Tokyo’s summers are marked by relentless heat. Any time spent in the cool feels like a little luxury. In this article, we’ll introduce spots you’ll want to visit this summer—ranging from nearby destinations you can head to on a whim to summer retreats perfect for a long vacation.
Kushiro City (Hokkaido)
Known as a summer retreat where the average temperature stays around 21–22°C even in summer—making air conditioning unnecessary—Kushiro is a popular destination. Early in the morning, canoeing through the morning mist in the Kushiro Marsh is a popular activity, and in the evening, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view from Nusamai Bridge, which is hailed as one of the “World’s Three Great Sunsets.”
Aomori City (Aomori)
Blessed with magnificent natural scenery such as the Shirakami Mountains, the Oirase Stream, and Lake Towada, Aomori is a perfect summer retreat for extended stays. It also offers plenty of spots where you can escape the everyday, such as Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen, known for its beautiful sunsets over the Sea of Japan. The “Aomori Nebuta Festival,” held every summer, is a major event that fills the entire city with excitement. This year, it will be held from August 2 to 7.
Morioka City (Iwate Prefecture)
Morioka is a city where a compact urban center coexists with abundant nature. At the “Yo-ichi” market held every Saturday in Zaimokucho, local produce and crafts are on display, and time seems to pass at a leisurely pace. In addition to sightseeing in the city, we also recommend Ryusen Cave, located about an hour and a half away by car. Its crystal-clear underground lake, known as “Dragon Blue,” exudes a fantastical beauty.
Karuizawa (Nagano Prefecture)
Located at an elevation of 900–1,000 meters, Karuizawa offers a comfortable average summer temperature of 20–25°C and is easily accessible from downtown Tokyo. At Shiraito Falls, groundwater cascades down a width of about 70 meters, enveloping visitors in cool, refreshing air.
Nasu Highlands (Tochigi Prefecture)
The Nasu Highlands, said to be about 6°C cooler than the Tokyo metropolitan area, are a popular summer retreat for families. At Nasu Animal Kingdom, you can interact with about 600 species of animals, and at Minamigaoka Ranch, admission is free and you can enjoy horseback riding and fishing ponds. Furthermore, in the Itamuro Onsen area, you can go canoeing or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the reservoir lake, allowing you to enjoy an active time surrounded by nature.
Echigo-Yuzawa (Niigata Prefecture)
Echigo-Yuzawa, easily accessible by Shinkansen, is also a popular summer retreat. The Naeba area and the vicinity of the mountain summit, in particular, are at a high elevation, where temperatures are about 5°C lower than at lower elevations. At “Alp no Sato,” accessible via the Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway, you can enjoy activities such as aerial walks, summer bobsledding, and zip-lining while feeling the cool breeze.
Okutama (Tokyo)
Located within Tokyo yet boasting temperatures a few degrees cooler and abundant nature, Okutama is a popular and easily accessible summer retreat. Its appeal lies in the variety of activities available, such as camping at Hikawa Campground and hiking through the valleys. Among these, the Nichihara Limestone Cave stands out: the temperature inside remains a cool 11–13°C year-round, so cool that you’ll need a jacket even in the height of summer. The mystical lighting display is also a highlight.
