Japan Summer Travel Guide: From Bustling Tokyo to Cool, Refreshing Hokkaido

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Japan Summer Travel Guide: From Bustling Tokyo to Cool, Refreshing Hokkaido

Date: 2025.11.18

Must-Visit Summer Destinations in Japan

Summer in Japan often comes with intense heat and high humidity, but it’s also the perfect time to explore lively festivals, stunning natural scenery, and unique ways to beat the heat. If you’re planning a summer trip to Japan, don’t miss these top destinations and experiences:

1. Hokkaido – A Cool Paradise with Stunning Lavender Fields 🌬️💜

If you want to escape the sweltering heat of Japan’s big cities, Hokkaido is your top choice. Summer here is refreshingly cool and comfortable.

⭐ Farm Tomita (Furano):

Famous for its endless, vibrant purple lavender fields, especially breathtaking in July. It’s a perfect spot for photography 📸 and relaxation, surrounded by the soothing scent of flowers.

How to get there: 💜

From Sapporo: Take the JR train to Furano Station, then transfer to the seasonal Lavender Express to Lavender Field Station.

From Furano: Walk, cycle, or take a bus/train to Nakafurano Station, then walk to the fields.

Must-try food & highlights: Lavender ice cream, Furano melon, lavender-themed products, and flower farm tours.

⭐ Shiretoko National Park:

A UNESCO World Heritage Site 🌳🦌, offering scenic boat tours, hiking trails, and a rich variety of wildlife.

How to get there:

Nearest airports: Memanbetsu or Nakashibetsu. From there, take a direct bus or rent a car.

From Sapporo: Drive (6–7 hours) or take an overnight bus.

Within the park: Renting a car is recommended as public transport is limited.

Must-try food & highlights: Fresh seafood (crab, salmon), Jingisukan grilled lamb, Shiretoko Five Lakes, wildlife spotting (bears, deer), and sightseeing cruises.

2. Okinawa – Tropical Islands with Crystal Blue Seas and White Sands 🏖️🐠

Summer is the best time to enjoy Okinawa’s stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

⭐ Emerald Beach (Ocean Expo Park):

One of Okinawa’s most beautiful beaches, with soft white sand and transparent waters perfect for swimming 🏊‍♀️ and water sports.

⭐ Churaumi Aquarium:

One of the largest aquariums in the world 🐋🦈, home to whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of marine species.

How to get there (Emerald Beach & Churaumi Aquarium):

From Naha Airport: Take express bus No. 111/117 or rent a car (1.5–2 hours).

Within Okinawa: Public buses or rental cars are available.

Must-try Okinawa cuisine: Goya Champuru, Okinawa soba, Rafute (braised pork belly), taco rice, umibudo (sea grapes), awamori liquor, and sata andagi doughnuts.

Other highlights in Ocean Expo Park: Tropical botanical gardens, traditional Okinawan village, dolphin shows, and sea turtle/manatee exhibits.

3. Tokyo – Summer Festivals and Modern Entertainment 🏙️🎉

Even in the heat, Tokyo is buzzing with excitement in summer, offering countless events and cool hangouts.

⭐ Sumida River Fireworks Festival (Late July):

One of Japan’s biggest and most famous fireworks events, attracting millions for its spectacular night sky displays 🎆.

How to get there: 🎆

Nearest stations: Asakusa Station or Tobu Asakusa Station (15-min walk to viewing spot 1); Kuramae Station (5-min walk to viewing spot 2).

Tip: Use public transport and be prepared for crowds.

Must-try food & highlights: Street food in Asakusa (okonomiyaki, tempura), seafood at Tsukiji Market, views from Tokyo Skytree, and Senso-ji Temple.

⭐ TeamLab Planets TOKYO:

An interactive digital art museum featuring immersive water and light installations for a cool, magical experience 💧✨.

How to get there:

1-min walk from Shin-Toyosu Station (Yurikamome Line) or 10-min walk from Toyosu Station (Yurakucho Line).

Must-try food & highlights: Yakitori nearby, Toyosu Market, and Edo-Tokyo Museum.

⭐ Ghibli Park (Nagakute, Aichi – near Nagoya):

A must-visit for Studio Ghibli fans, with immersive zones recreating Miyazaki’s beloved worlds 🌳🧚‍♀️.

How to get there:

Take the Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, transfer to the Higashiyama Subway Line to Fujigaoka, then ride the Linimo to Ai-Chikyuhaku-Kinen-Koen Station.

Must-try food & highlights: Fresh bread, quiche, and exploring themed areas like “Youth Hill” and “Ghibli’s Warehouse.”

4. Kyoto – Timeless Charm and the Gion Matsuri Festival 🏯🏮

Kyoto in summer is steeped in tradition and home to one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals.

⭐ Gion Matsuri (July):

A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event and one of Japan’s three major festivals, featuring elaborate yamaboko floats parading through Kyoto’s streets.

How to get there:

Easily accessible by subway, bus, taxi, or on foot around Shijo, Kawaramachi, and Oike Streets.

Must-try food: Kyo Kaiseki (traditional multi-course Kyoto meal), nishin soba (soba with dried herring), shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), yuba (tofu skin), sabazushi (mackerel sushi).

Highlights: The Yamaboko Junko parade (July 17 & 24).

⭐ Pontocho Alley & Shirakawa Lane:

Evening strolls along the Kamogawa River 🏞️ or through Kyoto’s charming narrow streets offer a cooler atmosphere and a glimpse of traditional Japan.

How to get there:

Shijo Kawaramachi Station (Pontocho), Gion-Shijo Station (Shirakawa).

Must-try food & highlights: Diverse dining in Pontocho, traditional dishes in Shirakawa, riverside views, and lantern-lit willow trees.

5. Lake Kawaguchiko & Fuji Five Lakes Area 🗻🌸

For breathtaking summer views of Mount Fuji, head to the Fuji Five Lakes region.

⭐ Lavender & Mount Fuji (Oishi Park, Lake Kawaguchiko):

July is the peak season for vivid purple lavender fields 💜 with majestic Mount Fuji as a backdrop.

⭐ Boating or Cycling Around the Lakes:

Enjoy fresh air 🚴‍♀️ and stunning scenery around Kawaguchiko and nearby lakes.

How to get there:

Train or bus from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station.

Must-try food & highlights: Hoto noodles, lavender blooms with Fuji views (July), boating/cycling by the lake.

🧭 Conclusion

🤝 While summer in Japan can be hot, its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and lively festivals promise an unforgettable journey! Remember to pack sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, and stay hydrated to protect your health.

👉 Are you planning a summer trip to Japan? Share your travel goals with Helpall!