Typhoons usually hit Japan during the summer and fall, usually from May to October.
The Okinawa Islands and Kagoshima region in the south are usually hit hardest by typhoons. Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka also get strong winds and heavy rains when typhoons hit. Northern regions like Hokkaido tend to have fewer and weaker typhoons.
Typhoons bring heavy rains and strong winds that can cause transportation cancellations. However, you can still visit Japan during typhoon season if you're prepared for any possible disruptions during your travels.
Which Months Experience the Most Typhoons?
Japan's typhoon season typically runs from May to October. The strongest typhoons typically happen in August and September, with around 2–3 typhoons hitting Japan within these months.
In the southern areas like Okinawa, typhoons can occur 6–7 times a year, while northern regions like Hokkaido experience fewer typhoons. Places like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya usually face heavy rains and strong winds when typhoons pass through.
The Areas Experience the Most Typhoons in Japan
To show the range of typhoon activity across Japan from north to south, we have focused on four regions: Kyushu (including Okinawa, with most typhoons), Kinki (Kyoto, Osaka), Kanto (Tokyo), and Hokkaido (Sapporo, with least typhoons).
Recent Severe Typhoons in Japan Summary Table
| Okinawa, Kyushu | Kyoto, Kinki | Tokyo, Kanto | Sapporo, Hokkaido | |
| May | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| June | ||||
| July | 4 | |||
| August | 5 | |||
| September | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| October | 1 | 1 |
The table covers Category 2+ typhoons of over 157 kph (98 mph) from 2019 to 2024.
It can be seen that Kyushu (the extreme south) gets the most severe typhoons with 15 in 6 years, about 2 or 3 per year, then Kinki with about 1 per year, then Kanto with about 1 in 2 years, and last Hokkaido with 1 in 6 years. So, the safest and least-affected part of Japan in typhoon season is Hokkaido, and there is less typhoon activity generally the further north you travel.
How Bad Are Japan's Typhoon Months?
When a typhoon hits, you can expect heavy rains and strong winds. Rainfall can range from 300 to 500 mm (11 to 20 inches), typically lasting from 3 days to half a day. This can lead to street flooding and high coastal tides.
Transportation may be disrupted, with Shinkansen, trains, buses, attractions, and shops closing. You could face delays at train stations or airports, so be prepared.
During a typhoon in Japan, it's best to stay indoors until the worst is over, which can last from a few hours to a couple of days. Your hotel will usually provide advance notice.
It's a good idea to have snacks and drinks on hand and stay cautious. Typhoons tend to pass quickly, with minor impacts like temporary power outages being the main concern.
What is the Weather during Japan's Typhoon Months
Read on to see the average typhoon expectations, rainfall, heat, humidity, and sunshine on a month-by-month basis.
Tokyo, Kanto Typhoon Season Summary (Averages)
| Typhoons | Rainfall | Heat | Humidity | Sunshine per day) | |
| May | 0.0 | Moderate | Mild | Comfortable | 6 hours |
| June | 0.2 | High | Warm | Muggy | 4 hours |
| July | 0.4 | Moderate | Hot | Oppressive | 5 hours |
| August | 0.8 | Moderate | Hot | Oppressive | 6 hours |
| September | 1.2 | High | Warm | Muggy | 4 hours |
| October | 0.7 | High | Mild | Comfortable | 4 hours |
Kyoto/Osaka, Kinki Typhoon Season Summary (Averages)
| Typhoons on Average | Rainfall | Heat | Humidity | Sunshine (per day) | |
| May | 0.1 | Moderate | Mild | Comfortable | 6 hours |
| June | 0.3 | High | Warm | Muggy | 5 hours |
| July | 0.6 | High | Hot | Muggy | 5 hours |
| August | 0.7 | Moderate | Hot | Muggy | 6 hours> |
| September | 1.1 | High | Warm | Muggy | 5 hours |
| October | 0.7 | Moderate | Mild | Comfortable | 5 hours |
Sapporo, Hokkaido Typhoon Season Summary (Averages)
| Typhoons | Rainfall | Heat | Humidity | Sunshine (per day) | |
| May | 0.0 | Low | Mild | Comfortable | 6 hours |
| June | 0.1 | Low | Mild | Comfortable | 6 hours |
| July | 0.2 | Moderate | Warm | Comfortable | 5 hours |
| August | 0.7 | Moderate | Warm | Comfortable | 5 hours |
| September | 0.7 | Moderate | Mild | Comfortable | 6 hours |
| October | 0.2 | Moderate | Mild | Comfortable | 5 hours |
Can I Visit Japan during the Typhoon Season?
Yes, you can visit Japan during typhoon season and it's safe to travel. Most of the time, typhoons only occur for a few days. But they don't happen all the time. It all depends on your luck.
When a typhoon arrives, there are usually storms. You may not be able to travel between regions, or even go out for one or two days. You may need to stay in your hotel as shops and attractions are closed. Flights could be delayed or canceled, and Shinkansen trains may stop running. So you would need a flexible itinerary.
When a typhoon is forecasted to hit a specific city or region, trains and flights are often suspended. Due to past experiences, transport companies and hotels are usually flexible and can easily reschedule bookings.
If you plan to visit Japan's southern regions like Okinawa, it's advisable to adjust your travel dates, as these areas are more severely affected.
Which Areas Should Be Avoided When There Is a Typhoon in Japan?
In Japan, Okinawa Prefecture in the south of Kyushu region is most affected by typhoons, with an average of seven or eight per year. The next most affected regions are Kyushu (excluding Okinawa) and Shikoku in the south, which see around five storms per year.
When a typhoon occurs in Okinawa, all sea activities will be canceled. Okinawa faces relentless wind and rain daily. The scenery is disappointing — not even a glimpse of the bioluminescent sea creatures or a serene sunset.
Avoid hiking along the Kumamoto Kodo and Nakasendo if there is a typhoon forecasted.
Stay away from areas like shallow beaches, harbors, and river mouths. These areas are most susceptible to a sudden change in water levels.
Travel Tips for Visiting Japan during Typhoon Season
Typhoons can be unpredictable far in advance, so if you're traveling during Japan's typhoon season, prepare carefully in case a typhoon occurs during your visit.
1. Keep an eye on the weather forecast: Check the Japan Meteorological Agency website to find out when a typhoon will arrive so you can revise your schedule to suit. To stay safe, it's best to leave the airport and train station before the typhoon comes to prevent getting stuck there. If you travel with us, we'll monitor the weather and adjust your plans accordingly.
2. Keep a flexible itinerary: If you're in Japan during typhoon season, plan in some flexibility. Allowing a few extra days can reduce stress if you encounter a typhoon.
3. Prepare some food and drinks: Food stalls and restaurants may close even before the typhoon arrives. Last year in Tokyo, when we arrived at our hotel at 11 am and the typhoon had not yet hit, we found all the restaurants closed when we went out to find a place to eat.
4. Bring a poncho or a waterproof coat: While an umbrella will be fine for most of your time in Japan, sometimes the winds can be a little too strong for this. We would recommend bringing waterproof shoes and a waterproof coat or a poncho.
5. Choose some backup indoor options: Plan some indoor options into your schedule to ensure you have some fun things to do if you do happen to be there on a rainy day. Japan's cities have incredible museums to keep you busy!
6. Ask your hotel for help: If you are in a Japanese city where a typhoon is expected to hit, we recommend talking to your hotel reception for help on extending your stay and guidance on where to rebook your transportation for your next stop. Hotels are also able to help advise you on when not to go outside.
Planning Your Trip to Japan
Japan is an amazing destination, even during the typhoon season. For travel to Japan during this time, we recommend checking out some of our most popular itineraries, which are suitable for this time of the year.
Further Reading
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