Japan in June 2026: Weather, Travel Tips and Best Places to Visit

June is one of Japan’s most underrated travel seasons. While much of the country enters the rainy season, travellers who visit during this time are rewarded with lush green landscapes, colourful hydrangeas, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices than during the peak spring and summer months.

Whether you’re planning a city break in Tokyo, a cultural trip to Kyoto, or an outdoor adventure around Mt. Fuji, June offers unique seasonal experiences that can’t be enjoyed at any other time of year.

Is June a Good Time to Visit Japan?

Yes. June can be an excellent time to visit Japan, especially for travellers who prefer avoiding peak tourist crowds.

Although June is part of the rainy season (tsuyu) in many regions, it does not rain continuously every day. Visitors often enjoy a mix of cloudy, sunny, and rainy days. The rain also brings vibrant greenery and some of Japan’s most beautiful seasonal flowers into full bloom.

Pros of Visiting Japan in June

• Fewer tourists at major attractions
• Lower hotel prices than spring peak season
• Comfortable temperatures before midsummer heat
• Hydrangea season throughout Japan
• Fresh green landscapes and mountain scenery

Cons of Visiting Japan in June

• Increased chance of rain
• Humid weather in some regions
• Occasional cloudy views of Mt. Fuji

Weather in Japan in June

Temperatures vary by region, but most destinations experience mild to warm weather.

Hokkaido generally experiences the driest weather in Japan during June and is a great choice for travelers looking to avoid the rainy season.

Best Things to Do in Japan in June

1. Hydrangea Viewing

Hydrangea (Ajisai) is a symbol of the rainy season in Japan, and there are numbers of events across the country in June, featuring those adorable hydrangea flowers blooming colourfully.

Several hydrangea festivals are held in Tokyo in June including the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival which take place in Bunkyo ward (near Ueno area). Kamakura City is also famous for hydrangea flowers, and beautiful hydrangeas can be enjoyed with the historical buildings. Check out the attached links below for more details about hydrangea events in Tokyo!

▶ Best Spots for Hydrangeas Viewing in Tokyo

2. Sanno Matsuri

Sanno Festival or Sanno Matsuri (山王祭) is counted as one of Tokyo’s three greatest festivals from Edo period along with Kanda Festival and Fukagawa Festival. The festival is held at Hie Shrine in June in even numbered years which alternates with the Kanda Matsuri, which takes place in odd-numbered years. The celebration continues for 11 days, and on a main day the festival features a large procession with numbers of Mikoshi (portable shrines) and carriers in traditional costumes going on parade through the central area of Tokyo.

Official Website: https://www.tenkamatsuri.jp/

3. Matcha Desserts

From late spring to early summer is the season for matcha products in Japan, and numbers of venues across Japan holds matcha dessert buffets and afternoon teas during the season, offering a variety of quality and creative matcha desserts. Besides, a wide variety of matcha flavoured snacks are sold at stores, such as chocolate, cookie and ice cream.

Related articles:
▶ Best Matcha Afternoon Teas in Tokyo
▶ Best Matcha Sweets in Japan

4. Indoor Activities: Explore Japan’s Museums and Art Spaces

Rainy weather can occasionally interrupt outdoor sightseeing plans, making June an ideal time to discover Japan’s world-class museums and art destinations. Fortunately, the country offers an extraordinary variety of indoor cultural attractions.

Tokyo alone is home to cutting-edge digital art exhibitions, science museums, and world-renowned galleries. Kyoto’s museums provide insights into traditional Japanese culture, while contemporary art enthusiasts can explore innovative exhibitions throughout the country.

Check out the hottest indoor activities available in Tokyo!

5. Sapporo, Hokkaido

Hokkaido is one of the best destinations to travel in Japan during the rainy season. Because they don’t really have a rainy season in Hokkaido, and you can enjoy the cool, breezy and mostly sunny weather there in June. The capital city, Sapporo offers plenty of tourist attractions and seasonal events during summer!

More info ▶ Best Things to Do in Sapporo

-Yosakoi Soran Matsuri

The energetic and powerful dance festival featuring the traditional Yosakoi Dance and Soran Bushi folk music. Around 300 teams with 30,000 participants are performing for the event. It takes place in Sapporo City annually, attracting around 2 million viewers.

Official Website: https://www.yosakoi-soran.jp/

-Hokkaido Shrine Festival

Hokkaido Shrine Festival or also called Sapporo Festival (北海道神宮例祭 (札幌まつり)) is a traditional Shinto festival held in mid June for 3 days. During the festival, there will be special events and a lot of stalls lined around Nakajima Park. On the last day of the festival, a large parade sets off from Hokkaido Shrine then go through the city center with portable shrines and hundreds of people dressed in traditional costume.

Official Website: http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/festival/

Check out more great things to do in Hokkaido!

6. Okinawa

Another great destination in June Okinawa. The rainy season usually arrives in Okinawa about a month earlier than in Tokyo, and usually finishes in early-mid June. Okinawa gets extremely busy from July as it’s no.1 beach holiday destination in Japan, so if you wish to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather without crowds, June is the greatest month to travel Okinawa!

See the best highlights of Okinawa!

7. Lavender at Oishi Park and Lake Kawaguchiko

While the Fuji Kawaguchiko Herb Festival has ended, June remains one of the best times to visit Oishi Park. Lavender blooms along the lakeshore create one of Japan’s most iconic summer landscapes, with colorful flower fields set against Lake Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji. The best viewing period is typically late June to early July.

8. Watch Fireflies Illuminate Summer Nights

June marks the beginning of firefly season in many parts of Japan. Known as hotaru, fireflies hold a special place in Japanese culture and are often associated with the arrival of summer. Watching these tiny insects illuminate rivers, forests, and gardens after sunset is considered one of Japan’s most enchanting seasonal experiences.

Firefly viewing events are held throughout the country, ranging from urban parks to rural mountain villages. Many locations organize evening festivals that include food stalls, traditional performances, and guided walks to popular viewing areas. Popular viewing areas include Tokyo suburbs, Kyoto countryside, Fukuoka and Nagano.

9. Canyoning

If it’s raining outside, let’s go get wet! Canyoning is a popular activities during summer in the mountain areas in Japan, offering a plenty fun and adventurous activities such as water rafting, sliders, rock jumping, slack-lines and more! A lot of canyoning tours are now operated in English so that foreign visitors can also safely enjoy the nature and activities.

Surprisingly, canyoning can be enjoyed in Tokyo, too! Okutama is the mountainous area in the outskirts of Tokyo, offering unspoilt beautiful nature. From hiking to canyoning, various outdoor activities can be enjoyed in Okutama area. It’s one of the best day-trip destinations from Tokyo during summer!

See the link below for more information about canyoning in Okutama area!

10. Hoshitoge Rice Terraces

Terraced rice fields are one of the most authentic and spectacular sights you can capture in Japan. There are numbers of rice terraces across Japan, displaying the beautiful scenery in each season. Hoshitoge Rice Terraces or Hoshitoge no Tanada (星峠の棚田) in Niigata Prefecture is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Japan, and the breathtaking view of 200 rice terraces lined on the slope of the mountain attracts photographers from all over Japan.

The best season to see Hoshitoge Rice Terraces is in June since the terraces are filled with water displaying the beautiful view of water reflections, and there is a high possibility to see the sea of clouds over the rice fields in early morning.

*Note* Hoshitoge Rice Terraces are private properties and inside the rice fields are prohibited to enter. Please be respectful to locals 🙂

Map: http://bit.ly/2ZgNqjJ
Access: 20 mins drive/taxi from Matsudai Station (Hokuhoku Line)

Check out more beautiful rice field terraces in Japan!:

What to Pack for Japan in June

• Lightweight rain jacket
• Compact umbrella
• Comfortable waterproof shoes
• Breathable clothing
• Light sweater or jacket for evenings
• Portable power bank for long sightseeing days

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it rain every day in Japan in June?

No. June is part of the rainy season, but rain usually occurs intermittently rather than all day, every day.

Where can I avoid the rainy season in Japan?

Hokkaido experiences significantly less rainfall and is one of the best destinations during June.

Is June cheaper than cherry blossom season?

Generally, yes. Hotel prices and airfare are often lower than during peak spring travel periods.

Can I see Mt. Fuji in June?

Yes, although weather conditions can occasionally limit visibility. Early mornings typically offer the best chance of clear views.

What to Pack for Japan in June

• Lightweight rain jacket
• Compact umbrella
• Comfortable waterproof shoes
• Breathable clothing
• Light sweater or jacket for evenings
• Portable power bank for long sightseeing days

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it rain every day in Japan in June?

No. June is part of the rainy season, but rain usually occurs intermittently rather than all day, every day.

Where can I avoid the rainy season in Japan?

Hokkaido experiences significantly less rainfall and is one of the best destinations during June.

Is June cheaper than cherry blossom season?

Generally, yes. Hotel prices and airfare are often lower than during peak spring travel periods.

Can I see Mt. Fuji in June?

Yes, although weather conditions can occasionally limit visibility. Early mornings typically offer the best chance of clear views.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Japan in June

June may not be Japan’s most famous travel season, but it offers a unique combination of seasonal beauty, comfortable weather, and fewer crowds. From hydrangea-filled temples and lively festivals to lavender fields beneath Mt. Fuji, travellers willing to embrace occasional rain will discover a different and rewarding side of Japan.

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▼Check out the Travel Info in Japan in July!▼

How did you enjoy the list? After all, June is as great as other months in Japan, right?? If you are looking for more information about travelling in Japan in summer, here are some more interesting articles for you to check out 🙂