A Cool Guide to Enjoying Japan's Hot Summer

For centuries, the Japanese have devised various ways to beat the heat.
One traditional and cultural practice is relaxing by the riverside during summer.
Japan offers many unique activities that let you enjoy the ambiance while staying cool.
Here are some of the best river activities to try.

Karaoke in Japan features clean rooms and a wide variety of food options.
It's also a great way to take a short break during your travels.
Besides karaoke, complex facilities like Round1 offer additional activities such as darts and bubble soccer.
Here are some famous karaoke chains in Japan.
In entertainment districts, you'll find many karaoke places, so you can choose one based on your travel companions or your mood at the time.

For a fulfilling shopping experience, "shopping malls and outlets" are perfect destinations.
Shopping malls, which bring together domestic and international brands and stores, offer a wide selection of items to suit your taste.
On the other hand, outlets, with their many direct-operated stores of manufacturers and brands, provide the opportunity to purchase high-quality products at discounted prices.
Some facilities even have duty-free shops, making your shopping experience even more economical. Here are some of the top shopping malls and outlets across the country.
If you are traveling to one of these prefectures, be sure to include them in your itinerary.

The great thing about aquariums is that you can observe sea creatures directly without being affected by the weather.
You can watch fish swim from various angles, and the dim lighting inside creates a mystical atmosphere. As the term "aqua therapy" suggests, water and fish have a calming effect, and simply walking around can bring a sense of peace.
The biggest attraction is undoubtedly the dolphin and sea lion shows.
Their cute appearances, synchronized performances with trainers, and the splashes of water after their jumps provide a refreshing sensation, perfect for the hot summer.
Aquariums are fun for families, couples, and groups of friends, making them a great place to create happy memories.
Japan has many aquariums with unique events and creatures that can't be seen anywhere else.

Although art galleries and museums are often associated with autumn, they are also great to visit in summer.
You can relax in air-conditioned rooms, escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and find peace of mind. Art galleries offer the opportunity to cultivate creativity and expressiveness through various eras and works of art from around the world.
Museums, on the other hand, allow you to explore cultural and historical resources through natural history exhibits and scientific discoveries.
Both provide visitors with new discoveries and inspirations, enriching their minds with education and diversity.
Make good use of audio guides and explanatory panels to deepen your understanding of the exhibits.

Gazing at the summer night sky is a must-do event, no matter where you travel.
The night sky offers different expressions depending on the weather and climate conditions, adding a romantic and exhilarating touch.
The sight of countless shining stars, especially the Milky Way from June to August, along with the Summer Triangle and the Big Dipper, creates a spectacular view.
However, for those who can't fit stargazing into their schedule or prefer indoor activities, visiting a planetarium can be a great addition to your travel plans.
Planetariums allow you to enjoy various night skies, complete with explanations, in a comfortable environment.
Japan ranks second in the world for the number of planetariums, following the United States, and each facility offers unique attractions to enhance your experience.

Japan boasts numerous indoor theme parks worth visiting.
These parks can be enjoyed year-round, not just in summer or on rainy days.
For example, Tokyo Joypolis in Tokyo, one of the largest indoor theme parks in Japan, offers futuristic VR attractions combining digital and real experiences.
Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo, known for its captivating shows and events, immerses you in the world of Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll.
For a hands-on experience, Toei Kyoto Studio Park in Kyoto lets you dress up as a ninja and explore. Opening in 2024, Little Universe OKINAWA in Okinawa is a new hybrid entertainment facility attracting attention.
These parks offer fun for both children and adults, making them great additions to your travel plans.

Night pools have recently become a trendy leisure spot, especially among young people.
As the name suggests, these pools are open at night and offer a unique atmosphere with illuminated water and music events hosted by DJs.
The enchanting lighting and luxurious setups, along with stylish photo opportunities, are major draws.
The lack of concern about sunburn is another significant benefit.
Hotels in central Tokyo, such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel and Hotel New Otani, also operate night pools, making them perfect for a visit at the end of your day.
However, note that some places have participation requirements or age restrictions, so be sure to check in advance.

Located in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture, near the border with Gunma Prefecture, Karuizawa is synonymous with summer resorts in Japan.
Situated at an elevation of 900-1,000 meters, it is renowned as a highland resort area.
The area is surrounded by lush green trees, and the cool, breezy air adds a refreshing feel.
Karuizawa offers many spots to cool down, with highlights including the picturesque Shiraito Falls and Kumoba Pond, also known as Swan Lake.
The town is filled with retro buildings and museums that exude historical charm, allowing for a tranquil and relaxed time.
With convenient access, it's just an hour from Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Be sure to check out this article for carefully selected sightseeing spots and gourmet recommendations to make the most of your Karuizawa visit.

Located in the southwestern part of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is a top tourist destination known for its hot springs.
With its high elevation and abundant natural beauty, Hakone is a highly recommended summer retreat in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The riverside promenades are perfect for cooling down, and the waterfalls filled with negative ions lower the ambient temperature.
Chisuji Falls, with its picturesque cascade, and the impressive Hiryu Falls, the largest in the prefecture, are must-see spots.
Additionally, the exhilarating Lake Ashinoko Motorboat rides and the cool Hakone-en Aquarium, where you can see seals, are ideal for summer.
August also features numerous fireworks festivals, so try to schedule your visit to fully enjoy them.
For more detailed information on Hakone's attractions and cuisine, check out this comprehensive article.

Nasu Highlands, located in northern Tochigi Prefecture, refers to the southern slopes of Mt. Nasu, spreading gently from an elevation of 300 to 1,000 meters. It is also famous for housing the Nasu Imperial Villa, a retreat for the Japanese royal family.
With half of the area covered by mountainous terrain, the natural scenery created by the Nasu mountain range is stunning.
Otome Falls, with its beautiful clear stream, and Sukansawa, known for its healing valley scenery, are perfect spots to immerse yourself in nature.
The area also features various campsites, leisure lands where you can interact with animals, and farms offering hands-on experiences, making it an excellent destination for family fun in nature.
This article provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the charms of Nasu Highlands, so check it out if you're interested.

Oku-Nikko, located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, refers to the highland mountain area centered around Senjogahara Marshland.
Even in summer, the average temperature is around 22 degrees Celsius, making it a very cool retreat. The area is dotted with lakes, waterfalls, rivers, and wetlands, making it a hidden gem.
Majestic mountains such as Mt. Nantai and those associated with the World Heritage "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" stand tall, adding historical significance.
The view from Lake Chuzenji is particularly spectacular and is sure to be soothing.
A recommended adventure is taking a sightseeing boat to explore the area.
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Oku-Nikko was highly praised by foreigners, leading to the construction of many embassies and villas.
Today, the Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park and the British Embassy Villa have been restored, providing popular spots where you can feel the European ambiance.
Thinking about seeing the same scenery as people from that era is quite moving.

Located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Kamikochi is a mountain scenic spot designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument.
Each year, 1.25 million tourists visit Kamikochi, situated at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, to seek its untouched natural beauty and cool climate.
Among the many highlights in Kamikochi, the iconic Kappa Bridge over the Azusa River is a must-see.
The crystal-clear water, the grandeur of the Hotaka Mountain Range (Northern Alps), and the star-filled night sky offer various delights.
Taking a stroll along the paved walkways is also recommended.
Feeling the spray from the river and the wetlands up close can have a healing effect.
Check out this article for more on Kamikochi's attractions and hiking courses.