INTRODUCTION.
Japan is known for its beautiful seasonal landscapes and cultural attractions, which are most evident in summer. Summer in Japan is a popular season for its beautiful natural surroundings, events such as festivals and fireworks displays, and fresh, delicious food.
First, let’s consider the attractions of summer in Japan. Japan in summer offers beautiful natural environments. The beauty of nature can be enjoyed in many places, such as the wilderness of Hokkaido, the beautiful mountains of the Tohoku region, and the coastline of the Kanto region. Summer is also the season for Japan’s traditional summer festivals and fireworks displays. At these events, visitors can enjoy the traditional festival atmosphere and beautiful fireworks displays.
Furthermore, summer in Japan is also the season for fresh and delicious food. Many foods are harvested in summer, including summer vegetables, seafood, and seasonal fruits. Cooking with these ingredients not only provides relief from the summer heat but also allows you to enjoy local and seasonal flavors.
So how should you plan your trip to Japan in summer? Travel planning is very important. This is because summer in Japan is extremely hot and humid, so you need to choose the right clothing and activities. Summer is also a very busy season in Japan, so it is important to book in advance and time your trip accordingly.
This article provides detailed information on planning a summer trip to Japan. First, we will introduce the climate and clothing for summer in Japan, followed by recommended tourist destinations and events, as well as food. Furthermore, we will also provide you with tips and cautions when planning your trip.
Summer travel in Japan is a great opportunity to enjoy beautiful nature, culture, and delicious food. Please use this article as a guide to help you plan a great summer trip.
Summer Climate in Japan
Summer in Japan is characterized by the rainy season and the summer climate. The rainy season is the period from June to July, when rainfall is heavy throughout Japan. During this period, the weather is humid and hot. At the end of the rainy season, summer weather arrives.
Summer weather lasts from July to September. During this period, hot and humid weather prevails throughout Japan. It is not unusual for temperatures to exceed 30°C (86°F), and the high humidity makes for very hot days. Especially in urban areas, temperatures are even higher due to the heat buildup from buildings and asphalt.
Regarding changes in humidity and temperature, summers in Japan are extremely variable. Especially during the rainy season, humidity changes rapidly as rain falls on and off. Also, even in the summer climate, in some areas, temperatures can be high during the daytime but drop sharply at night. To cope with these fluctuations, you need to prepare appropriate clothing and personal belongings.
The first piece of advice on what to wear and bring to cope with summer weather in Japan is to wear breathable clothing, as the days can be hot and humid. Choose clothing made of thin cotton or moisture-absorbent, quick-drying materials to keep you comfortable even when sweating. Also, since the sun is strong, be sure to take UV protection such as hats and sunscreen.
Furthermore, to cope with sudden temperature changes, it is recommended that you bring lightweight outerwear such as a lightweight cloak or cardigan. Since the temperature may drop at night and you may feel cold in air-conditioned places, bringing a jacket will help you stay comfortable.
Furthermore, since it rains frequently in summer in Japan, we recommend that you also bring a folding umbrella and a lightweight raincoat. By always carrying these items with you to deal with sudden rain, you will be able to spend rainy days comfortably during your trip.
The above is our advice on what to wear and bring with you to cope with the summer climate in Japan. By preparing appropriate clothing and personal belongings, you can comfortably enjoy your summer trip in Japan.
Summer Recommendations for Japan
When planning a summer trip, it is important to consider the climate. Japan is a country that offers beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons, and there are many particularly attractive spots to visit in the summer. Below are some of the best summer spots in Japan.
Tokyo: Summer Festivals and Fireworks Displays
Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and many summer festivals and fireworks displays are held during this time. At summer festivals, people in yukata (summer kimono) enjoy food stalls and game booths. Fireworks displays also provide a beautiful spectacle in the night sky. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival and the Odaiba Fireworks Festival are particularly famous. These events are known as Japan’s summer traditions and attract many visitors.
Kyoto: Cool Temples and Shrines to Visit
Kyoto is a city with a strong traditional Japanese culture, and a visit to a cool temple or shrine is recommended in the summer. Particularly famous temples include Kinkakuji and Kiyomizu-dera. These temples are attractive for their beautiful gardens and historical buildings, which help visitors forget about the summer heat. Special events are also sometimes held in summer. For example, Kuramadera Temple offers nighttime viewing, allowing visitors to stroll through the illuminated grounds.
Hokkaido: Natural Beauty and Cool Climate
Hokkaido is the northernmost region of Japan and offers natural beauty and a cool climate with low humidity in summer. Hokkaido offers vast expanses of nature, with beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers to enjoy. Furano and Biei are particularly famous tourist destinations. In these areas, beautiful flower fields spread out in summer, making them ideal for landscape photography. Hokkaido also has a relatively cool climate even in summer, making it a great place to visit if you want to avoid the heat.
Okinawa: Beautiful Beaches and Resort Experiences
Okinawa is a resort destination located in the south of Japan, offering beautiful beaches and resort experiences in the summer. Okinawa has beautiful ocean and white sand beaches, and marine sports such as snorkeling and diving are popular. Okinawa’s unique culture and history are also attractions. Historical buildings such as the ruins of the Ryukyu Kingdom and Shurijo Castle are also worth visiting. Spending time in the Okinawan sea in the summer is a great way to refresh yourself.
These are just some of the recommended summer spots in Japan. Japan has four distinct seasons, and summer in particular offers many pleasures. We encourage you to plan a trip to enjoy the Japanese summer to the fullest.
Summer Events in Japan
Summer in Japan is a season of many fascinating events. Summer festivals, fireworks displays, music festivals, and many other events are available. In this chapter, we will introduce Japanese summer events in detail.
First, let us introduce the appeal of summer festivals and our recommendations for festivals. Summer festivals are a rare opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture. At festivals held at shrines and temples, visitors can see portable shrines and floats parading through the streets. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of foods and games at food stalls and street vendors. Typical summer festivals include Tokyo’s Asakusa Samba Carnival (September 15, 2024) and Kyoto’s Gion Festival (July 10-31, 2024). These festivals attract a large number of visitors, creating a lively atmosphere. We encourage you to participate in summer festivals and experience traditional Japanese culture.
Next, we will introduce viewing spots for fireworks festivals and recommended events. Fireworks displays are an essential part of summer in Japan. Fireworks festivals, where beautiful fireworks can be seen, have become a summer tradition for many people. Particularly recommended fireworks displays include the Sumida River Fireworks Festival (July 27, 2024) in Tokyo and the Nagaoka Festival Fireworks Festival (August 2 and 3 each year) in Nagaoka City. These fireworks festivals provide a spectacular display of fireworks to light up the night sky.
Finally, here is some information on summer music festivals and events. In Japan, various music festivals and events are held in the summer. Some of the most recommended music festivals include the Fuji Rock Festival held at the foot of Mt. Fuji and the Sapporo Jazz Festival in Hokkaido. These music festivals feature both domestic and international artists and allow visitors to enjoy various genres of music. Other popular summer events include outdoor live concerts and beach parties. At these events, you can enjoy music and feel the summer breeze.
These are some of the summer events in Japan. With summer festivals, fireworks displays, music festivals, and many other events, summer in Japan is well worth a visit. We hope you will enjoy a memorable trip to Japan by participating in one of these summer events.
Summer Food in Japan
In summer, Japan offers many delicious foods along with the hot weather. This section will introduce some of the best Japanese dishes and seasonal foods for summer. We will also discuss summer desserts such as shaved ice and cold noodles.
Japanese cuisine and seasonal foods recommended for summer may vary from region to region, but generally include the following.
First, summer vegetables are used in cooking. Summer vegetables include corn, eggplant, cucumbers, and tomatoes. These vegetables are in season in the summer and are sweeter and fresher. Summer vegetables can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes such as salads, stir-fried dishes, and grilled dishes.
Summer is also a time of abundant seafood. Because fresh seafood is caught in summer, sashimi, sushi, and grilled fish can be enjoyed. Especially in summer, hamo (yellowtail), hamachi (yellowtail), bonito, and Spanish mackerel are considered delicious. These seafood are fatty and effective in preventing summer fatigue.
In addition, noodle dishes are also popular in summer. Cold noodles are especially recommended in summer. Typical cold noodle dishes include zarusoba, chilled chuka, and chilled ramen. These noodle dishes are refreshing and appetizing to eat in the hot summer.
Shaved ice is a popular summer dessert. Shaved ice is made by shaving ice and pouring syrup over it, and is available in a variety of flavors. Shaved ice topped with melon, watermelon, mango, and other fruits is especially popular in summer. Cool and sweet, shaved ice is the perfect dessert for the hot summer months.
Other food stall foods such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and yakitori can also be enjoyed at summer festivals, fireworks displays, and other events. These street food stall foods are a summer tradition and are one of the most memorable summer foods.
Japanese food in summer is characterized by refreshing flavors and cold temperatures to suit the hot weather. Summer vegetables, fresh seafood, cold noodles, shaved ice, and many other dishes and desserts are available. We hope you will try some Japanese summer food.
Travel Tips for Summer in Japan
Summer in Japan is the perfect time to enjoy beautiful nature, festivals, and fresh food. However, you need to plan your trip with attention to summer weather and crowds. Below we detail some key points for summer travel in Japan.
Points to keep in mind for reservations and transportation
Summer in Japan is the tourist season, especially from August 13 to 16, which is the “Obon” period. Since Japanese people take vacations during this period, hotels and transportation may be crowded in popular tourist destinations around this time. Therefore, it is important to make reservations early when planning a trip. Especially in popular hotels and tourist destinations, reservations can fill up months in advance, so early booking is recommended.
Transportation can also be crowded, so it is important to do your research in advance. Especially on weekends and holidays, it can be difficult to make reservations for bullet trains and airplanes. During the “Obon” period, there will be no more non-reserved seats on some Shinkansen trains. Please note that advance reservations are required. Use reservation sites and official transportation websites for the most up-to-date information.
How to Avoid Crowded Summer Tourist Attractions in Japan
Crowding is inevitable during the summer in Japan, as many people visit tourist destinations. However, you can avoid crowds by making a few efforts.
First, it is important to choose weekdays. On weekends and holidays, many people take vacations and tourist attractions become very crowded. By visiting on a weekday, you can avoid the crowds.
In particular, August 13-16 each year is the period known as “Obon”. Many people take vacations around that period, and both transportation and tourist attractions become crowded.
It is also advisable to visit tourist attractions early in the morning or in the evening. Since most tourists visit tourist attractions during the daytime, early mornings and evenings are relatively empty. By visiting early in the morning or at dusk, you can enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace.
Suggested Budget for Summer Travel in Japan
The budget for a summer trip to Japan depends on your personal travel style and plans. However, as a general guideline, a typical budget should range from 10,000 to 30,000 yen（$65 to $193） per day, including hotel, transportation, meals, and sightseeing.
Hotel accommodations tend to be more expensive in urban areas and popular tourist destinations. The budget should also include the cost of bullet trains and air travel. As for food, Japan has a lot of good food, but eating at upscale restaurants can put a strain on your budget. Enjoying local cuisine at local food stalls and eateries is also recommended.
Sightseeing costs include entrance fees, transportation fees, and guide fees. Costs vary depending on the tourist destination, but it is important to plan with a budget in mind.
These are the key points for summer travel in Japan. Plan a comfortable and enjoyable trip by knowing what to expect in terms of reservations and transportation, how to avoid crowds, and a rough estimate of your budget.
Summary
Planning a summer trip to Japan offers many attractions and ways to have fun. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of tourist attractions and activities while taking into account the summer climate. This article summarizes some of the attractions and ways to enjoy summer travel planning in Japan.
Attending various festivals and events is also a good idea for your summer travel plans in Japan. Summer is the festival season in Japan, and various festivals are held throughout the country. In addition, many events such as fireworks displays and summer festivals are also held in Japan, so be sure to participate in these events in your summer travel plans.
In addition, you can also enjoy fresh and delicious food during your summer travel plans in Japan. Cool foods such as shaved ice and cold somen noodles are also popular in summer.
Finally, your summer travel plans in Japan will also allow you to enjoy relaxing activities such as hot springs and swimming in the sea. Because Japan is surrounded by the sea, there are many beautiful beaches and swimming spots. Enjoying sea bathing and marine sports is also recommended in your summer travel plans.
The above is a summary of the attractions and ways to enjoy summer travel planning in Japan. Beautiful natural environments, festivals and events, delicious food, and relaxing activities are some of the many attractions unique to summer. We hope you will make your summer travel plans in Japan and create wonderful memories.
