How to Make the Most of Summer in Japan

Skiiers and snowboarders flock to Japan for the famed ski fields each winter but even the northern reaches of this island country come alive in the summer. The countryside explodes with flowers, the cities are full of people staying out late to sip cold beer and catch-up with friends and the remote, southern islands come into their own as a beach destination. These are just a few of the summer highs you can experience in Japan in the heat.

Marvel at the fireworks

In Japan, summer means fireworks. No matter which city you’re in, you’re likely to see the sky sparkle for at least a few nights of your trip. Key celebrations include the six-thousand firework Yokohama International Fireworks display in July, the Tokyo Bay Grand Fireworks Festival at the Harumi Futo Pier in August and the Omagari Fireworks Festival.

Gion Matsuri

For the entire month of July, Kyoto is all about the Gion Festival. Its origins more than a millennia ago were about appeasing the gods and while there is a still a religious element to today’s celebrations, it’s also a chance for neighbours to get together in a giant street party.

Experience Bon Odori

Get your moves ready – in summer, the streets come alive with these traditional dance festivals. As well as being a joyous celebration, the celebrations are also intended to welcome the spirits of ancestors into the home. Over three days, people lay lanterns at the graves of their festivals and get together to learn and perform the dances.

See the wildflowers

When the weather warms, fields throughout Japan explode in technicolour blooms. Though spring is for cherry blossoms, come June an abundance of roses, hydrangeas, irises, sunflowers and lavender bloom in the thousands. Hokkaido, better known as a ski destination, is blanketed in colour come summer – Furano and Biel are the best towns to experience the patchwork.

Sapparo Summer Festival

Come mid July this city becomes one giant beer garden – unsurprising, really, given it shared its name with one of Japan’s popular lagers. The Sapporo Summer Festival runs for about a month and in addition to the enormous outdoor drinking space, there’s also live music, dancing and markets.

Climb Mount Fuji

It’s most-often pictured with a snow-capped peaks but Mount Fuji’s official climbing season is actually from July to September. Four trails snake to the summit, each with their own challenges that take between eight and 10 hours to compete.

Visit the Okinawa Islands

The beaches in this sub-tropical prefecture are as impressive as the ones you’d find in Hawaii and Fiji. Once a haven for savvy travellers, the secret got out when Ishigaki Island was named TripAdvisor’s number one destination for 2018. But there are still plenty of hidden turquoise coves to explore away from the neon jungle of Japan’s busy cities.