Summer in Japan: 11 Unmissable Things to Do for First-Time Travellers (2025)

Planning a summer trip to Japan but not sure what to do?

Don’t worry, I have got your back!

While summer in Japan is known for its heat and humidity, it is also one of the most exciting times to visit.

That is because Japanese summer offers unique seasonal experiences you won’t find any other time of the year!

So let’s get into it.

TLDR: Japan Summer Bucket List Ideas

1. Watch Fireworks at a Summer Festival
2. Join a Traditional Bon Odori Dance Festival
3. See the Blooming Sunflower Fields of Hokkaido
4. Climb Mount Fuji
5. Relax on Okinawa’s Best Beaches
6. Catch a Glimpse of Fireflies in Kyoto’s Ohara
7. Eat Seasonal Summer Street Food
8. Try Nagashi Somen (Flowing Noodles)
9. Swim in a Natural River Pool in Kurobe Gorge
10. Go Camping near Lake Kawaguchi
11. Hike the Scenic Trails of Japanese Alps

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links and I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

1. Watch Fireworks at a Summer Festival

When you think of summer in Japan, you think of the summer festival or locally known as matsuri. 

Most matsuri offer breathtaking firework displays, making it one of the best ways to experience Japan’s festive summer nights!

• Save

Some popular fireworks-centred summer festivals you can attend include Tokyo’s Sumida River Fireworks Festival and Niigata’s Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.

Travel tip: I recommend booking your accommodation at least 3 months earlier before the festive events as they attract thousands of spectators from near and afar. 

And if you want to learn more about Japanese summer festivals, check out my free article on that!

2. Join a Traditional Bon Odori Dance Festival

Another festival you can attend during summer in Japan is the traditional Bon Odori Dance Festival. 

Typically performed in mid-July to August, these festivals feature dance performances with simple choreography accompanied by lively music. 

• Save

Since the usual attire for a Bon Odori Dance Festival is yukata, you can easily rent one from the nearby rental store for a minimum fee of 300 yen (US$20) and immerse in the local culture. 

Some of the famous Bon Odori festivals in Japan include Tokyo’s Tsukiji Honganji Bon Odori and Gifu’s Bon Odori. 

Travel tip: I recommend wearing comfy footwear so you can join in the dance and enjoy the festive vibe!

If you are not sure what to bring for your trip, make sure to read my detailed Japan summer packing list article 😉

3. See the Blooming Sunflower Fields of Hokkaido

Hokkaido is known for its beautiful snowy slopes and stunning ice sculptures in winter, but its summer scenery is equally breathtaking. 

That’s because Hokkaido transforms the countryside into a sea of vibrant yellow sunflowers, offering a truly mesmerising sight!

Hokuryu Sunflower Village is one of the popular sunflower fields to visit in Hokkaido where visitors can admire the flowers’ view and cycle around.

• Save

Travel tip: Hokkaido is also an onsen haven so make sure to enjoy a dip or two while you are there!

4. Climb Mount Fuji

You might have known that climbing Mount Fuji is one of Tokyo’s bucket list ideas. 

But do you know that Mount Fuji is only open to hikers in summer? 

• Save

Since the mild summer weather makes it safer to climb, early July to early September marks the official climbing season, attracting both seasoned hikers and first-time travellers eager to take on Japan’s most iconic peak.

Mountain huts along the trail are operating as well this season, offering amenities and accommodations, especially for overnight climbers. 

Since there are 4 trails to choose from, the Yoshida Trail is the recommended trail for novice hikers as it is the most accessible and well-maintained route of all.  

Travel tip: Starting from 1st July 2025, aspiring hikers are required to pay a fee of 4000 yen (US$27) per person, make the reservation online and choose the preferred hiking time slot. 

Word of caution: Climbing Mt Fuji is no easy task so be sure you have good health and stamina with proper hiking gear before commencing the hike. 

For those who prefer a chill travel experience, make your way to the 5th Station and enjoy the stunning view of Mount Fuji without hiking all the way up. 

Travel tip: You can also enjoy a stunning view of Mt. Fuji in comfort from your private onsen by staying at a traditional ryokan or hotel 😉

5. Relax on Okinawa’s Best Beaches

Another summer activity you can do in Japan is to visit its beautiful beaches in Okinawa.  

Okinawa is home to some of Japan’s most stunning beaches, making it the most ideal spot for water activities like swimming, snorkelling, diving, and sunbathing!

• Save

Nishihama Beach on Hateruma Island boasts crystal clear waters and soft white sand, offering a tranquil escape and breathtaking atmosphere for city travellers to unwind. 

For snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts, make your way to Furuzamami Beach on Zamami Island for vibrant coral reefs and swim along diverse marine life. 

Travel tip: Since Okinawa is a large island, I recommend renting a car through Rentalcars to explore its beautiful attractions, and hidden spots, and enjoy its scenic coastal view, especially if you are travelling in a group.

6. Catch a Glimpse of Fireflies in Kyoto’s Ohara

Located in the mountainous area of Kyoto, Ohara is a must-visit place during summer for the rare, stunning sight of golden-hued fireflies!

The best time to see fireflies is from late June to early July after sunset, when the darkening sky creates an ideal contrast for their shimmering glow. 

And one of the best places to see fireflies in Ohara is Jakko-in Temple. 

This Kyoto hidden gem offers a tranquil retreat from the tourist crowds, where you can watch the fireflies drift through the night against a backdrop of lush trees and serene temple grounds.

7. Eat Seasonal Summer Street Food

Summer in Japan is not complete without indulging in seasonal street food or local snacks found at vibrant festivals and night markets!

A must-try summer treat is takoyaki, delicious octopus dumplings grilled in special round moulds and seasoned with tangy sauces and bonito flakes.

Another popular summer food that you need to try is kakigori or shaved ice. 

Topped with sweet syrups like strawberry, yuzu, or matcha, kakigori is definitely one of the locals’ ways to cool down amidst the heat.

8. Try Nagashi Somen (Flowing Noodles)

If experiencing a unique summer experience is on your Japan bucket list, then make sure to try nagashi somen!

Especially popular in rural mountainous areas, this summer tradition involves catching thin, chilled noodles using chopsticks as they flow down a bamboo water slide. 

You can then dip the noodles into the tasty tsuyu sauce and enjoy it with several toppings such as green onions, ginger, or wasabi.

• Save

As nagashi somen is enjoyed outdoors, you can also soak in the scenic scenery and the tranquil atmosphere while having a refreshing meal.

Here are some recommended places to visit for the ultimate nagashi somen experience: 

• Hirobun (Kyoto’s Kibune)
• Tosenkyo Somen Nagashi (Kagoshima’s Ibusuki)
• Takachiho Somen Nagashi (Miyazaki’s Takachiho Gorge)

Travel tip: Book your reservation ahead since these restaurants are typically packed in summer. 

9. Swim in a Natural River Pool in Kurobe Gorge

Another summer activity you can do in Japan is to swim in one of the river pools in Kurobe Gorge. 

One of the deepest gorges in the country, Kurobe Gorge is a beautiful mountainous region with lush greenery and breathtaking natural scenery. 

The best way to explore the gorge is by riding the lovely, open-air Kurobe Gorge Railway where visitors can sit back and enjoy the tranquil view for 80 minutes. 

• Save

The train will stop at several stations along the way, and you can alight at the Kanetsuri Station for a refreshing emerald-coloured river dip in Kurobe Gorge!

Travel tip: I recommend adding Takayama (one of my favourite cities!) to your Japan itinerary if you are exploring the Northern Japanese Alps. 

Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and majestic mountains, Takayama is an off-the-beaten-path place in Japan with plenty to offer!

Visitors can explore its rich cultural heritage through interesting museums, stroll through well-preserved historic streets that date back to the Edo period, and indulge in local food like Hida beef sushi and Mitarashi dango.

10. Go Camping near Lake Kawaguchi

If you are thinking of doing some outdoor activities during summer in Japan, then consider camping near Lake Kawaguchi. 

Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose camping sites that offer certain amenities or experiences to campers. 

For example, if you want a comfortable stay with outdoor vibes, you can go for the luxury glamping cabins at PICA Fujiyama campsite. 

For those who do not mind spending a night in a traditional tent surrounded by lush forest, you will not go wrong with the budget-friendly Saiko Jiyu Campground. 

• Save

11. Hike the Scenic Trails of Japanese Alps

Summer in Japan is also a great time for hiking when the breathtaking scenery is a combination of pleasant temperatures, lush greenery, sunny blue skies, and blooming seasonal flowers like hydrangeas. 

And one of the most scenic trails you can hike is in the Japanese Alps!

This tranquil mountainous region is particularly popular in summer as it has hiking trails that cater to all levels of hikers, from leisurely nature walks to adventurous alpine climbs.

• Save

You can start hiking at Kamikochi in the Northern Japanese Alps where you get to immerse in panoramic views of Mount Hotaka and Mount Yake, along the sight of crystal-clear rivers. 

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is also a well-known hiking spot, offering breathtaking scenery of the Tateyama mountain range and a 20-metre-tall snow wall. 

Japan Summer Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers

I explored Japan during summer and had a great time there despite the heat and occasional rain. 

Here are some of the useful travel tips that you can consider if you are visiting Japan for the first time during this season:

1. Dress Comfortably 

I can’t stress this enough—bringing along light, breathable clothes like linen or moisture-wicking fabrics for your Japan summer trip is a lifesaver. 

And if you are planning to hike a trail, be sure to wear appropriate hiking clothing and non-slippery footwear as well. 

I made two big mistakes when I hiked the Fushimi Inari Shrine summit trail in Kyoto during the summer that caused me much pain and hardship: 

1. I wore thick jeans. I thought I was serving looks but I didn’t realise the extra humidity and heat and inappropriate clothing made me extra tired and sluggish 😅
   
2. I wore slippery shoes. And I slipped and fell and scraped my knee as the hiking path was wet due to the rain the day before 😢

• Save

2. Stay Hydrated

The summer heat in Japan can be intense especially during midday. 

So make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day and bring your water bottle no matter where you go. 

If you have run out of water, you can easily refill it through the vending machine or refill station. 

Here are the refill places you can visit in Tokyo. 

Or you can enter any of the convenience stores and buy a new 1.5L bottled water for about 150 yen (US$1).

3. Bring Along Umbrella or Raincoat

Japan’s summer is also the rainy season where you can expect unexpected showers to occur throughout your trip.

So to keep yourself dry, bring an umbrella or a raincoat in your daypack before leaving the hotel. 

• Save

4. Book Accommodations with Air Conditioning

You will be surprised that at this era certain hotels or ryokans in Japan do not come with air conditioning. 

So do your research and double-check before booking to ensure a comfortable place with cool air to rest after a hot day.

Here are the recommended air-conditioned places that I stayed during my first solo trip to Japan in summer:

• Tokyo: The Global Hotel Tokyo
• Osaka: Toyoko Inn Osaka
• Kyoto: Rakucho Ryokan
• Kanazawa: Hatori
• Takayama: Country Hotel Takayama

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Summer Vibes in Japan

And there you have it—some of the best things to do in Japan for first-time travellers during summer!

From dancing at lively festivals and indulging in seasonal treats to escaping the heat by plunging into the natural river pools, summer in Japan is packed with unique experiences that make it a season worth visiting.

So embrace the summer vibes, try something new, and you are definitely not going to regret it!

Which summer experience are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments—I would love to hear about your Japan summer plans!