Japan in July and August sits in its summer season — hot, humid and rainy in the south, with major festivals (matsuri) happening across the country. It’s a dramatically different experience to Japan in spring (cherry blossom) or autumn (foliage), and requires a completely different packing approach.
What’s Japan Like in Summer?
- Temperature — 30–38°C in most major cities, with high humidity
- Rain — rainy season (tsuyu) typically ends late June/early July; August can still bring afternoon storms
- Events — Gion Matsuri (Kyoto, July), Obon Festival (August), countless local fireworks festivals
- Crowds — peak season; book accommodation well in advance
Japan Summer Packing List for Australians
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable t-shirts (quick-dry fabric is essential)
- Light shorts and summer dresses
- One lightweight long-sleeve layer for temples and shrines (need to cover shoulders and knees at some)
- Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 15–20km per day in Japanese cities
- Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket
- Light cardigan for aggressively air-conditioned trains and restaurants
Important: Shoe Strategy
Japan involves a lot of removing shoes (at restaurants, ryokan, some temples). Slip-on shoes are much more practical than lace-ups. Pack 2 pairs maximum: comfortable walking shoes and a pair of thongs or slip-on sandals.
Pack Light — Japan Has Convenience Stores Everywhere
Japan’s 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson convenience stores sell almost everything you might need — toiletries, medicine, snacks, umbrellas, phone chargers. Don’t over-pack; you can buy most forgotten items for a few hundred yen.
Tech and Power
Japan uses Type A plugs (same shape as the USA) at 100V — your Australian Type I plugs won’t work without an adapter. The PlugMate™ Universal Travel Adapter covers Japan and 200+ countries. Japan also has limited power outlets in older hotels and ryokan, so a GlobeCharge™ Power Bank is essential for long sightseeing days.
Keep cables and chargers organised in the TripTech™ Tech Organizer — it makes airport security a breeze and ensures you never lose a cable in a ryokan room.
Security in Japan
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists — theft is very rare. That said, crowded metro trains and tourist areas in Tokyo and Osaka can attract the odd opportunist. A MoveLite™ Cross Sling worn across the front gives peace of mind without being paranoid about safety.
Toiletries
Japanese pharmacies (yakkyoku) are excellent and affordable, so don’t go overboard on toiletries. Bring a small PackTidy™ Toiletry Bag with your essentials and supplement from Japanese convenience stores as needed. One tip: Japan’s summer heat is serious, so don’t scrimp on deodorant or sunscreen.