Things to do in August 2025 near Tokyo
Looking for things to do in August near Tokyo? August is vibrant with summer festivals and outdoor enjoyment, particularly water activities!
Things to do
in AUGUST 2025
Nearby Tokyo
Written by
Angus Miyaji
Things to Know
Events & Festivals
Things to Do
Places to Stay
Things to know about AUGUST 2025
August is peak summer in Japan, bringing ‘Hot & Humid’ Weather with temperatures often reaching 30-35°C (86-95°F) or higher. Expect mostly sunny days, but be prepared for high humidity and the chance of afternoon thunderstorms or effects from typhoons passing over Japan. Despite the heat, August is vibrant with summer festivals and many opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, particularly in the cooler mountain regions or by the water.
What to wear in AUGUST
Prioritize lightweight, breathable clothing like cotton, linen, or quick-dry fabrics; shorts, t-shirts and summer dresses are ideal. Essential sun protection includes a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Make sure to carry a reusable water bottle, and consider a Japanese folding fan (Sensu) or a battery-operated handheld fan for personal cooling. A compact umbrella is useful for unexpected rain or as a sun parasol. Comfortable, sandals or breathable footwear is a must.
One of our writers, Venice wrote a guide with ‘9 Tips and Ideas to stay during Japanese hot summner’, so have a read below if you are interested.
Holidays & Crowds in AUGUST
August is a peak travel month and can be especially busy during the Obon holidays (Aug 13th-17th in 2025), when many Japanese travel to their hometowns. Expect significant crowds at popular spots, on public transport, and highways, particularly from around Mountain Day Holiday (Aug 11th) to the end of Obon holidays.
Accommodation prices may also be higher. For fewer crowds, consider visiting at the very end of August.
Recommended Activity in AUGUST
August in the countryside near Tokyo buzzes with summer festival energy, from spectacular fireworks at Yorii Tamayodo Suitengu Festival to traditional Bon Odori dancing at Kiryu Yagibushi Festival, and Sunflower festivals near Tokyo (see here).
To complement this excitement and find respite from the heat, I also recommend exploring cooler mountain retreats like Lakes in Nikko or Shrines in Nikko and Nasu Highlands in Tochigi or Kusatsu and Minakami in Gunma for scenic hikes and onsen. Alternatively, enjoy refreshing water activities such as rafting and canyoning in Minakami, Gunma, or kayaking on Lake Chuzenji in Oku-Nikko, or bungee jumping from Ryujin Suspension Bridge in Hitachi-Ota, Ibaraki prefecture.
News for MAY 2025
Japan’s Ministry of Transport has officially recognized the “North Kanto Flower Corridor” under its Garden Tourism registration system. This exciting initiative connects 12 beautiful gardens across Tochigi, Gunma, and Ibaraki prefectures, such as Ashikaga Flower Park and Hitachi Seaside Park aiming to boost regional tourism by showcasing their unique floral attractions.
Events & Festivals in August
3rd (Sun), 4th (Mon), 5th (Tue) August
Numata Festival
2025:
3rd (Sun), 4th (Mon), 5th (Tue) August
Japanese Name: 沼田まつり
Numata Festival is a Japanese festival known for the giant TENGU mask floats carried through Numata city on the 1st & 3rd day of the festival. (Numata City / 沼田市)
2nd August (Sat) *The first Saturday in August
Yorii Tamayodo Suitengu Festival
2025:
2nd August (Sat) *The first Saturday in August
1 h 50min
from Tokyo
from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 寄居玉淀水天宮祭
Come and be amazed at the beautiful water floats and breathtaking fireworks at the Yorii Tamayodo Suitengu Festival! (Yorii Town / 寄居町)
1st (Fri) to 3rd (Sun) August
Kiryu Yagibushi Festival
2025:
1st (Fri) to 3rd (Sun) August
Japanese Name: 桐生八木節まつり
Kiryu Yagibushi Festival is a vibrant traditional summer festival in Japan. This 360-year-old festival's famous dance finale cannot be missed! (Kiryu City / 桐生市)
9th Aug (Sat) to Aug 17th (Sun)
Mashiko Sunflower Festival
2025:
9th Aug (Sat) to Aug 17th (Sun)
Japanese Name: 益子のひまわり祭り
Visit Mashiko to enjoy a fun walk through a forest of sunflowers at the Mashiko Sunflower Festival. Mid-August every year. (Mashiko Town / 益子町)
15th August (Fri) *Same day every year
Nagatoro funatama festival
2025:
15th August (Fri) *Same day every year
Japanese Name: 長瀞船玉まつり
Visit Nagatoro Funatama Festival to experience a Japanese river festival with beautiful river floats and fireworks. (Nagatoro Town / 長瀞町）
Recommend things to do in August
Nikko Natural Science Museum
Visit Nikko Natural History Museum, conveniently located near Lake Chuzenji, to discover the fascinating natural wonders and rich history of Oku-Nikko through engaging exhibits.
Watanabesahei Sake Brewery
Founded in 1842, Watanabesahei Sake Brewery is a traditional sake brewery in Imaichi, Nikko. They run a popular English brewery tour almost every day, and have a nice shop. Why not come to see a working sake brewery and learn how sake is made?
Katayama Sake Brewery
Katayama Sake Brewery is a very small, family-run sake brewery founded in 1879. Located near Watanabesahei in Imaichi, Nikko, it has a brewery shop to buy sake. Every drop of sake is gently made by hand, with the sake-pressing process alone taking three days!
Tonoike Sake Brewery
Established more than 80 years ago, Tonoike Sake Brewery is a traditional Sake brewery popular with overseas visitors. Visitors can drop by or book a tasting tour.
(Open 365 days)
Shimazaki Sake Brewery
Known as the ‘Cave Brewery’, we are a family-run sake brewery that produces award-winning aged sake. Come and visit the cave on our open-days or book a special tasting tour by our brewery owner.
Akechidaira Ropeway
Enjoy breathtaking views of Chuzenji Lake, Kegon Falls, and Mount Nantai.
Max Minakami
We have guides with guiding experience in Australia and New Zealand as well as Nepalese guides who can provide outdoor tours in English.
Nasu Animal Kingdom
Meet diverse animals, enjoy thrilling shows, and see learn about animal conservation.
Popular areas such as, “Asia Forest”, “Tropical Forest”, “Aqua Stage” and “Sky Stadium” are great for both children and adults.
Popular areas such as, “Asia Forest”, “Tropical Forest”, “Aqua Stage” and “Sky Stadium” are great for both children and adults.
Places to stay in August
Hatcho-no-yu
Located in Nikko National Park, ‘Haccho no Yu’ is said to be the last hidden hot spring near Tokyo. At an altitude of 1,400 meters, surrounded by wildlife, enjoy our locally sourced meal and open-air baths beside a waterfall. Our winter snow activities are also highly recommended.
Contributor: Angus Miyaji
Founder of Nearby Tokyo and Japan World Link, Angus helps visitors discover off the beaten track destinations in the North Kanto regions (Tochigi, Gunma, Ibaraki & Saitama north of Tokyo). He regularly travels between Japan and the UK promoting tourism and Japanese sake.
