Summer in Japan – 5 activities to make the most of the rising sun!

It’s not called Land of the Rising Sun for nothing, because summer in Japan is an absolute scorcher! Here are 5 ways to make the most of it!

Summer in Japan is one of the hottest I’ve experienced in any country I’ve been to. However, it’s also the country where I’ve had the most fun in summer thanks to these awesome summertime activities!

Cycle Along Kamakura Beach!

Kamakura is one of the most beautiful seaside towns I’ve ever been to.

On a good day, the ocean sparkles so brightly that it looks like a fictional paradise!

No matter how hot it gets, being near the beach water has an instant cooling effect that soothes the body and soul.

That being said, riding along Kamakura Beach during the hot days of summer is not as strenuous as it sounds, but rather, can be quite relaxing and fun!

Enjoy A Matcha Soft Serve!

I’ve talked about combini refreshers in Japan before, but who said having a good old ice cream cone isn’t a summertime activity in itself?

Japan is the best place to enjoy authentic matcha (green tea) flavored ice creams, soft serves, and iced drinks.

A bittersweet taste loaded with antioxidants, it’s the perfect refreshment for summer in Japan, leaving you feeling cool and energized.

You can find ice cream trucks and soft serve shops just about anywhere where there are beaches, and if not, there’s always a combini just around the corner!

Hit The Surf!

Whether you’re into surfing, sailing, canoeing, or just a good old swim, hitting up the beach is the best way to do it all!

I always vouch for Kamakura Beach, admittedly because I haven’t been to any others yet, but I’d highly recommend it for all your favorite water activities.

Super lively in the summer, Kamakura Beach offers boat rental services and surfboard shops to get you ready for the water.

There are also plenty of sand areas to kick back and soak in the sun, I assure you, getting a tan during summer in Japan won’t take long!

Book In A Tennis Match!

The sound of playing tennis in the scorching sun may not sound too appealing, but what better way to test your endurance?

Don’t worry, tennis courts in Japan are surrounded by an abundance of vending machines so you can always stay hydrated with your favorite sports drinks.

This particular tennis center in Osaka offers both hard courts and clay courts with plenty of shade and countless vending machines to choose from!

It’s also super affordable at just 1600 yen (11 USD) for hard courts and 800 yen (5.50 USD) for clay courts!

Refresh With Some Raw Fish!

You may have worked up an appetite by playing tennis, swimming at the beach, or just melting away in the summer heat; either way, you’re hungry now.

Why not keep the body temperature cool with some ice-cold seafood bowls at one of Japan’s many sashimi restaurants?

I highly recommend Isomaru Suisan for fresh salmon and tuna sashimi rice bowls with 24-hour availability!

You may also consider a cold bowl of tempura soba noodles for a refreshing dinner choice during Japan’s hot summer days.


Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!

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