Shooting in Japan This Summer? Here's What You Need to Know

If you're planning a trip to Japan between June and September and hoping to fit in a photoshoot, there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive. Summer in Japan is beautiful, but it comes with its own conditions that can affect everything from what you wear to when we start shooting. After more than ten years of photographing couples here through every season, this is what I tell every client heading over during the warmer months.

What summer in Japan actually feels like

Summer in Japan is hot, and more importantly, it's humid. We're not talking about a dry, manageable heat. We're talking about the kind of warmth that wraps around you the moment you step outside and doesn't let go until you're back in air conditioning.

June marks the beginning of the rainy season, known in Japan as tsuyu. Humidity during this period often stays above 80%, and the rain tends to be a relentless drizzle rather than a dramatic downpour. Temperatures in June average around 23°C (73°F) during the day, but the humidity makes it feel considerably warmer. By late June, the average daytime temperature sits around 22°C (72°F) with significant rainfall.

July is when things really turn up. Temperatures frequently climb above 30°C (86°F), and, combined with the city's high humidity, the heat can feel especially intense. Afternoon thunderstorms are also fairly common during this season. July is also the month with the highest UV index in Tokyo, averaging 7, which represents a high health threat from sun exposure.

August is the peak of it all. The average temperature ranges from around 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), and high humidity levels can make the air feel hotter than the actual temperature. It's also the season when typhoon activity becomes more likely, which is something I always keep an eye on when coordinating shoot dates with clients.

Why starting early makes all the difference

This is the single most important piece of advice I give every couple shooting with me in the summer: start early.

For couples who want to shoot at popular locations without fighting the crowds, early morning is also when you'll have those spots almost entirely to yourselves. I've had sessions at gardens and shrines that felt completely private at 6:00 AM, and by 9:30 were packed with tourists.

If an early morning start doesn't work with your schedule, another good window is late afternoon into the evening, the sunset. The golden hour light in that last stretch before sunset is among the most beautiful lights of the year. Starting a session around 4:30 or 5:00 PM lets you avoid the worst of the midday heat while still catching that warm evening glow.

What I'd encourage everyone to avoid is scheduling a shoot in the middle of the day, particularly between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. It's best to avoid direct sunlight around midday whenever possible, take regular breaks indoors, and stay hydrated throughout the day. For photography specifically, midday light is also the least flattering — harsh, flat, and unforgiving on skin tones. 

A few practical tips for your trip

Beyond the shoot itself, a few things that will make your summer trip to Japan more comfortable:

Dress in lightweight, breathable fabrics. Linen and moisture-wicking materials make a significant difference when you're walking outside for hours. For your shoot outfit, think about how you'll feel in it after twenty minutes in the heat. You want to look good and feel comfortable at the same time, and we can work through this together when we plan your session.

Carry water everywhere. Convenience stores are all over Japan and are great for restocking, but having a bottle with you at all times during summer is non-negotiable. Hydration affects how you feel, how you look, and how much you'll enjoy the experience.

And finally, don't let the summer heat put you off. Some of my favorite sessions of the year happen in these months. The greenery is at its richest, the early morning light is extraordinary, and there's an energy to Japan in summer that's hard to find at any other time of year. With the right timing and a little planning, we can work with the season rather than against it.

If you're heading to Japan this summer and want to plan a photoshoot around the best conditions for your trip, get in touch, and let's figure it out together!