Japan in July: Hotter Than Your Ramen Bowl
July 13, 2025

Japan in July: Hotter Than Your Ramen Bowl

Seasonal
Festivals
Travel Tips
Summer
Weather

Japan in July: Hotter Than Your Ramen Bowl

If you're planning to visit Japan in July, congratulations: you're brave, bold, and about to sweat through every layer you own. But don’t worry, what July lacks in chill, it makes up for in fireworks, festivals, and full-on summer vibes.

Let’s Talk Weather: Welcome to the Steam Room

July kicks off with rainy season leftovers, then rapidly shifts into “walking sauna” territory. Average temps hover between 25–35°C (77–95°F), with humidity levels somewhere around “why do I feel like a dumpling?”

Pro tip: Don’t bother with jeans. Embrace linen. Embrace sweat. Embrace change.

What to Pack (Besides Patience)

  • A small towel – for mopping your brow and looking local.
  • Cooling wipes – miracle workers found in every conbini.
  • Portable fan – they’re USB-powered and very anime-core.
  • Lightweight clothes – leave the denim at home, seriously.
  • UV umbrella – half sunshade, half style statement.

Festivals You’ll Thank Yourself For Attending

July might be humid, but it’s also the season of celebration. Japan rolls out its matsuri (festivals) like nobody’s business:

  • Gion Matsuri (Kyoto): Think 1,000-year-old floats, elaborate rituals, and very sweaty crowds. Worth it.
  • Sumidagawa Fireworks (Tokyo): Pack your patience and a picnic mat. It’s the firework event of the year.
  • Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka): River parades, traditional costumes, and of course... more fireworks.

Need a Breather? Say Hello to Hokkaido

While mainland Japan steams, Hokkaido stays chill. July is prime time for lavender in Furano, where the weather is cooler, the scenery surreal, and the scent delightfully non-urban. Bonus: the ice cream here is unreal.

A Few Watch-Outs (Because I Like You)

  • Typhoons may sneak in late July. Always check forecasts.
  • Student summer break begins mid-July. Translation: more domestic travelers, longer queues.
  • AC shock is real. Trains are basically arctic research labs. Bring a shawl.

Final Thoughts: Come for the Chaos, Stay for the Kakigori

Is July the most comfortable month to visit Japan? No. But is it one of the most alive? Absolutely.

With the right gear and mindset (read: always be hydrating), you’ll experience a Japan that’s festive, fiery, and unforgettable. And if all else fails, there’s always shaved ice.