Japan is not only great for those who want to discover history and culture. There are also some amazing beaches in the country that offer pure relaxation without the crowds in most seasons.
While during wintertime people in Japan tend to stay indoors where it is cozy and warm and many of the streets are deserted or much more quiet than usual, summer is the liveliest season in the country of the rising sun.
Throughout the year there are many lively festivals, or matsuri, that are held throughout Japan. Which festivals are considered the most major ones?
What can you do on the Izu Seven Islands in Japan? A lot quieter than the usual beach resorts in Okinawa, you can enjoy hiking, ocean activities, and fresh seafood here.
Tokushima City is the capital of Tokushima Prefecture in Shikoku, and there are two reasons to go here; the Naruto whirlpools and the Awa Odori dance festival. Learn more about these attractions!
Karuizawa has thrived as a very popular summer resort in Japan since the late 19th century because of its cool and comfy summer climate. This attractive town is a good stop on your way to the Nagano mountains.
Yudanaka, rich in natural hot springs, is located deep in the mountains of the Yamanouchi area in Nagano. Some 200 monkeys live in this area. Watching them bathe just like humans do is fun!
For the spectacular Mitama Festival, the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo is decorated with more than 30,000 traditional Japanese lanterns, running all the way from the great torii gate to the main gate of the sanctuary.
Unagi is eel prepared in the Japanese style. It is a very popular summer dish in Japan because of the prevailing belief that eel helps your stamina when the weather is hot.
On August 15th, an annual event called Mantoe matsuri is held at night in the Todaiji temple in Nara. This festival commemorates our ancestors with lit-up lanterns.
Every August 6th, the first atomic bombing in history is commemorated in the city of Hiroshima. In the evening, a beautiful lantern festival is held at the Atomic Bomb Dome. This is the Toro Nagashi matsuri.
Aomori CIty is mostly skipped by tourists since the ferry is no longer the only way to get to Hokkaido, but if you happen to be here in August, the famous Nebuta Festival is worth a visit!
Furano and Biei are located next to each other and are usually visited in one trip. Most people discover the area on a 4-5 day summer trip, and marvel at the colorful beauty of all the flowers.
During the summer, temperatures in Japan can be quite high and the atmosphere gets very humid. This makes finding ways to cool down indispensable, and how to better do this than with freshly shaved ice?