Summer in Japan: Festivals & Fireworks

When I speak about summer in Japan, most people are surprised to learn how challenging the season can be: it’s hot, extremely humid and there’s a good chance of showers! Yet for many, summer is the only time they can travel and for those brave enough to embrace the elements, they will be rewarded with opportunities to experience stunning scenery and authentic local traditions.

According to Japanese legends, summer is when the spirits of ancestors return to walk among the living – a belief at the heart of many summer festivals, or matsuri. Streets are lined with lanterns, sacred floats, the beat of taiko drums, dancing, fireworks and more. Some matsuris are peaceful and relaxed, while others are loud and energetic.

Some recommendations on where to go and what to expect:

1.   Mt. Fuji - The likelihood of seeing Japan’s most famous volcano between May-September is low, and even if you are lucky to see it, it won’t have the “iconic” snow-cap peak. However, if you wish to climb Mt. Fuji, then the time to do so is between July and early September.

2.    Hokkaido - Visit the far north of Japan where temperatures are a few degrees cooler than the rest of the country. Wander through lavender and flower fields of Biei, enjoy fresh seafood and pristine outdoor beauty. Try a round of park golf, a Hokkaido invention!

3.    Kyoto - Gion Matsuri is Japan’s most well-known festival that is celebrated for the month of July. Be warned: as Kyoto sits in a valley, it also is one of the hottest places in the country.

4.    Northern Tohoku – Soak up the energy of Tanabata in Sendai, Nebuta in Aomori, and Kanto in Akita - all celebrated in the first week of August.

5.    Osaka - Experience the Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan’s three greatest festivals that comes alive in late July.

6.    Tokushima – Enjoy the rhythm of the Awa Odori dancing festival in mid-August, with other smaller versions happening around Japan.

7.    Tokyo – From the Shitamachi Tanabata (early July), Sumida River Fireworks (late July), and the lively Koenji Awa Odori (late August), Tokyo’s summer calendar is packed with excitement.

8.    Niigata – Every three years the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale transforms the region into an outdoor gallery between July-September. There is a permanent art field set-up so you can enjoy it outside of the festival. 

A little insider tip: Japan’s outdoor pools (even those at luxury hotels) generally only open for July and August and are closed the rest of the year (so if you want to take a dip on your holidays, these are the months to do it). Note that onsen is different – it’s for bathing, not swimming.

Japanese are well prepared to deal with the heat, so with a little local know-how and guidance on where best to go, I can help make your summer holiday in Japan survivable...but most importantly, memorable!