Summer Destinations in Japan: Islands, Hikes and Hot Springs
Summer in Japan – well, there is no easy way to say it, but it may not necessarily be a good idea if you are looking for a sightseeing-heavy trip with plenty of time in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
When does the summer start in Japan?
The summer season, also not-so-affectionately known as the humid season, officially starts right after the rainy season ends in early to mid-July in mainland Japan, home to cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The rainy season starts earlier in May in Okinawa, so it also moves into real summer a little earlier than on the mainland. Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is one of the few places in the country without a predefined rainy season, though cloudy skies are expected at that time of year.
What makes traveling in Japan difficult at this time is the combination of high temperatures, above 35 degrees Celsius, with extreme levels of humidity. While I had always intended to underestimate the severity of it, coming from Turkey with an extensive coastline along the Aegean and Mediterranean, two regions not necessarily known for their breezy summers, I have to note that the humidity level in Japan in the summer is truly something else – even the Singaporeans, a country with constant humidity, are not able to tolerate it.
Oh well, while my intro may have discouraged you a little, traveling to Japan in the summer may not entirely be a terrible idea. If you are interested in a little less sightseeing but some beach time, Okinawa and its hundreds of small islands will surely make you happy. Summer is also one of the best seasons in Japan for high-altitude hiking in its mountains, which will definitely help you avoid the heat. Regarding the timing of summer trips, it is worth noting that while the exact dates vary, the second week of August is typically when Obon is celebrated in Japan, commemorating one’s ancestors, making it a rather busy period for domestic travel – it may be something to take into account either for early bookings or alternative trip dates.
So, for a trip a little more outdoor-oriented than cultural sightseeing, these are some of my favorite summer destinations in Japan that I repeatedly visit.
Rebun Island in Hokkaido: as far north as possible
The tiny Rebun Island, standing next to Rishiri, sits on the far northern coast of Hokkaido, Japan`s second-largest and northernmost main island.
This is an island that offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the country without asking for much effort in return. If I had the option to work remotely in the summers, I would definitely spend much of my time up in Rebun, instead of Tokyo.
Accessible by ferry from Wakkanai and served by direct flights from Tokyo, Rebun Island is home to several hiking trails. The most popular one is the Momo Iwa Trail, which offers a combination of cliff walking and mesmerizing turquoise-blue ocean scenery, with wildflowers in the background if you visit in July. Another spectacular one is the Cape Course that connects three of the island`s picturesque capes.
The small island is also home to a handful of decent accommodation options, eateries, and one spectacular onsen facility that comes in very handy after a day of hiking.
You can read more about Rebun in this post: Japan`s Most Beautiful Island: Rebun in Hokkaido
Onsen trips to Tohoku: outdoor hotsprings
Tohoku, located just south of Hokkaido, is another destination in Japan that is more tolerable than the central regions in the summer. Thanks to the mountainous topography and dense forests, the region is best enjoyed in the summer with a relaxing stay at one of its many onsen villages or independent facilities.
Nyuto Onsen Village, tucked away in the mountains of Akita, is an ideal place for a summer escape, blending easy forest strolls with gorgeous outdoor hot springs set amid lush forests.
Another option is the ever-enigmatic Aoni Onsen, where there is no electricity (and yes, no cell phone reception or Wi-Fi), with only oil lamps lighting the entire facility. While Nyuto is an onsen village with seven different hot springs facilities, Aoni, enjoying its own secluded location, feels a little bit more like a hidden discovery.
You can read about more hot springs options across Tohoku in this post: Tohoku Onsen Hopping: Four Nights, Four Hot Springs.
Tokashiki Island in Okinawa: the joy of Kerama Blue
Since this is a summer destinations in Japan post, it would surely not be complete without a beach destination. Tokashiki Island, home to 600 residents, and thirty minutes off the coast of Naha on mainland Okinawa is my favorite swimming destination in Japan that I visit every summer.
Home to two main beaches, Tokashiki and Aharen, the island is remarkably modest for the waters that it offers. Home to a limited number of restaurants, cafes and no resort-type development, a day on Tokashiki is best spent bringing your own drinks and food to the beach, snorkeling, swimming, and generally feeling mesmerized by the impossibly vivid blueness of the ocean, further highlihted by the lush greenery that surround it.
You can expand your stay with a day trip to nearby Zamami, which is favored by SUP enthusiasts. You can read more about my Tokashiki and Zamami trips here: Kerama Blue: Tokashiki and Zamami Islands of Okinawa.
Yakushima Island: moss forests and waterfalls
Still in the south but much closer to mainland Japan sits the heart-shaped island of Yakushima. Known for its ancient forests, home to Japan`s oldest tree, Jomon Sugi – estimated to be between 2400 and 7000 years old- the moss forest located in Shiratani Unsuikyo – one of the most popular hiking trails on the island – is reportedly the inspiration behind Miyazaki`s Princess Mononoke.
One summer, I had the opportunity to spend a month in Yakushima. It offered the perfect antidote to Tokyo`s intense humidity and gave me a chance to spend a lot of times outdoors, either hiking, visiting a waterfall, or in the ocean, as opposed to air conditioned indoor spaces that we are unfortunately often condemned to in the summer in big cities.
You can read more about my Yakushima trip here: Hiking Mount Miyanoura: Kyushu`s Highest Peak
Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido: Japan`s largest and wildest
Returning to the northern territory, Daisetsuzan National Park, sitting right in the heart of Hokkaido, is another wonderful hiking destination, though its trails are more challenging compared to Rebun Island.
Particularly striking in the summer with alpine flowers carpeting its vast valleys, Daisetsuzan is home to multi-day trails in addition to many day hikes – the most popular being the climb to Asahidake, Hokkaido`s highest peak and active volcano, in addition to Naka Dake Onsen, wild hot springs sitting in picturesque Susoaidiara Valley.
You can spend the night either at one of the unequipped mountain huts or campgrounds or down in one of the onsen towns – Sounkyo and Asahidake – that are connected to the trailheads via cable cars.
You can read more about my hikes in Daisetsuzan in this post: Asahidake to Naka Dake Loop Hike
These are some of my favorite destinations in Japan that I return to often to escape Tokyo, lovely in general but too humid in the summer.
Other destinations in Japan
If you are looking for more destinations and trip ideas for Japan, these are some of the other posts that may interest you:
For more logistics-related information, these two posts may be a good place to start: Japan Travel Frequently Asked Questions and Index of Posts Focused on Trip Planning.
Getting off the mainland to visit the smaller islands is a wonderful option to experience the “extremely” rural life centered around the ocean. These are some of my favorite islands in Japan. Another island-related post covers my favorite Okinawa Island, Tokashiki.
If you like hiking, you are in luck. Mountains cover 70% of Japan’s land and host thousands of trails suitable for both beginner and advanced hikers; these are some of the hikes in Japan that are easily accessible by public transportation. There is also a separate post about the multi-day pilgrimage routes of Japan.
Tokyo and Kyoto are wonderful, but there are many other cities in Japan that are worthy of your time.
If you have time to visit the northern frontier of Japan, Hokkaido, here are some winter suggestions—a week in Biei—and summer suggestions—Rebun Island.
To experience Japan’s famous onsen (hot springs) culture, check out my post listing some of my favorite onsen.
If you visit Japan during the fall colors season, these are some of my favorite fall foliage viewing destinations in the country.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Japan. Japan is one of the most popular repeat destinations in the world. The country always finds its way to your heart and lures you back countless times (speaking from experience).
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