Japan, Asia

Tokyo in July

The rains typically lift mid month and summer festival season begins, including major fireworks displays along the Sumida River in late July. The heat is real.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 85F (29C)

Tokyo skyline, Japan — TokyoPhoto: David Kernan, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

July is a month of real tradeoffs in Tokyo. The rains typically lift mid month and summer festival season begins, including major fireworks displays along the Sumida River in late July. The heat is real.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 85F (29C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What July is like in Tokyo

July is hot and humid, with highs near 85F (29C). The rains usually lift around mid month and summer festival season begins. In late July the Sumida River Fireworks draw hundreds of thousands of people to Asakusa. Crowds and prices are moderate, and the city is full of summer energy.

It suits festival lovers and families on summer break, as long as you plan around the heat. Do sightseeing early, rest in the afternoon and go out again in the evening. If you want comfortable weather, October is far kinder.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about Tokyo this month.

Sumida River Fireworks

One of Japan's oldest and largest fireworks shows lights up late July. Stake out a spot hours early or book a restaurant with a view.

Summer festival season

Local festivals with food stalls and yukata robes pop up around the city as the rainy season ends.

Evenings in Shinjuku

Warm nights are perfect for Omoide Yokocho's lantern-lit yakitori alleys after the heat breaks.

What to pack for July

Light, breathable clothing
A handheld fan or cooling towel
A refillable water bottle
Sunscreen and a hat

Our timing tip

See Senso-ji and Tsukiji Outer Market before 8am, when it is cooler and the crowds have not arrived.

Book Tokyo for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Tokyo
Opens a hotel search for Tokyo in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
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Vacation rentals in Tokyo
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Tokyo
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Tokyo for July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in July

Sumida River Fireworks

Late July

One of Japan's oldest and largest fireworks displays. Hundreds of thousands attend; stake out a spot hours early or book a restaurant with a view.

Things to do in Tokyo

Full guide

Senso-ji and Asakusa

Tokyo's oldest temple. Go before 8am to see the lantern gate and Nakamise lane without the crowds; by midday it is a river of people.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

The famous scramble is best at dusk. Shibuya Sky's open-air deck sells out; book the sunset slot days ahead.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Meiji Jingu

A genuine forest in the middle of the city. Early morning is serene, and you may catch a traditional wedding procession on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tsukiji Outer Market

The wholesale auction moved to Toyosu, but the outer market's food stalls remain a world-class breakfast. Go hungry, before 9am.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

teamLab Planets

The immersive digital art museum lives up to the hype. Timed tickets sell out weeks ahead in peak seasons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shinjuku after dark

Omoide Yokocho's lantern-lit yakitori alleys and Golden Gai's tiny bars. Some bars are regulars-only; look for English menus as the welcome sign.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Do headline temples and markets before 8am. Tokyo sights open early, tour groups do not, and the difference at Senso-ji or Tsukiji is night and day.
For cherry blossoms, skip midday at Ueno and go at first light, or pick quieter spots like the Kanda River or Aoyama Cemetery over the Instagram rivers.
Never plan intercity travel during Golden Week or Obon without reserved seats booked as far ahead as the system allows.
Book timed-entry attractions (Shibuya Sky, teamLab, Ghibli Museum) the moment your dates firm up; they cap capacity and simply sell out.

Know before you go

December 29 through January 3: the New Year holiday closes many restaurants, shops, and some museums, while shrines see their biggest crowds of the year for first visits (hatsumode).
Golden Week (late April to early May) closes nothing, but sells out everything: treat trains and hotels like concert tickets.
Many museums close on Mondays, and when a Monday is a national holiday they close Tuesday instead. Check the specific museum before building a day around it.
Typhoon season (roughly August through early October) occasionally halts trains and flights for a day. Build one flexible day into any September itinerary.