The best things to visit and places to visit

August is an exciting time of year in Japan. With the hot temperatures, a series of summer festivals and ever-present cicadas, it is a month-long festival in Japan, and is intended to celebrate with all your heart.

Despite the heat and humidity may be strong, Japan offers countless ways to enjoy the summer in August, from the Japanese Alps to the ocean to relax or join the local Bon Odori dance.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Japan’s August.

August Travel Overview

• August is one of the hottest months in Japan, with high humidity, especially in urban areas. However, it tends to be cooler in mountainous areas and far away mountains in the country.
• Obon is one of Japan’s most important holidays, usually between August 13 and 16. Expect busy trains and highways, as well as higher accommodation needs. August is also the pinnacle of summer vacation, so I hope many public places are filled with students on vacation.
• Despite the heat, August is one of the most active and festive months in Japan. Fireworks Festival, summer traditions and coastal escapes define the season.

Popular events and things to do in August

Watch the Summer Fireworks Festival

August is Hanabi (Fireworks) season, many of Japan’s largest and most spectacular displays this month. The Edogawa fireworks in Tokyo and the Nagaoka fireworks in Niigata are outstanding events. For coastal style, check out fireworks shows on the bay or on the beach, such as the Atami Sea Fireworks Festival.

Courtesy of Koenji Awa Odori

Celebrate Obon

Obon is a spiritual period of the year when families respect the relatives of the deceased through rituals, visiting the graves of ancestors and Bon Odori (folk dance). Cities such as Kyoto (Gozan no Okuribi) and Tokushima (Awa odori) have held some of the most compelling events.

Cooling on the mountain

Many locals seek shelter in the heating in the mountains of Japan. The Japanese Alps, especially the hiking trails around Nagano and Gifu, offer dramatic landscapes and breeze possibilities. August is also in the climbing season of Mount Fuji, which lasts until early September.

Go to the beach

August is the peak season to go to Japan’s beaches. Coastal towns enjoy the final part of the summer with swimmers, surfers and sunbathers. The beaches of Shizuoka, Chiba and Izu Peninsula are a popular weekend escape in Tokyo, while the tropical islands of Okinawa offer world-class snorkeling and diving.

Close to the capital, beaches like Atami and Zushi are very popular and can be easily accessed by train. Some beaches even host nighttime fireworks and lantern festivals.

Experience Japanese seasonal food

cool down Hiyashi Chuka (cold ramen), Hakigori (shaved ice) and seasonal fruits such as white peach, watermelon and jingho grapes. Buy the perfect picnic or midsummer gift with local summer produce.

Top Japanese destinations in August

Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture

Every August, Toushima host You’re also for a few hoursone of the most famous dance festivals in Japan. Traditional music, rhythmic dance and vibrant parade fills four nights on the city streets.

Himekawa River

Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture

Hakuba is famous for its winter hillsides Lush mountain retreat In summer. Try hiking, mountain biking and even standing paddle boards. The gondola rides are also very interesting. With its comfortable weather and panoramic views, it is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

ksy9 / shutterstock.com

Atami, Shizuoka Prefecture

Atami is a beloved beach town in Shinkansen, just an hour from Tokyo, offering both ocean entertainment and Onsen Halivation. During the day, Atami Sun Beach is perfect for swimming and paddling, and the city’s retro shotengai (Shopping Street) offers shades, snacks and souvenirs.

The Atami Sea Fireworks Festival, which takes place multiple times in August, is a stunning sight of the sea.

Shanganghu County

Ideal for Mount Fuji views, lakeside walks, gardens and Kawaguchi Fireworks Floors, Kawaguchi Lake is an excellent summer destination for hikers and non-hikers. It is slightly cooler than nearby cities and is also easy to reach from Tokyo.

Travel Tips and Suggestions

• Stay sunny and safe: Use sunscreen, wear hats and hydrates frequently.
• Book Obon early: Travel became particularly crowded in mid-August. The trains are prepared, hotels and car rentals are good in advance.
• Cooling essentials: Try Japanese sports drinks, cooling wipes, neck coolers and convenience store salted candy.
• Respect traditions: Be careful when attending Obon events or visiting cemeteries.

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