Japan and Tokyo Travel in July – Part 4: Stay Safe from the Summer Heat — Enjoy the Best Traditional Cultural Experiences in Cool Indoor Spaces
- Shinya Yamada
- Jun 28
- 4 min read
Japan’s July is no joke when it comes to heat. As mentioned in Part 1 of this series, Japan and Tokyo Travel in July, it is the second hottest and most humid month of the year.
If you're planning a trip to Tokyo in July, we strongly recommend limiting outdoor activities. This is especially important when attending outdoor summer matsuri festivals, which require extra caution due to the extreme heat and humidity.
Instead, we highly recommend spending your time enjoying traditional Japanese cultural experiences indoors in Tokyo. In this Part 4 installment, we’ll introduce the best indoor cultural activities to enjoy in July—experiences that are not only enriching and unforgettable, but also keep you cool and safe.
Why Is July So Dangerous in Japan? — The Reality of Heatstroke
To understand the risks, let’s start with some facts. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system breaks down in hot, humid environments, leading to a dangerous buildup of internal heat. In Japan, heatstroke is a serious concern every summer.
In 2023 alone, 1,651 people in Japan died of heatstroke. The yearly average since 2010 has been 1,104 deaths, with over 1,100 people dying each year. While 48.4% of victims were over 80 years old, it’s important to note that 10.9% were aged 40–59, and even 1.8% were between 20–39, showing that the risk extends beyond just the elderly.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan)
Why July Is Even Riskier Than August
Nationwide, 44% of all heatstroke-related ambulance transports occur in July, compared to 34% in August. In Tokyo, July accounts for a staggering 52%, compared to 30% in August. But why would July be more dangerous than the typically hotter August?
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Environment
The answer lies in two factors:
Humidity is even higher in July than in August— based on the average since 2010, July reaches 77.6%, the highest of the year, compared to 75.9% in August.
People’s bodies haven’t yet acclimated to the heat—a process known as acclimatization. The sudden onset of heat in July often catches people off guard, making them more vulnerable.
This means that even Japanese residents, who are used to the climate, are at high risk in July. For visitors from cooler countries, the danger is even more significant.
So What Should You Do? — Discover the Top 4 Indoor Cultural Experiences in Tokyo
Now that you understand the real danger of summer heat in Japan, here’s our best advice: avoid unnecessary outdoor activity in July and focus on indoor, air-conditioned experiences.
Fortunately, all of our traditional cultural tours are held indoors, offering a safe, cool, and deeply enriching way to enjoy Japan. Among them, the following activities are especially ideal for July:
1: Ukiyo-e Printing Experience – Create Your Own Cooling Uchiwa Fan
This experience allows you to print your own traditional ukiyo-e artwork and craft it into a beautiful uchiwa (Japanese hand fan). Historically, uchiwa were essential tools for staying cool in the summer—no batteries or electricity required!
Your handmade fan will not only be a one-of-a-kind souvenir, but also an eco-friendly way to beat the heat during your trip.
In fact, during the Edo period, it’s almost certain that famous ukiyo-e artists like Hokusai, Utamaro, and Sharaku also used uchiwa fans in daily life.
2: Wagashi Making Class – Cool, Hands-On, and Fire-Free
Traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) are often shaped to reflect the season. In this hands-on class, you’ll use pre-prepared ingredients like anko (sweet red bean paste) to shape seasonal designs such as watermelons and kuzu-mochi (arrowroot jelly). No heat or cooking is involved—just creativity in a comfortably cool room.
3: Geisha Banquet Experience – Cool Elegance with Seasonal Flavors
Held in the air-conditioned rooms of historic venues such as Ryotei Yukimoto and the renowned eel restaurant Shimakin, our geisha banquets offer a truly refined way to enjoy summer in Japan. Seasonal seafood, vegetables, and fruit are artfully presented, while geisha perform graceful summer dances using uchiwa fans—a delight for both the eyes and the soul.
At Shimakin, you’ll be served expertly prepared eel dishes that are especially well-suited to summer, making it the perfect way to combat seasonal fatigue.
In Japanese culinary tradition, it is customary to eat eel on Doyo no Ushi no Hi—the Midsummer Day of the Ox—as a way to restore energy during the hottest days of the year. In 2025, Doyo no Ushi no Hi falls on July 19 and July 31.
4: Hokan (Male Geisha) Performance – Rare Summer Entertainment
We highly recommend combining geisha with Hokan, the traditional male entertainers of Edo-era Japan. These performers bring humor and charm to any banquet, and their playful interactions with the geisha add depth and authenticity. Their attire also reflects the season—with cool, elegant summer kimono that are a joy to behold.
July Travel Tip: Indoor Culture Is Not a Compromise—It’s a Highlight
Choosing indoor activities isn’t just a way to avoid the heat—it’s one of the most rewarding parts of your Japan trip.
Our cultural experiences consistently receive an average customer satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5, and among all activities in Japan, the correlation between “very satisfied travel” and “traditional cultural experience” is 0.82—the highest of any category.
Source: Japan Tourism Agency
In other words: you’re not giving something up—you’re gaining something uniquely special.
Final Thought
If you’re visiting Japan in July, we urge you to enjoy the summer festivals safely from a distance and spend most of your time indoors. Among all your options, traditional cultural experiences offer not only safety and comfort, but unforgettable enrichment and joy.
When it comes to Japan in July, this might just be the perfect choice.
What do you think?
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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