Summer Activities in Japan

Summer is the time for festivals, food and fireworks in Japan. The white winter landscape has been covered in lush greenery with the sounds of cicadas shrilling and furin (wind chimes) blowing in the breeze.

The weather is hot and sticky, which is perfect for the summer festivals.

A few of my favourite summer activities in Japan


• Enjoying the various fireworks (hanabi) festivals all around Japan.

• Heading to the mountains to beat the summer heat. A favourite retreat is Kamikochi and Karuizawa in Nagano.

• Hiking in the beautiful mountains of Gifu/Nagano.

• Soaking in an onsen (hot spring) after a long hot day.

• Eating festival food like yakisoba (stir fried noodles), yakitori (grilled chicken), takoyaki (octopus dumplings), grilled corn on the cob and chocolate coated banana are just a few of my favourites.

• Gujo Obon Odori Festival in Gifu – dating back 400 years this traditional dance festival lasts for 31 nights and even goes on all night in mid-August.

• Climbing Mount Fuji, which can only be done during the summer months of 1 July to 31 August. I've yet to do this but it is on my bucket list.

• Rocking out at the summer music festivals such as The Fuji Rock Festival and Summer Sonic in Tokyo. This year’s line-up at Fuji Rock includes (Radiohead, Jack White, Noel Gallagher and The Stone Roses).

On a side note, this is my 400th post :) It has been a great 2+ year journey on this blog and look forward to many new posts.

Obon Odori

Winter in Takayama

Takayama (高山市) located in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture in Japan is famous for its beautifully preserved old town. Takayama has managed to retain its traditional charm with its traditional inns, shops and sake breweries.

Takayama in Winter is a white wonderland with snow and ice dominating its landscape. It is my favourite time of year to visit the city. I love staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) soaking in one of the many onsens (hot springs) in the mountains above Takayama and feasting on the world famous Hida beef from the region.


This Week’s Picture of the Week is the amazing snow and ice landscape of Takayama during Winter.

View from the Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)

Picture of the Week Suwako Nagano Japan

Suwako is the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture Japan and a popular tourist destination for travellers to Nagano. The region is famous for its abundance of onsen (hot springs) and natural surroundings.

Suwako is located in the center of Nagano and is a great place to rent a boat and cruise the beautiful waters.


This picture was taken while taking a break at the Lake Suwa Service Area on the Chuo Expressway. The service area offers sweeping views of the lake.