Why Visiting Tokyo in June is a Great Idea

You’ve decided it’s finally take that trip to Tokyo you’ve been dreaming about – but you’d like to know whether Tokyo in June is a good idea. It is! 🤍

My daughter and I visited Tokyo in June, and fell in love! Bustling shopping streets, traditional festivals, the warm hospitality of the Japanese people… there’s a long list why we advocate for this destination as one of the best to visit.

In our opinion, the month of June is among the top contenders when you ask us, “what are the best times to visit Tokyo?”. And the answer wouldn’t be a one-liner—we’ve got the whole story of our experience to back it!

In this blog post, I’ll share our experience of visiting Tokyo in June. Including what we loved, what we didn’t enjoy so much, as well as our activities.

By the end of this post, we hope you can tell if June is the right month for you to visit Japan’s capital. And, if not, you’re able to decide your preferred time to visit.

And, BTW, if you’re trying to figure out where to stay during your visit to Tokyo, I HIGHLY recommend Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo. 
Click HERE to see why! 👀

OK, let’s get started!

Weather in Tokyo in June

First things first, what weather can you expect when you visit Tokyo in June? The month of June marks the official start of the rainy season. But hey, don’t let that dampen your spirits!

There’s a chance for showers, but we didn’t experience any rain when we were there during the second and third weeks of the month. What we DID experience was hot temperatures and high humidity.

It did get us a little uncomfortable, but once we bought portable electronic fans like we saw many locals walking around with, it was manageable for sure.

The Average Weather

June in Tokyo will offer an average high of around 27°C (81°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F). It may sound like a comfortable starting point, but keep in mind these are averages. Afternoon highs can easily reach 30°C (86°F) or even higher, especially during heatwaves. We must say the heat bothered us a bit.

This is especially because of the high humidity levels. These can exceed 70%, which makes the temperatures feel even hotter. Lots of rain sure brings lots of dampness.

While we didn’t get any rain while we were there, we went prepared with umbrellas and closed-toe shoes. We’d read that occasional showers in June (versus constant downpours) were common. Upon researching the stats, I found that June receives an average of 180mm (7 inches) of precipitation, spread out over roughly 20 days. 

If you expect to visit during a particular time of June, I’m putting together a table below so you can have a rough idea of how temperatures and rain varies according to the dates. (You can see more detailed graphs and stats here).

Day	Average High / °C	Average Low / °C
1-10	26	19
11-20	28	20
21-30	29	21

Weather Extremes

Because June is one of the hottest months in Tokyo, you may also come across some weather extremes.

• Heatwaves. These aren’t super common, but Tokyo can experience occasional heatwaves. I noticed temperatures striking well above 30°C (86°F) for a couple of days we were there. And because of the humidity, they felt even hotter! During these days, I made sure my daughter and I were well-hydrated and didn’t stay out in the sun for too long. We also used our umbrellas as shade.
• Rainy days. June is a rainy month—but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be stuck inside. It’s not going to be a constant deluge; rain hit us in short showers and we still had plenty of time for sightseeing.

Pros of Visiting Tokyo in June

It’s true that Tokyo explodes with colors during the cherry blossom season and boasts breathtaking Autumn foliage. And that often leads to tourists overlooking the month of June. (So did we, until we were recommended to visit in June, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision!). Below, I’ll share the top pros for visiting Tokyo in June.

Fewer Crowds

June falls squarely between the peak tourist seasons of spring and summer. So, you can expect smaller crowds at popular attractions. Definitely a pro for travelers like myself who love enjoying destinations in peace.

As we strolled through the serene gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden without feeling shoulder-to-shoulder with throngs of tourists, we knew we had picked just the right time. Oh, and getting to capture breathtaking photos of the Tokyo Tower without battling for the perfect vantage point. Surely doesn’t get any better!

Popular museums and historical sites also become noticeably less crowded. This lets you truly immerse yourself in the exhibits and appreciate the architecture—at your very own pace. This relaxed atmosphere surely enhances the overall experience.

Potential Savings

Tokyo is loved by tourists, so it can be expensive to visit. Especially if you plan your trip during peak tourist months. But because June doesn’t fall in the peak tourist season, it demands lower prices. So, you can expect to pay less for flights as well as accommodation.

For us, that meant stretching our travel budget further with a more luxurious hotel stay and more activities on our bucket list!

Before writing this post, I researched travel aggregator websites as well as hotel booking ones to come up with general figures. Note that they’ll vary depending on your specific choices for flights and accommodation.

Category	Peak Season	June (Shoulder season)
Flights	$1,000 – $1,500 (round trip)	$800 – $1,200 (round trip)
Accommodation	$150 – $300+ per night	$100 – $250+ per night
Activities	Varies depending on choices, but expect higher prices due to demand.	Can (potentially) find lower prices for entry fees and tours with less peak season demand.

Plenty to Do

One thing I love about June in Tokyo is how it bursts with cultural festivals. You can catch quite a few and explore Japanese culture at its best! Apart from these, there are plenty of indoor as well as outdoor activities to participate in. I’ll talk more about these in our ‘Activities’ section below.

A Taste of Summer Delights

June marks the beginning of the “Tsuyu” (rainy season) cuisine. This focuses on seasonal ingredients—those that thrive in humidity. For example,

• Unagi (freshwater eel). This is often prepared in a kabayaki style—grilled, lacquered with a sweet and savory sauce, and served over rice. Mhmm!
• Ume (plums). These tart and tangy fruits find their way into various dishes, from refreshing drinks (umeboshi) to savory pickled plums (umeboshi).
• Katsuo (skipjack tuna). This one’s a staple in Japanese cuisine.

Restaurants often offer special menus featuring these seasonal treats. So, in June, you can experience a unique aspect of Japanese gastronomy. And you’ll love it!

Among the dishes we tried, I enjoyed Unagi Donburi, a hearty bowl of rice topped with grilled eel. My daughter was a fan of Hiyashi Chuka, a cold noodle dish with chilled ramen.

Sooo, convinced yet that June is a great time to visit Tokyo?? 
If so, now it’s time to decide where to stay.  My recommendation?  Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo.  It has an ideal location and everything you need for a great stay.  Learn more about my experience HERE.

Cons of Visiting Tokyo in June

There sure is charm to visiting Tokyo in June, but remember, there are some drawbacks as well.

The Heat and Humidity

This one goes without saying. The beginning of the rainy season means there’s a lot of humidity during June. Such weather sure made us uncomfortable, but we managed it with some tips and tricks, which I will share in my personal recommendations.

Health Concerns

If you belong to a rather cool climate, you may feel the weather of Tokyo take a toll on your health. Most commonly, this is dehydration and heatstroke. Packing well and staying hydrated are key!

Limited Outdoor Activities

The intense heat may limit your enjoyment of some outdoor activities. During our trip, we found hiking in the scorching heat a little unappealing. 😅 But if you leverage the right times of the day, you can still enjoy your favorite activities.

Annual Activities in Tokyo in June

Now that you know the pros and cons of visiting Tokyo in June, let’s learn more about what you can do during this month. I’ll list some of the best annual activities followed by other year-round activities we did—and loved.

Explore Harajuku

This is a vibrant and young-feeling neighborhood which in many ways feels like quintessential Tokyo.  You’ll see the eclectic style that is iconically Tokyo, and be excited to experience all the uniqueness this neighborhood brings.  *Can you say ‘micropig café’?  Learn about our own awesome Harajuku experience HERE.

Hydrangea Season (Ajisai Matsuri)

This festival is held at Meiji Shrine Gaien Park, among other locations. This vibrant festival celebrates the stunning beauty of hydrangeas blooming in the rainy season humidity. 

Hand in hand, my daughter and I wandered through blue, purple, and pink flowers. A perfect experience of the season! Tip: Hydrangeas are best seen during the second half of June.

Tokyo Spring Rose Festival

One of my favorite experiences in Tokyo in June was getting lost in a world of roses! This festival – which runs from late April to late June) showcases over 10,000 roses in bloom; it is a sight to behold.

Museums and Art Galleries

In addition to festivals, you’ll find plenty of indoor activities in Tokyo, too. My daughter and I escaped the heat by delving into history, art, and culture. Particularly at the Tokyo National Museum and Mori Art Museum—both offering unique experiences. 🗺️ Check out our museum tour recommendation here.     

Theme Parks

If you’re heading to Tokyo with a child, like me, you’ll have lots of fun at its theme parks. We headed to Tokyo DisneySea, where we enjoyed a serene gondola ride on the Venetian Gondolas and enjoyed rides at the American Waterfront. If you visit on a rainy (or super hot) day, the Mermaid Lagoon is a great idea, as it’s built mostly inside.

Other theme parks you can visit are Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios.

🗺️ THIS Disney/theme park tour is great because it includes not only park entrance, but also transportation to and from the park from your hotel.

Traditional Experiences

There are so many traditional experiences to try in Tokyo. These will give you a true taste of Japenese culture. If you’re traveling solo or with your partner, you can experience a tea ceremony with a geisha. With kids, a calligraphy lesson might be a good idea. I enjoyed dressing up in kimonos with my little one!

Take a Food Tour

If you’re a foodie, hopping on a food tour in Tokyo will take you through local eateries and marketplaces. You’ll get to sample some of Japan’s best delicacies on these tours. If you’re a foodie like me, this tour is a standout. 

Curl Up at a Cat or MicroPig Cafe

Embrace the “kawaii” (cute) culture of Japan by visiting a cat or micropig cafe. Here, you can curl up with a purring or oinking companion—and enjoy a cup of coffee. A great way to escape the rain in June 😉

Practice Karaoke

Another fun activity to do indoors is belting out your favorite tunes in a private karaoke room. This classic Japanese activity is a fun way to spend an evening with your partner/child, regardless of the weather.

We LOVED doing traditional karaoke in Tokyo. And as a bonus, we had an incredible casual (and authentic) ramen dinner while we were there.

Take an Early Morning Stroll

When the weather allowed, I loved venturing out early in the morning. Taking a stroll in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden was one of my favorite ways to enjoy the peaceful greenery within the bustling city.

Enjoy an Evening Cruise

Enjoying Tokyo from the water was surely one of the highlights of our trip! My daughter and I took the warm weather as an opportunity to take in the city skyline illuminated at night. This one is a must-do if you visit Tokyo in June.
This cruise tour offers stunning views by sea, a unique meal, and even a show!

Take a Day Trip

If you’re staying for a few days, you can escape the city and take a day trip to nearby destinations. Kamakura is great to explore temples, while Hakone is a scenic mountain resort giving great views of Mount Fuji.

What I love about 👉 THIS DAYTRIP OPTION 👈 is that you can select the sights you want to see, you can go at your own pace, and you can choose to stay local or explore more broadly by public transpo!  

What to Pack to Visit Tokyo in June

Made up your mind to visit Tokyo in June? Here’s a checklist of what you want to pack:

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics (think loose-fitting cotton and linen shirts)
• Quick-drying shirts—handy for when you get caught in the rain
• Long-sleeved shirts for the evening
• Breathable ankle socks

Footwear

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof shoes (for your ventures on rainy days)

Weather Protection

• Umbrella
• Rain jacket

Accessories

• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher)
• Water bottle

Below, I’m putting together what my daughter and I frequently wore during our trip. And we were comfortable throughout.

Category	Upper Body	Lower Body
Adults	Hat + Short-sleeved shirt + Lightweight breathable long-sleeved jacket	Skirt / Pants + Comfy walking sneakers
Children	Hat + Short-sleeved shirt + Lightweight breathable long-sleeved jacket	Pants + Sneakers

My Personal Recommendations for Visiting Tokyo in June

I’ve rounded up what I learned during our trip so you can plan yours accordingly.

• For outdoor adventures, we sought cooler hours, that is, early mornings and evenings. These times were perfect for exploring parks, temples, gardens, etc. 
• During the hottest part of the day, we sought refuge in air-conditioned museums, art galleries, and other indoor experiences. (Thankfully, Tokyo offers plenty of indoor activities).
• We beat the heat with a reusable water bottle and kept refilling it throughout the day. I often added electrolyte tablets to my water, while my daughter loved having fresh juices to stay hydrated. Lightweight clothing and strategically planning the day also helped. The battery-operated fan we carried along was a bonus!

Alternative Seasons for Visiting Tokyo

While we thoroughly enjoyed our trip in June, there are other seasons that are suitable for a visit, too. 

Spring (March/April)

This season is blooming with cherry blossoms—painting the city pink. Parks and gardens will form a magical landscape, making it perfect for strolling and picnicking. Plus, the temperatures are more controllable and the humidity is lower, so you can enjoy more outdoor activities.

However, you’ll come across peak season crowds during this time. You can also expect higher prices for flights and accommodation.

Autumn (October/November)

During this season, you’ll witness stunning fall foliage as the leaves change color. (A great spot to enjoy this view is the Rikugien Garden). Like spring, the temperatures will be comfortable, and humidity will be lower than summer.

On the flip side, October can see occasional typhoons. Plus, this attracts a significant number of tourists (though fewer than spring).

Winter (December/February)

If you’re looking to enjoy the festive spirit of Tokyo, the holiday season is when to head there. During this time, you can explore Christmas markets and see the stunning lights. Plus, winter sees little crowds, so you can enjoy less rushed places.

However, winter in Tokyo can be super chilly. And you can also expect occasional snowfall.

The Final Verdict…

Ultimately, the best season for your Tokyo trip would depend on your preferences; weigh the pros against the cons, and you’ll find out which season suits you best. If, like my daughter and I, you don’t mind exploring in the heat and love saving a buck—or two—June may be a great time to go! And with this comprehensive guide, I hope you’re all equipped to make the most of your trip to Tokyo in June 🤍

If you’ve got any more questions, I’d love to answer them for you. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below 😊

While we were in Japan in June, we visited Kyoto in addition to Tokyo. If you want to learn about our Kyoto adventure – or grab an ideal one day Kyoto itinerary, check out this post.