Thinking about taking a summer trip to Japan? While any time of year is a great time to visit this unique country, summer is when Japan truly shines. With tons of festivals and special events held throughout the country in the warm summer months, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience Japan’s unique cultural traditions firsthand, no matter where you’re traveling.
Japan’s summertime climate is generally comfortable, albeit warm, no matter which prefecture you find yourself in. Keep in mind, however, that Southern and Western regions of the country can see heat waves during the peak of the summer season. Nevertheless, Japan welcomes a massive influx of tourists from June to late August, and there’s no shortage of things to do and see.
if you’re getting ready to take a trip to Japan in the summer months, here are the top things to consider as you make the most of your summertime adventure.
1. Climb Mt. Fuji
Up for an adventure? Want to see some of Japan’s most magnificent views? Hiking Mt. Fuji is one of the best activities you can do if you’re planning a summer visit to the country. The official climbing season at Mt. Fuji runs from early July to early September, when the weather is at its most pleasant. There are four trails to choose from, with the Fujinomiya Trail being the most popular for beginners. If you choose to travel the Yoshida Trail, you’ll even find huts where you can spend the night and wake up early to summit this majestic peak.
The number one thing to keep in mind if you choose to climb Mt. Fuji is to pack accordingly. That means wearing the appropriate clothing for summiting a mountain, including footwear with traction and insulated layers to keep you comfortable.
2. Relax at a beautiful beach
Japan’s surrounded by the sea, which means you’re well within reach of a beautiful beach no matter where you’re traveling in the country. If you’re staying near Tokyo, check out the nearby Kamakura and Enoshima beaches (see also “5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kamakura“). Further south in Okinawa prefecture, you’ll find exceptional, scenic beaches like Nishibama and Yonaha Maehama beaches.
Okinawa makes a great weekend getaway if you’re staying in other areas of Japan, letting you experience these emerald green waters firsthand. The subcontinental weather is almost tropical during the summer! Be warned, however, showing off your tattoos on a public beach is considered bad taste in Japanese culture. If you’re heavily inked or have visible tattoos, it’s best to keep them covered out of respect.
3. Hike the Japanese Alps
If you plan to travel in Nagano, Gifu or Toyama prefectures on your summer trip to Japan, you’ve got to hike the Japanese Alps. Summer is the best time of year to explore the high altitudes, since the climate is pleasant and cool.
Enjoy light hiking when you stay at the mountain resort area Kamikochi in Matsumoto, Nagano. Hikers of all skill levels can also enjoy traveling Hakuba, which has tons of trails and areas to enjoy Japan’s unique scenic beauty. Again, pack appropriate clothing and gear if you plan to spend time on a mountain.
4. View incredible flower fields
Hokkaido is well-known for being a snowy destination in the winter, but it also has a lot to offer in the summer, too. The weather is cool and pleasant in this northern prefecture in the summer, perfect for spending time in the great outdoors.
Hokkaido is famous for its incredible flower fields that bloom in mid-July. Check out the colorful flower fields in Furano-Biel or the lavender fields at Farm Tomita. You’re surrounded by boundless natural beauty in Hokkaido, so no matter where your travels take you, you’re sure to see some incredible sights.
5. Go camping
Warm weather is the perfect time to go camping in Japan, and no matter where you’re traveling in the country, there’s a great campsite nearby, from Mt. Fuji to the Japanese Alps. There’s a full range of campsites across Japan, from simple spots, to pitching a tent, to cabins made for glamping. Plan ahead, since some campsites require reservations.
While you’re camping, make sure to take in all the natural beauty and serenity of the Japanese landscapes. if you’re in a social camping area, you might also use this opportunity to mingle with others. You’re bound to meet travelers like yourself, as well as locals who want to get out of the city for a weekend or holiday.
6. Attend Nebuta Matsuri
From August 2 to August 7, Aomori Prefecture holds the legendary festival, Nebuta Matsuri. Featuring tons of colorful, illuminated floats, this beautiful festival attracts locals and international visitors alike. Main events include traditional dances, a parade, fireworks and so much more.
The region’s also home to other great summer festivals, including the Tanabata Festival in Sendai. Nebuta Matsuri and the other festivals in Aomori Prefecture offer the perfect combination of laid-back vacationing and cultural immersion.
7. Enjoy incredible fireworks
Japan is famous for its many fireworks festivals, held in several regions across the country in the summer months. One of the most famous is the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, located near Asakusa. If you’re visiting Osaka, attend the Tenjin Matsuri on July 24 and 25 of each year, featuring impressive fireworks displays over the Osaka River.
While the United States takes pride in its Fourth of July fireworks celebrations, they can pale in comparison to the displays put on in Japan. More than just firing off fireworks in sequence, there’s almost an art to the show of Japanese pyrotechnics.
8. Shop till you drop
Japan has plenty of shopping districts to browse all year round, but if you’re visiting in the summer, underground shopping malls offer a cool escape from the heat. There are underground shopping malls in most major train stations throughout Japan, including long shopping streets in Tokyo Station and Osaka’s Umeda and Namba Stations. Summer sales are common in Japan, which means it won’t be hard to find some great bargains—even on designer goods!
9. Swim at Yunessun
Set in the beautiful Hakone area near Mt. Fuji, Yunessun is an incredible theme park of hot springs and baths. There’s a large swimming area with different types of pools, including unique coffee baths. And while your mind might not immediately think to connect hot springs with summer fun, there’s an undeniable ambiance that comes with soaking and looking up at the stars.
If you’re in for a thrill, there’s even an outdoor water park for splashing and playing. It’s a great way to chill out, beat the heat and have fun, all at once! Again, keep in mind that in Japanese culture, tattooed individuals aren’t allowed to expose their ink at waterparks or in bath houses. Keep your tattoos covered!
10. Attend a sumo event
Sumo is an art form, and one of the best traditional activities to experience when you visit Japan. If you’re planning a July vacation to the country, check out the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo. There are also tournaments held in Nagoya at the legendary Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. Don’t forget that Nagoya Castle is nearby, so be sure to make a pit stop at this historical attraction if you’re in the area.
Sumo events take place across the country at different times during the year, but the summer events are considered to be the premier events because they tend to draw massive patronage. Get your tickets well-in-advance if you want to see these juggernauts in person.
11. Eat Nagashi Somen
Want to fully immerse yourself in Japanese summertime culture? Enjoy one of the country’s unique summer dishes—Nagashi Somen. Featuring chilled, thin, wheat somen noodles, this dish is fun to eat. The noodles are slid down bamboo shoots with flowing water, and diners must catch them with chopsticks, dip them in a bowl of broth, then eat them.
You can take part in this fun, delicious eating activity in many different restaurants throughout the country. Because they’re served ice-cold, it’s an experience you can really only have during the summer months. It’s a great way to cool off and satisfy a craving for noodles—if you can catch them, that is!
Summer is an incredible time to visit Japan!
Summer is a popular time of year to travel, no matter where you plan to visit. If you’re planning a summer trip to Japan, you’ll find no shortage of memorable events and experiences to enjoy, regardless of prefecture or city. From hiking the incredible Mt. Fuji to enjoying traditional summertime dishes, there’s plenty to see and do across the country as the temperatures hit their highs.
If you’re getting ready to plan your summertime trip to Japan, make sure to carve out time for at least one or two things on the list above. While you might not have time to do everything, these are the best things to do in Japan during summer. Get ready to make some incredible memories!
