When I first experienced Tokyo in the summer, I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect it to be quite so hot and steamy. But despite the heat, there’s something about the city that truly comes alive during these months. Between the fireworks, street food stalls, summer festivals and breezy late-night walks under glowing lanterns, Tokyo summer is full of energy, colour and excitement.

Here’s what I’ve learnt about spending summer in Tokyo — including what months to expect the heat, how the weather feels day to day, and what I recommend packing to make life a bit more comfortable.

Summer in Tokyo kicks off in June and wraps up around early September. The season can be broken down like this:

Tokyo in the summer is no joke when it comes to heat. Here’s what I noticed month by month:

Want to know the most popular hotels booked by tourists? Here's the lists:

Packing for Tokyo in the summer was all about staying cool, dry, and sun-protected. Here’s what I brought (and what I wish I’d brought sooner):

I’d say if you’re up for a bit of warmth and don’t mind a sweaty forehead, Tokyo in the summer is full of fun. The festivals, late sunsets, shaved ice stands and fireworks made it totally worth it for me. Just dress smart, drink loads of water, and give yourself plenty of shady café breaks — you’ll be just fine.

Want to know what events or spots to check out next in Tokyo summer? I’ve got a few favourites I’d love to share.

Tokyo summer is a scorcher — but that didn’t stop me from getting out and making the most of it. Yes, it’s hot, yes, you’ll probably sweat through your T-shirt by noon, but honestly? The buzz, the festivals, the iced drinks and glowing lanterns made the whole experience feel really special.

Here’s a list of things I absolutely loved doing in Tokyo in the summer — plus a few Tokyo attractions that really shine this time of year.

One of my favourite memories of Tokyo summer was sitting by the Sumida River, watching massive fireworks burst over the skyline. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is one of the biggest, usually held in late July. I got there early, found a spot with snacks in hand, and just soaked in the excitement.

During Tokyo in the summer, there are loads of traditional festivals scattered across neighbourhoods. I stumbled upon the Mitama Matsuri at Yasukuni Shrine — thousands of lanterns lit up the paths, there were food stalls everywhere, and people dancing in yukata. It felt like stepping into another world, but with fried squid and shaved ice on hand.

This quickly became my go-to treat. Kakigori is basically shaved ice topped with syrup, condensed milk, or fresh fruit — and in the Tokyo heat, it saved me. I found a lovely café near Harajuku where I sat in the shade with a mountain of mango kakigori and felt human again.

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of those parks where you can find a patch of grass, lie back, and forget you’re in the middle of a massive city. During Tokyo summer, it’s especially peaceful early in the morning. I brought an iced coffee and just wandered about, enjoying the mix of French and Japanese garden styles.

Odaiba gave me the summer beach fix I didn’t know I needed. While it’s not for swimming, the bay views, sea breeze, and random fun like teamLab Planets and giant robot statues made it such a good day out. I stayed until evening and watched the Rainbow Bridge glow as the sun set.

When the sun was really blazing, I ducked into places like Tokyu Hands, Don Quijote, and department stores in Shibuya and Ikebukuro. They’re air-conditioned havens filled with all sorts of weird and wonderful things — perfect for a break and a bit of retail therapy.

I was invited to a rooftop beer garden above a department store in Shinjuku, and it was such a fun summer night. Loads of people, casual vibes, and icy cold drinks with a Tokyo skyline view. If you’re in the city between July and August, these pop up everywhere.

Senso-ji Temple is popular year-round, but in the Tokyo summer, it gets hot fast. I visited just after sunrise and had the temple grounds almost to myself. The peace, the soft morning light, and the sound of bells — it gave me such a calm start before the heat and crowds picked up.

I grabbed a bento box from a konbini (convenience store) and headed to Yoyogi Park for a mini picnic. There were people playing music, couples walking dogs, and families hanging out. It felt laid-back and friendly — a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon.

When I needed a break from the sun, Tokyo’s art scene came to the rescue. I popped into The National Art Center and the Mori Art Museum — both air-conditioned and packed with interesting exhibitions. I loved getting lost in the galleries while giving my feet and body a rest from the heat.

So yes, Tokyo in the summer can be full-on — but I found that with the right mix of shady spots, ice-cold snacks, and pacing myself, I had an unforgettable time. There’s something about the city that just feels extra alive this time of year.

When I visited Tokyo in the summer, I didn’t expect to be thinking about food almost constantly — but between the heat and all the walking, I was always hungry. Luckily, the city’s full of delicious things to try, from icy sweets to sizzling street food. And once I’d eaten my fill, there were plenty of incredible places to explore — whether I needed a shady garden, a scenic view or somewhere just plain cool (literally and figuratively).

Here’s a rundown of the food I couldn’t stop eating and the places I’d go back to in a heartbeat.

1. Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

I started one morning with a quiet walk through Meiji Shrine — the shade from the tall trees was a welcome break from the heat. After that, I wandered over to Yoyogi Park, found a patch of grass, and just people-watched for a while. It felt peaceful, even with the hum of the city nearby.

2. Odaiba Seaside Park

Odaiba is where I went to feel like I was on a mini holiday. The sea breeze, open space, and waterfront views made such a difference after crowded trains and busy streets. I ended up staying into the evening to watch the Rainbow Bridge light up.

3. Shibuya Sky

I’m not usually a fan of heights, but I gave in and visited Shibuya Sky — the open-air observation deck high above the city. The sunset view over Tokyo in the summer haze was honestly breathtaking, and I loved seeing the city from a totally new angle

4. Ueno Zoo & Museums

On a particularly hot day, I hid from the heat in the Tokyo National Museum and then popped over to the zoo next door. I liked how close everything was in Ueno — I didn’t have to go far to see something interesting or find a shady bench under the trees.

5. Nezu Shrine

This lesser-known shrine became one of my favourite spots. It's peaceful, lined with hundreds of red torii gates, and full of flowers in the summer months. I almost missed it, but it turned out to be one of the most beautiful and quiet places I stumbled upon.

6. teamLab Planets

If the sun’s too much, this digital art experience in Toyosu is such a fun way to stay cool and see something completely different. I walked barefoot through misty rooms and mirrored floors — it was like being in a dream, with air-con.

Driving around Tokyo in the summer was a mix of fun, frustration, and plenty of iced coffee stops. I didn’t expect the heat to hit quite so hard, but once I got used to the rhythm of the roads, I found it a really interesting way to see the city. Here are a few tips I picked up that might make your drive a bit smoother if you’re planning to take the wheel yourself.

1. Keep Your Cool – Literally

Tokyo’s summer heat is no joke. I made the mistake of underestimating how quickly a parked car can turn into an oven. I started cracking the windows and using a windscreen shade, which made a big difference. Always check your air con before heading off—mine packed in once during a short trip and I ended up stuck in traffic, melting in slow motion.

2. Use a GPS (But Don’t Trust It Blindly)

I relied on Google Maps and a Japanese GPS app, but I noticed the directions sometimes got a bit confused with all the overpasses and tunnels. Once I ended up circling the same block three times before figuring out the right exit. I found it helped to glance at the route overview before starting out—it saved me a few wrong turns.

3. Watch Out for Cyclists and Scooters

There are loads of bikes on Tokyo’s roads, especially in smaller neighbourhoods. I had to double-check my mirrors constantly, and I learned quickly not to swing my door open without a proper look. The lanes can be narrow, so giving others space really does matter.

4. Car Parks Over Street Parking

I found parking in Tokyo far less stressful when I gave up on finding street spaces. Most areas have little coin car parks that are pretty affordable if you’re not staying all day. They’re usually tucked behind buildings or in small lots, and I found them much easier than trying to squeeze into tight roadside spots.

5. Be Ready for Toll Roads

Some of Tokyo’s expressways come with tolls, and they’re not always clearly signed in English. I rented a car with an ETC card, which made everything a lot easier. The first time I drove through a toll gate without one, I had to do a very awkward reverse manoeuvre—not my finest moment!

6. Respect the Rules—Always

I found the local drivers pretty polite, and sticking to the rules helped me blend in without sticking out too much. Speed limits are lower than I’m used to, and traffic lights take their time. At first I felt impatient, but then I realised things flow more calmly, which actually helped me enjoy the ride more.

7. Plan Rest Breaks

Tokyo’s traffic can sneak up on you, especially during weekends and holidays. I started factoring in time for a quick stop—convenience stores became my best friend. A cold drink, some air con, and a moment to reset made the drive a lot more enjoyable.

So yes, summer driving in Tokyo can be sweaty, slightly confusing, and definitely not dull. But once I got the hang of it, I really liked having the freedom to explore at my own pace. If you’re giving it a go, pack some patience, keep a cool drink close by, and don’t be afraid to pull over and admire the view—Tokyo’s full of surprises just off the main roads.

If you’re thinking about planning your own Tokyo summer adventure, I’d really recommend checking the Traveloka App — I used it to book my flight, hotel, and even attraction tickets all in one go, and honestly, I found it super handy. Everything was in one place, and I could compare prices, read reviews, and sort out my plans while lying on my sofa with a cup of tea. Whether you’re hunting down the best summer spots, looking for fun things to do in Tokyo in the summer, or just sorting your basics like accommodation and transport, I found it saved me loads of time and made the whole process feel way less stressful.