f you're planning a trip to Japan this June then here are fun things to do in Japan in June that you must definitely add to your Japan itinerary! Check it out!
Having navigated Japan's seasonal tapestry for years, June holds a special place in my heart.
Let me paint you a picture: hydrangeas blushing through rainy whispers, Mount Fuji cloaked in emerald robes, and the vibrant pulse of summer festivals.
Dive into Okinawa's coral kingdoms, savor chilled ramen beneath neon skies, or conquer Hokkaido's untamed landscapes. Trust me, June's Japan is a kaleidoscope waiting to be explored.
So pack your raincoat, sunscreen, and sense of wonder. June's Japan awaits, whispering secrets in the rustling bamboo groves.
What To Do In Japan in June?
Admire The Elegant Hydrangea Flower
Ajisai (Hydrangea) is a symbol of the rainy season in Japan.
In order to celebrate the beauty of this flower, numerous events take place in Japan in June.
One of the best places to see the adorable hydrangea is Hakone, situated in the southwestern part of Kanagawa.
Now, imagine yourself taking instagram-able photos in this place, and suddenly it starts to rain.
As Hakone is renowned for its hot spring resorts, you can soak yourself in one and enjoy the view of rain pouring outside.
Even you have the opportunity to catch a great view of Mount Fuji from anywhere in the city as Hakone is located in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park.
But, the actual beauty of this town is amplified when the hydrangea blossoms flourish in their pompom form in different colors.
One of the best ways to see thousands of bright hydrangeas is by riding the Hakone Tozan Line which provides picturesque views all year round.
Apart from the flowers, you will also be able to see lush forests and clear mountains in mid-June.
It’s because various festivals take place in Tokyo in June, such as the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, organized in the Bunkyo ward (near the Ueno area).
During this month, over 3,000 flowers spread through the Hakusan Shrine to Harusan Park.
You can also visit Tokyo Summerland (in Akiruno City), Showa Memorial Park (in Tachikawa City), and Sumida Park near Asakusa to admire this flower and enjoy Tokyo’s natural getaways.
Go To Fussa City To Watch The Fireflies Glowing in The Dark
Fussa Firefly Festival is an anticipated fireflies event that has been arranged for a half-decade.
This feast takes place at Fussa City, the western suburbs of Tokyo.
It features over 500 fireflies flying around and glowing up the surroundings in the dark, creating a dreamland kind of scenery.
If you are coming to Japan with your family and kids, I suggest not missing such an opportunity to show your children something ethereal like this.
Also, many stalls sell street food and drinks, where you can taste some cuisines of Japan.
Anyway, the festival is usually held in mid-June, yet the date varies according to the weather.
So, I recommend you check the date beforehand.
Attend Sanno Matsuri
Sanno Matsuri or Sanno Festival is one of the three greatest festivals in Tokyo from the Edo period, together with Kanda Festival and Fukagawa Festival.
It is held at Hie Shrine in June during the even-numbered years alternating with the Kanda Matsuri (occurs in odd-numbered years) in May.
The celebration continues for 11 days (usually from 7th to 17th June).
On the main day, the feast features a large parade with numbers of portable shrines (Mikoshis) and traditionally dressed-up people going through Tokyo’s central area.
Another event that takes place in Hie Shrine on 30th June is the Oharae-shiki.
After entering the shrine, you will see a large ring on the ground.
Walking through this ring is considered as an act of purification in which visitors are allowed to take part.
Hence, if you want, you may participate with other people.
I suggest you visit their official website for both of the event's latest updates.
Visit Hokkaido
Hokkaido is indeed one of the best cities in Japan to visit in June because neither the temperature of this city is too hot nor it rains a lot.
You can enjoy the cool breeze and sunny weather here.
Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, offers plenty of events and tourist attractions that you simply can’t afford to miss.
Here I am describing three things that Hokkaido has to offer you in June.
Yosakoi Soran Matsuri
One of the most energetic and powerful dance festivals in Japan in June is the Yosakoi Soran Festival, which has Soran Bushi folk music and traditional Yosakoi Dance.
About 300 teams with around 30,000 participants perform in this event.
This fiesta attracts nearly 2 million people every year, so you may guess how famous it is.
The dance teams consist of men and women of all ages, from students, homemakers to workers.
On each day of the event, different teams perform all over Sapporo from afternoon to evening.
They dance with full energy and put a lot of effort into it. They keep smiling throughout the performance and are always ready to pose for the photographs.
So, don’t forget to capture these precious moments on your camera.
Anyway, the best teams are chosen to perform on the final day on stage in Odori Park, where the event is telecasted.
Now, as the event days may change from time to time, you should check their official site beforehand.
But, don’t worry, it occurs in June, so you have the opportunity to attend it anyway.
Odori Park:
Hokkaido Shrine Festival
Hokkaido Shrine Festival, also known as Sapporo Festival, is a traditional Shinto event arranged in mid-June for three days (usually 14th, 15th, and 16th June).
You will find special events and various stalls lined around Nakajima Park during the celebration.
On the last day, a large parade including portable shrines and hundreds of traditional dressed-up people starts from Hokkaido Jingu Shrine and then goes through the city center.
Nakajima Park:
Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
Rishiri & Rebun Islands
If you want a peaceful natural hideaway from the city’s crowd, Rishiri & Rebun islands are your ultimate way out.
The breathtaking vistas of these two islands near the northern tip of Hokkaido are something out of a fantasy movie.
Just imagine yourself somewhere with eye-catching coastal views, landscapes with wild and green mountains, wildflowers spreading all around, small fishing villages, and signs of less civilization.
This is what these two islands represent.
You will find hiking trails from easy to adventurous, adding a new experience to your Japan journey.
Also, there are many itineraries where you can enjoy cycling with your friends.
Add a BBQ party with the delicacies from the sea, and you will have the perfect island experience.
And, of course, if you plan a one-week trip to Hokkaido in June, all of the three mentioned activities will keep you entertained throughout the course.
Enjoy An Outdoor Activity Like Canyoning in Japan in June
I know that many people don’t prefer it, but if you are someone who likes to drench in the splash of water, canyoning will be a great choice for you.
It is a popular activity in Japan during the summer season, which is not only fun but also daring.
You can go for activities like water rafting, sliding, rock jumping, slacklining, and many more.
There are many canyoning tours operated in English now so that foreign visitors can safely enjoy both nature and activities.
Okutama is a mountainous area located on the westside of Tokyo, which offers several outdoor activities like hiking and canyoning.
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Visit The Okinawa Beaches
Another wonderful destination in June is Okinawa.
If you want to embrace the heat of summer with some cool beach breeze, then you must head to one of Okinawa’s beaches.
Okinawa tends to be extremely busy from late June to July, but if you choose early June, you can actually escape the huge storms of people.
Visit The Churaumi Aquarium at Ocean Expo Park in Okinawa
You have plenty of other options, like visiting Churaumi Aquarium at Ocean Expo Park.
The highlight of this aquarium is the Kuroshio Sea, which is a giant fish tank holding 7,500,000 liters of water with manta rays, whale sharks, and hundreds of other sea creatures swimming around freely.
Besides this, you can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the blue water of Okinawa’s beach or visit the Okinawa World that has a 300,000 years old limestone cave.
Check out The Cape Manza in Onna Village, Okinawa
Another spectacular spot is Cape Manza, which is nestled around Onna Village on the northern side of Okinawa's main island.
It is a 20m tall picturesque cliff facing the East China Sea that offers a panoramic view.
In short, Okinawa has so much that you can easily spend the whole June here in terms of exploring everything.
Try Unique Japanese Food Like Kakigori, Cold Ramen and more
There are so many foods in Japan that are particularly great to eat in the summer heat.
One of my personal favorites is Kakigori which you may recognize as shaved ice.
It is extremely famous in summer, and from children to grown-ups, everyone loves to eat it.
Another popular food is Hiyashi Chuka, a fresh, flavorful cold ramen with various toppings.
You can also try Rei-Shabu, Mizu Yokan (a dessert made of red bean paste), Yakitori (grilled skewed meat), and Nagashi somen (cold noodles that are pulled from bamboo slide).
Go To The Fuji Kawaguchiko Herb Festival at Oishi Park
One of the Fuji Five Lakes is Lake Kawaguchiko, which is the most accessible and famous one.
Several seasonal events take place around the lake throughout the whole year including, autumn leaves, cherry blossoms, and other flowers, attracting hundreds of tourists.
And, one of the most popular events is the Fuji Kawaguchiko Herb Festival that features lovely purple lavender flowers with the splendid view of Mount Fuji at the backdrop.
The festival is organized from mid-June to early July at Oishi Park nearby the lake, and you will find vendors selling local products, foods, and drinks.
Attend The Agata Festival
On the evening of June 5, Kyoto will host the Agata Festival. The festival, which lasts all night, is said to aid the residents in warding off evil. It includes a large parade and the bonten mawashi rite.
Participants in the rite wave a bonten, an oblong piece of wood with connected bits of paper, into the night. Catching a piece of paper is thought to bring good fortune and a strong charm that wards off evil.
Enshu Hamakita Hiryu Matsuri
The Enshu Hamakita Hiryu Matsuri festival, which celebrates the god of the Tenyu River in Hamamatsu City, is a celebration of fire, water, and sound. The celebration is a true spectacle, comprising a fire festival with a dragon's head that flies in the air, kite flying (known locally as Takoage), and Japanese drums performances known as Taiko.
Celebrate Aizen Festival
One of the three main summer festivals observed in Osaka is the Aizen Festival, which honours the famous Buddhist guardian god Aizen Myo-oh.
The event is a magnificent spectacle in and of itself, but it also has a fascinating history.
Actors, actresses, and prostitutes have venerated Aizen Myo-oh for charm and fame throughout Japan's history. Houkago, the Geisha procession, is so well-liked that thousands of residents show up to witness it.
How Is The Weather in Japan in June?
The average temperature in Japan in June varies from region to region.
Here I am presenting a chart that will help you gain knowledge about the country's overall weather condition throughout the month of June.
| City Name | Avg. Daily High (°C/ °F) | Avg. Daily Low (°C/ °F) | Rain | Avg. Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tokyo
|
25.7/78
|
19.1/66.5
|
11 days
|
73
|
|
Sapporo
|
21.5/71
|
13.1/55.5
|
6 days
|
72
|
|
Sendai
|
22.6/73
|
15.7/60.3
|
10 days
|
79
|
|
Osaka
|
27.9/82
|
20.1/68.1
|
11 days
|
68
|
|
Okinawa
|
29.4/85
|
24.4/76
|
10 days
|
80
|
|
Kyoto
|
27.8/82
|
18.3/65
|
11 days
|
79
|
|
Hiroshima
|
26.9/80
|
19.5/67
|
11 days
|
72
|
|
Fukuoka
|
27/81
|
20/68
|
12 days
|
75
|
|
Naha
|
29.6/85
|
25/77
|
10 days
|
83
|
As you can see, the weather is rather warm throughout the country, with slightly higher temperatures in Okinawa and the southern prefectures.
If you visit Tokyo in June, your vacation will be pleasant. It will be warm yet not too hot.
And I think it will be a perfect time for visiting temples, parks, gardens, and enjoying the open air.
Depending on exactly when you visit Japan in June, you may have to deal with the rainy season.
The rainy season in Japan begins in June and continues until mid-July.
In Okinawa, the rainy season starts from around early May, and in Tokyo, Kyoto, & Osaka from mid-June.
What To Pack for Japan in June
For women:
- Summer-appropriate dresses, light cotton tops, skirts.
- Comfy sandals, shoes (if possible, avoid high heels), socks.
- Innerwear.
- Sunglasses & hat.
- Wet wipes, sunscreen, lip balm, and other skincare items.
For men:
- Polo shirts, T-shirts & light cotton shirts.
- Long & short pants.
- Comfortable shoes, sandals, and socks.
- Innerwear.
- Sunglasses, caps, a small towel, skincare items.
Besides the mentioned things, don’t forget to pack a small backpack which is easy to carry around.
It will be helpful if your backpack is waterproof, or you may bring a plastic bag to keep your necessary items inside so that if it suddenly rains, your things will stay dry.
And of course, add a raincoat or umbrella and even rain boots to your list.
Other things that you should not forget to add are-
- Travel documents.
- Mobile charger.
- Power bank and other gadgets.
- Toothbrush and travel-sized hand sanitizers.
- Swimsuit (for beach day).
Travel Tips, Costs, & Crowds in Japan in June
June is a low travel season in several regions of Japan. That’s why many airlines, tour operators, and hotels offer great deals during this period.
However, the above statement doesn’t go with Okinawa & Hokkaido.
Foreign travelers and local Japanese people go to these two places, either to enjoy the heat (Okinawa) or to escape it (Hokkaido).
In late June, Okinawa’s peak tourist season starts as the rain tends to clear.
As a result, transportation and accommodation costs in Okinawa during this month are higher than most other times of the year.
In the other places of Japan, the humidity and heat are relatively high, yet it’s not a bad time to visit some urban areas like Shikoku, Honshu, and Kyushu.
But, make sure you have an umbrella or raincoat.
Also, I suggest planning your days wisely.
For example, spend time at museums, restaurants, and palaces in case it rains.
And, for other clear days, you may choose to travel to various outdoor tourist attractions and beaches that I already recommended to you.
Well, I think you are now fully prepared to explore Japan in June, including where to go, what to see, and what food items to taste.
So, It’s time to move to the closing part of today’s writing.
Conclusion
After going through all the distinct things to do in Japan in June, I hope you have no question remaining in your head regarding this topic.
Now it’s your turn to choose what to put on your list and what to ignore.
However, be assured that whatever you will end up doing, you won’t regret a bit of it at any cost.
Lastly, I hope for your well-being and bright smile.
Japan in June: FAQs
Is June a good time to travel to Japan?
Although June is the beginning of the rainy season in Japan, it usually doesn’t rain day after day. On clear days, the temperature is nice for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Therefore, June is still a good time to visit Japan for those who don’t mind a bit of rain. However, if you easily get annoyed by sudden pours, you may choose other seasons to come to Japan.
Is it worth going to Japan in June?
In June the days are clearer in Japan and overall it's nice weather for sightseeing. While the humidity and heat is just starting to rise in Japan in June, it’s still not too hot. But you may experience a little bit of rain in the month of June in Japan. The average temperatures in June in Japan is between 9 °C (66°F) to 25°C (77°F)
Is Japan Cold in June?
In Japan, June is just the start of summer so while it’s not intensely hot yet it’s not cold either. You may see a little bit of rain. But the sun will be out most of the time and it’ll be a pleasant weather for sightseeing.
