Summer in Japan is hot—really hot. Temperatures soar from late June through August, and humidity wraps around you like a wet blanket. But don’t let that stop you! Despite the heat, locals and tourists alike have found amazing ways to embrace the season.
If you’re visiting Japan in summer and want to make the most out of it, we’ve got you covered. From lively festivals to nonstop summer souvenir shopping, here are the ten most exciting ways to spend summer in Japan!
1. Join a Summer Festival
Nothing captures the spirit of Japanese summer like the lively summer festivals called “natsu matsuri.” These festivals honor the spirits of ancestors, with processions of floats with portable shrines, and musicians and dancers parading down the streets. Every festival has its own style, and with hundreds of Japanese summer festivals, you’ll definitely find one to join.
All across Japan, the Tanabata or star festivals take place, filling streets and even shopping centers with colorful streamers. It’s the perfect time to make a wish! And there’s also the famous Awa Odori, known for its lively dancing in the streets of downtown Tokushima.
Gion Matsuri in Kyoto light up the city with parades and street parties all night long. In Aomori Prefecture, the Nebuta Matsuri features dancers in different costumes, festival boats, and fireworks. In Tokyo, the Sanno Matsuri shows off giant lantern floats and powerful drum performances.
Joining a natsu matsuri means more than just watching—you can dance, chant, parade, and chow down on festival food. Plus, there are fun games where you can win unique toys or cute accessories. You can even wear a yukata, a light summer kimono, to really feel the festival vibe. It’s also one of the best opportunities to mingle with the locals!
2. Watch a Fireworks (Hanabi) Display
We’re not done with festivals just yet, because summer in Japan also means fireworks or hanabi festivals! These incredible displays are a summer highlight and can be found all across the country.
Some of the most famous hanabi festivals include the Nagaoka Matsuri in Niigata Prefecture, where 20,000 fireworks launch over two nights along the banks of the Shinano River. The Shinmei Fireworks Festival, located near Mt. Fuji, features synchronized pyrotechnic displays and music. Tokyo’s Sumida River show and Osaka’s Tenjin Matsuri also draw huge crowds with their stunning views and lively atmosphere.
3. Jam at Music Festivals
Summer is also Japan’s biggest season for music festivals, with big events like Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic. Every year, these events bring in artists not just from Japan but from all over the world. You’ll find all kinds of music—rock, pop, indie, and more—plus food stalls, camping zones, and a chill crowd.
Fuji Rock is held at the mountainsides of Niigata, Japan, and Summer Sonic takes place in both Tokyo and Osaka on the same weekend. While these two are the biggest and most popular summer music festivals in Japan, there are lots more to check out and enjoy. Just don’t forget sunscreen, water, and comfy shoes—you’ll be standing and walking a lot!
3. Visit Japan’s Stunning Flower Fields
Looking for something more relaxing? Well, flower lovers can visit the colorful flower fields in Japan! Up north in Hokkaido, the Furano and Biei areas are famous for their lavender fields that you can visit in mid-July. Nearby is the Shikisai no Oka or Four Seasons Hill, a flower garden on a hill carpeted with flowers such as tulips, lavender, and marigolds from April to October.
One hidden gem is the Yamanaka Flower Park near Mt. Fuji, where over a million seasonal flowers frame Japan’s iconic mountain. While it’s lesser known, it’s highly recommended for a peaceful, not-so-crowded experience. Pack a picnic, rent a bike, or hop on a local sightseeing bus to enjoy Japan’s vibrant flower fields. And don't forget to wear your kawaii outfit and cute bag to match the beautiful scene.
4. Go Firefly Watching
Watching fireflies is a magical way to spend a quiet summer evening in Japan. They usually show up from June to August in rural areas with clean streams or rice fields. If you’re in Tokyo, check out the garden at Hotel Chinzanso. The glow from the fireflies against the cityscape is an incredible view.
For something more natural, try Ohara in Kyoto’s countryside. Some towns and parks even hold special firefly viewing events, so it’s a good idea to check local schedules. The season doesn’t last long, but it’s definitely worth seeing if you’re around.
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5. Explore Japan’s Nature
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Japan’s beaches and mountains. Of course, Okinawa has the best beaches if you want clear blue water and soft white sand—plus, you can try snorkeling or diving. But, there are also beaches near Tokyo like Yuigahama and Zushi Beach. You can also find a number of beaches near Osaka and Kyoto.
More into adventure? Try diving in Japan’s tropical waters, or go kayaking on the beautiful Takachiho gorge. You can even try surfing at popular spots like Irino Beach or Ikumi Beach! And for something truly unique, try paragliding at the Tottori Sand Dunes for an unforgettable view of golden hills and the blue sea.
To escape the summer heat, you can head to the mountains. The Japanese Alps in Central Honshu are perfect for hiking, offering peaceful trails and fresh air. Summer is also the perfect time to climb Mt. Fuji! Just make sure to prepare in advance and book a spot if you’re using the Yoshida Trail.
6. Try Kawadoko Dining in Kyoto
When the summer heat gets intense, Kyoto has the perfect cool-down solution: a river dining tradition called “kawadoko.” These riverside restaurants set up raised platforms over flowing water so you can enjoy traditional Japanese meals by the river. It’s a long-standing Kyoto tradition, with restaurants usually starting in May and ending service in September.
You’ll find kawadoko spots along the Kamo River in central Kyoto, as well as in the forested mountain areas of Kibune and Takao. In Kibune, your tatami mat (a soft woven floor mat) dining spot sits just inches above the cold river! Meals can be pricey, especially at dinner, but the unique setting and delicious dishes make it a memorable splurge.
7. Head to a Beer Garden
From June to September, beer gardens pop up across Japan, offering a refreshing way to enjoy summer nights. These outdoor spots serve unlimited drinks like beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages along with food. Customers usually fill the drinks themselves with machines or drink stations.
Whether you're in Tokyo or another major city, it's easy to find one nearby. Beer gardens are open in the evenings, so if you want to cool down with friends on a warm summer night, go ahead and visit one.
8. Taste the Summer Season
You can enjoy delicious Japanese treats all year round, but each season has its own specialties. For summer, one must-try Japanese food is “kakigori” or Japanese shaved ice. You’ll see it everywhere, from festival stalls to dessert cafes. It’s usually topped with sweet strawberry or melon syrup, but it can also be made more special with condensed milk and fresh fruit.
Another summer specialty is cold somen noodles, which are chilled thin noodles served with a dipping sauce and toppings like vegetables, egg, and ham. If you want to make it more fun, look for “nagashi somen” where you catch noodles as they flow down a bamboo slide with cold water. It’s a cool and fun food experience you won’t forget!
9. Explore Underground Shopping Malls
When the summer heat becomes overwhelming, head underground for some shopping! Cities like Tokyo and Osaka have huge underground shopping areas packed with clothing stores, restaurants, cafes, and even art galleries. And if you’re winding your way through Tokyo Station, you can even find the Tokyo Character Street, with over 20 stores featuring kawaii characters like Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, and Chiikawa!
Most underground malls connect directly to train stations, so they’re super easy to find. In Tokyo, check out Yaesu Shopping Mall near Tokyo Station—it’s one of the biggest in Japan, with around 180 shops. If you're into old-school vibes, don’t miss the Asakusa Underground Shopping Street. It’s Japan’s oldest underground mall, built in 1955. Even Kyoto and Osaka have large shopping malls on the basement levels!
And that’s it! Summer in Japan might be hot, but you can still enjoy it with these fun and exciting activities. Just stay cool, hydrated, and have fun! And if you’ve got your own summer must-do or favorite spot in Japan, we’d love to hear about it. Drop a comment below!
