Summer in Japan brings about sunny skies and sweltering heat. (Photo from: PhotoAC)
Summer in Japan may be hot and humid, but it’s also a time to enjoy Japan’s culture, nature, and other fun experiences! From refreshing local foods and stunning scenery to lively festivals and outdoor adventures, here are six activities to keep you cool and entertained all summer long in Japan.
Eat nagashi soumen in Kyoto
Visitors to the Kibune region of Kyoto can enjoy nagashi soumen, or noodles that flow down bamboo poles, at Hirobun.
Nagashi soumen, or flowing noodles, is a fantastic summer tradition blending food with nature in Japan. This unique dining style is in Hirobun in Kibune, a picturesque town just a bit north of Kyoto city. Famous for its tranquil riverside settings and traditional kawadoko wooden platforms, where you can dine right above the flowing river.
Here's how it works: cold noodles glide down a bamboo flume with water, and you caught your noodles using chopsticks before dipping them into a savoury sauce made of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. The noodles come with toppings like green onions, ginger, and sometimes even with tempura. With the refreshing mountain breeze and cool river water, it's the perfect way to beat the summer heat in a serene setting.
Catch the Nagaoka fireworks festival in Niigata
The Nagaoka fireworks festival in Niigata Prefecture is one of the most spectacular in the country. (Photo from: PhotoAC)
Niigata Prefecture’s Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is one of Japan's top summer events, drawing large crowds visitors to Niigata Prefecture every year. Held on August 2nd and 3rd. Famous for its huge fireworks display, crowds gather along the Shinano River as night falls, eager to see the sky light up with colourful explosions. The cool evening breeze adds to the atmosphere, and with festival stalls set up selling delicious summer treats, the event is a perfect setting for everyone to enjoy this classic Japanese summer tradition.
Savour kakigori in Tokyo
Kakigori, or Japanese shaved ice, is a delicious treat to cool off in the summer. (Photo from: PhotoAC)
Kakigori is one of the best Japanese summer desserts to combat a Japanese summer. A must-try in Tokyo's culinary scene, you’ll find several specialty shops dedicated to perfecting this shaved ice treat. Himitsudo is a legend in the scene, specialising in kakigori with 132 seasonal toppings, with its strawberry kakigori a popular offering and drawing lengthy queues to its Yanaka shop. Meanwhile, Sabo Okuno Shibuya offers seasonal kakigori like grilled corn, alongside classics such as matcha and wasanbon milk, and Cafe Lumiere in the Kichijoji district sets their ice on fire and coats your kakigori with a luscious meringue when it’s served at your table.
Hike the Japan Alps
Kamikochi, the gateway to the Japan Alps. (Photo from: Hiroaki Kaneko/CC BY-SA 3.0)
For those looking to escape Japan's summer heat, hiking in the Japan Alps is a fantastic choice. Higher altitudes mean cooler temperatures, which makes it perfect for exploring this part of Japan – minus all the sweat. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the views are incredible. Towering mountains, lush forests, and colourful alpine flowers appear everywhere you look. Popular spots like the Northern Alps around Kamikochi offer pristine landscapes and clear rivers to cool off in, while the Central Alps near Mount Komagatake boast challenging trails and stunning summit vistas. Whether you're a serious hiker or looking for a scenic stroll, the Japan Alps promise a cool, fun-filled adventure full of natural beauty and serenity.
Head to a craft beer brewery in Japan
Japan's craft beer scene has taken off, making brewery and beer taproom visits a cool way to beat the heat and try some unique brews. In Kochi Prefecture, Mukai Craft Brewing, where it uses spring water from the Niyodo River System, is a must-visit. Nagano Prefecture’s Yo-Ho Brewing Company attracts beer lovers with its popular Yona Yona Ale (which you may have seen in convenience stores), which perfectly balances hops and malts, and seasonal brews that reflect Japan's changing seasons. You can find their taprooms at multiple locations in Tokyo. In Osaka Prefecture, Minoh Beer Warehouse stands out with its award-winning beers, crafted with great attention to quality and served in a friendly atmosphere.
Go surfing
Koigaura Beach in Miyazaki Prefecture is a hidden gem of a surf spot. (Photo from: Ippukucho/CC BY-SA 3.0)
Surfing in Japan is a fantastic way to beat the summer heat while enjoying the country's beautiful coastlines. Top spots include Irino Beach in Kochi Prefecture, known for its consistent waves and gorgeous surroundings. In Saga Prefecture, Tategami Surf Point in Karatsu City offers great waves and a more relaxed vibe compared to busier spots. Koigaura Beach in Miyazaki Prefecture is a favourite among locals for its reliable surf and stunning views, making it perfect for both experienced surfers and those just looking to have some fun on the water.