Tokyo in August is hot and wet, with high levels of humidity and a 1 in 3 chance of showers. So, it doesn't rain every day. There's a little less rain than in July and much less than in September/October when the strongest typhoons usually occur. There are of course cost benefits to traveling outside of the peak tourist season.
There is plenty to do for those visiting Tokyo in August, including Street Go Karting, enjoying the Shibuya Crossing and strolling around the vibrant Shibuya district in the evening, checking out the Ghibli Museum, and attending one of the many festivals, including the beautiful Kiyose Sunflower Festival.
Tokyo's Weather and Climate in August
Temperatures: Tokyo's temperatures in August are warm to hot at around 24–31°C (74–88°F), while the daytime high feels closer to 40°C (104°F) due to humidity. This means it can feel very hot outdoors, and it's important to bear this in mind during your travel planning.
Rain: Tokyo sees around 15 cm (6 inches) of rain in August on average, which is moderate, making it quite a wet time of year to visit with 9 rainy days on average throughout the month. As a result, humidity is relatively high around the 74% mark. There is usually one typhoon in August, lasting several days, but not a strong one.
Sunshine: Tokyo in August is a mix of sunshine and cloud, depending on the day. There are around 6 hours of sunshine per day, so it's a real mix.
Japan Weather in August Summary Table
| Averages | Description | |
| Temperature Range | 24–31°C (75–88°F) | Warm–Hot |
| Rainfall | 15 cm (6"), 9 days | Moderate, wet |
| Humidity | 74% | Humid |
| High Feels Like | 40°C (104°F) | Very hot |
| Sunshine | 6 hours | sunny with cloudy conditions at times |
Is August a Good Time to Visit Tokyo?
August could be a good time for you to visit Tokyo if you can cope with the heat and rain through some smart preparation. Though August is not a good month weatherwise, there are festivals to enjoy and many inside attractions to keep you out of the sun/rain. Costs are also cheaper as there is less demand for hotels and flights.
Advantages to Visit Tokyo in August
August has lots of things happening in Tokyo, with Kiyosa Sunflower Festival, the Sumida River Toro Nagashi (or lantern-floating ceremony), as well as the Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival. August is not Japan's high season for tourism, making it a great time of year to experience Japan and Tokyo with fewer crowds compared to spring and fall.
The Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival draws around a million people every year; it is one of Tokyo's best fireworks displays. You can see it from the Meiji Jingu Gaien. Dates for 2025 are yet to be confirmed, but the festival is usually held in early August.
On Toro Nagashi, inside Tokyo's Sumida Park, lanterns are released from Shinsui Terrace near Azumabashi Bridge. People traditionally make wishes as they float their paper lanterns out, and everybody is allowed to participate. The date for 2025 is yet to be confirmed, but let our team know if you're interested in visiting Tokyo for this date and we can arrange your trip around it.
August is also when the Kiyosa Sunflower Festival is held, which you can read more about further down.
Disadvantages: For those visiting Tokyo in August, the only disadvantage would be that you need to prepare a little more for the weather. You'll need to make sure you're okay with traveling in very hot weather, with high temperatures and high humidity.
Our recommendations: This means it's definitely worth considering Japan as a destination for August, particularly Tokyo and also Mount Fuji, which is wonderful to climb in August with lower temperatures as a result of its altitude.
We also recommend preparing a poncho as well as an umbrella for showers and making sure your schedule is flexible, with indoor activities to retreat to during the hottest parts of the day and the occasional shower.
Top Places and Activities in Tokyo in August
If you are considering traveling to Tokyo in August, we have a few great recommendations that are good to do during this time of year. Read on to find out more.
1. Enjoy the Ghibli Museum
Fun for all ages and regardless of whether or not you are a Studio Ghibli fan, the Ghibli Museum is full of interactive displays, videos, exhibits, and a great insight into Japanese culture. Temporary exhibitions and film showings make every visit different and worthwhile.
With a wonderful café and a shop, it also makes a good place to take a break, have a drink, and rest your feet. The only thing to note is that you need to get a timed ticket in advance, which Asia Highlights can help you arrange. Tickets are available a month in advance, and there is high demand.
Other museums that are worth visiting are the Tokyo National Museum, with a great selection of Japanese and regional art, the innovative teamLab Planets exhibition, and the Yayoi Kusama Museum. Having a museum on your itinerary for a rainy or especially hot day is a good idea.
3. Spend the Evening in Shibuya, Marvel at the World-Famous Shibuya Crossing
After the sun goes down (and the temperature drops a little) we suggest visiting Shibuya, one of Tokyo's busiest and most vibrant districts. This is where you'll find the famous Shibuya Crossing, where millions of people cross every day.
Other activities in the district include bar-hopping, huge 24-hour souvenir shops, heading up Shibuya Sky for a view over the city's evening lights, checking out one of Tokyo's famous love hotels or themed hotels, and of course, have an amazing, authentic dinner at one of Shibuya's hidden spots.
3. Climb Mt Fuji
The period from late July to late August is the best time to climb Mt. Fuji, as the weather is mild and the summit is free of snow. If you plan to climb Mt. Fuji, this is definitely the best time to do so.
4. Race around Tokyo's Streets in a Go Kart
One of the more popular activities in Tokyo is street go-karting, in custom-made karts that look just like you are in a video game, complete with Bluetooth speakers so you can play your favorite music.
This is a great activity to do in August, on a clear and dry day, as you can explore much of the city of Tokyo without having to walk around or worry about transport. You will need a driver's license, either Japanese, or an International Driving Permit.
There are many providers for go-karting, and you can go in a private group with a guide, or as part of a larger group. Ensure you book ahead of time, because this is definitely one of Tokyo's more popular activities.
What to Wear in Tokyo in August
Tokyo is very hot and humid in August, and it's important to dress appropriately to avoid overheating. We recommend bringing loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics, like cotton and linen. Summer dresses, t-shirts, and short-sleeved shirts paired with shorts are a good idea to pack.
Hand-held fans are popular in Tokyo, and worth packing or purchasing while you are there. We also suggest packing sunscreen, a hat or cap, as well as sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Just in case you happen to catch a shower while exploring outside, we suggest packing an umbrella, a poncho, and wearing waterproof shoes, or shoes you don't mind getting wet, like hiking sandals or something similar that would dry quickly so you can keep exploring!
Tokyo in August FAQs
Is August in a High or Low Travel Season?
International tourism peaks in Tokyo between March and May and October and mid-December, meaning August is a relatively low season for international tourism. There can be more domestic tourists around due to school holidays.
Is It Expensive to Visit Tokyo in August?
While Japan, and certainly Tokyo, are not cheap travel destinations, due to the lower influx of international tourists, you will find less expensive international flights and accommodation in August. You will also find it easier to find availability for accommodation and trains within Japan in this month.
What are the Best Places to Stay in August?
Anywhere in Tokyo is good to stay in August, but you may prefer Shinjuku to be near the fireworks and the popular indoor shopping area. For those who are also looking to head into the mountains to beat the heat and climb Mount Fuji or other nearby mountains, we can recommend spending a night in the countryside near Mount Fuji, too.
Recommended Tours for Tokyo in August
August is a good time of year for most of the itineraries on our website. These trips can also be customized or even altered slightly to fit your needs and requests, as well as to include other things you may want to see or do during your time in Tokyo and Japan.
For other questions or if you'd like to plan a completely different Tokyo or Japan trip, contact us.
More on Weather and Seasonal Travel in Tokyo
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
