How to Spend Your Summer in Japan

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Advisor - Celine Chua
Curated By

Celine Chua

  • Japan

  • Arts & Culture

  • Beaches

  • Local Culture

  • Summer

  • Seasonal Travel

How to Spend Your Summer in Japan
Curator’s statement

Summer in Japan is often characterized by vibrant festivals, sweltering heat and seasonal delicacies. From June to August, summer in Japan sees numerous events, including the iconic Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the colorful Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori.

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Where to stay

JANU Tokyo

Discover tranquility and contemporary luxury at Janu Tokyo, where every moment is an invitation to find harmony in the heart of the bustling metropolis.

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Luxury Hotel SOWAKA

Immerse yourself in a world of elegance and tranquility at this luxury hotel, where traditional Japanese architecture harmoniously blends with contemporary design, creating a serene sanctuary for guests to indulge in refined comfort and exceptional service.

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    $50-100 hotel / resort credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka

Your luxury haven in the heart of Osaka, where elegance, impeccable service and Japanese hospitality converge for an opulent stay.

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    $100 food / beverage credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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During the hot summer in Japan, here are some refreshing activities to keep you entertained and cool.

1. Visit beaches: Japan boasts beautiful beaches such as Shirahama Beach in Wakayama and Yuigahama Beach in Kamakura. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing and water sports.

2. Explore mountain retreats: Head to cooler mountain regions like the Japanese Alps or Hokkaido for hiking, nature walks and escaping the heat.

3. Attend summer festivals: Experience traditional summer festivals such as the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka or the Awa Odori in Tokushima, where you can enjoy lively parades, traditional dances and delicious street food.

4. Visit water parks and onsen: Cool off at water parks like Tokyo Disneyland's Splash Mountain or Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Tokyo, which offers both hot springs and indoor water attractions.

5. Enjoy summer fireworks: Attend hanabi (fireworks) festivals held across Japan during summer evenings, with some of the most spectacular displays happening in Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama.

6. Take a summer seasonal delicacies tour: Savor seasonal delights like kakigori (shaved ice) topped with sweet syrups, cold noodles such as somen or hiyashi chuka and refreshing summer beverages like mizudashi (cold brewed tea) or chu-hai (a type of cocktail).

7. Experience nightlife: Embrace the cooler evenings by exploring Japan's vibrant nightlife scenes in cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, with options ranging from rooftop bars to traditional izakayas.

8. Participate in cultural workshops: Take part in traditional cultural activities such as tea ceremonies, pottery classes, or calligraphy workshops, which are often held indoors and offer a glimpse into Japan's rich heritage.

Need to know

There are still plenty of activities to do during the summer in Japan despite the rising temperatures. Summer in Japan is often overlooked as an option as it is too warm, but you could check out the mountainous area and have a go at different activities than what you would usually head to Japan for.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Japan. For more inspiration, check out my trip report, Autumn in Japan.

Advisor - Celine Chua

Travel Advisor

Celine Chua

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