A Guide to Japan's Summer

TL;DR: You can easily beat the summer heat by heading to cooler regions like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps. Each summer month offers unique highlights, from June's blue hydrangeas in Kamakura to July's hills in Furano and August's Awa Odori dance festivals. Pair your sightseeing with peak seasonal foods like shirasu whitebait, Kyoho grapes, and buttery Hokkaido uni.

Have you ever been told to avoid traveling to Japan during the summer months? You fell for a classic Japan myth if you think summer is unmanageable. Many travelers cross June, July, and August right off their calendar, convinced that the heat and humidity will ruin their vacation. But when you write off the summer season, you are missing out on distinct and delicious experiences the country has to offer. It is almost as if people think places like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps do not exist. These cooler, elevated, and northern regions provide a reliable escape from the city heat, while the cities themselves come alive with historic festivals and seasonal foods. I am here to guide you through Japan's summer seasons, breaking down exactly where to go, what to eat, and which matsuri (festivals) to experience month by month.

June: Blue Blooms and Historic Matsuri

If you are planning your trip for the beginning of the summer, June offers a transition period filled with floral displays and cultural celebrations.

The Hydrangeas of Kamakura

A notable feature of early summer is the floral bloom that happens in Kamakura. While many visitors flock to Japan for the spring cherry blossoms, June brings its own display. You will find that Kamakura's Meigetsu-in and Hasedera are surrounded by thousands of blue June hydrangeas. Walking through the grounds of these historic sites, surrounded by blue petals, is an experience that makes braving the early summer weather worth it.

June's Culinary Highlight: Shirasu

All that temple hopping and hydrangea viewing will work up an appetite. When you are in the area, you must have shirasu whitebait rice bowls. This is their summer specialty. The delicate flavors of the whitebait complement the warm June weather, providing a light but satisfying meal that locals anticipate every year.

Kicking Off Festival Season

June is also a time to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese celebrations. You can experience the historic Sanno Matsuri. During this event, you get to watch shrine processions, wear a yukata, and join the dance. Putting on a traditional summer yukata and participating in the festivities is a direct way to connect with the local culture.

Additionally, you should head to Tsukiji for their matsuri. Here, you will have the opportunity to see golden lion heads paraded through the streets, a sight that captures the spirit of Japan's summer festivals.

June Travel Checklist:

• Must-Visit Locations: Meigetsu-in and Hasedera in Kamakura.
• Seasonal Sight: Thousands of blue June hydrangeas.
• Must-Eat Dish: Shirasu whitebait rice bowls (a summer specialty).
• Sanno Matsuri Activities: Watch shrine processions, wear a yukata, and join the dance.
• Tsukiji Matsuri Highlight: See golden lion heads paraded.

July: Summer Colors and Alpine Escapes

Come July, the focus shifts to escaping the city heat and embracing nature's summer colors. This is the month to look toward the cooler, elevated regions of the country.

Hokkaido's Summer Canvas

If you want to see some of the distinct landscapes in the country, you need to head north. In July, the hills of Furano turn into bright colors. The sweeping landscapes become a patchwork of hues. To make the most of your northern excursion, you should pair that with nearby Biei's blue water. The contrast between the hills of Furano and the blue water of Biei creates a memorable visual experience.

Hiking the Japanese Alps

Remember that classic Japan myth about the unmanageable summer? The Japanese Alps challenge that misconception. If you want to get active without overheating, you should hike the Kamikochi Valley in July. This alpine destination allows you to escape the city heat. Breathing in the crisp mountain air while surrounded by towering peaks is a reliable antidote to the humid urban centers.

Peak Season for Summer Fruits

July is not just about landscapes; it is also a destination for food lovers, specifically those with a sweet tooth. This is the peak month for Japanese fruits. During your July travels, you must seek out the melons and Kyoho grapes. The care and dedication that go into cultivating these fruits result in flavors that are rich and sweet, making them a refreshing summer treat.

July Travel Checklist:

• Northern Escapes: The hills of Furano and nearby Biei.
• Visual Wonders: Summer colors in Furano and blue water in Biei.
• Active Adventures: Hike the Kamikochi Valley to escape the city heat.
• Peak Fruits: Japanese melons and Kyoho grapes.

August: Summer Dances and Northern Feasts

In August, the summer energy reaches its peak. This is the month of large gatherings, outdoor celebrations, and premium seafood.

The Sapporo Summer Festival

If you are looking for a communal atmosphere, you need to visit the Sapporo Summer Festival. This event transforms the city into a hub of summer activity. You can spend your evenings relaxing at the outdoor beer garden, enjoying the atmosphere with locals and fellow travelers alike. The festival is also famous for its Bon Odori circle dances, where you can watch or participate in the rhythmic, synchronized movements that define the Japanese summer evening experience.

Hokkaido's Premium Seafood

While you are in the north enjoying the Sapporo Summer Festival, you must take advantage of the local culinary bounty. August is the time to feast on Hokkaido's buttery peak season uni, oysters, and abalone. The cold waters surrounding the region produce seafood of high quality, and eating these delicacies at their peak is a memorable experience. The buttery texture of the uni alone is worth the trip.

The Energy of Awa Odori

August is synonymous with one of the notable cultural events in the country. You must witness the energy of Tokushima's Awa Odori. This is the largest matsuri, featuring choreography, traditional music, and a lively atmosphere.

If you cannot make it all the way to Tokushima, do not worry. You can still experience this event because this happens in Tokyo's Koenji too. The Koenji Awa Odori is a large event, featuring over 10,000 dancers filling the streets with energy and rhythm.

August Travel Checklist:

• Sapporo Events: Sapporo Summer Festival featuring an outdoor beer garden and Bon Odori circle dances.
• Peak Seafood: Hokkaido's buttery peak season uni, oysters, and abalone.
• Large Matsuri: Tokushima's Awa Odori (the largest matsuri).
• Tokyo Alternative: Koenji Awa Odori featuring over 10,000 dancers.

Looking Ahead to the Next Seasons

As you can see, the myth of the unmanageable Japanese summer is just that—a myth. By knowing exactly where to go, what to eat, and which festivals to attend, you can unlock a side of Japan that many travelers miss out on. From the blue hydrangeas of Kamakura in June to the hills of Furano in July and the Awa Odori dances of August, summer is a season of discovery.

But our journey through Japan's seasons does not stop here. Be sure to hit follow so you don't miss autumn through spring next. We have more to uncover together, and you will want to stick around for the full seasonal map drop at the end of this series.