A Practical Guide for Travel from Mid-May to Mid-June
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
Not Quite Summer—But Definitely Not Spring
From mid-May to mid-June, Japan enters a season that feels like summer… but with a twist.
You’ll experience warm, humid days, increasing sunshine, and the first hints of Japan’s rainy season (tsuyu) by early June in many regions.
This period is a time of seasonal change. Depending on where you are, the weather can shift quickly between:
- Dry and hot
- Cool and breezy
- Warm and rainy
So your packing plan should focus on light, breathable layers—and rain-readiness.
Weather Overview: What to Expect in Early Summer Japan
🌞 Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
- Temps: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
- Rising humidity
- Afternoon sun can feel intense
- Rainy season may start in early to mid-June
🏔 Hokkaido & Tohoku
- Temps: 14°C to 25°C (57°F to 77°F)
- Cooler, drier, and very comfortable
- Rainy season begins later than central Japan
🌴 Kyushu, Hiroshima, Western Japan
- Temps: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Very warm and increasingly humid
- Rainy season may start earlier than other areas
💡UV levels are high, even when it’s cloudy. If you burn easily, sun protection is a must.
What to Pack for Early Summer (Cool, Dry, and Easy)
The best outfits during this season are ones that let you stay dry, breathe, and move easily. Heavy clothing will just make you uncomfortable.
🎒 Essential Clothing Items:
- 2–3 short-sleeve tops: Linen, cotton, or quick-dry fabrics
- 1–2 long-sleeve light shirts: For sun or air conditioning
- 1–2 pairs of breathable pants or long skirts
- 1 pair of shorts or capris (especially for Kyoto, Fukuoka, Okinawa)
- 1 light cardigan or shirt-jacket
- 1 light rain jacket or compact umbrella
- UV-blocking hat or cap
- Comfortable shoes or sneakers (water-resistant if possible)
- Socks (moisture-wicking)
🧳 Packing Tip: Prioritize lightweight, quick-drying clothes. Avoid denim—it holds sweat and rain.
Dressing for Unpredictable Weather
In early summer, one day might feel like a beach vacation, the next like a tropical storm. Be prepared with:
- ☁️ A foldable umbrella for sudden rain
- 🌞 A hat and sunglasses for strong UV
- 🧥 A light layer for mornings or restaurants with strong AC
👟 Shoes matter: Choose breathable + splash-proof footwear if you’ll be walking a lot.
What NOT to Wear in Early Summer Japan
- ❌ Heavy jeans or thick cotton pants
- ❌ Dark clothing without UV protection (they absorb too much heat)
- ❌ Flip-flops (dangerous on wet or uneven streets)
- ❌ Big, bulky jackets
- ❌ Clothes that don’t dry quickly
Travel Scenarios & What to Wear
🏙 Urban Sightseeing (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto)
- Loose cotton T-shirt or blouse + wide-leg pants or midi skirt
- Crossbody bag for hands-free comfort
- Light jacket or shawl for indoor AC
🌿 Nature Explorers & Hikers
- UV-cut shirt + hiking pants
- Lightweight hat or cap
- Quick-dry socks and grippy sneakers
🛍 Fashion-Focused Travelers
- Linen shirts, oversized button-ups, flowy skirts
- Lightweight jewelry and Japanese-style accessories
- Don Quijote and GU are great for seasonal local fashion
What You Can Buy in Japan (If You Need to Adjust)
You’ll find plenty of affordable, high-quality seasonal items in Japan:
- 🧢 UV hats, parasols, sunglasses at pharmacies and fashion stores
- ☔ Stylish compact umbrellas everywhere—even conbini (convenience stores)
- 🧴 High-quality sunscreen from brands like Biore, Skin Aqua
- 👕 UNIQLO AIRism: Innerwear that keeps you cool and dry
🛍 Bonus Tip: Check out 100-yen stores for foldable fans, mini towels, and clothing spray for freshness.
Conclusion: Dress for Comfort, Expect the Unexpected
Early summer in Japan is lively, beautiful, and full of energy—but also warm, humid, and unpredictable. Your best bet? Dress smart, stay flexible, and be ready for anything.
Focus on breathability, sun protection, and rain readiness.
That way, you’ll stay cool, dry, and focused on enjoying Japan—not your outfit.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
