Tokyo in August

Extreme heat; Obon.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

August is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

• OctoberGreatGood walking weather.
• NovemberGreatLeaves late November.
• MayGreatAvoid Golden Week.
• DecemberGoodIlluminations; closures Dec 29–Jan 3.

• TokyoHighs around 31 °C (88 °F), lows around 24 °C (75 °F), rain on about 9 daysHighs around 88 °F (31 °C), lows around 75 °F (24 °C), rain on about 9 days
• Honshū cities, Japan · Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshimahot

  Rainy season June to mid-July; humid heat July–August; typhoon risk peaks in September.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Obon

  About 13–16 August · Nationwide

  Trains out of Tokyo full, some small shops shut; the city itself is quieter.

• Kōenji Awa Odori check

  Late August weekend (check) · Kōenji station streets

  Thousands of dancers; the Chūō line stops are crushed in the evening.

• Typhoon season

  Peaks late August–September · Whole city

  Trains can stop for half a day; Hakone, Fuji and island trips are the first cancelled. Watch the forecast two days out.

Crowds · Japan overall

High

Prices · Japan overall

High

Japan overall: Hottest month and Obon travel peak: go north (Hokkaidō, Tōhoku) or plan short outdoor windows.

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Tokyo, side by side.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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