Hokkaido Summer Destination Guide

As Australia settles into cooler winter days, Japan comes alive with warm temperatures, vibrant festivals, lush landscapes, and long sunny evenings. From tropical islands to mountain escapes, summer in Japan offers an incredible range of experiences for every traveller. It is a season filled with colour, energy, and adventure, where you can wander through lantern lit streets at night, relax on pristine beaches, or explore lush countryside trails at their greenest. Whether you are chasing sunshine, culture, food, or outdoor adventure, Japan in summer delivers a holiday atmosphere that feels worlds away from the winter chill back home.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) flies direct from Sydney to Tokyo Haneda, and with free domestic stopovers included in eligible bookings, you can explore Japan’s many summer destinations without stretching the budget. From beaches to firework festivals, here is your guide to making the most of Japan in the warmer months.

Top Summer Experiences in Japan

Okinawa and the Southern Islands
Crystal clear water, coral reefs, and warm days make Okinawa one of Japan’s best summer escapes. The islands blend tropical scenery with relaxed coastal villages and a warm culture shaped by the former Ryukyu Kingdom. Spend your time snorkelling colourful reefs, exploring quiet coves, or sampling local island dishes with deep cultural roots. For the ultimate summer mood, head to Miyakojima and Ishigaki, where soft white sand, calm turquoise lagoons, and slow paced island life make every day feel like a holiday.

Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri
Kyoto’s famous Gion Matsuri transforms the city throughout July with towering wooden floats, lantern lit streets, and traditional performances. Evening celebrations fill the neighbourhoods with music, dancers, and rows of food stalls serving summer favourites like yakitori and shaved ice. Locals in colourful yukata mingle with visitors as drums echo through the historic streets. Whether you watch the grand Yamaboko parade or simply wander the glowing alleyways, Gion Matsuri delivers one of Japan’s most magical summer atmospheres.

The Japanese Alps
For travellers chasing cooler weather, the Japanese Alps offer crisp mountain air, scenic hiking trails, and sweeping ropeway views. Explore Kamikochi’s clear river paths, Hakuba’s high altitude lookouts, or climb toward Mt Norikura for spectacular sunrise colours. Trails range from gentle walks to more challenging day hikes, making the Alps a refreshing escape from the heat and a beautiful way to experience Japan’s rugged mountain landscapes in summer.

Summer Fireworks Festivals
Summer fireworks festivals are one of Japan’s best loved traditions. Tokyo’s Sumidagawa Fireworks Show lights up the night sky along the river, while Osaka’s Tenjin Festival blends boat processions, traditional music, and a dramatic fireworks finale. Crowds gather for food, live entertainment, and warm evening celebrations that create a lively summer atmosphere across the country. Watching the sky burst into colour is one of the most memorable ways to experience Japan in peak season.

Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Hiroshima offers a mix of culture, history, and breezy coastal scenery ideal for summer exploring. The city’s peaceful riverside paths and local food scene make it an inviting stop at any time of year. Just a short ferry ride away, Miyajima Island offers quiet temples, forested walking trails, and the iconic floating torii gate glowing beautifully at high tide. With calm beaches, scenic viewpoints, and relaxed island charm, Miyajima is a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy slow summer sunsets.

Hokkaido’s Lavender Fields
Hokkaido’s cooler climate makes its summer flower fields especially vibrant. In Furano, rolling hills turn purple with lavender and brighten with sunflowers and seasonal blooms. Visit Farm Tomita for sweeping countryside views, fragrant gardens, and their popular lavender ice cream. With its peaceful rural landscapes and plenty of space to explore, Hokkaido offers a refreshing and colourful break from the summer heat elsewhere in Japan.

Travel Tips for Hokkaido

CASH vs CARD:
While major cities in Japan are card-friendly, many smaller towns still rely on cash. ATMs can be limited, so keep some yen handy.

LANGUAGE TIPS:
Most train stations and street signs include English translations and many people in tourist areas speak some English. If you're heading into the great outdoors, bilingual guides and English-language resources are available to help navigate your adventures.

Ready to Explore Japan?

Discover the best of Japan this summer and a free domestic stopover within Japan when you fly with ANA*. Book your flights to Japan here: https://www.ana.co.jp/en/au/

*Available on eligible ANA fares when booked in one itinerary. Domestic stopovers must be booked with international flights. Stopovers must be greater than 24 hours and are subject to availability, consumption tax and applicable fees. View the full terms and conditions here. *