How to Plan a Japan Summer Trip

Japan is definitely an ideal destination for a family with children to spend a summer vacation, and it is also a popular destination for a son/daughter's birthday or graduation gift.

Summer (June to August) is the festival season in Japan with various festival celebrations and awesome firework shows. Though it's hot and humid in summer, Japan has lower costs and plenty of air-conditioned facilities offering urban/cultural experiences.

You could experience climbing magnificent Mount Fuji, explore an animation theme park or technology museum, do fun outdoor sports and in cool mountain areas, learn how to make sushi in a local home, feed lovely deer in Nara, and try on kimonos for family photos.

Do I Need a Visa to Go to Japan?

Celebrating festivals with locals

Japan restored its visa-waiver system from October 11th, 2022. If your country is on the Japan visa exemption list, like Australia, Canada, USA, UK and almost all European nations, you can visit Japan for 90 days (in most cases) without applying for a visa in advance.

What's the Weather Like in Summer in Japan?

Red traditional light pole in Kyoto

Summer in Japan is from June to August and the weather is hot and humid. The rainy season peaks from June to mid-July, but the rainfall only comes on around 12 days/month and rarely lasts a full day, so it wouldn't affect your journey much.

The average daily temperature range for summer is from 20–32°C (66–88°F), and the average rainfall is around 150–200 mm (6–8 inches) — high moderate.

Abundant indoor activities in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka's air-conditioned venues are unaffected by the hot weather conditions and moderate rainfall.

Summer is suitable for family-friendly outdoor sports and escaping the heat in mountain areas like Takayama and Karuizawa.

June is a relatively cooler month compared to July and August. We suggest you to come in June if you want to avoid heat and meet less travelers, but still have warm weather and moderate prices. Read more weather details about June, July and August>>>

Suggested reading: How Long Should You Spend in Japan>>>

China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.

Sharon has been very helpful since the… Sharon has been very helpful since the beginning coordinating our itinerary in order to accommodate everything we want to see, it been great working with her More May, Jul 2023

When I first book I was scared of what… When I first book I was scared of what to expect, but oh my God! What an amazing experience this has been, from Sharon to all the guides Shawn and Mr. Ho, such amazing people! Their work is excellent More Saul Velez, Jul 2023

Albee was very helpful and responsive… Albee was very helpful and responsive in helping me make plans for their 10 day Japanese tour. More Bhavini Patel, Jul 2023

Alisa was a perfect tour consultant Alisa responded to my numerous questions with efficiency and accuracy. She was constantly suggesting options to make the trip more enjoyable More Matha Goram, Jul 2023

I highly Recommend Asia Highlights For our first guide Jun, he was amazing. Very accommodating. Kept in good communication & kept us on time for our activities. Reached out to me the night before to confirm meet times and locations. Our driver for this time was also so kind & driver was always on time. For our second Guide , Ho. He went above and beyond. He stayed in great communication. Stayed later with us on one of the days because we were worried about riding the train back alone but wanted to visit at the shopping center a littler longer, so he stayed with us and made sure we got off on the right stop! During our time with him he took pictures of us and sent them to us! He was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. He was kind and patient with our large group. He made our trip easy & memorable. The driver we had for this timeframe was also kind & always on time! We felt a bond with both guides given to us! If you want an easy going, stress free trip book with “Asia Highlights”!!! More Jessalynn Flores, Jul 2023

Working to put together a custom trip… Working to put together a custom trip with Alissa has been a great experience More Marc, Jul 2023

Wonderful Service from Sharon! Sharon at Asia Highlights has been a HUGE help in planning our trip to Japan later this year. From her initial contact to finalization of the plan, she has been very responsive, professional, patient, and knowledgeable. She was able to quickly propose an amazing itinerary and helped us customize it for our interests. She also made many great recommendations and gave us tips for the trip. I wasn’t familiar with Asia Highlights before I reached out, but after Sharon’s wonderful service, I have full confidence in them. I can’t wait for the trip and I hope it’s as awesome as Sharon’s service!!! More Ali Tahir, Jul 2023

Wonderful trip We had a wonderful time in Japan with guides Moni and Kazuko and with Jan in Singapore. Will always remember this trip! More Happy Customer, Jun 2023

Just got to say Just got to say, Monica was great in every way! So sweet and helpful with planning, itineraries, answering questions… would love to meet her in person! Thank you Monica! More Teri, Jun 2023

Monica is fantastic Monica is fantastic. She understood our needs, was very responsive and planned a perfect vacation for us. Highly recommend. More Philip Sheldon, Jun 2023

Me and my son are traveling to Japan Me and my son are traveling to Japan. Albee is magnificent. Extremely efficient, helpful, trustworthy. I am very happy she is helping us with my son's dreaming trip. More Ana Letícia Urbanin, Jun 2023

A great way to plan a dream vacation Due to circumstances, we had to delay our trip to Japan so this review is only about the process of designing the trip. Albee was always available, responsive to our goals, and competent. Based on how involved he was with our family trip, we know we will be back next year and resuming the plan he built. Really impressed with the quality and extent of resources we found through Albee and KimKim. More KC, May 2023

Yeliz - Asia Highlights Yeliz was extremely helpful and patient during our Japan trip planning and answered all my various questions. Really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka! More Cyndie, May 2023

Sharon’s was very patient and helpful… Sharon’s was very patient and helpful when navigating me through the trip planning process. She helped me plan a very exciting and extravagant trip. More Jonny Abad, May 2023

Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!! Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More Lianne Stone, May 2023

11 days trip to Japan I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More LE, May 2023

Japan trip Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More Serene Storslett, May 2023

Quick, easy and detailed service Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary More Lynette Whittle, Apr 2023

Japan Tour Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets. The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs. More Madhu, Apr 2023

I organized a trip to Japan for my I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More Luisa, Apr 2023

5 Recommended Places to Visit in Japan in Summer

Here are some recommended destinations that offer a blend of cultural experiences, historical buildings, natural wonders, and family-friendly activities.

1) Tokyo: Modernity and Anime Center

Pokemon Center in Tokyo

Tokyo is a place where centuries-old history meets modernity. Undoubtedly it is Japan's must-visit city in any season, especially for first-timers, known for its food, temples, high-tech museums, anime theme parks, and proximity to Mount Fuji.

In summer, you could enjoy Tokyo's charming summer festivals, gorgeous fireworks, and go to climb nearby Mount Fuji (open only from July to early September).

Summer heat needn't be a big problem in Tokyo. We can arrange a rich array of indoor activities in air-conditioned places, like making sushi at a local home, visiting the Pokemon Center, and exploring the science museums.

Suggested reading: The Top 6 Day Trips from Tokyo>>>

2) Kyoto: Ancient Capital & Authentic Ryokans

Feed deer in Nara, Kyoto

Kyoto is the best city for getting to know traditional Japanese culture. It's a culturally-rich city famous for geishas, ryokans, tea ceremonies, cute deer, and more. A ryokan (traditional inn) is one of the top experiences you should not miss in Kyoto where you can sleep on a cozy tatami and sample high-class kaiseki (time-honored multi-course cuisine).

Arashiyama and Kamogawa River are good places to cool off near Kyoto. You can enjoy cool breezes in Arashiyama's bamboo forest or beat the summer heat by dipping your feet into the Kamogawa River.

We could arrange for you to have an afternoon tea with geishas, which would help you to have a deeper understanding of Japanese culture — that while avoiding the hottest sun in the afternoon.

Contact our travel advisors and we can arrange it for you.

3) Osaka: The Flourishing Port City & Universal Studios

Super Nintendo World

Osaka is Japan's second-largest city and a prosperous port city, famous for its authentic street food.

Osaka has the only Super Nintendo World theme park in Japan, which is located at Universal Studios. It's a great place for a family with kids: not only you can see the surreally wonderful game world, but also you can play interactive games in the motion-sensing facilities on the park.

To get away from the summer heat, you could head to Osaka's family-friendly and air-conditioned places. For example, see a great variety of marine life in Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and make bespoke cup noodles based on your preference in Cup Noodle Museum.

11-Day Traditional Japan Tour Osaka - Hiroshima - Kyoto - Tokyo

4) Karuizawa: Popular Summer Resort

Shiraito Waterfall in Karuizawa

If you want to find a place to escape the heat, then Karuizawa is a good choice. It's a small town not far from Tokyo, which is not so hot in summer because it is surrounded by mountains. John Lennon and his wife Yoko went there almost every year for their holidays.

It has stunning views with lush forests, clear waterfalls, rivers, and green mountains. We would like to enable you to get closer to nature by visiting a national park and doing some light hiking there. It's a summer outdoor activity that's suitable for nature lovers and especially families with kids.

5) Mount Fuji: Natural Symbol of Japan

Mount Fuji

Speaking of a natural symbol of Japan, the first thing that comes to mind is spectacular Mount Fuji. As the most iconic mountain in Japan, the only time when it is permitted to climb Mount Fuji is from July to early September. The best place to see Mount Fuji is in Lake Kawaguchi, which is close to Mt. Fuji and only two hours from Tokyo.

Climbing Mount Fuji might be challenging for beginners, but you can choose how high you want to climb. If you get to the top of the mountain, you'll see amazing scenery, particularly if you climb for a sunrise/sunset.

You enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to Asia Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).

Summer Itineraries in Japan: Best 3 Options

Here are three suggested summer itineraries that are well-organized and ideal for family holidays with three popular lengths of holidays (9, 14, and 17 days). We could arrange more hands-on fun activities for children such as sushi-making, ninja craft, and participating in a tea ceremony.

All the cities in the following itinerary are conveniently connected by Shinkansen bullet trains.

1) 9-Day Classic Route: Major Highlights of Japan and a Ryokan Experience

Try on kimonos with your family

• Tokyo – Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto – Osaka

This itinerary covers the main highlights of Japan: experience its old-vibe in Asakusa, visit the samurai museum in Tokyo, try on kimonos for a memorable family photo and participate in a classical tea ceremony in Kyoto, visit Mount Fuji or enjoy it from a great vantage point at Lake Kawaguchi, and sample street food in Osaka.

Here is a hand-picked itinerary of classics for you to consider:

• Days 1–3: Tokyo (make sushi, discover samurai, anime, and Disneyland)
• Days 4–5: Lake Kawaguchi (Mount Fuji, stay at a ryokan with an onsen)
• Days 6–8: Kyoto (geishas, Fushimi Inari Shrine, sample sake, and feed deer in Nara)
• Day 9: Osaka (Dotonbori district and Osaka Castle)

Suggested reading: The Top 5 Itineraries for One Week in Japan>>>

9-Day Japan Highlights Tour Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Osaka

2) 14-Day Private Family Route: Learning Through Fun

Our clients are having a good time

• Tokyo – Takayama – Hiroshima – Kyoto

With this itinerary, you could visit the major attractions of Japan's cities and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Experience anime elements and have a full view of the city at Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, enter a traditional folk village in Takayama, cherish peace at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, stay at a cozy ryokan, stroll through the bamboo groves in Kyoto, and have fun at Universal Studios in Osaka.

Here is the summary itinerary for you:

• Days 1–3: Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Market, Pokemon Center, and Akihabara)
• Days 4–5: Takayama (Hida Folk Village, sample sake and Hida beef)
• Days 6–7: Hiroshima and Miyajima (Peace Memorial Park and the ‘Floating Torii Gate')
• Days 8–11: Kyoto (geisha, ryokan, Nijo Castle, feed deer in Nara, and wander through the lush bamboo groves in Arashiyama)
• Days 12–14: Osaka (Cup Noodle Museum, Super Nintendo World, and Universal Studios)

Suggested reading: 2-Week Japan Itineraries for Family/Couple>>>

2-Week Japan Private Family Vacation Discover the diversity of Japan with your kids

3) 17-Day Summer Family Vacation: Hands-on Experiences and Outdoor Activities

Learning how to make sushi

• Tokyo – Kamakura – Kawaguchiko – Karuizawa – Nagoya – Kyoto – Osaka

To take a good break from work and school, you and your children could spend a wonderful summer trip with the following experiences: immerse yourself in a ninja experience in Tokyo, take a light hike close to nature in Karuizawa, and have fun in lovely Ghibli Park or full-of-technology Nagoya City Science Museum in Nagoya, have a geisha dinner and feed deer in Kyoto, and make cup noodles in Cup Noodle Museum and enjoy the Osaka Aquarium in Osaka.

Here is the itinerary for your inspiration:

• Days 1–4: Tokyo (sushi-making, ninja experience, MORI Building Digital Art Museum)
• Day 5: Kamakura (giant bronze Buddha and Hasedera Temple)
• Day 6: Lake Kawaguchi (Mount Fuji)
• Days 7–8 Karuizawa (national park and light hiking)
• Days 9–11: Nagoya (Ghibli Park, Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, and SCMAGLEV and Railway Park)
• Days 12–14: Kyoto (geisha, Gion District, Kinkakuji Temple, Nishiki Market, Arashiyama, and feed deer in Nara)
• Days 15–17: Osaka (Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Cup Noodle Museum, and Osaka Museum of Housing and Living)

Suggested reading: 3-Week Japan Itineraries: The 2 Smart Options>>>

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How to Avoid Crowds on a Summer Trip in Japan

Gion district in Kyoto

Japan's school summer holidays are usually in July and August. So, crowds are predicted then, especially in popular destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto.

To avoid crowds and hotter temperatures, the smarter choice is to travel in June if you have the flexibility to take time off when Japan's summer vacations haven't yet started.

We'd also help you avoid crowds as much as possible, planning a crowd-avoiding itinerary for you, choosing less-crowded times of the day and arranging off-the-beaten-track places. You can just tell us your preferences and requirements and our travel consultant will customize a tour for you.

How Much Does a Japan Summer Trip Cost?

Japan rivals Europe both in terms of facilities and service standards, which means that travel in Japan costs more than in China or in Southeast Asian countries.

US$ 350-500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a family of 3–5 people. This includes a private guide, private transport, a bespoke itinerary, tickets for attractions, and a hand-picked 4-star hotel. 

Suggested reading: How Much Is a Trip to Japan>>>