Ultimate Guide to Traveling to Japan in June
Plotting a Japan escape this June? Smart move. While tourists crowd in during spring and fall, June offers lighter queues and better hotel rates.
Plus, this month serves up some seriously cool festivals you won’t catch any other time of year.
Best Things to Do in June
Cherry blossoms might have waved goodbye, but summer festivals kick into high gear, ancient traditions take center stage, and mountain trails beckon with mild temperatures.
Here’s your guide to the most incredible activities that’ll make your June trip to Japan totally epic.
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1. Take a Mount Fuji Day Tour
Experience the magic of Mount Fuji through a perfectly curated day trip from Tokyo! Start at an Insta-worthy Lawson store, master the art of matcha-making, and capture stunning reflections at Lake Kawaguchi.
Soar high on the Panoramic Ropeway for jaw-dropping views, and discover the mystical springs of Oshino Hakkai.
This adventure perfectly blends modern photo spots, cultural experiences, and natural wonders, all while Mount Fuji stands majestically in the background.
2. TeamLabs Borderless in Tokyo
Fresh from its glow-up, this mind-bending digital playground in Azabudai Hills pushes art into the future.
Two brand-new installations – Bubble Universe and Megalith Crystal Formation – join returning favorites in this boundary-free museum.
No two visits are identical as projections dance across spaces, responding to your touch and movement.
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3. Hike the Japanese Alps
The Kamikochi-Yari-Hotaka Circuit leads bold hikers through Japan’s most dramatic peaks.
This trail connects the country’s third and fifth highest mountains, starting in serene Kamikochi Valley before climbing 1,675 meters to Yarigatake’s spear-like summit.
The legendary Daikiretto section delivers Japan’s most pulse-quickening hiking thrills, while crystal-clear streams and alpine meadows provide perfect photo ops.
4. Visit Ghibli Park in Nagoya
Studio Ghibli’s newest creation near Nagoya skips the usual theme park formula for something more magical.
Instead of roller coasters, you’ll wander through five distinct areas spread across the former Expo 2005 grounds, each capturing the enchanting worlds of beloved Ghibli films.
Small crowds (thanks to limited daily tickets) mean plenty of space to soak in every artistic detail.
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5. Join the Agata Festival in Kyoto
When darkness falls on June 5th, Kyoto’s Agata Shrine erupts in wild energy as young men parade through pitch-black streets carrying the massive Bonten statue.
This “festival in the dark” draws 120,000 spectators who chase after paper streamers believed to bring good fortune.
Local residents shout “Mawase!” and “Mottoike!” as they violently shake and turn the spherical Bonten through ancient alleyways, creating an electric atmosphere that’ll have your heart racing.
6. Explore Shirakawa-go’s Traditional Villages
Tucked between Gifu’s mountains, this UNESCO destination shows off its centuries-old Gassho-style houses, where steep thatched roofs point skyward like prayer hands.
These architectural marvels use zero nails, relying purely on local wood and straw to create homes that have weathered 300+ years of heavy snow.
Beyond architecture spotting, you can try your hand at crafting the adorable Sarubobo dolls – faceless fabric charmers that come in different colors, each promising its own flavor of good luck.
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7. Take a Foodie Tour in Osaka’s Shinsekai
Join Andy, a charismatic Japanese-Australian featured on Netflix’s “Somebody Feed Phil”, for an award-winning culinary adventure through Osaka’s soul-stirring Shinsekai district.
This globally recognized food tour takes you off the tourist trail to five authentic local eateries, where you’ll savor 13 distinctive dishes.
It’s an immersive tour into Osaka’s beating heart through the eyes of a true local insider!
8. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima
The newly renovated exhibits at the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima tell deeply moving stories through survivors’ personal belongings and interactive displays.
The East Wing uses projection mapping to demonstrate the bomb’s devastating impact, while the Main Building houses artifacts that silently speak volumes – watches frozen in time, melted glass, and scorched clothing.
Each item represents real people’s grief and pain, making this visit a profound journey through one of history’s darkest moments.
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9. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka
Scream your way through The Flying Dinosaur, USJ’s most heart-stopping coaster that dangles you face-down through multiple inversions.
For something equally thrilling but less terrifying, hop on Hollywood Dream, where you’ll pick your own soundtrack while zooming through high-speed drops.
Don’t miss the brand-new Mine Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country, which opened December 2024, sending you racing through jungle scenes and leaping across broken tracks.
10. Watch Fireflies at the Fussa Hotaru Festival
On a balmy June evening, 500 glowing fireflies dance through Hotaru Park, creating nature’s own light show along the Tamagawa riverbank.
This magical 59th annual festival pairs twinkling insects with high-energy taiko drums and yosakoi dance performances.
Insider Tip: Arrive before 8 PM to catch the fireflies at their most dazzling, and skip the car – parking’s a nightmare.
Take the train to Ushihama Station instead and follow the crowd’s excited buzz to the park.
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11. Visit Hydrangea Gardens at Mishima Skywalk
Japan’s longest pedestrian bridge turns into a flower-filled catwalk in June, with 13,000 hydrangeas in every shade of blue, pink, and purple framing Mt. Fuji views.
Cool down with a fluffy hydrangea soda or bite into a blue butter sandwich – these Instagram-worthy treats are only around during the festival.
After dark on weekends, illuminations transform the blooms into a magical garden. A 90-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo drops you right into this floral spectacle.
12. Explore Kanazawa’s Nagamachi Samurai District
Ancient earthen walls and narrow lanes tell tales of samurai glory days in this perfectly preserved neighborhood.
The Nomura residence stands as the crown jewel, showing off exactly how Japan’s warrior class lived large.
Water still flows through the original canals, and traditional gates mark private entrances just as they did centuries ago.
The district sits just five minutes from Korinbo bus stop, making it an easy addition to your Kanazawa adventures.
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13. Visit the Sumiyoshi Shrine in Osaka
Cross the rainbow-inspired Sorihashi bridge to step back 1,800 years into Japan’s seafaring past.
This ancient shrine complex rocks the rare sumiyoshi-zukuri style – think straight thatched roofs and vermillion pillars that existed before Buddhism arrived in Japan.
Though it’s no longer seaside, sailors still come to pray at this spiritual powerhouse.
14. Explore Nikko’s Temples
This mountain sanctuary holds 103 religious buildings that play hide-and-seek among forest-covered slopes.
The 17th-century architectural masterpieces showcase the peak of Edo-period artistry, where every building placement creates deliberate visual drama.
These UNESCO-listed structures prove that Japanese architects were masters at the nature-meets-design game centuries ago.
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15. Visit Tokyo DisneySea
This ultra-sophisticated theme park goes all-in on nautical vibes, with eight ports that look straight out of a movie set designer’s wildest dreams.
June’s mild temps (average 73°F/23°C) create perfect conditions for conquering Journey to the Center of the Earth or sailing through 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
The Mediterranean Harbor’s evening show “Believe! Sea of Dreams” hits different when you can watch without sweating through your shirt.
Where To Stay
Tokyo’s Shinjuku district puts you near major train lines and shopping zones. The Park Hyatt places you in the middle of neon-lit streets with sprawling city views from the 52nd-floor pool.
Kyoto’s Gion area lets you live among geishas and tea houses. Book a night at the Kyoto Granbell Hotel to sleep in rooms that mix contemporary style with Zen garden views.
Near Mount Fuji, Hakone gives you mountain scenery and natural hot springs. The Gora Kadan occupies a former imperial retreat, where private onsen baths come standard with most rooms.
Hokkaido sees fewer tourists during June’s rainy season. The JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo sits right above the main station, making it perfect for day trips around the island.
Osaka’s Dotonbori district buzzes with street food and nightlife. The Swissotel Nankai positions you steps from the famous Glico Running Man sign and countless restaurants.
Weather
June brings rainy season to Japan, known traditionally as minazuki – “the month of water”.
Most regions see around 10 rainy days throughout the month. The showers tend to be gentle rather than stormy, and often clear up to reveal sunny skies.
Temperatures stay mild and pleasant, reaching about 79°F (26°C) during the day.
What To Pack
June brings muggy days and spontaneous rain showers to Japan. Pack lightweight, breathable clothes that keep you cool while staying respectful – no short shorts or revealing tops.
A reliable rain jacket is non-negotiable during the rainy season. Choose one that’s packable and waterproof, not just water-resistant.
Pack multiple pairs of shoes since they’ll likely get wet. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a pair of slip-ons for temples and restaurants where you’ll need to remove them frequently.
For one week, pack: 7 pairs of socks and underwear, 4-5 t-shirts or blouses, 2-3 long skirts or pants, 1 light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces, and 1 dressy outfit for nice restaurants.
Essential electronics: portable battery pack, universal adapter, and portable WiFi device. Your phone will be your lifeline for navigation and translation.
Small towel for public bathrooms, as many don’t provide them. Hand sanitizer, deodorant, and antiperspirant are crucial in the humid weather.
Don’t bother packing an umbrella – convenient 100-yen stores sell them everywhere.
