July is hot and humid in most of Japan. Days can feel very long, and nights stay warm. The season also brings summer festivals and fireworks, which take place in the evening. A July trip works well if you plan the day in two parts: a slow morning and an active evening. Build your plan around the heat, not against it.
Plan the day in two parts
Use the morning and the evening for walking. Use the middle of the day for rest, shade and indoor visits.
- Start early, before the heat builds.
- Go indoors from late morning until the late afternoon.
- Walk again after sunset, when the air is cooler.
- Keep the big sights for the morning.
Manage the heat
Heat and humidity can make even a short walk tiring. Heat illness is a real risk in July. Take it seriously.
- Drink water often, and carry a bottle.
- Use a sun umbrella or a hat, and keep to the shade.
- Carry a small towel or a cooling cloth.
- Stop and rest if you feel dizzy, sick or very tired.
- Ask for help at a station or a shop if you feel unwell.
Shops and convenience stores sell drinks, and they often have cold seats or shade inside. Use them as rest stops.
Check first: Check the heatstroke alerts on the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) site and the Ministry of the Environment heat information before you walk. If the alert is high, shorten the outdoor plan that day.
Festivals in July
Two major festivals take place in July. Both are known for their evening events, and both draw large crowds.
- Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the best known festivals in Japan. It has a long run of events through the month, with processions and floats.
- Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka is known for its boat procession on the river and its drums. It takes place in July, so check the official schedule.
Check the official festival site for the events and the schedule. Festival days can change, and some events need a ticket or a seat.
Summer fireworks
Many cities hold fireworks shows in July and August. These shows can draw very large crowds. The best way to watch is to pick a spot early, or to watch from a hotel or a building with a view.
Plan the trip home before the show ends. Trains and buses fill quickly after a fireworks night, and they run slower.
Tokyo in July
Tokyo has many summer events, and the nights are busy with food and shopping. Pick a district that suits you, such as the neighbourhoods near the Sumida River, or the nightlife areas. Keep the day indoors when the sun is strong.
Osaka in July
Osaka is hot and very social in summer. The Tenma area near Tenjinbashi-suji has a long shopping street and a shrine. The festival takes place on the river nearby, so the area is busy in late July.
For food, use Tabelog to find a place that suits your group. Book early for the evening, because the popular places fill fast on festival nights.
Plan the group
- Friends: plan one evening event, and leave a free night for rest.
- Families: choose a hotel with air conditioning and a bath, and keep the walks short.
- Everyone: carry water, a small towel, a charged phone and a paper map.
What to pack for a hot evening
Pack light, loose clothes. Bring a small fan or a hand fan. Keep a pair of sandals or light shoes for the walk back, and a plastic bag for a wet towel.
Bring a small first-aid kit with plasters and a basic remedy for stomach upset. Heat and new food can cause both. Keep a small pack of tissues, and a clean cloth for the face.
Carry cash and a transport card. Some stalls at festivals do not take cards, and a card with a low balance can stop a train gate.
What to do next
Use the planner to choose your July days, then read the city pages for the areas you want to see in Tokyo and Osaka.
