Japan in June: If you’re considering a trip to Japan, June is not the best time to visit.
The country is lush and green, but it is the start of the rainy season, known as tsuyu.
This usually lasts from early June to mid-July, but the exact timing varies depending on the region.
While recent years have seen a dramatic decrease in the amount of rain, it’s something to be aware of.
However, this also means fewer tourists.
And there are still a ton of things you can do as we will explore.
Overview of Japan in June
June is the beginning of summer in Japan.
It is a month with a lot of rainfall, and it is also known as the “month of water.”
The rainy season starts in June, and it sweeps upward through Japan.
The rainy season begins and ends earlier in the south and starts later and lasts longer in the north
Some days could be unpleasantly humid and hot, and you can easily spend a whole day with short sleeves and shorts.
That said, it is recommended to take a light jacket with you since the temperature might drop in the early morning or at night.
The weather will become much more humid in July and August though.
Regional Differences
When visiting Japan in June, it’s important to keep in mind that the rainy season affects different regions in different ways.
Here are some regional differences to keep in mind:
Northern Regions
In general, the northern regions of Japan, including Hokkaido and Tohoku, tend to experience the rainy season earlier and for a shorter duration than the southern regions.
However, this can vary from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning any outdoor activities.
Southern Regions
The southern regions of Japan, including Okinawa and Kyushu, tend to experience the rainy season later and for a longer duration than the northern regions.
This can make June a challenging time to visit these areas, as heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities.
That being said, each region of Japan has its own unique culture and attractions to offer, regardless of the weather.
Here are some highlights of each region:
| Region | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Natural beauty, including national parks and hot springs |
| Tohoku | Rich history and culture, including traditional festivals and samurai castles |
| Kanto | Vibrant cities like Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as iconic landmarks like Mount Fuji |
| Chubu | Stunning natural scenery, including the Japanese Alps and Lake Biwa |
| Kansai | Ancient temples and shrines, as well as modern cities like Osaka and Kyoto |
| Chugoku | Beautiful coastal scenery, including the famous Itsukushima Shrine |
| Shikoku | Spiritual sites like the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, as well as scenic hiking trails |
| Kyushu | Volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and unique cultural experiences like the Nagasaki Lantern Festival |
| Okinawa | Beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and a unique culture influenced by its history as a kingdom and a US military base |
No matter where you go in Japan, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Just be sure to plan ahead and check the weather forecast before you go!
Festivals and Events
June is a month filled with festivals and events in Japan.
Here are some of the most popular ones:
Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival
The Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival is held in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward and features over 10,000 hydrangea plants in full bloom.
The festival takes place in the beautiful Hakusan Shrine and visitors can enjoy the stunning display of colorful flowers while taking part in various cultural activities.
Fussa Firefly Festival
The Fussa Firefly Festival is a magical event that takes place in the Tama River in Tokyo.
Visitors can witness the mesmerizing sight of thousands of fireflies lighting up the night sky.
The festival also features food stalls, live music performances, and traditional Japanese games.
Sanno Matsuri
The Sanno Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s three biggest festivals and is held every two years in June.
The festival features a grand procession of over 300 people dressed in traditional costumes, carrying portable shrines and other decorations.
Visitors can witness the rich cultural heritage of Japan while enjoying traditional food and drinks.
Hokkaido Shrine Festival
The Hokkaido Shrine Festival is a popular event in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and is held to celebrate the arrival of summer.
The festival features various performances, including traditional dance and music, and visitors can enjoy delicious local food and drinks.
Yosakoi Soran Festival
The Yosakoi Soran Festival is a vibrant event that takes place in Hokkaido and features over 200 dance teams from all over Japan.
The festival showcases a unique style of dance that combines traditional Japanese dance with modern music and costumes.
Visitors can enjoy the energetic performances and join in the fun by dancing along with the teams.
Fukagawa Festival
The Fukagawa Festival is a historic event that takes place in Tokyo’s Koto Ward and is held to honor the local deity.
The festival features a grand procession of over 50 portable shrines and other decorations, and visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances.
Katsushika Shobu Matsuri
The Katsushika Shobu Matsuri is a traditional festival that takes place in Tokyo’s Katsushika Ward and is held to celebrate the arrival of summer.
The festival features a grand procession of over 20 portable shrines and other decorations, and visitors can enjoy traditional food and drinks while watching the colorful parade.
Fuji Kawaguchi-ko Herb Festival
The Fuji Kawaguchi-ko Herb Festival is an annual flower event held at the shore of Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi, Japan.
The festival features around 100,000 stalks of lavender grown along the lakeside area, with the main areas for viewing the flowers being Yagizaki Park and Oishi Park.
There are various events held on the weekends, and visitors can enjoy the rejuvenating combination of a view of Mt. Fuji and the scent of lavender.
The festival runs for roughly a month, starting in mid-June.
Flora and Fauna
June is a great time to witness the blooming of various flowers and plants in Japan.
The colors of summer peak early in the season, and June is the month to see them.
The rainy season brings with it a plethora of flowers that bloom during this time.
In northern Japan, for example, it’s a great time to see rare alpine flowers.
Here are some of the most popular flora and fauna to see in Japan in June.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas, also known as Ajisai in Japanese, are synonymous with the rainy season.
These flowers bloom in shades of blue, pink, and white and can be found in various parts of Japan.
Kamakura and Hakone are popular places to see these flowers.
The Ajisai Festival is held in Kamakura in mid-June, where you can see over 2,500 hydrangea plants in bloom.
Hakone also has a Hydrangea Festival in June, where you can see over 10,000 hydrangea plants in bloom.
Lotus
Lotus, also known as Hasu in Japanese, is a popular flower in Japan.
The lotus flower is considered a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and self-regeneration.
You can see these flowers blooming in ponds and lakes throughout Japan.
Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park is one of the most famous places to see lotus flowers in Tokyo.
The lotus flowers bloom from June to August, and you can see them in various colors such as pink, white, and yellow.
Cherry Blossom
Cherry Blossoms, also known as Sakura in Japanese, are the most famous flowers in Japan.
However, they typically bloom in March and April.
If you missed the cherry blossom season, don’t worry, as there are still some places where you can see cherry blossoms in June.
Hokkaido is one such place where you can see cherry blossoms in June.
The cherry blossoms in Hokkaido bloom later than the rest of Japan due to its cooler climate.
You can also see cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Castle in Aomori, which has a Cherry Blossom Festival in late May to early June.
Indoor Activities
When you’re in Japan in June, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy.
Here are some of the best options.
Museums
Japan is home to many world-class museums, and June is the perfect time to explore them.
Some of the most popular museums include the Tokyo National Museum, the Kyoto National Museum, and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo.
These museums offer a wide range of exhibits, from ancient artifacts to contemporary art.
Aquariums
If you’re looking for a unique indoor activity, consider visiting one of Japan’s many aquariums.
The Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa is one of the largest and most impressive aquariums in the world.
It features a massive tank that is home to whale sharks and manta rays, as well as many other exhibits.
Shopping Malls
Japan is known for its shopping, and there are plenty of indoor shopping malls to explore.
Some of the most popular malls include the Ginza Six in Tokyo, the Daimaru in Kyoto, and the Sapporo Factory in Hokkaido.
These malls offer a wide range of shops, from high-end boutiques to affordable fashion.
They are a great place to spend a rainy day.
Before You Go
While you can still have fun, June is not the best time to visit Japan.
The rainy days, which can continue into early July, and the early summer mean the weather will be against you.
If you still decide to visit in June, then head indoors for shopping, great food and indoor tourist attractions.
There will be fewer crowds and prices will be reasonable.
Enjoy!
