
My Tokyo Guide
See something interesting? Click on the heart button in the article to add a page from this site to My Favorites.
Main content starts here.
Updated: March 23, 2023
In order to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), various facilities around Tokyo may change their operating days or hours. In addition, some events may be canceled or postponed. Please check official facility or event websites for the latest updates and information.
June in Tokyo means the beginning of a fascinating time of year: the rainy season. Purple and blue hydrangeas that burst into bloom all over the city are among the visual highlights. With no shortage of events (both indoors and out), there's always a lot to do and see in Tokyo in June.
June in Tokyo brings the rainy season, a type of monsoon. The weather is warm and humid. The daily average temperature is 21.9°C, or about 71°F. The humidity makes it feel warmer, so dress lightly. There's plenty of sunshine, too, but don't forget an umbrella.
One great way for those over 20 (the legal drinking age in Japan) to cool off is at beer gardens. Almost anywhere you look—from the rooftops of department stores, to the beach at Odaiba, and the outer garden of Meiji Jingu Shrine—you'll find beer gardens serving food and drinks. Eager to escape the city center? Head west to Mt. Takao and enjoy Mt. Takao Beer Mount.
Sanno Festival takes place in Akasaka, at Hie-jinja Shrine. Along with Kanda-matsuri Festival and Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri, it's known as one of the three great festivals of Edo. At this traditional event, you can watch parades, listen to music, and see portable shrines being carried.
Fireflies only appear around pristine bodies of water, and—if you're lucky—you can find some in Tokyo under the right conditions. From mid- to late June, Yuyake Koyake Fureai no Sato, located in Hachioji, hosts "Firefly Nights." For something slightly closer to central Tokyo, the theme park Yomiuriland also holds firefly events. Fussa Firefly Festival, as the name indicates, is a firefly festival in Fussa City. Visit on a warm, clear night for the best results.
Hydrangeas bloom in early summer, and they look stunning on a day of mist and gentle rain. Special festivals celebrate them, and perhaps the best known is Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival (Ajisai Matsuri), at Hakusan-jinja Shrine. Other festival locations include Takahata Fudoson Temple, Tokyo Summerland, and Showa Kinen Park.
Hydrangeas aren't the only floral stars in June—Japanese irises, too, look fabulous. These vibrant flowers can be seen in many colors at the Katsushika Iris Festival (Shobu Matsuri) held at Horikiri Shobuen Iris Garden and Mizumoto Park. You can also enjoy them at the Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens (near Tokyo Dome), Meiji Jingu's Inner Garden, and the Imperial Palace East Garden.
Go with the flow and spend a rainy day inside at one of Tokyo's many aquariums! Experience the soothing atmosphere of Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, located near Shinagawa Station, which is achieved with diverse light and sound displays that differs by season, and by time of day. Shinagawa Aquarium, near Omori Kaigan, has popular sea lion and dolphin shows. Other great choices include Sumida Aquarium, adjacent to TOKYO SKYTREE, as well as Sunshine Aquarium, on the roof of World Import Mart Building in Ikebukuro.
The Tokyo Photographic Art Museum in Ebisu hosts this short film festival, which is accredited by the Academy Awards. More than 10,000 works from around the world are shown at this event, which has been held annually since 1999. In June, 250 films from around the world are shortlisted, screened, and presented with awards, including the Grand Prix. In October, all of the award-winning films are screened in a special movie marathon.
Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia
Spectators flock to see the mikoshi (portable shrine) parade at Torikoe Festival, an annual event that takes place in June near Asakusa in the old heart of Tokyo. Visitors can also enjoy evening lantern light-ups, and more.