20 Thrilling Things To Do In Japan In July 2024

nning a visit to Japan in July? Here are fun things to do in Japan in July that you cannot miss out on!

Feel the summer pulse of Japan: Dive into vibrant festivals, dazzling fireworks, and serene mountain escapes.

From sun-kissed beaches to ancient temples adorned with Tanabata wishes, July paints Japan in a kaleidoscope of experiences. Let's explore the magic of a Japanese summer.

What To Do In Japan In July

Celebrate Gion Matsuri in Kyoto

Being one of the most renowned festivals in Japan, the Kyoto Gion Festival is colorful, fun, and in a word, full of amusement.

It is a traditional festival that has been organized for over 1,000 years in Yasaka Shrine, which is situated in the Gion area of Kyoto.

The celebration features several events that take place throughout the entire month of July.

Although there are several parades during the whole month, the main attraction of the feast is the large procession of floats called Yamaboko Junko that occurs on 17th and 24th of July.

On the 17^th July, the parade is usually held between 9:00 and 13:00, and on the 24th of July, from 9:30 to 11:50.

Starting from Shijo-Karasuma (on 17th) and from Karasuma-Oike (on 24th), the procession follows a three-kilometer long route along the Shijo, Kawaramachi, and Oike streets.

Some paid seating is available in front of the city hall that requires advance booking. So if you are interested to see the parade in a relaxed mood, you may purchase one beforehand from any online portal.

However, as the procession is being carried out for a long route, you will be able to find great viewpoints elsewhere without any trouble.

Anyway, along with the streets, there are many stalls selling different traditional festival food, including okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and yakitori.

Attend The Tanabata Festival to Make Your Wish Come True!

Tanabata Festival, also known as Star Festival, is a traditional event that celebrates the meeting of two lovers separated by the Milky Way.

Japanese legend has it that Orihime was a hard-working weaver who lived in the cosmos with her father.

After she married her husband, Hikoboshi, they fell in love so deeply and started to grow lazy and useless.

It made Orihime’s father furious; as a result, he sent them to live on the opposite sides of the Milky Way, yet allowing them to reunite on the seventh day of the seventh month every year.

And we Japanese call this day “Tanabata.”

Most of the cities celebrate this festival on 7th July, but some regions follow the lunar calendar and celebrate it on 7th August.

While you are staying in Tokyo, you have the opportunity to attend Hiratsuka's Tanabata, which is held on 7th July and is the biggest one in the Kanto region.

During the feast, Japanese people make wishes by writing on small pieces of paper and hanging them on a bamboo tree, hoping that the wish will come true.

Check out the Beaches at Izu Peninsula

There are several stunning beaches on the Japanese peninsula of Izu. One of the most well-liked beaches is Shimoda Beach, which is a terrific place to unwind during the summer. 

Along with offering a variety of water sports like parasailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, beaches make the ideal destination for summer holidays. Bathing in the ocean is a great way to relieve mental heat. 

Nothing would make your trip more complete than sampling the various marine cuisines that are available while you're there!

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Attend the Sumo Wrestling Match

Japan is known worldwide for its sumo wrestling. The Nagoya region of Japan has summer sumo festivities that draw tens of thousands of tourists. 

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Nagoya sees a huge influx of crowd who come to watch sumo matches spaced out over a two-week period. This is your chance to experience things you have only seen on television or in movies! 

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Simply put, there is no way to have fun while on vacation in Japan.

Go Hiking In Kamikochi

If you're not a beach person and love hiking then the greatest choice would therefore be to go hiking! 

In Japan, summer is the best time to go hiking, and many trails will be open for business all spring and summer.

Kamikochi in the Nagano Prefecture's Northern Japan Alps is one of the best places in Japan for hiking. 

It is highly advised for both novice and experienced hikers to visit Kamikochi because of its well-known for its gorgeous hiking paths with numerous breathtaking vantage spots.

Contact: +81 263-95-2433

Address: Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1516, Japan

Otaru Ushio Matsuri

Every year on the final Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of July, Otaru, a thriving trading port renowned for its canals and historical structures, hosts this event. 

Highlights include the "Ushio Furikomi" on the first day, in which participants parade through the streets performing the "ushio odori" dance, the "Ushio Nerikomi" on the second day, which is the main event and features teams from Otaru and outside the city competing in a recital contest, and the regatta and boat parade through Otaru Harbor on the final day.

In recent years, the first and concluding days of the festival have also featured fireworks displays.

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Watch Fireworks By The Sumida River

If you wonder what to do in Tokyo in July, plenty of things are actually available.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is one of them which is also the biggest firework display in Tokyo.

It is arranged on the last Saturday of July every year and takes place nearby the Sumida river in Asakusa.

With approximately 22,000 fireworks, the city’s sky lights up with various colors at night.

The best place to witness the fireworks is by the riverside, but as this show attracts around one million people, I suggest you claim your spot as early as possible before the show begins at nearly 7 p.m.

By the way, you will find lines of food stalls here, so don’t mind satisfying your tummy with some yummy cuisine.

Also, there are toilets available nearby the venue, which you can find out with the help of their website.

Go Crazy in Fuji Rock Festival

When the beat drops, bang your heads with the rhythm of bass thumps!

As a metalhead, I can’t resist attending a rock festival at any cost. So, if you are like me, this is where you can satisfy your musical thirst.

This event is named Fuji Rock Festival because the first feast in 1997 was held at the base of Mt. Fuji.

However, since 1999, it has been organized at the Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture.

It is a three-day event that usually takes place in late July.

Former performers include Red Hot Chilli Pepper, The Chemical Brothers, Kendrick Lamar, Major Lazer, Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, Coldplay, and many more legends.

Also, the crowd will be huge. For example, more than 100,000 people attended this event in 2005.

Celebrate Tenjin Matsuri

One of the renowned festivals in Japan in July is Tenjin Matsuri of Osaka. It’s even ranked as one of the top three festivals, along with Kanda Matsuri and Gion Matsuri.

This feast was started in the 10th century, and now it is arranged on July 24th and 25th every year.

The main celebration of this event is held on the second day (25th July), which includes a procession with fireworks on land, and on the river.

Tenmangu Shrine hosts this fiesta in honor of its principal deity Sugawara Michizane.

The event begins with a ceremony of inviting the deity out of the shrine and taking him through the city.

Various cheerful festivities are carried out to entertain him throughout this journey before taking him back to the shrine.

I will say, the lively atmosphere of this feast is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the summer days to the fullest.

So, if you are staying in Osaka in July, don’t forget to be a part of this occasion.

Join An Obon Festival

Obon is an annual Buddhist event celebrated in the memory of deceased ancestors of the local people.

It’s presumed that each year during Obon, the ancestors' spirits come back to the world to visit their relatives.

During this time, lanterns are hung in the front of houses in terms of guiding the spirits, graves are visited, Obon dances are performed, and food offerings are made at house fonts and temples.

And, at the end of the feast, floating lanterns are placed into the rivers, seas, and lakes in order to lead the spirits back to their world.

By the way, the customs vary from region to region, and you may see different types of celebrations in different places.

Although Obon isn’t a public holiday, many companies remain closed, and most people take the days off.

Obon is either 13th to 15th July (according to the solar calendar) or 13th to 15th August (according to the lunar calendar).

That’s why different regions celebrate it at different times, and in some cases, people end up celebrating both as they have relatives in various locations.

So, I will ask you to check out whether an Obon celebration is occurring nearby you or not in July.

Witness The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival

If you want to attend an interesting event in Japan in early July, then this is your way out.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa feast is celebrated from 1st to 15th July in Hakata, Fukuoka.

The fiesta is centered on the Kushida Jinja Shrine and is famous for floats racing.

In the race, seven neighborhoods of Hakata district compete in pushing decorated floats along a five-kilometer-long road through the city.

The floats don’t have wheels and are dragged across the streets. Water is being spread in front of the float to reduce friction between the float and the street's surface and cool down the participants.

From July 10th to 14th, these seven teams practice running to prepare themselves for the main event.

On July 15th, right after 1 a.m, all the teams line up behind the start line in front of Kushida Shrine.

The race begins at 4:59 a.m, and thousands of spectators gather around the five-kilometer long course to see it.

Observe The Shinjuku Eisa Festival

Shinjuku Eisa is celebrated towards the end of July. It is a popular mid-summer event that tourists and locals both enjoy.

Eisa is a traditional dance which originated in the Okinawa islands.

You will see traditional costumes, dance performances, and dramming during the feast.

I think it will be a super opportunity for you to witness our culture and learn different aspects of Japanese tradition.

Anyway, the event is organized around the east and west exits of  Shinjuku Station and continues from 12 noon to 8 p.m.

Here are a few places to go in July for a refreshing and overwhelming experience.

Plan A Trip to Okinawa to Embrace The Heat

Wanna capture some breathtaking instagrammable pictures?

Then you should head to Okinawa, which is undoubtedly one of the best beach destinations in Japan.

Each beach of Okinawa’s island is famous for its white sand and aqua water.

When you take a picture with the sea at the backdrop, it will look like straight out of a model photoshoot.

You may also try snorkeling and diving. The moment you will dive into the sea, the coral reefs and colorful tropical fish will greet you.

You will feel more than alive swimming with these beautiful sea creatures.

The remote islands like Ishigaki and Miyako are famous as diving spots, so you can go there to enjoy such summer activities.

Aside from the beaches, Okinawa has plenty of other things to offer.

You can visit the Churaumi Aquarium at the Ocean Expo Park, which is the biggest aquarium in Japan.

Another highlight of Okinawa is Gyokusendo Cave, which has 300,000 years old limestone spreading around 5 km.

Enjoy The Charm of Hokkaido

Hokkaido is known for its heavy snowfall and long winters, but summer offers relief from the snow and sun!

So, if you want to escape the heat, Hokkaido is ready to welcome you with its cool breeze in July.

Especially the countryside of Hokkaido comes to life with green forests, lush fields, and vibrant flower displays.

And in search of the most famous flower manifest, you have to go to the lavender fields in Furano.

In July, several types of lavender flourished, creating a rainbow of color.

The moment you enter this space, you will question yourself whether it’s real or you are just dreaming!

If you ever wonder whether a painting can come to life, you are going to experience such an impression here.

Just north of Furano, a small town called Biei also holds a similar outlook in July.

This town’s hills become a blanket of color, with different types of flowers, trees, and crop fields.

There are two famous viewing points: Panorama Road and Patchwork Road.

On Panorama Road, you may visit two sites which are Shikisai Hill and Kanno Farm, to see various blooms, including lavender.

Now, what if you are not a big fan of flower displays and looking for something else.

In that case, Hokkaido has other popular things that I didn’t reveal yet!

Yes, such as Rishiri and Rebun islands.

Just imagine yourself in a place with coastal views and landscapes with green mountains, that’s what represents these two islands.

In short, if you want to experience something phenomenal, Hokkaido is one of the must-see places in Japan.

Experience The Beauty of Hachijojima Island

Although there are several places to visit in Japan in July, Hachijojima island is one of my favorites.

This remote island is an example of a subtropical paradise located 286 km away from Tokyo’s center area.

You can get there by a large ferry or airplane.

Even if you don’t like the sunny days, you are going to fall in love with the mixture of cool ocean breeze and the sweet sunshine.

I recommend you plan at least two days' visit to this place to enjoy its beauty fully, because this island is a perfect destination for Japanese summer activities like hiking, diving, and surfing.

And, don’t worry about any inconvenience as there are several Japanese hotels & ryokans and hot spring resorts here to accommodate visitors and tourists.

When it comes to talking about food, you will find some unique Japanese cuisine with wonderful flavors, such as shimazushi, kusaya, and various dishes that have local plant ashibata.

Check Out Hakuba Village

With green mountains, serene lakes, and eye-catching flower displays, Hakuba is one of the most beautiful villages in Japan.

This town is surrounded by Nagano city (eastward), the Tateyama Kurobe Dam area (southward), and the sea of Japan (northward).

As Hakuba is a famous summer vacation area, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like rafting, shower climbing, mountain bike, paragliding, and hiking in July.

Other day activities include visiting snow monkeys, kimono experiences, traditional cooking classes, a tour to Matsumoto castle, watching Taiko drumming, and many more.

Get Your Summer Retreat in Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a resort town surrounded by mountains near Nagano. It is especially popular for relaxing summer treats.

Thanks to the town’s elevation, the air is chilly even in the hot months of July and August.

The Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond are adorned with a breathtaking view during July.

Another attraction of this village is Karuizawa Kogen Church. A highlighted facility of this church is gospel meetings and candlelight service, which are open for everyone.

Wonder Around The Famous Shrines & Gardens in Tokyo

While talking about things to do in Tokyo in July, there are plenty of shrines and parks to visit.

Surprisingly, even though Tokyo is a busy and populous city, it has a shrine that is surrounded by a large forest.

I know that it’s shocking because it’s really hard to find a forest in the capital city of any country.

Yes, you should expect the unexpected when you are in our beloved Japan.

Anyway, I was talking about Meiji Jingu, which is a grand Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest in the heart of Tokyo.

Besides this, you may also visit other temples and shrines such as Senso-ji Temple (in Asakusa), Toshogu-jinja Shrine (in Ueno), Kanda Myojin Shrine (in Kanda), Yushima Seido Temple (in Akihabara), Zojo-ji Temple (in Hamamatsucho), etc.

Now come to Tokyo’s park.

One of the most beautiful scenic gardens in Tokyo is Rikugien. It is a great example of an Edo Period-style park that features a large pond circled by man made hills and forest.

Other gardens that are equally appealing are Koishikawa Korakuen, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Ueno Park, and Yoyogi Park.

Explore The Kyoto’s Treasure

Kyoto presents a blissful beauty with its classical temples and historical gardens.

Around 20% of Japan’s national treasures and 14% of cultural properties exist in Kyoto.

Seventeen locations have been declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Okay, one of my favorite shrines in Kyoto is Kiyomizu-dera, which stands on one of the peaks of the Higashiyama mountain range.

Another spectacular temple is Kinkaku-ji, also known as the “Temple of the Golden Pavilion.”

Well, this is not the end of the long list of Kyoto’s shrines and temples.

You have a handful of options to consider, from Yasaka Shrine, Ryoanji Temple and rock garden, Ginkakuji, Toji Temple, Kamigamo Jinja, Tofukuji Temple, and so on.

Try Shaved Ice In Japan In July

When the shiny sun is bothering you, you need to cool down!

Shaved Ice or Kakigori is a popular treat that you should try at least once.

The ice is flavored with syrup, topped with fresh fruits and condensed milk, and shaved finely in a different form.

Regardless of your preference, you will find your desired ones as they come with every type of flavor like strawberry, cola, lemon, green tea, orange, and many more.

To enjoy its taste, you may go to any traditional Japanese cafe or dessert shop.

How Is The Weather Like in Japan in July?

While going to Japan in July, visitors often wonder whether the weather will be favorable or not.

Well, there is no proper answer to this query, as depending on the area, things may vary.

However, one thing is sure that July is pretty hot and humid in Japan.

Another fact is that from the beginning of June to the end of July, the rainy season falls in Japan.

I think the following chart will help you a lot to get a quick idea about the temperature variance in different regions of Japan in July.

As you can see from above, the rain is normally more frequent in the southern areas of Japan and relatively lower in the northern zones.

When it comes to talking about Tokyo, the weather is gently hot and humid compared to some other Japanese cities, and you may expect a few rainy days (typically between the 2nd week of June till the 3rd week of July).

Now you may question, is July a good time to go to Japan?

Well, don’t worry, as Japan’s rainy season doesn’t mean it will rain every day. Hence, you can enjoy your vacation thoroughly.

However, as it is obvious that sometimes it will rain, I think you should come here fully prepared.

Therefore, check out the next segment, which will be helpful in this regard.

What to Pack for Japan in July?

For the hot and sunny days, you will need-

1. Light cotton shirts, light pants, short pants, summer dresses, short skirts.
2. Open sandals and comfortable shoes.
3. Sunglasses, hats, wet wipes, sunscreen.
4. An umbrella to avoid the sunray.

Be prepared for rainy days with-

1. Raincoat or umbrella.
2. Rainboot.
3. Waterproof backpack.

For the evening when the weather might get a little cooler-

1. Long-sleeved shirts or tops.
2. Long pants or dresses.
3. Comfy shoes and socks.

Other necessary things include-

1. Travel documents.
2. Toothbrush and other skincare products.
3. Mobile charger, power bank, other tech gadgets like camera, etc.
4. Swimsuit (in case you will go to a beach).
5. Hiking boots (if you wanna go hiking).
6. Mini first aid kit.

Costs & Crowds In Japan In July

The typical hot weather of July in Japan makes it a low season for international travelers in most of its locations, except Okinawa and Hokkaido.

Local Japanese and foreign visitors head to Okinawa to enjoy swimming in the sea and Hokkaido to escape the heat.

Therefore, it will be wise if you book your accommodation in Okinawa and Hokkaido in advance.

Also, expect a high season price especially in the beach resorts of Okinawa.

From late July, Japanese schools have summer vacation for several weeks.

That’s why popular amusement parks, beaches, and other attractive places get crowded with young people and families.

And, while talking about Tokyo, this city has so much to offer in every season that you will see the crowd all year round.

But, don’t worry, the crowd is not too much, and you will surely enjoy each and every moment of your Japan trip in July.

Alright, I have nothing more to add to today’s writing.

So, let’s move to the conclusion.

Conclusion

Now that you have a vast knowledge about all the exciting things to do in Japan in July, are you ready to feel the thrill?

Then, what are you waiting for? Just pack your bag quickly and come to our beautiful country without any delay.

We Japanese are always prepared to welcome you and make your trip more fun and exciting than ever.