June in Japan

June is often overlooked by travelers, but it can actually be a great time to visit Japan.

Tabimawari

Japan

It’s hydrangea season, gardens are full of flowers, everything becomes greener, and many popular places are much quieter than during sakura season.

June is also the start of the rainy season in much of Japan, but that doesn’t mean it rains all day every day.

Many travelers avoid it because it marks the beginning of the rainy season, known as tsuyu (梅雨). However, the reality is often very different from what people imagine. Rain usually comes in short periods rather than all-day downpours, and June offers fewer crowds, lush green landscapes, beautiful seasonal flowers, and often lower accommodation prices compared to spring.

Here’s what June looks like across Japan 👇

What is the weather like in Japan in June?

June marks the start of the rainy season across much of Japan.

Average temperatures are generally comfortable:

Tokyo: 20–27°C (68–81°F)
Kyoto: 19–29°C (66–84°F)
Osaka: 20–29°C (68–84°F)
Fukuoka: 21–28°C (70–82°F)

Despite its reputation, it doesn’t rain all day every day. Expect:

cloudy skies
occasional showers
higher humidity
plenty of dry periods between rain

Hokkaido is usually not affected by the rainy season and remains one of the best destinations in Japan during June.

🌸 Best Hydrangea Spots in Japan

TOKYO

Hakusan Shrine
Probably Tokyo’s most famous hydrangea spot. Hundreds of hydrangeas bloom around the shrine during the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival.

Asukayama Park
Large hydrangea area combined with walking paths and gardens.

Takahata Fudoson Temple
One of Tokyo’s biggest hydrangea temples with thousands of flowers.

Hama-rikyu Gardens
Good combination of seasonal flowers and traditional gardens.

KAMAKURA (A MUST IN JUNE)

Meigetsu-in Temple
Often called “Hydrangea Temple”. One of the most famous hydrangea spots in Japan.

Hasedera Temple
Hydrangea-covered hillside overlooking the coast.

Jochi-ji Temple
Less crowded option surrounded by greenery.

Engaku-ji Temple
Hydrangeas mixed with temple scenery and forest paths.

KYOTO

Mimuroto-ji Temple (Uji)
One of the most famous hydrangea temples in Japan. Around 20,000 hydrangeas.

Fujinomori Shrine
Known for its annual hydrangea festival.

Sanzen-in (Ohara)
Hydrangeas surrounded by moss gardens and forest scenery.

OSAKA

Nagai Botanical Garden
Hydrangea gardens and seasonal flower displays.

Minoo Park
Hydrangeas along some of the walking trails.

Expo ’70 Commemorative Park
Large seasonal flower areas including hydrangeas.

NARA

Hasedera Temple
One of Japan’s most famous hydrangea temples. Thousands of hydrangeas line the stone staircase leading to the main hall.

Okadera Temple
Known for its hydrangea displays around the temple grounds and stone lanterns. Usually at its best throughout June.

Murou-ji Temple
Hydrangeas mixed with forest scenery, temple buildings, and mountain surroundings.

Tsubosaka-dera Temple
Large temple known for seasonal flowers, including hydrangeas during June.

KYŪSHŪ

Takatoyama Park (Fukuoka)
Around 70,000 hydrangeas bloom across the park. An annual hydrangea festival has been held here for more than 20 years.

Yamanokuchi Hydrangea Park (Miyazaki)
Nearly 30,000 hydrangeas with views of the Kirishima Mountains.

Mikaeri no Taki (Saga)
One of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. Around 40,000 hydrangeas bloom around the falls during June.

Shinonome no Sato Hydrangea Garden (Kagoshima)
Around 100,000 hydrangeas across 200 varieties. One of the largest hydrangea gardens in Kyūshū.

Takachiho Gorge
Not specifically for hydrangeas, but June is one of the greenest months to visit.

OTHER FAMOUS HYDRANGEA SPOTS

Michinoku Hydrangea Garden (Iwate)
One of the largest hydrangea gardens in Japan with over 40,000 plants.

Katahara Onsen Ajisai no Sato (Aichi)
Famous hydrangea festival with night illuminations.

Kokubunji Temple (Ehime)
Popular hydrangea temple in Shikoku.

Kaisei Hydrangea Festival (Kanagawa) : Hydrangeas blooming between rice fields near Odawara. One of the most photogenic hydrangea spots in the region, especially during June when the fields turn bright green. Around 5,000 hydrangea plants.

Amabiki Kannon Temple (Ibaraki) : One of Japan’s most beautiful hydrangea temples. More than 5,000 hydrangeas in shades of blue, purple, and pink bloom throughout the temple grounds.