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Summer in Japan can be very enjoyable, but you should plan your wardrobe accordingly. June and early July is the rainy season. The Japanese call it Tsuyu. If you don’t like the rain, you should probably either travel in the spring, later in the summer or in the fall. During this time of the year, it really does rain every day. You may want to bring some rain gear, some water resistant shoes, and maybe an umbrella. If your primary interest is the island of Hokkaido, then you’re fine. There is no rainy season there.

If you wait until mid-July through August for your trip to Japan, you will need to plan for hot, humid weather. You may find fewer crowds in Tokyo because many travel to Hokkaido for the cooler weather at this time of year. Bring clothing that will keep you feeling cool and refreshed. Choose thin natural fabrics that will breathe well. Swirly skirts are more comfortable in the heat than pants.

You may want to bring a light sweater, as most places have air conditioning and it may get a little chilly from time to time. Casual wear is just fine for many of the clubs and shops that you may want to visit. If you are planning on doing any clothes shopping while you are there, they will be perfect to wear while you explore the city.

The average high temperature in August is in the upper 80s, so you can expect some higher temps as well. The best thing you can do is pack clothes that make you comfortable in sweaty weather, and try to stay indoors for the air conditioning when you can.

If you are taking your first trip to Japan, two weeks is ideal. This gives you enough time to see a lot of the country and experience the culture as well as having time to rest. If you base yourself in Tokyo, you can spend several days exploring the city and trying new foods like onigiri from the local convenience store. Who knew they would have an entire wall filled with onigiri? There are certain sights in Tokyo that you will want to experience, like the fish market and the famous Shibuya district.

Two weeks gives you plenty of time to travel around rest of the country on day trips or brief overnight stays.

You’ll be able to take the bullet trains and sign up for a tour or two, always ending back in Tokyo. There are plenty of cheap eats in Tokyo that will save you money. Ramen stands, sushi and all kinds of Japanese fast food are available just about every place you go. By saving money on food, you can have more for shopping in the many malls and specialty stores.

One place you do need to visit at least once are the huge video arcades. Can you imagine a seven story arcade? There are also lots of small museums, manga shops and other fun places to explore. Two weeks will give you time to get to know your way around, so by the time you go home you will have truly experienced Japan.