Weather in Japan in June: Great Events 2024!

With such fickle weather in Japan in June, is it still possible to enjoy the outdoors? Despite the conditions, many festivals and matsuri still occur throughout the country. If you’re traveling during this time of year, read on for some helpful information!

What is the weather in Japan like in June?

Japan’s location results in a wide range of exciting weather. It is affected by warm air from the South Pacific and cold air from Siberia. During winter, the colder air dominates, but warm air from the south begins to advance as the sun gets stronger.

When these two systems meet in Japan in June, they bring summer’s hot and humid weather. Even in early summer, temperatures can reach an average of 26 degrees Celsius in Hokkaido and 30 degrees further south! The rains also signal plum flowers to emerge. This is why the rainy season is called “tsuyu” (or “baiu”) in Japanese, which means “plum rain” in English. 

What’s Japan’s rainy season like?

If you’re visiting Japan, you should note that heavy rainfall starts suddenly in June, especially in the country’s southwestern part. Like sakura season, tsuyu hits this part of the country first. It then moves along the Alps, mainly affecting Honshu island’s northern coast.

Okinawa‘s rainy season starts getting wetter before the month even begins. Kyushu, Shikoku, and Kansai start experiencing tsuyu in the first week of June and northern Japan by the second week. For the first two weeks of the month, the entire country is usually in the middle of the rainy season. Even the occasional early typhoon is not unheard of! 

What are the pros and cons of traveling in June?

One of the biggest challenges when traveling around this time is avoiding bad weather. It moves slowly across the country, covering different areas at different times. You may see clear skies, not bring a raincoat or umbrella, and then get soaked when you arrive. But it’s also difficult to have them when you leave during a shower and find your destination sunny! 

The rising temperature also makes waterproof clothing quite uncomfortable. A breathable yukata can help ensure you are appropriately dressed to enter temples and cemeteries. A traditional Japanese fan also makes a great souvenir and is helpful in the heat! 

High humidity is another issue. It can become unbearable if you’re doing a lot of walking—especially if you’re wearing a raincoat! Humid conditions also cause more mist and clouds, ruining the perfect view. So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan to see Mt. Fuji, check the local forecasts carefully when you arrive!

But June is still a great time to visit Japan! It doesn’t rain every day during tsuyu. About 30 percent of days in the month are sunny, so it’s entirely possible to plan trips and take advantage of good weather. Places in the north, like Hokkaido and the Ogasawara Islands to the far south, have much lower precipitation.

Japanese Hydrangea (“ajisai” in Japanese) also bloom this time of year. If you don’t want to travel too far, visiting a nearby garden is a good alternative. In fact, hydrangeas are considered a symbol of tsuyu, so many temples plant them on the grounds. There are also many interesting and free outdoor festivals held during the month:

Are you looking for some great snacks while visiting Japan in June? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!

Kugayama Firefly Festival

Wet conditions are perfect for fireflies, which inhabit swampy areas. But as Tokyo grew, there were fewer places for them to live. Today, there are few areas where you can see fireflies within Tokyo city limits. Luckily, in early June, the city releases these creatures near the Kanda River, Tamagawa Aqueduct, and Kugayama Inari Shrine. So head to Kugayama station in Suginami Ward to witness this rare sight during the evening!

Hiroshima Toukasan Yukata Festival

Peace Boulevard is the site of numerous festivals in Hiroshima. From June 7^th to 9^th, hundreds of thousands will wear yukata for the first time this year. You can join this summer celebration at Enryu-ji Temple and receive a blessing from priests for the coming year.

Sanno Festival

From June 7^th to 17^th, the Sanno Matsuri will continue Edo tradition in Nagatacho, opposite the Imperial Palace. This extraordinary Shinto event was one of the few that could occur within the castle’s walls. On the first day, a music, costumes, and floats parade gathers at the Hie Shrine before traveling throughout Tokyo. Then, in mid-June, from the 13^th to the 15^th, Bon dancing is held near Tameike Sanno Station. This event only occurs every other year, so don’t miss it!                  

Toyako Manga Anime Festa 2024

If you’re a manga fan near Sapporo, Hokkaido, towards the end of the month, take a bus to Toyako Onsen. The usually quiet town will host thousands of fans at this open-air event on June 22^nd and 23^rd. Besides cosplay parades and contests, you can also view and buy products featuring your favorite characters. The festival takes place on the shores of Lake Toya, where a fireworks display will take place once the sun sets!

The weather in June in Japan features frequent downpours, high humidity, and rapidly increasing temperatures. But if you’re tired of indoor activities, there is still much to do outside the house. With a bit of planning and a positive outlook, the difficulties of traveling during this season can be overcome.

Why not embrace the challenges and make the most of early summer in Japan? Do you have any suggestions for Japanese destinations in the month of June? What about tips for clothing or travel? Feel free to share them below!