the best things to do in tokyo during summer (apparently)
So, if you’ve been keeping up: I’ve obviously never been to Tokyo.
But I have been obsessed with watching YouTube videos of Japan Vlogs titled “Japan Diaries”, “Top 10 Things to Do in Japan”, “Watch This Before you go to Japan” and “What you Need to Know Before You Go to Japan”. You get the picture.
I’ve been OBSESSED. And that’s an understatement.
So, according to some research I’ve done, Spring (cherry blossom season), Autumn (maple leaf season) and winter (skiing season) are the most popular times that people travel to Japan.
My partner and I found cheap tickets on Boxing Day, and of course, we booked in for the season that is the most humid, and also susceptible to Typhoons? (Wish us luck). But Google has reassured me that summer, in fact. Can be a great time to visit Tokyo, with plenty of activities to enjoy.
Here are some of the best things to do in Tokyo during the summer that I’ll be exploring with my partner in a few months (and my thoughts on whether I’m actually looking forward to it):
1) Sunbake & swim at Tokyo's beaches
I didn’t know this before, but Tokyo apparently has several beaches that are easily accessible by public transport, like:
Odaiba Beach
Kasai Rinkai Park Beach
Shichirigahama Beach
These beaches offer a refreshing break from the city's heat and humidity — according to some research I’ve done to prepare our Japan itinerary.
But in all honesty, living on the East Coast of Australia has me pretty spoilt with some of the best beaches… I don’t really have high expectations of the beaches in Tokyo. Perhaps in the south or north islands? I’d be more excited for something more local, with a little more wildlife (like turtles). I’ll have to give you a review when I get back.
A break from the humidity sounds like a plan. Whether I’m “wow”-ed or not? We’ll see.
2) check out a summer festival
Tokyo apparently hosts several summer festivals, including the lively Asakusa Samba Carnival and the traditional Mitama Matsuri at the Yasukuni Shrine. These festivals are a great way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy delicious food and drinks.
This, I’m really looking forward to. I love culture. I love food. And I bet that at the festivals there will be some sort of music and dance that will capture a glimpse of Japanese history which is still so richly embedded in their everyday culture today.
I’ll be sure to pack a little portable fan, as lots of YouTubers have suggested.
3) explore Tokyo's parks
Tokyo has several beautiful parks that are perfect for picnics and relaxing, such as:
Yoyogi Park
Shinjuku Gyoen
Ueno Park.
I think these parks will be absolutely breathtaking during cherry blossom season — and hopefully still beautiful when the cherry blossoms have been replaced by lush greenery. I’ll probably spend a little bit of time in the mornings when the air is somewhat still fresh, and in the evenings at dusk to wind down at a park and journal to process the daily activities.
4) Visit a rooftop bar
Tokyo has several rooftop bars with stunning views of the city, such as the New York Bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo and the Andaz Tokyo Rooftop Bar, perfect for sipping cocktails while enjoying the cool breeze. I’m more of a coffee drinker than booze, but I am looking forward to a couple of nights out with my partner, nicely dressed and try a few drinks. Like sake and some other Japanese concoctions.
I think I’m more excited to visit cat cafes, dog cafes and porcupine cafes (I know right!?) — but I am hoping to have my expectations exceeded if visiting a rooftop bar was one of the top 5 things that had come up in my research to plan our itinerary.
5) Take a day trip
Tokyo is surrounded by beautiful countryside and seaside towns that are perfect for a day trip. Some popular destinations include Kamakura, Enoshima Island, and Nikko. These places offer a respite from the city's hustle and bustle and a chance to explore Japan's natural beauty.
Jaime and I have our sights set on Nikko, and we’re definitely keen to jump on the bullet train to see where we can go and find hidden nooks and random towns that may not be as well known to travellers. We like to travel where the locals are. That’s something we’re both looking forward to the most.
These are a few of the recommendations I’ve found when researching what the best things to do in Tokyo during the summer are. The list probably doesn’t capture the essence and depth of culture that Tokyo holds. I have a good feeling that Tokyo has so much to offer, and whatever season you visit, you’ll be sure to find plenty of activities to suit your interests and preferences.
