Top 7 Must-Do Experiences in Japan During Summer

Summer in Japan is hot, humid—and full of unforgettable experiences. From colorful festivals and stunning fireworks to mouthwatering street food and mountain escapes, Japan’s summer season is a sensory adventure like no other.

If you’re planning to visit Japan between June and August, here are 7 must-do activities to make your summer trip absolutely legendary.

Summer in Japan

1. Attend a Japanese Summer Festival (Matsuri)

Japan’s summer matsuri are vibrant, traditional, and packed with energy. You’ll find everything from taiko drum performances and parades to people dancing in yukata (summer kimono) and street food stalls lining the way.

🌟 Top Festivals to Check Out:

• Gion Matsuri (Kyoto, July): One of Japan’s most famous festivals with massive floats.

• Awa Odori (Tokushima, August): A joyful, traditional dance festival.

• Tenjin Matsuri (Osaka, July): Parade on land and boats with fireworks.

  
  

📸 Tip: Rent a yukata and join the fun!

2. Watch Epic Fireworks Shows (Hanabi Taikai)

Summer means hanabi (fireworks), and Japan takes it seriously. Locals gather in parks and riversides for spectacular displays that can last over an hour.

🔥 Best Fireworks Festivals:

• Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Tokyo, late July)

• Nagaoka Fireworks (Niigata, early August)

• Lake Biwa Fireworks (Shiga, August)

  
  

🧺 Bring a picnic mat, snacks, and drinks—and go early for a good spot!

3. Hike Mount Fuji

If hiking Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji is on your bucket list, summer is the only time it's officially open for climbers (usually from early July to early September).

🏕️ Choose a guided overnight climb to reach the summit by sunrise—called “goraiko”—an absolutely magical moment.

⚠️ Note: Dress in layers; even in summer, it gets cold at the top!

4. Cool Down with Kakigori (Shaved Ice)

Beat the heat the local way with kakigori, a mountain of fluffy shaved ice topped with sweet syrups like matcha, strawberry, mango, or condensed milk.

🍧 Find it in:

• Summer food stalls

• Traditional kissaten (Japanese cafés)

• Department store food courts

  
  

Pro tip: Look for shops that make their kakigori with natural spring water—yes, it's a thing.

5. Relax at a Japanese Beach

Japan has stunning beaches, especially in the south. Whether you're looking to swim, snorkel, or sunbathe, summer is perfect for island hopping.

🏝️ Top Summer Beach Spots:

• Okinawa: White sands, turquoise waters, coral reefs

• Kamakura or Enoshima (near Tokyo): Easy day trip

• Amami Oshima: Off-the-beaten-path tropical paradise

  
  

🎶 You’ll even hear “beach reggae” and J-pop blasting from seaside stalls.

6. Stroll Through Fields of Sunflowers & Lavender

Want your Instagram to blow up? Head to Hokkaido, where summer fields bloom with surreal beauty.

🌼 Where to Go:

• Farm Tomita (Furano): Endless rows of purple lavender

• Hokuryu Sunflower Village: Over 1.5 million sunflowers

  
  

🌿 It’s cooler in Hokkaido, too—perfect summer weather!

7. Visit a Traditional Japanese Garden or Temple in Summer Bloom

Summer turns temples and gardens into lush, green wonderlands. It’s the best time to admire lotus ponds, shaded paths, and peaceful retreats from the heat.

🌺 Where to Go:

• Kenroku-en (Kanazawa)

• Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu)

• Byodoin Temple (Uji, near Kyoto)

  
  

☂️ Some even rent parasols to protect from the sun in style.

Bonus Tip: Watch Out for the Summer Heat 🥵

Japan can get very hot and humid, especially in cities. Stay hydrated, wear light clothes, and use sun umbrellas or cooling sprays (sold at convenience stores).

LIVE ULTIMATE XPERIENCES (L.U.X.) IN JAPAN!

If you haven't decided your vacation plan for this summer, check out our "Japan: LOST IN JAPAN" for an adventure.