Summer temperatures across mainland Japan frequently reach 35 to 40 degrees Celsius with high humidity and sudden rain squalls. Carrying a compact parasol is essential for shade when exploring outdoor sights like Kyoto or Tokyo, while northern destinations like Hokkaido offer cooler regional alternatives. Travelers visiting during the mid-August Obon holiday season must plan regional transport early. From August 6 through August 16, all Nozomi Shinkansen bullet trains running between Tokyo and the western Kyushu region require advance seat reservations, with non-reserved seating fully suspended.
In Tokyo, sightseeing spots adapt to the seasonal weather. Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple operates outdoor mist-cooling stations to assist visitors in the heat, while its indoor halls offer cool air. Just outside the nearby Tobu Asakusa Station, visitors can access the covered, historic Asakusa Underground Street, though localized rain leaks can occur during summer storms.
For practical eating in Akihabara, local noodle chains like Fuji Soba serve cold summer dishes such as hiyashi soba topped with deep-fried tofu, tempura, and egg for 580 yen, providing a filling alternative to pricier tourist-oriented items. Additionally, frozen dessert vending machines operating right outside the Tsukuba Express Akihabara Station exit sell pre-packaged items like Fujiya frozen cream cheese cakes for 750 yen.
When traveling in Japan, modern high-rise buildings in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are built to strict standards to withstand earthquakes. However, when exploring coastal countryside areas, travelers should always take note of local high-ground evacuation routes in the event of an earthquake and potential tsunami warning.
Guide adapted from Rion Ishida's video "Is Japan Safe to Travel Now? Earthquakes, Heatwave & August Travel Update (Asakusa & Akihabara)."