What to do in Japan this summer? Detailed guide to summer festivals, fireworks displays, and more!
Preface
In the summer we eat green
beans, peaches, cherries and melons. The days are
long and pleasant in every sense . --Robert Walser, "Summer"
If you were asked
when is the best time to go to Japan,
most people would probably answer something like this:
"Of course, the cherry blossom season."
"Autumn is also great for viewing the red leaves
." "I want to go to Hokkaido in winter to see the snow."
Japan's four seasons each have their own unique flavor
As travel to Japan grows in popularity,
the splendor of spring cherry blossoms and the quiet beauty of winter snow are often mentioned
, while the endless beauty of summer is often forgotten.
However,
when the hydrangea wind chimes of Kyoto's Manjuji Temple chime out a clear whisper,
beside the gassho-style houses of Shirakawa-go, the stream transforms the chirping of cicadas into an icy melody,
the Kamakura River Electric Railway carries the throbbing of a young boy past the transparent Shonan Coast under the summer sun
, a yukata brushes the evening breeze across the Atami coast, and fireworks bloom in the sky and before our eyes.
Each scene, pieced
together to create a stunning Japanese aesthetic,
calls you to embark on this endless
summer The final test of life has just concluded, with graduates planning their final revelry
, children eager for new summer adventures, and office workers eager to escape the scorching concrete jungle...
If you haven’t decided on your summer destination yet
, I believe that
after reading this article,
“Summer in Japan” will definitely become your first choice.
Avoid the crowds and sun! Cool off in Japan this summer
The two biggest roadblocks to summer travel are naturally the heat and the crowds.
If you're not willing to wait in long lines for a check-in, you
don't have to head to the snowy plateau. Japan's many hidden summer resorts offer a chance to cool off!
Without further ado, here are two charts comparing the average temperatures in July in China and Japan.
As Japan is an island nation, its overall climate is significantly influenced by the ocean.
While southern regions like Kansai and Kyushu also experience relatively high summer temperatures,
while the vast regions of East and South China are shrouded in a "furnace," northeastern Japan, represented by Sendai and Kanazawa, the Nagano mountainous region in the central
Hokuriku region, and most of Hokkaido can still enjoy a cool summer with an average temperature of no more than 25 degrees Celsius.
The figure shows the temperature of major cities in Japan in mid-July and late July 2024
Here are some recommendations for cool summer resorts that are popular with local Japanese residents.
Let’s escape from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai to cool down in the summer!
Kamikochi – Japan’s Little Switzerland, a cool and secret place in the Northern Alps
This mountain resort, 1,500 meters above sea level, boasts an average summer temperature of just 20°C.
Stroll across Kappa Bridge, and gaze at the turquoise waters of the Azusa River, reflected in the Hotaka
Mountains. The pure, natural snow-capped mountains are frozen in time, and even the chirping of cicadas echoes with a crisp, resonant air.
Karuizawa: A Summer Wonderland in Tokyo's Back Garden
This highland resort, 1,000 meters above sea level, has an average summer temperature of just 23°C.
A gentle breeze blows through the birch forest, and at night, a myriad of dreamy lights
illuminate the woods. The various churches, cafes, and concert halls scattered along the lakeside add to its artistic charm.
Lake Kawaguchi - A resort at the foot of Mount Fuji
At 830 meters above sea level, Lake Yamanaka boasts an average summer temperature 5-8°C cooler than Tokyo.
Watch Fuji's reflection drift through the morning mist, cycle around the lake in the evening,
and if the forest breeze isn't enough, explore the Fugaku Wind Cave, a natural cold storage facility!
A Complete Guide to Japan's Summer Festivals! Yukata + Fireworks = Unparalleled Romance
Remember the festival scenes that permeate the entire story of "Your Name"? Mitsuha and her sister perform a traditional shrine maiden dance to the gods at the festival; as a comet streaks across the night sky during the festival, Mitsuha, dressed in a yukata, gazes into the distance, intertwined with the light and shadows of fireworks and lanterns; and at the film's climax, Mitsuha and Taki's fates intertwine amidst the throngs of the festival crowds...
These famous scenes are inspired by Japan's most captivating summer festivals! Wearing a yukata, scooping goldfish, eating candy apples, and enjoying the fireworks display—
the most romantic summer experience of 2025 begins here.
There are many kinds of summer festivals in Japan, and they are held in various regions,
from the famous Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo
to small festivals in local towns and cities .
In addition to the fireworks festivals we are familiar with,
there are also many forms of festivals such as stalls, taiko performances, and dance parades (Bon Odori).
Therefore, it is particularly important to prepare in advance.
Be sure to save the following festival guide and filming tips!
How to choose a festival?
2025 Japan Summer Festival Map
Summer festivals vary in duration, from a single day to a month-long celebration. For those looking to capture the magic of anime-inspired scenes, try a fireworks display. For those wanting to explore unique folk customs and cultural heritage, don't miss local festivals like the Gion Festival and Yosakoi Festival. Here are a few of these unique summer festivals!
A carnival night where gods and demons dance together - Aomori Nebuta Festival
One of Japan's three major festivals! Giant paper lantern floats depicting historical and mythical figures,
accompanied by "jumping man" dancers shouting "Lake Serara!", parade through the streets.
The night is ablaze with lights, accompanied by the sounds of taiko drums and flutes, creating a breathtaking spectacle that feels like another world!
Originating from an ancient custom meant to ward off sleepiness, this festival has become a summer extravaganza.
Dreamlike Lights and Shadows on the Sea – Atami Sea Fireworks Festival
The fantastical sea fireworks display in Atami Bay, Shizuoka Prefecture, takes place year-round (most frequently in spring, summer, and autumn)
. The highlight is the stunning, "Niagara Falls in the Sky" fireworks intertwined with the reflections on the sea!
It's recommended to enjoy it in a yukata after strolling through the hot springs, and paired with Atami pudding for a perfect match.
The Nachi Fire Festival, the flaming oracle of the Kumano Kodo Trail
One of Japan's three major fire festivals! Twelve giant 50kg torches burn brightly, sending
sparks cascading down like a waterfall, symbolizing purification and blessing.
The mikoshi (portable shrine) careens down the mossy stone steps of Mount Nachi, a breathtaking spectacle, complemented by the cascading waterfall,
showcasing the wild charm of primitive faith.
A comprehensive guide to summer festival releases
✨ Add a touch of atmosphere to your collection
. Gently wave a round or folding fan to capture the natural coolness of summer.
Wear a handkerchief instead of a regular small bag. Choose a more appropriate goldfish or firework pattern.
Wear a fox mask (half-cover your face or pin it in your hair) to instantly transform into an anime character.
✨Immerse yourself in interactive scenes
and challenge yourself to summer games like scooping goldfish and fishing for water balls. Experience the pure joy of childhood temple fairs.
Explore and enjoy street food, and take photos of yourself with candy apples or fried noodles
. Raise a glass and interact as fireworks burst, letting the dazzling fireworks become the perfect backdrop.
"Stories always happen in summer", famous summer scenes!
"In the summer, the sunlight is as thick as freshly ground jam."
Perhaps it's the rising temperatures that stir our hearts,
while the dazzling splendor of summer fireworks aligns with the Japanese aesthetic of "mono no aware."
Looking for those memorable scenes in Japanese anime and film
, we find that they always take place in the summer.
In the Kamakura courtyard of "Our Little Sister," plum wine and hand-held fireworks record the tender moments of four sisters.
In "Kikujiro's Summer," Masao and Kikujiro embark on a summer road trip.
In "My Neighbor Totoro," the two sisters run through cornfields and green meadows...
Recommended destinations for pilgrimages
Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu
Many of the scenes from Natsume's Book of Friends have 1:1 real-life counterparts! Embark on a quiet Kyushu countryside road, and discover if you'll actually encounter a little monster!
Takayama Hida area in Gifu Prefecture
This is the filming location for Itomori-cho in the movie "Your Name." The mysterious Hie Shrine is the prototype for the shrine that the Mitsuha family has guarded for generations in the movie! If you visit, you can also visit the Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market, the inspiration for the Itomori-cho Morning Market in the movie, and experience the traditional market atmosphere and local life in the Takayama area.
Kamakura, the holy land of youth
Kamakura, a small coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a beloved filming location for numerous Japanese films and television productions! Many scenes from the film "Our Little Sister" were shot in Kamakura. Kamakura's tranquil coastline, Japanese gardens, temples, and railways, along with hydrangeas and plum blossoms, perfectly capture the slow-paced, healing lives of the four sisters and the warmth of the small town.
As for the railway crossing where Sakuragi Hanamichi waved to Haruko, and the Shonan coast where Rukawa Kaede rode his bike... I think they have been engraved in everyone's common youthful memories!
Jump from the second dimension to the third dimension, immerse yourself in it, and write your own summer chapter!
From Hokkaido to Kyushu, here's a rundown of summer fun in various parts of Japan!
Hokkaido
Keywords: sea of flowers, countryside, cool, hidden gems.
In summer, Hokkaido transforms into a blend of southern France and Switzerland!
You can plunge into a sea of purple lavender at Farm Tomita,
admire the Tiffany-blue waters and reflections of birch trees at the Biei Blue Pond
, or take a nighttime boat cruise on Lake Toya to watch fireworks, followed by a glass of fresh milk from the local farm...
Kanto region
Keywords: fireworks, seaside, vacation, youth.
The Kanto region's youthful atmosphere and numerous resorts make it a perfect summer destination for a stylish getaway in Japan! Take the Enoden electric railway in Kamakura to admire hydrangeas and the Shonan coast, experience the breathtaking scenery of Fuji on a pirate ship on Lake Ashinoko in Hakone,
or challenge yourself to conquer Japan's summit during the limited-time summer season opening of Mount Fuji!
Shoryudo
Keywords: Summer vacation, ancient trails, hot springs, fairy tales.
Located in the Shoryudo region of central Japan, the Northern Alps stretch across it, and the Edo Ancient Road, Nakasendo, stretches across it. The valley's cool climate makes it ideal for hiking, summer escapes, and hot spring treatments, creating a perfect blend of nature and culture.
Kansai region
Keywords: ancient capital, Zen, pilgrimage, paradise
. Experience an endless summer in this epitome of Japanese aesthetics! In Kyoto, you can enjoy a Zen tea ceremony amidst lush greenery and experience the tranquility of a once-in-a-lifetime summer. Or, at night, transform yourself into the protagonist of "Short Nights, Girls Go Forward" and stroll along the Kamogawa River to enjoy a used book fair. Meanwhile, the Osaka World Expo transforms into a futuristic amusement park, where a variety of cutting-edge technological experiences ignite summer passion. And the thousand-year-old ancient paths of the Kumano Sanzan, nestled amidst lush greenery, await your visit.
Shikoku・Kyushu
Keywords: niche, Instagram, island hopping, festivals.
If you're looking for less crowded, less popular destinations, then the many hidden gems of Kyushu and Shikoku are definitely worth a visit! Island hop through the numerous islands of the Seto Inland Sea and Kitakyushu, snap Instagram-worthy photos with the various art installations scattered between the mountains and the sea, visit a random seaside town, enjoy a slice of watermelon in front of a grocery store, and experience a truly Japanese summer!
Okinawa
Keywords: turquoise sea, snorkeling, island hopping, folk
customs. Summer in Okinawa is a symphony of turquoise sea and revelry! Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Kerama Islands and dance with tropical fish; or simply lounge on the sugar-white sands of Taketomi Island and daydream. At night, the sound of the shamisen drifts from Naha's izakayas, paired with a can of ice-cold beer, creating a dreamlike, sea-salty, southern paradise.
China-TravelNote's summer Japan itinerary is now fully upgraded and launched
This summer,
our Japan itineraries are undergoing an unprecedented overhaul!
Experience the journey from Nagoya to Kanazawa,
with the collaborative research of several product managers who have lived in Japan for over 5 years .
From the vast north to the azure south
, from classic east-west journeys
to the hidden gems of the Kii Peninsula,
we'll offer you a more complete and multifaceted experience of Japan,
allowing you to write your own summer story.
Plus, a brand new "Trendy Japan" series is coming soon,
taking your Japan adventure to the next level
! Stay tuned!
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"So, Kyoto, let's go."
"Yes, let's go to Kyoto."
You don't need many reasons or purposes to set off
; a heart-pounding photo of a distant place is enough
. Yes, it's summer, let's go to Japan.
This time, I hope we can go with you.
Copywriter @Sea Grape
