Summer in Tokyo is filled with countless events such as summer festivals, fireworks displays, and music festivals, turning the whole city into a vibrant, bustling hub of activity. The season also offers an array of delicious treats to help beat the heat, like cold beer, shaved ice, and street food from food stalls.
However, Tokyo’s summer heat can be intense, so staying hydrated and taking sun protection measures are essential. It’s also a good idea to carry a foldable umbrella, as sudden rain showers are common.
This article presents 11 carefully selected plans for foreign tourists to fully enjoy Tokyo’s summer.
1.Enjoying Summer in Tokyo
Tokyo’s summer is hot and humid, but with proper precautions against the heat, you can still have a great time sightseeing in the city.
Wear light, breathable clothing, stay hydrated, and take care to avoid heatstroke. Enjoy the best of Tokyo’s summer while staying cool!
1-1.Tokyo’s Summer Weather
Japan’s summer is known for its high temperatures and humidity, and Tokyo is no exception.July and August often see temperatures above 30°C (86°F) with high humidity, making it feel even hotter.
During the rainy season (June to early July), it tends to rain frequently, with many damp, sticky days. Even after the rainy season, sudden downpours, similar to tropical showers, are common. Japan’s summer is also typhoon season, bringing strong winds and heavy rain when typhoons approach. Therefore, a foldable umbrella or raincoat is handy.
It’s best to wear clothing made from breathable materials like cotton or linen.
2.What to Do in Tokyo in Summer
Summer Tokyo is alive with festivals and events. Be sure to take precautions against heatstroke and stay hydrated while exploring. Air-conditioned spots like shopping malls, cafes, and museums are great places to take a break.
Here are 11 things you can enjoy in Tokyo during the summer:
2-1.Experience Obon Traditions
Obon is a traditional Japanese event where it’s believed that the spirits of ancestors return home. While dates vary by region, it generally takes place from August 13 to 16.
A good example of an Obon custom is Bon Odori, which is a traditional dance held during the Obon period, with many people dancing in yukata (summer kimono). Festivals are held across Tokyo, and you’ll find people in yukata enjoying the dances. Another is the floating of lanterns on rivers or the sea in the summer tradition known as “Shōrō-nagashi,” which is a ceremony to send off the spirits of ancestors.
2-2.Attend a Fireworks Festival
Fireworks festivals are a special summer event in Japan. Experiencing fireworks with locals offers a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. The stunning fireworks lighting up the night sky are indescribably beautiful.
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of Japan’s most famous, drawing large crowds each year. Other notable festivals include the Adachi Fireworks Festival and the Katsushika Fireworks Festival.
Street food stalls selling yakisoba, takoyaki, cotton candy, and more line the areas around the fireworks venues.
2-3.Enjoy Summer Festivals
Summer festivals feature mikoshi (portable shrines), floats, and food stalls, providing a unique glimpse into Japanese culture. These festivals also feature popular street foods like okonomiyaki, yakisoba, shaved ice, and candy apples.
In Tokyo, notable festivals include the Asagaya Tanabata Festival, the Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi, the Asakusa Samba Carnival, and the Sanno Festival.
For an even more immersive experience, consider renting a yukata and participating in the festival.
2-4. View Summer Flowers
Tokyo is a great place to enjoy beautiful flowers in summer, with various parks and gardens showcasing seasonal blooms. Notable sights include the stunning lotus flowers at Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden features seasonal flowers year-round, and its rose garden reaches peak bloom in summer with a vibrant display of colors.
Jindai Botanical Gardens boasts an expansive 500,000 m² area featuring plants from around the world. In summer, the tropical water lilies in the large greenhouse are in full bloom, making you feel as if you’re in a tropical paradise.
Inokashira Park, a beloved spot among locals, features lotus flowers blooming around the pond in summer. Renting a boat is highly recommended, and the park also has a rose garden where you can enjoy a stroll surrounded by the fragrant flowers.
2-5. Enjoy a Barbecue
The Okutama River Terrace, located in the western part of Tokyo in Okutama, is a popular spot where you can enjoy barbecues in a beautiful natural setting. Grilling by the clear streams while breathing in fresh air is an exceptional experience. The facility offers covered barbecue areas and spots for playing in the river, making it a fun place to spend the whole day.
Showa Kinen National Park in Tachikawa City is a vast national park with a well-equipped barbecue area, ideal for families and groups. Besides the barbecue area, the park features a Japanese garden, cycling paths, an amusement park, and various other facilities.
2-6. Stay Cool Indoors
Tokyo offers many indoor spots to enjoy, even on rainy days. You can immerse yourself in art at museums, shop and dine at multipurpose complexes, or sing your heart out at karaoke.
For example, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is one of Japan’s leading art museums, showcasing a wide range of art genres.
Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi is a luxury complex that offers a premium shopping and dining experience, featuring high-end brands and Michelin-starred restaurants.
2-7.Have a Picnic
Relaxing with a picnic in one of Tokyo’s lush green parks is highly recommended.
The symbol of Shiba Park is, of course, Tokyo Tower. The view of Tokyo Tower from the greenery-filled park is a quintessential Tokyo sight. The park is home to many old trees, such as camphor and ginkgo, making for an enjoyable stroll through a setting rich with history.
Yoyogi Park in Shibuya is conveniently located within walking distance of several stations, including Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, and Meiji-Jingumae. The park is always bustling with people and offers event spaces and sports facilities. The large lawn area is perfect for picnics or sports activities.
2-8.Eat Summery Japanese Food
Tokyo offers a variety of delicious summer foods that are perfect for the season.
For example, kakigori (shaved ice) is a classic summer treat in Japan. It features fluffy ice topped with condensed milk or fruit syrup.
Hiyashi chuka is a cold noodle dish with chilled noodles topped with sweet and sour sauce and colorful ingredients like cucumber, tomato, and ham, making it a summer favorite.
Somen are thin noodles served chilled in ice water, offering a light, refreshing summer dish. Paired with condiments or tempura, somen becomes even more delightful.
2-9.Enjoy a Summer Music Festival
Attending a music festival is a must-do experience when visiting Tokyo in the summer. Notably, Summer Sonic gathers world-famous artists and is known as one of Japan’s largest music festivals.
The entire venue is filled with music, and the sense of togetherness as you enjoy the performances with other attendees is a major draw. Food courts at the festival offer dishes and drinks from around the world, allowing you to savor great food while enjoying the music.
2-10. Visit the Beach
Tokyo and its surrounding areas offer various beach options.
Odaiba Marine Park is a beautiful beach with views of Tokyo’s iconic Rainbow Bridge. Here, you can enjoy swimming, beach volleyball, and marine sports. The area also has plenty of shopping and dining facilities.
Onjuku Beach in Chiba Prefecture is a long-established beach known for its shallow waters. Besides swimming, you can enjoy surfing and fishing. Nearby hot springs also provide a great way to relax on a day trip.
2-11.Take a Day Trip to Cooler Places
Within a day trip from Tokyo, you can explore many spots rich in nature or history.
Kamakura, for example, is a historic town where the Kamakura shogunate was established. It’s famous for the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Summer sea breezes provide a pleasant climate, and swimming at Yuigahama Beach is also popular.
Yokohama blends a lively port town atmosphere with modern skyscrapers. Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in Chinatown, feel the sea breeze at Yamashita Park, or shop at the Red Brick Warehouse.
Conclusion
Throughout the summer, festivals and fireworks displays are held across Tokyo. Although Tokyo’s summer can be extremely hot, waterfront areas like Sumida River, Odaiba, and Yokohama’s Minato Mirai are breezy, providing some relief from the heat. Relaxing at places like the Sumida River’s sightseeing boats or Odaiba Beach is also recommended.
Tokyo’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy to get around by train, bus, or taxi. Take advantage of air-conditioned transportation to comfortably and efficiently explore Tokyo’s tourist spots.
*This article is based on information available as of September 2024.
