Summer Sightseeing

The ritual held at Osaka Tenmangu with more than 1000-year history, regarded as one of Japan’s Three Major Festivals.

Aomori

Summer festivals & Events

Aomori Nebuta Festival

This is a major summer festival that usually attracts as many as 1 million visitors every year. The giant Nebuta parade through the city is a must-see!

As dusk falls, the entire park transforms into a "Kingdom of Lights."
©Huis Ten Bosch/J-21075

Nagasaki

Festivals & Events

Huis Ten Bosch "Kingdom of Lights"

Evenings at Huis Ten Bosch all alight like a “kingdom of light” across the park grounds.

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Huis Ten Bosch: Everything from Essential Info to How to Enjoy It!

Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki Prefecture is one of Japan’s largest theme park resorts, featuring a European-style townscape. Across its vast grounds, you’ll find brick buildings, canals, windmills, and flowers scattered throughout, making you feel like you’re traveling in Europe. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Huis Ten Bosch, including essential information, ticket prices and how to buy them, popular attractions, and seasonal highlights. Read to the end and you’ll get the full picture-budget, how to enjoy the park, and what makes Huis Ten Bosch so special.

Trolley Watarase Gorge running through the gorge's fresh green leaves

Kiryu,Tochigi

Trains & Subway

Watarase Keikoku Railway (Watetsu)

So exhilarating! Enjoy the nature of Watarase Gorge by riding a sightseeing train

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The night performance with the lanterns lit up

Akita

Summer festivals & Events

Akita Kanto Festival

It is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, with "Kanto" lanterns resembling rice ears or rice bales used to pray for a good harvest.

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25 Things to Do in Akita

Akita is a place where you can find many landscapes full of traditional Japanese charm. If you're visiting Akita, be sure to explore its tourist spots that reflect traditional Japanese culture and customs, as well as some of Japan's most renowned hidden hot springs. This article introduces the best attractions, shopping spots, and events in Akita to help you fully experience its charm.

Jaw-dropping spray of water, complete with stunning rainbows.

Toyama

Tourist Attractions

Kurobe Dam

Whopping sprays in a true sight to see at Kurobe Dam, Japan's tallest dam.

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Known as one of the best spots for autumn leaves in Tohoku.

Fukushima

Famous Places

Nishi Azuma Sky Valley

A scenic route where you can enjoy the rich natural beauty of Tohoku.

The dreamy landscape shrouded in river fog is breathtakingly beautiful.

Fukushima

Nature Spots

Mugenkyo Ferry

Embark on a journey in search of the enchanting beauty of a valley shrouded in river mist.

Yamagata

Summer festivals & Events

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

An energetic parade featuring around 10,000 dancers, their vibrant flower-decorated hats (hanagasa) swaying beautifully as they dance through the streets.

Lavishly decorated, spectacular parade floats (dashi) are the festival’s highlight.

Aomori

Hachinohe Sansha Taisai

The largest festival in the Hachinohe region, famous for its spectacular and powerful parade floats.

Each Ren (group) in a uniform dances to mesmerize spectators
©Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori

Nakano, Koenji, Ogikubo, Nerima

Summer festivals & Events

Tokyo Koenji Awa-Odori

The regular summer event that captures more than 1 million spectators.

Senrinkiku fireworks blooming at once like chrysanthemum flowers.

Fukui

Summer festivals & Events

Mikuni Fireworks

Sheer wonder as 15,000 fireworks dazzle the night sky in this Fukui summer tradition.

Kochi

Summer festivals & Events

Yosakoi Festival

The Yosakoi Festival is a carnival spreading around the world as "YOSAKOI" and brings excitement to the summer in Kochi!

Fireworks are launched every night for six months.
Image provided by Toyako Onsen Tourist Association

Lake Toya and Noboribetsu

Spring festivals & Events

Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display

A fireworks festival held at Toyako Onsen for an impressive six-month period.

The Unshoji temple gate, with an even more striking appearance when illuminated.

Akita

Shrines & Temples

Unshoji Temple

A Soto Zen temple located on the Oga Peninsula, renowned nationwide for its stunning hydrangeas.

Join in the fun at the unique "Hokkai Heso Odori Dance Competition!"

Furano and Biei

Summer festivals & Events

Furano Hokkai Heso Matsuri

Ring in summer in Hokkaido with this truly one-of-a-kind festival.

A powerful performance seen up close.
Photo by: YOSAKOI Soran Festival Commission

Sapporo

Summer festivals & Events

YOSAKOI Soran Festival

A Sapporo dance festival with its roots in the Yosakoi festival mixed with Hokkaido’s Soran-bushi.

Unseen from the outside, the cave's breathtaking blue awaits within.

Otaru and Niseko

Nature Spots

Blue Cave (Otaru, Hokkaido)

A natural wonder rivaling the beauty of Italy's famous caves! Witness a cavern glowing in mystical blue.

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A Guide to Otaru Canal, Loved for Its Atmospheric Retro Scenery

Otaru Canal, lined with stone warehouses, is a popular sightseeing spot known for its retro scenery. Its distinctive, atmospheric landscape captures the charm of the port town of Otaru and stirs a sense of travel. If you want to make the most of Otaru Canal, use this article as your guide.

The whole area becomes a pedestrian paradise on the day, bustling with activity.

Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban

Summer festivals & Events

Azabu-Juban Noryo Festival

A summer festival boasting one of the largest scales and crowds in Tokyo, with a bustling shopping street filled with events.

Finale of the competition-sponsored fireworks are mesmerizing

Akita

Summer festivals & Events

Omagari Fireworks Festival (Omagari Hanabi)