We’ve got you covered. Let’s go through how to plan your trip to Japan in the summer.
Have the Right Paperwork
When you plan any trip, you’ll need to have the right paperwork for that location. Check to ensure that your passport is up to date. Depending on your country of origin and the length of your trip, you may need to obtain a visa before visiting Japan.
It’s important to keep in mind that certain medications are not permitted in Japan. And, you will have to file paperwork in order to get permission to bring some amounts of personal medication into the country.
Consider What Cities You Want to Visit
There are many different cities in Japan you might want to check out during your summer visit. Most people start their trip off in Tokyo. Osaka and Kyoto are also popular vacation destinations. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider other options for your visit.
You might be more interested in beachy destinations when you’re planning a trip to Japan during the summer months.
Miyako Island, in Okinawa, is a beautiful place to swim or scuba dive. Ise, on the coast, is a top choice for people who also want to learn more about Shintoism. If you’re planning to visit Hokkaido in the summertime, you’ll want to head over to Furano City to see the lavender fields that bloom all summer long.
Dress for the Weather
Japan can get hotter than you think during the summer months. This also depends on where in the country you go, and when you time your visit. Fukuoka, for example, can get up to 88 degrees Fahrenheit during July.
Rain is also common in parts of Japan in the summertime. So, pack your umbrella or pick one up when you arrive. You should also bring a rain jacket along. Ensure that you have waterproof shoes for strolling around the cities, too.
If you want to do outdoor activities like hiking during your visit, you’ll need to have the right equipment with you.
Choose Summer Activities
There is no end to the great activities you can try out during your visit to Japan. Water spa theme parks are very popular in Japan, if you’re looking for something to help you relax when you’re on vacation.
Suika wari is one unusual activity you can try out, that you might not be able to experience anywhere else. Basically, you spin in a circle and try to split a watermelon while you’re blindfolded.
Check Out Some Cultural Events
Japan has unique cultural events that you can consider checking out. There are lots of different matsuri, or summer festivals, held throughout Japan. These festivals are based around a specific shrine and have different themes and activities based around that shrine.
People who like floats will want to check out the Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto, which has dozens of floats each year. The Awa Odori Matsuri is an important Buddhist festival, which is thought to honor a visit from the ancestor’s spirits. This festival is found in Tokushima.
Horse lovers will want to take a trip to the Soma Nomaoi Festival, held in Fukushima Prefecture. Of course, these are just a few of the festivals held in Japan during the summer. Some others include:
Fukagawa Hachiman Matsuri
Ojima Neputa Festival
Sendai Tanabata Matsuri
Tenjin Matsuri
Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
Mitama Matsuri Festival
Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival
If you’re into fireworks, there are lots of opportunities to see some during your visit to Japan. The Sumida River Fireworks show, found in Tokyo, is one of the most popular options.
Other summer fireworks displays in Japan include the Omagari National Fireworks Competition, the Edogawa Fireworks Festival, Nagaoka Fireworks, Osaka Tenjin Fireworks, and the Naniwa Yodo River Fireworks Festival.
You’ll just want to double-check and ensure that none of these displays have been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you love nature, there’s plenty to do in Japan in the summertime. Some cities in Japan have wonderful beaches, like the ones in Wakayama, Chiba, Okinawa, and Fukuoka.
Japan is also home to impressive mountain ranges. Chubusangaku National Park is one of the top destinations for nature lovers when visiting Japan. Plan a hike, or you can even put together a longer-term camping trip. You could also head over to Kamikochi to hike if you’re looking to get out of the summer heat.
If you’re looking for more unusual natural attractions, check out Ryugashido Cave. Found in Shizuoka prefecture, it is a limestone cave with a waterfall to admire.
Eat Japanese Food
No matter what time of year you choose to visit Japan, you’ll want to try out some of the delicious cuisine unique to the country. Of course, sushi is a given that you’ll have to get during your trip. But you’ll have to decide what else you want to try during your meals.
Ramen is another option that you might have had at home, but the variety available when you actually visit Japan will blow what you’ve tried previously out of the water. One similar food to ramen is champon, of Nagasaki origin, wherein the noodles are boiled in the soup rather than separately.
Dumpling fans will love gyoza, which you might have seen called potstickers in American grocery stores. Freshly made versions are so much better.
Meat lovers will want to sample gyudon, fresh beef on rice, or chicken karaage (deep-fried chicken). If you’re a fan of fried food, Japan is a great place for it.
Kushiage, fried food on a stick, comes in tons of different varieties – you can get it with meat, or with different types of vegetables. It’s a perfect food to eat while strolling around busy city streets.
And, don’t neglect any of the tasty Japanese desserts you can sample. Kakigori, or shaved ice with syrup, is one popular option. Matcha (green tea) ice cream, is a tasty treat if you’re looking for something a little less sweet.
If you’d like a dessert with a little extra bite, sake jelly is something to try for any adults in your group. Warabimochi, mochi dumplings with soybean flavoring, are a little more unusual but might be something to try if you’re a fan of nutty treats. Those who prefer fruit should order some anmitsu, made with jelly, fruit slices, and red soy bean paste.
No matter what you’re eating, make sure that you’re holding your chopsticks correctly so that you can actually get these delicious foods into your mouth!
Learn While You Visit
There are also interesting museums throughout Japan. Beer lovers should certainly take a trip to Hokkaido’s Sapporo Beer Museum. Animation fans need to check out the Ghibli Museum, outside of Tokyo, to learn about the studio behind amazing movies like Howl’s Moving Castle, Grave of the Fireflies, Princess Mononoke, and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Those who are interested in technology should make a trip to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Nagoya. There are plenty of hands-on activities in this museum, so it can be a great place to take kids.
Those who have fond memories of eating instant noodles in college will want to check out the CupNoodles Museum Osaka Ikeda or the CupNoodles Museum Yokohama. If you choose the one in Ikeda, make sure you make a reservation in advance so you can try making your own instant ramen noodles!
Some other museums to consider visiting when you take a trip to Japan include:
Kofukuji National Treasure Museum
Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
Saku Children’s Science Dome for the Future
Upopoy Ainu National Museum
The Sand Museum
Toto Toilet Museum
Gunma Insect World
Of course, there are hundreds of museums in Japan, so no matter what you’re interested in you’re sure to find somewhere you’re interested in checking out.
Going on a Trip to Japan in the Summer: Start Today
Now that you know the basics, you can start putting together your plan for Japan in the summer. You just have to choose some dates, book your flights, and start searching for accommodations!
Do you want to learn more about Japan before you book your trip? Check out our Travel section to learn so much more.
