Summer is the best season for having fun and enjoying outdoor activities. In Japan, the summer season starts in June and ends in September. However, the best times to go there is between July and August. This is because the month of June receives a lot of rain, which may limit movement. Since Japan is made up of multiple islands, the best way to enjoy summer is to tour the country. That way, you get to experience the culture and see the attractions in different cities across Japan.
Why visit Japan in summer?
There are four reasons for visiting Japan during the summer season:
- To take part in festivals.
- To wear a yukata.
- To experience wonderful views of Japan’s landscape.
- To experience the oldest fireworks festival in Japan.
The nebata matsuri festival is one of the most popular summer festivals. This celebration happens between 2 and 7 August in Aomori city. Every night, there are dancers and musicians that carry around large floating lanterns and enormous taiko drums. Another great celebration that happens in August is the Awa dance festival.
A yukata is a cotton Japanese garment that is usually worn during the summer. You can rent a yukata and immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
Most flowers bloom during the summer time. You can visit Hokkaido and look at the marvelous lavender fields or go watch blooming sunflowers at Akeno.
In Japan, Shinto rituals are done to keep away evil spirits. A key component in Shinto rituals is Hanabi or fireworks. There a numerous fireworks festivals that happen throughout the year in Japan. However, most of them happen during summer. You can experience one of the oldest fireworks festivals at Sumida River in Tokyo. The event happens annually during the last Saturday of July.
Best things to do in summer in Japan
One thing that you have to do when in Japan during the summer is try their foods. The most popular dish at this time is Kakigori. It is a Japanese ice desert that is usually topped up with flavored syrups a variety of Japanese sweet. Kakigori helps you cool down from the high summer temperatures.
For a unique restaurant experience, you should visit a Kawadoko in Kyoto. These unique restaurants have floors that sit on top of a river. You can sit on the floor, eat sukiyaki, and listen to the flowing streams. Kawadokos are popular in the summer time because they offer an outdoor dining experience that helps the locals cool off from the burning sun.
Japan has one of the best surfing spots in the world. If you visit Shikoku during the summer, you will interact with both local and international surfers. Therefore, Japan is pretty good for surfing. If you are not into that, do not worry, you can just go to the beach and take a swim. You can also rent scuba gear and go deep sea diving.
Another fun thing to do in Japan during summer is hiking. The best spot is to do so is the Kamikochi trails.
Japan in winter, autumn and spring
Japan has four seasons that are evenly spread out through the year. From December to February, the country experiences winter. Nabemono is popular dish during the cold season. Apart from traditional delicacies, you can also ski or ice skate at a winter resort.
Spring in Japan begin in March and ends in May. If you are in Tokyo during spring, you can visit Shinjuku Gyoen. This public park is one of the best places to watch cherry blossoms in spring. The scenery changes and transforms into a forest of magical colors.
Autumn begins in September and ends in November. During this time, Japan begins to get a little chilly. Interestingly, it is one of the most beautiful seasons in Japan. Tree leaves all over the country change colors. You will see canopies of red, orange, and yellow. There are also some plants that blossom while still on the ground – they are known as Kochia.
