Summer in Japan: Top Destinations to Experience the Season

Summer in Japan is a vibrant season filled with festivals, fireworks, beaches, lush mountains, and unique cultural experiences. Spanning from June to August, Japanese summer transitions from the wet and humid rainy season (tsuyu) into long sunny days that beckon locals and travelers alike to explore the outdoors. While summer in Japan can be hot and humid—especially in major cities—it is also the best time to experience Japan’s most colorful traditions and scenic destinations.

Whether you're seeking natural retreats, coastal escapes, or traditional festivals, Japan offers a wide array of summer destinations. Here's a guide to some of the best places to visit in Japan during the summer months.

1. Hokkaido: Nature’s Summer Paradise

If you're looking to escape Japan’s intense summer heat, Hokkaido—the northernmost island—is the perfect refuge. With its cooler temperatures and expansive landscapes, it offers a refreshing summer getaway.

Highlights:

• Furano and Biei: These central Hokkaido towns are famous for their rolling lavender fields, especially at Farm Tomita. The vibrant colors and pleasant scent make it a must-see in July.

• Daisetsuzan National Park: Hike through this vast and less crowded mountain area. You’ll find alpine flowers in full bloom and some of the best trails in Japan.

• Sapporo Summer Festival: Held in Odori Park, this event features beer gardens, food stalls, and fireworks—perfect for enjoying a cool summer night.

2. Kyoto: Ancient Festivals and Lush Gardens

Though Kyoto is known for its blistering summer heat, it’s also home to one of Japan’s most famous traditional festivals: the Gion Matsuri.

Highlights:

• Gion Matsuri (July): Held throughout July, the festival showcases parades of elaborate floats, street food, and traditional performances. It’s a living piece of Japanese cultural heritage.

• Kibune and Kurama: Nestled in Kyoto’s northern mountains, these small towns offer riverside dining (kawadoko) and cooler air. Take a scenic hike from Kurama to Kibune, then relax in a local hot spring.

• Zen Temples and Gardens: In summer, Kyoto's moss gardens (like Saihō-ji) and shaded temple grounds provide serene escapes from the heat.

3. Okinawa: Tropical Island Escape

Japan’s southernmost prefecture, Okinawa, is a string of islands with a laid-back vibe, pristine beaches, and a unique culture distinct from mainland Japan.

Highlights:

• Ishigaki and Miyako Islands: These remote islands boast crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing under the sun.

• Main Island Beaches: Beaches like Emerald Beach and Zampa Beach are ideal for water sports and family activities.

• Okinawan Culture: Explore ancient Ryukyu castles, try local delicacies like goya champuru, and enjoy traditional music with the sanshin instrument.

4. Nagano and the Japan Alps: Mountain Adventures

For those who love hiking and cooler temperatures, Nagano and the Japan Alps are top picks. These mountainous regions offer dramatic landscapes and refreshing air.

Highlights:

• Kamikōchi: A highland valley in the Northern Alps, Kamikōchi is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Its well-maintained trails pass through rivers, forests, and scenic peaks.

• Matsumoto: Known for its historic black castle and mountain views, Matsumoto is a great base for exploring the surrounding areas.

• Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Though better known in spring for its snow walls, the route is open in summer for alpine hikes and panoramic views.

5. Tokyo: Summer in the City

Tokyo in summer is a bustling mosaic of festivals, fireworks, and urban escapes. While the city can get hot, its endless activities more than make up for the heat.

Highlights:

• Sumida River Fireworks Festival: Held in late July, this is one of Tokyo’s most iconic fireworks events, drawing crowds in traditional yukata.

• Beer Gardens and Rooftop Bars: Tokyoites cool off with icy beers and seasonal dishes in open-air settings atop department stores and hotels.

• Odaiba: This artificial island features beaches, shopping malls, and even a giant Gundam statue. It’s a great place to enjoy the seaside without leaving the city.

6. Nikko and Lake Chuzenji: Historical Retreat in Nature

Located just two hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ornate shrines and natural beauty. In summer, it becomes a cool mountain retreat.

Highlights:

• Toshogu Shrine: Visit this lavishly decorated shrine complex set in lush forests.

• Lake Chuzenji: Located at a higher altitude, this lake offers boat rides, lakeside walks, and swimming in clear waters.

• Kegon Falls: One of Japan’s top three waterfalls, Kegon is particularly impressive in summer when water flow is strong.

7. Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes

Summer is climbing season for Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. From early July to early September, all trails are open to climbers.

Highlights:

• Climbing Mount Fuji: A once-in-a-lifetime experience, the sunrise from the summit (known as goraikō) is breathtaking.

• Fujigoko (Fuji Five Lakes): Ideal for those who prefer to enjoy Fuji from a distance, these lakes offer scenic views, water sports, and hot springs.

• Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha: This ancient shrine at the base of the mountain is dedicated to the deity of Mount Fuji.

8. Tohoku Region: Hidden Summer Gems

Less visited by international tourists, the Tohoku region in northern Honshu is a treasure trove of scenic beauty, rural charm, and dramatic festivals.

Highlights:

• Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (August): Featuring massive illuminated floats, this festival is one of Japan’s most visually stunning.

• Yamadera Temple: Located in Yamagata, this cliffside temple offers a scenic climb with views of the valley below.

• Lake Tazawa and Nyuto Onsen (Akita): A beautiful mountain lake and rustic hot springs make this area a peaceful summer retreat.

A vibrant season

Japan’s summer is more than just heat and humidity—it’s a season of vibrant cultural celebrations, breathtaking natural beauty, and unforgettable adventures. From the lavender fields of Hokkaido to the tropical waters of Okinawa, there’s a destination for every traveler. Whether you're hiking through alpine trails, watching fireworks over a river, or savoring cold noodles on a hot day, Japan in summer is a sensory experience that showcases the country’s diversity and charm.

Pack your sun hat, slip into a yukata, and get ready to explore summer in Japan.