Introduction 🌸
Hello! When you think of summer in Japan, do you have the image that it’s “hot and humid, seems tough…”? 😅 But actually, Japanese summer isn’t just “hot and humid”! 🙌
In Hokkaido, fragrant lavender blooms in refreshing 25°C highlands 🌾 In Okinawa, tropical blue beaches await you 🏝️ In urban areas, spectacular fireworks festivals light up the night sky 🎆
In this article, we’ll introduce 7 summer spots with the theme of “Cool, Festivals & Stunning Views” to fully enjoy Japan’s summer charm, complete with the best timing and access information! ✨ At the end of the article, we’ve prepared a downloadable “7-night 8-day model course PDF” that you can actually use, so please read to the end 📖
📅 Essential Japanese Summer Calendar
To enjoy Japan’s summer, it’s important to first understand the seasonal flow! The climate and highlights change dramatically depending on the timing 🗓️
Mid-June to Early July: Rainy Season ☔
- Climate: Lots of rain, but temperatures are relatively comfortable
- Highlights: Beautiful hydrangeas (ajisai) in full bloom
- Main events: Kumamoto Aso Hydrangea Festival, Kamakura’s Meigetsu-in Temple
Mid-July to Mid-August: Peak Summer 🌞
- Climate: Scorching days over 35°C. But it’s the best season for summer festivals!
- Highlights: Fireworks festivals, summer festivals, highland resorts
- Main events: Gion Festival, Sumida River Fireworks, Mount Fuji climbing season
Mid-August to Early September: Lingering Heat & Typhoon Season 🌀
- Climate: Still hot, but mornings and evenings are a bit cooler
- Highlights: Sunflower fields, final summer festivals
- Main events: Awa Odori, Furano sunflower fields
🗾 7 Recommended Summer Spots【North to South Journey】
Now, let’s introduce the main topic—recommended summer spots! Enjoy this journey as if traveling from north to south across the Japanese archipelago 🚄
1. Hokkaido・Furano & Biei 🌾
📍 Best time: Early to late July 🌟 Highlights: Lavender fields, Blue Pond, Biei hills
Furano means lavender! 💜 At Farm Tomita, you can enjoy spectacular views of purple carpets spreading across the hills. In neighboring Biei, the painting-like “Blue Pond” is also a must-see.
💫 Must-do experiences:
- Ride a tractor through lavender fields
- Taste the famous lavender soft cream
- Early morning hot air balloon experience (clear weather only)
🏨 Accommodation: Many hotels with hot springs around Furano Station
2. Aomori・Nebuta Festival 🏮
📍 Best time: August 2-7 🌟 Highlights: Giant float parade, Haneto dancers’ energy
One of the three major festivals of Tohoku, Aomori Nebuta Festival! The sight of giant floats (nebuta) parading through the city is spectacular. One attraction is that spectators can participate as “Haneto” dancers.
💫 Must-do experiences:
- Rent Haneto costume and participate in the festival
- Visit Nebuta House Wa-Rasse to see the creation process
- Enjoy Tsugaru shamisen live performances
🏨 Accommodation: Hotels in Aomori city get crowded during the festival, so book early
3. Niigata・Nagaoka Fireworks 🎆
📍 Best time: August 2-3 🌟 Highlights: One of Japan’s three major fireworks festivals, Phoenix fireworks
Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display is one of Japan’s largest fireworks festivals. The “Phoenix” display is particularly known for its moving performance that embodies wishes for recovery.
💫 Must-do experiences:
- Watch fireworks up close from paid viewing seats
- Picnic fireworks viewing on Shinano River embankment
- Taste Nagaoka’s famous hegisoba noodles
🏨 Accommodation: Business hotels near Nagaoka Station are convenient
4. Yamanashi・Mount Fuji Climbing 🗻
📍 Best time: July 10 – September 10 🌟 Highlights: Japan’s highest peak, sunrise, sea of clouds
Japan’s symbol, Mount Fuji! During summer climbing season, many climbers aim for the summit. Witnessing the sunrise from the mountaintop becomes a lifelong memory.
💫 Must-do experiences:
- 1-night 2-day climb via Yoshida Route
- View sea of clouds from 5th station
- Get summit certificate
🏨 Accommodation: Recommended to book mountain huts around 5th station
5. Kyoto・Gion Festival 🎋
📍 Best time: July 14-17 (Saki-matsuri highlights) 🌟 Highlights: Yamaboko Junko parade, Yoiyama atmosphere, traditional culture
Gion Festival with over 1,150 years of history. The procession of gorgeously decorated yamaboko through Kyoto’s streets is truly a “moving museum.”
💫 Must-do experiences:
- Rent yukata and stroll through Yoiyama
- Special experience climbing onto yamaboko
- Food stall gourmet tour on Shijo Street
🏨 Accommodation: Hotels in Shijo-Karasuma area offer excellent access
6. Tokushima・Awa Odori 💃
📍 Best time: August 12-15 🌟 Highlights: Group (ren) dancing, unique rhythm
Famous for the chant “Dancing fools and watching fools, if you’re going to be a fool anyway, you might as well dance!” Awa Odori is Tokushima’s summer tradition with over 400 years of history.
💫 Must-do experiences:
- Watch authentic ren dancing from paid bleacher seats
- Join tourist groups (niwaka-ren) and participate in dancing
- End with Tokushima ramen gourmet time
🏨 Accommodation: Hotels around Tokushima Station offer good access to venues
7. Okinawa・Kerama Islands 🏝️
📍 Best time: June to September 🌟 Highlights: World-class transparency, sea turtles, coral reefs
The beautiful sea called “Kerama Blue” is a spot that divers from around the world dream of visiting. Accessible as a day trip from Naha.
💫 Must-do experiences:
- Snorkeling to watch sea turtles
- Beach BBQ on uninhabited islands
- Sunset cruising
🏨 Accommodation: Hotels near Naha’s Tomari Port are convenient for island access
🌡️ Heat & Weather Preparation Checklist
Let’s check the essential items for spending Japan’s summer comfortably! 🎒
Clothing & Accessories 👕
- Quick-dry T-shirts: Materials that dry quickly even when sweaty
- UV hoodie: For both air conditioning and UV protection
- Hat: Essential for heatstroke prevention
- Sunglasses: Protect eyes from strong sunlight
Items to Bring 🎒
- Folding umbrella: Prepare for sudden evening showers
- Insect repellent spray: Essential especially in highlands and near water
- Sunscreen: SPF50+ recommended
- Portable fan: Heat protection in crowded places
Heatstroke Prevention 💧
- Frozen water bottles: First aid for cooling neck
- Oral rehydration solution: Easily purchased at convenience stores
- Salt tablets: Replenish salt lost through sweat
Typhoon Season Preparation 🌀 August-September is typhoon season. Check these preparations in advance:
- JR transfer ride methods
- Airline operation status check apps
- Hotel cancellation policies
💡 Travel Planning Tips
Here are 3 points for planning an efficient and enjoyable summer trip! 📋
1. “North → South” Movement to Gradually Adapt to Heat 🧭
Starting from cool Hokkaido and gradually moving south allows your body to adapt to the heat. This is much easier than suddenly exposing yourself to Okinawa’s intense heat.
2. Schedule Fireworks & Festivals on Weekends, Tourist Sites on Weekdays 📅
Popular festivals and fireworks displays tend to concentrate on weekends. We recommend placing these events on weekends and leisurely touring relatively uncrowded tourist spots on weekdays.
3. Smart Transportation Cost Savings 🚄
- JR Pass: Great value for long-distance travel
- Regional passes: JR East + South Hokkaido Rail Pass, etc.
- LCC: For long distances like Hokkaido ⇔ Okinawa, flights can be cheaper
Compare costs in advance and choose the optimal transportation method!
🗓️ 7-Night 8-Day Model Course (Sample)
Here’s an actual itinerary example. Please use this as a base for your arrangements! ✈️
Day 1: Sapporo → Furano 🌾
- Morning: Arrive at New Chitose Airport
- Afternoon: Move to Furano, lavender sightseeing
- Accommodation: Furano Onsen Hotel
Day 2: Asahikawa → Aomori Travel 🚄
- Morning: Biei/Blue Pond sightseeing
- Afternoon: Flight from Asahikawa to Aomori
- Accommodation: Aomori city hotel
Day 3: Nebuta Festival Experience 🏮
- All day: Nebuta festival participation and viewing
- Accommodation: Aomori city hotel
Day 4: Nagaoka by Shinkansen, Fireworks Viewing 🎆
- Morning: Move to Nagaoka by shinkansen
- Evening: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival viewing
- Accommodation: Hotel near Nagaoka Station
Day 5: Tokyo via → Kyoto 🎋
- Morning: Via Tokyo on Joetsu Shinkansen
- Afternoon: To Kyoto on Tokaido Shinkansen
- Evening: Gion Festival Yoiyama stroll
- Accommodation: Kyoto city hotel
Day 6: Kyoto → Tokushima 💃
- Morning: View Yamaboko Junko parade
- Afternoon: Move to Tokushima
- Evening: Awa Odori viewing and participation
- Accommodation: Hotel near Tokushima Station
Day 7: Tokushima → Naha, Kerama Day Trip 🏝️
- Early morning: Flight from Tokushima to Naha
- All day: Kerama Islands day trip tour
- Accommodation: Naha city hotel
Day 8: Naha Sightseeing → Departure ✈️
- Morning: Shuri Castle, Kokusai Street sightseeing
- Afternoon: Departure flight from Naha Airport
📥 PDF Download: The detailed version of this itinerary and recommended hotel list can be downloaded from the bottom of the article!
💰 Travel Budget & Real Price Perspective
Here’s a guide to travel costs you’re curious about. Plan your budget properly and enjoy your trip with peace of mind! 💸
Transportation 🚄✈️
- Round-trip airfare: International flights ¥50,000~¥150,000 (depends on timing and departure point)
- JR Pass (7 days): ¥29,650
- Domestic LCC: ¥5,000~¥15,000 for long-distance travel
Accommodation 🏨
- Urban hotels: ¥10,000~¥20,000 per night
- Regional hotels: ¥6,000~¥12,000 per night
- Hot spring ryokan: ¥15,000~¥30,000 per night (includes 2 meals)
Events & Experience Costs 🎫
- Fireworks festival paid seats: ¥3,000~¥10,000
- Festival costume rental: ¥3,000~¥5,000
- Kerama day trip tour: ¥8,000~¥12,000
Food & Other 🍜
- Per meal: ¥1,000~¥3,000
- Souvenirs: ¥5,000~¥10,000
- Admission/entrance fees: ¥300~¥800 per location
💡 Money-saving tip: Use early booking discounts and coupons to smartly reduce travel costs!
🌟 Summary & Next Actions
How was it? Japan’s summer is truly an attractive season where you can experience “festivals, fireworks, stunning views, and gourmet food” all at once! 🙌
What you can do right now ✅
- Save with early booking: Save significantly on hotels and transportation with early reservations
- Check coupons: Verify discount coupons on accommodation booking sites
- Collect event information: Check detailed information about festivals and fireworks festivals in each area in advance