rom Lavender Fields to Tropical Beaches : Japan's Summer Wonders

What makes summer in Japan special? Japanese summer offers spectacular natural beauty—from white sandy beaches to majestic, sweeping green mountains. The warm temperatures during the Japanese summer are perfect for trekking, lively night festivals, and enjoying stunning sunsets on the Pacific horizon. Summer is the ideal time to explore Japan's most beautiful natural destinations.

 

 

1. Furano, Hokkaido: The Charm of Lavender

It's not just France that has lavender fields. From June to August, Furano in Hokkaido transforms into a purple carpet stretching as far as the eye can see. The calming aroma of lavender combined with the cool mountain air creates an incredible sensory experience.

 

 

Farm Tomita, the main destination in Furano, is not just an ordinary flower field. Here, you can enjoy the legendary lavender ice cream while viewing the expanse of flowers arranged with a maestro's precision. To avoid the crowds, arrive very early in the morning and get photos with perfect lighting.

 

 

2. Shirakawa-go: A Traditional Village Full of History

Shirakawa-go is a historic village in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, famous for its unique triangular-shaped, thatched-roof gassho-zukuri traditional houses. The extraordinary architecture and the community's tradition of mutual cooperation (gotong-royong) led to the village being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

 

 

The gassho-zukuri style houses with steeply pitched thatched roofs look even more dramatic when surrounded by the green mountains of summer. The architecture of these houses is designed to withstand heavy snow in winter.

 

 

In winter, the village becomes a fairytale landscape when covered in thick snow. Meanwhile, in summer, Shirakawa-go offers the opportunity to hike to the observation deck without having to struggle against the snow.

 

 

You can also enjoy various other activities, such as paddle boarding on the lake or rafting in the river. And the most special thing is that you can stay in one of the traditional houses that have been converted into a minshuku (family-run inn). Experience sleeping on a traditional futon, enjoying a kaiseki dinner prepared by the host, and opening your eyes in the morning to the view of shimmering green rice fields touched by the morning dew.

 

 

3. Shirahama Beach, Wakayama: Clear Water, White Sand Beach

Shirahama Beach in Wakayama is a famous white sand beach. Due to its fine white sand, this beach is often compared to Waikiki Beach in Hawaii.

 

 

This 640-meter-long white sand beach offers clear seawater with stunning turquoise blue gradients. To maintain quality, the white sand on this beach is imported from Australia.

 

 

This beach is a popular destination in the Kansai region, offering a large swimming area, and in summer, firework festivals are often held. Besides swimming and sunbathing, don't miss Engetsu Island – a rock formation with a hole in the middle that creates a natural frame for the sunset. You can also enjoy the hot springs around the beach, such as the historic Saki-no-Yu Onsen, while listening to the sound of the waves.

 

 

4. Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi: Japan's Iconic Destinations

Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi are two Japanese icons located in Yamanashi prefecture and close to each other. Summer in Japan is the only time you can climb to the summit of Mount Fuji (July–September). But if you are not a hiker, the Fuji Five Lakes area in summer offers an iconic view of the mountain from various angles.

 

 

Lake Kawaguchi, located at the foot of Mount Fuji, is one of the most popular spots to enjoy the view of Mount Fuji because it presents a perfect reflection of Fuji on its calm water surface. It is an extraordinary view. Furthermore, this place is easily accessible from Tokyo. There are various activities to enjoy, ranging from viewing the mountain, boating, visiting temples, museums, to enjoying the surrounding cuisine.

 

 

5. Kamikochi, Nagano: Hidden Gem in the Alpine Valley

Kamikochi is the definition of a "hidden gem" – an alpine valley that is only open from mid-April to mid-November, and can only be accessed by special bus or taxi to maintain its preservation.

 

 

This mountain resort in Nagano Prefecture is famous for its natural beauty and spectacular mountain views in the Northern Japan Alps. The cool temperature at an altitude of 1,500 meters makes it a perfect escape from the summer heat of Japanese cities.

 

 

The hiking trails here are suitable for all levels during the Japanese summer, from a casual walk along the crystal-clear Azusa River to climbs to the surrounding peaks. Don't be surprised if you meet Japanese macaques relaxing on the roadside – they are used to visitors!

 

 

6. Iriomote Island, Okinawa: The Amazon of Japan

Iriomote Island is one of the islands in the Yaeyama Islands. It is remotely located at the southern tip of Japan, and about 90% of the island is covered by tropical rainforest. It is a stark contrast to the image of modern and dense Japan. Iriomote is home to the rare Iriomote wild cat and a mangrove ecosystem that can be explored by kayak or river cruise.

 

 

Its virgin beaches with white sand and crystal clear water make snorkeling here feel like entering a natural aquarium with coral reefs and tropical fish. You can also do various activities such as boat rides and jungle trekking. And, due to its remote location, you can enjoy the stars without light pollution – a spectacular Milky Way!

 

 

7. Kumano Kodo: Ancient Pilgrim Trails in Japan

Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes on the Kii Peninsula, Japan, leading to three main sacred shrines known as Kumano Sanzan. Known as the "ancient road" (kodo), this route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its natural beauty, spirituality, and significance in Japanese history, having been traversed for over a thousand years.

 

 

This pilgrim route offers a unique combination: a spiritual journey through lush ancient forests during the Japanese summer. Summer in Japan makes these centuries-old stone paths more accessible, though still challenging.

 

 

The route connects three grand shrines: Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, and Nachi Taisha. The latter has the bonus of Nachi Falls – the highest waterfall in Japan with a drop of 133 meters. After a day of hiking, soak in Hongu Onsen or stay in a shukubo (temple lodging) for an authentic spiritual experience.