24 Recommended Spots in Japan to Visit This Summer!

Cycling in Niseko (Hokkaido)

Hokkaido, with its extensive land area, is cool even in the summer. In the spring and fall, it doesn’t have much rainfall or many typhoons, which makes it a perfect place for cycling. Yoteizan (Mt. Yotei) in Niseko is called “Hokkaido’s Mt. Fuji” and is one of Japan’s “One Hundred Famous Mountains.” How about enjoying the freedom of refreshing Hokkaido-style cycling while gazing at Mt. Yotei’s verdant greenery?

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Niseko Onsen: Onsen town with many things to enjoy, from onsen to various activities

15 Jun 2023

Cycling in Obihiro (Hokkaido)

Discover “Tokapuchi 400,” a figure-8-shaped bike route connecting Kamishihoro Town and Taiki Town that begins and ends in Obihiro City, Hokkaido. You can enjoy the towns, the woods, the lakes and the ocean on your journey.

Lake Towada RIB Tour (Aomori Pref.)

An RIB, or “rigid inflatable boat, is a high-performance, unsinkable rubber boat that is used by the navy, rescue teams, and polar expedition groups all over the world as it can go to areas with harsh natural environments.

On this tour, you can access the special protected area surrounded by the steep cliffs of Lake Towada, the largest double caldera lake in the world, which is inaccessible by regular boat.   GURILAND The tour is offered from April to mid-November Reservation: http://guriland.jp/ribtour.html *Some foreign captains can speak English. Access: 2 hours and 10 minutes by bus from Hachinohe Station

GURILAND

The tour is offered from April to mid-November

*Some foreign captains can speak English.

Rafting in the Mogami River (Yamagata Pref.)

In the middle and upper river basin on the Mogami-gawa River, which is said to be one of the three most rapid streams in Japan, you can enjoy rafting. The route dramatically ranges in speed, with some raging torrents and some gentle streams. RUSTICA The tour is offered from the end of April to the end of October.

RUSTICA

The tour is offered from the end of April to the end of October.

*The service is available in English.

SUP and paragliding in Matsushima (Miyagi Pref.)

With an increasing popularity all over the world, SUP (Sand Up Paddleboard) is a water activity, where you stand on a board, keep your balance, and go forward by paddling. Matsushima, ranked one of the “Three Fine Views of Japan,” is an excellent place for SUP, with calm waves and little influence of wind.

KUUNEL SUP

The tour is offered from early May to late October.

*The service is available in English.

Kayaking in Lake Tazawa (Akita Pref.)

If you look at Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, the water surface is very clear and the color changes according to the depth, green at shallow parts and blue at deeper parts. The color also changes as the angle of the sun changes. In this tour, you can ride a kayak and feel the mysteriousness of Lake Tazawa up-close. From the kayak on the lake, you can also have a great seasonal view around the lake.

Tazawako Shizen Taiken Center

The tour is offered from late April to early November.

Marine sports on the Miura Peninsula (Kanagawa Pref.)

In addition to the great beach for enjoying swimming in the ocean, Miura Peninsula is a great place for marine sports, including windsurfing, sea kayaking, and SUP (standup paddle-boarding). With convenient access by train from Tokyo and with its gentle waves, it is a popular summer spot. On a clear day, it is recommended to try sea kayaking while enjoying the view of Mount Fuji.

Biei (Hokkaido)

In the center of Hokkaido lies Biei; an expansive natural area full of rolling hills and wide fields. From the “Blue Pond” to the “Seven Stars Tree,” this town is no stranger to refreshing summer destinations that are sure to take your breath away!

Kurobe Gorge Railway (Toyama Pref.)

Located in Toyama Prefecture, the Kurobe Gorge is one of Japan’s most remarkable V-shaped gorges. The “Kurobe Gorge Railway” travels the roughly 20 km stretch from Unazuki to Keyakidaira, an 80-minute one-way trip at an average speed of 16 km per hour.

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TOYAMA / KUROBE / TATEYAMA

06 Jul 2023

Okutama (Tokyo)

Tokyo is more than just bright lights in the big city. Known as “Tokyo’s Adventure Line,” the JR Ome Line connecting Ome Station to Okutama Station in western Tokyo’s Tama area is a true treasure trove of natural wonders! The best way to end a day of river activities in the Tama River is to soak in the hot springs.

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Best places to go this spring and summer in Okutama, Tokyo

06 Jun 2023

Kozushima (Tokyo)

About 180km south of Tokyo, Kozushima is one of the islands comprising the Izu Islands. It is about 40 minutes by plane from Chofu Airport. The green of the mountains, centering around Mount Tenjo (Tenjozan), the blue ocean, the simple life of the islanders: it is a peaceful island. Because there is no excessive amount of light from any villages nearby, it is possible to see a pure starry sky at night. Summer night skies are the perfect canvas for a vivid view of the Milky Way. Sit back and relax while gazing up at the starry sky.

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The stars falling from the sky are the greatest reward! Kozushima itself is a planetarium.

17 Jul 2023

Fujikawaguchiko Town (Yamanashi Pref.)

Besides offering access to the beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji and the lakes, the popular Fujikawaguchiko area is abundant with famous tourist spots and fun activities. In July, the climbing season of Mt. Fuji starts and many mountain climbers visit there. Enjoy the impressive view of Mt. Fuji and the mountain and lake activities!

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Mt. Fuji Climbing

06 Jul 2023

Karuizawa (Nagano Pref.)

A famous summer retreat and cottage area, Karuizawa is a highland resort with a pleasant breeze and the comforting murmur of flowing rivers. Another attractive aspect of Karuizawa is that the area has many unique shops and restaurants.

・Harunire Terrace in Karuizawa Hoshino Area

A small town was created among about 100 wild Harunire (Japanese elm) trees. A total of 16 shops, restaurants, and cafes stand along the clear stream. Walk in sunlight through leafy areas, and take the time to search for your favorite shop.

Hakuba (Nagano Pref.)

Although Hakuba is famous as a ski resort, new places that can be enjoyed in seasons without snow are opening one after another. Feel the comfortable breeze of the highland and refresh yourself.

・HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR

A sky terrace with a gorgeous panoramic view of Northern Alps (the Hida Mountains) from an altitude of 1,289 meters. The cafe at the terrace, “THE CITY BAKERY,” offers various dishes, such as sandwiches with local ingredients.

Furano (Hokkaido)

Located nearly in the center of Hokkaido, Furano is famous as a place where movies and dramas are filmed. The beautiful hills and wonderful rural landscape create a gorgeous view.

・FARM TOMITA

The view of the hill, entirely covered with purple lavender plants like a carpet from late June to early August, is simply overwhelming. At the expansive farm, visitors can also see many other different types of pleasing-to-the-eye flowers.

Atami (Shizuoka Pref.)

This major resort area is a popular place to enjoy the ocean, onsen, and local food. Once one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in Japan, its popularity is perhaps in part because of its accessiblility from Tokyo—Atami is only about a 50 minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station.

・AKAO HERB & ROSE GARDEN

Beautiful roses of various colors are in bloom, and various kinds of herbs are grown in 12 themed gardens. This garden has many places to see, including a cafe at an elevated spot that has a panoramic view of Sagami Bay, as well as a souvenir shop and workshop.

Hatsushima (Shizuoka Pref.)

Just 30 minutes by ship from Atami Port, this casually-accessible isolated island will add more excitement to your resort experience. The warm, clear ocean has colorful fish and is also popular as a diving and snorkeling destination.

・PICA Hatsushima

Relax in a hammock surrounded by sub-tropical trees and flowers, and you can quickly feel an extraordinary exotic atmosphere of a tropical place. This resort place is fully equipped with air conditioning, offering a comfortable place throughout the year. You can enjoy fun activities, where you can be very active, as well as bathhouses using mineral rich water from the sea.

Kaichu-doro causeway and the islands (Okinawa Pref.)

This road connects four islands, and starts from Yokatsu Peninsula in Uruma City, located in the middle part of Okinawa. Driving while gazing at the emerald-blue ocean on both sides is an amazing feeling.

Minamiboso (Chiba Pref.)

Minamiboso is a temperate beach-side area, located at the tip of Boso Peninsula. You can not only enjoy the beautiful ocean but also various kinds of flowers as well as seasonal fruit picking.

・Kamogawa Sea World

This large-scale aquarium rears and exhibits more than 11,000 creatures of various kinds. Powerful performances by huge killer whales and dolphins in stadiums facing the Pacific Ocean are popular events among visitors.

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20 Jul 2023

“Nicolai Bergmann Nomu” in Shibuya, Minami-Aoyama (Tokyo)

One of the city’s trendiest spots, “Nicolai Bergmann Nomu” in Minami-Aoyama is a cafe produced by flower artist Nicolai Bergmann from Denmark. You can appreciate the summery flora while enjoying freshly squeezed juice and traditional cake from Denmark. All your stress and fatigue will vanish in no time.

“HUSKY GELATO” in Shinagawa’s Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street (Tokyo)

Although well-known as a business district, the area actually also contains many warm and friendly shopping streets and stores. “HUSKY GELATO,” located along the Togoshi Ginza shopping street, offers handmade gelato using Japan’s best vegetables and fruits. Stop by to savor their unique selection of original flavors!

“PATISSERIE ASOKO IWAYANAGI” in Todoroki, Setagaya (Tokyo)

This patisserie has become a massive hit since its debut in 2015. The parfaits topped with generous portions of seasonal fruits are like jewels, and you’ll be mesmerized by their artistic flavors. We also recommend a scenic visit to the nearby Todoroki Valley. You’ll find over 30 springs along the 1 km stretch of the valley, a rejuvenating spot with fresh air and sunlight filtering through the trees.The temperature begins to dip the moment you enter the ravine, and with more than 30 springs along its 1km trail of dappled sunlight, what could be more pleasant?

Kurashiki Momoko’s “Marugoto Peach Parfait” (Okayama Pref.)

Fruit parfaits are a specialty of Okayama, a prefecture with a warm climate and flourishing fruit production. The most popular menu at this parfait shop is the “Marugoto Peach Parfait” (whole peach parfait), available from mid-June to late September.This impressive-looking parfait features a whole peach sourced from Okayama, which contains a luxurious combination of heavy whipping cream, custard cream and Japanese-style young peach glacé.

NAKAMURA TOKICHI HONTEN’s “Namacha Jelly” (Kyoto Pref.)

When considering the seasonal traditions associated with summer in Kyoto, historical festivals and Japanese sweets that mitigate the heat come to mind. In recent years, a plethora of stylish souvenir sweets have made their appearance.

The “Namacha Jelly” from NAKAMURA TOKICHI, a famous and traditional green tea shop established in 1854, is packed with the umami of green tea. When eaten with shiratama mochi balls and red bean paste, you will feel the happiness spreading throughout your mouth.