiences. Alternatively, head to cooler regions like Hokkaido or mountain resorts such as Karuizawa and Hakuba for relief from the summer heat.
How Crowded Is Japan in July?
According to the Japan Tourism Agency’s lodging statistics, July is one of the busier travel months in Japan:
In 2023 and 2024, total lodging nights across Japan reached 105% of the monthly average, making July the third busiest month of the year.
In Tokyo, the figure was 102%, the fourth busiest month citywide.
Source: Japan Tourism Agency’s lodging statistics
Note: Indexed with the annual average set at 100%
Source: Japan Tourism Agency’s lodging statistics
Note: Indexed with the annual average set at 100%
Interesting differences appear when comparing domestic and international travelers:
Japanese travelers: 104% of the annual average (4th highest).
Foreign travelers: 110% of the annual average (3rd highest).
In Tokyo:
Japanese lodging volume was 95% of the average, the lowest of the year.
Foreign lodging volume reached 110%, the fourth highest month for international visitors.
We’ve also included a heat map showing monthly guest nights—both total and foreign—across all prefectures, making it easy to visualize crowd levels throughout Japan over the course of the year. Red indicates months with above-average guest nights, while green represents those below the annual average, helping to show how visitor numbers vary by region and season.
Source: Japan Tourism Agency’s lodging statistics
Note: Indexed with the annual average set at 100%
Source: Japan Tourism Agency’s lodging statistics
Note: Indexed with the annual average set at 100%
Takeaways: July Is Hot and Crowded—But with Good Reason
Despite the climate being less than ideal, foreign visitor numbers in July remain high. The data suggest that the main reasons are the overlap with overseas summer holidays and the abundance of seasonal festivals in Japan.
July is rich with quintessential Japanese summer experiences like:
Fireworks (hanabi)
Traditional mikoshi (portable shrine) parades
Street food stalls (yatai)
Yukata (summer kimono) culture
In Shizuoka, for example, July ranks second only to November in terms of international guest stays—likely influenced by the opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season on July 1st.
Furthermore, compared to August, July generally has fewer typhoons, which helps reduce travel disruptions and transportation delays.
So while Japan in July is undeniably hot and humid, with careful planning—like adding indoor cultural activities and timing your trip around local festivals—it can be an unforgettable and fulfilling time to visit.
Coming up next: Part 2 will explore the seasonal foods and culinary delights unique to July in Japan.
Stay tuned!
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