Summer in Japan

Did you know that Japanese people love festivals, In every month there’s a holiday or festival in the Japanese calendar which people are anticipating, especially in the summer season. When the rainy season wraps up towards the end of July, the typhoon season is still gaining strength peaking in August and September. Despite potential typhoons, the weather dramatically improves in late July and the summer travel getaway begins. 🙂

While festivals or Matsuri happen in Japan year-round, some of the most famous Matsuri take place during the summer months. Talking about the summer season in Japan before the pandemic —COVID— strike. I’m going, to be honest with you. Summer isn’t exactly the most popular season in Japan. It’s hot. It’s humid. There’s a rainy season. But in reality, summer is one of the best times to visit Japan. Here are some reasons why you should make Japan your summer travel destination.

Tanabata Festival

Tanabata is a Japan-wide festival that celebrates an ancient story about star-crossed lovers. It’s a day to hang colorful strips of paper from bamboo branches with wishes written on them. 

Gion Festival Kyoto

The largest festival featuring antique wooden floats is known as Yamaboko. Festivals in Kyoto tend to be authentic and reserved without the wild atmosphere you’ll find at some Japanese festivals. However, the Gion Festival gets somewhat lively on the three peak days of the event.

Aomori Nebuta Festival

What’s Nebuta? It simply means afloat. It is a kind of fire festival and one of the best summer festivals in Tokuho region. Giant illuminated floats are taken to the streets in which participants form a parade. Dancing and other entertaining shows take place there as the floats are pulled through the processionals route of streets.

Nagoya Sumo Basho

One of the six annual Grand Tournaments of Sumo, a chance to see the stars of the sports wrestling to improve or hold onto their rank.

Osaka (Koshien Summer Baseball Tournament)

Forget it– NOT! watching a baseball game in Japan is one of the most fun things you can experience! During summer one of the famous baseball game is The National High School Baseball Championship of Japan, commonly known as “Summer Koshien” is an annual national high school baseball tournament. It is the largest scale amateur sports event in Japan.

Hiroshima Lantern Ceremony

A toro nagashi memorial ceremony to remember those lost in the atomic bombing of the city of Hiroshima.

Obon Festival

Obon is a summer holiday when it’s believed that the spirits of departed love ones return for a visit. The spirits are welcome with rituals, dance, and festive foods. Other obon ceremonies show the spirits off at the end of the holiday.

Yukata

And of course— Matsuri also provides the perfect occasion for people to break out their yukata. Originally called yukatabira, these kimono-like garments came into existence as public bathhouses began increasing during the Heian Period. Although this light, unlined robe now mainly exists as standard attire for summer festivals.

Kakigori

While Japanese food is delicious year-round, summer means it’s time for kakigori! You’ll definitely find stalls selling these refreshing shaved ice desserts topped with sweet flavored syrup at whatever summertime festival you visit.

Fireworks Display

Nothing puts the crowning touch on a summer day than a night of fireworks. While fireworks aren’t unique to Japan, there’s something special about seeing them bursting above temples and shrines or near other iconic landmarks.

Japan has fun events and beautiful things to see all year, but there is something special about Japanese summer. If you decide to visit Japan in the summer, do consider going to one of these events because they are really fun! 🙂