Welcome to the ultimate summer getaway in Japan, a land of captivating beauty and diverse landscapes. As the season transitions to summer, it’s the ideal time to embark on a memorable getaway and explore the best that Japan has to offer. Whether you prefer the vibrant energy of bustling cities or the tranquil charm of the countryside, Japan presents a myriad of options to create an unforgettable summer vacation experience.

Yakushima (Kagoshima Prefecture)

Discover Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site for nature enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in ancient cedar forests, abundant wildlife, and serene trails. Marvel at the Jomon Sugi cedar tree, hike moss-covered paths, and refresh in pristine waterfalls. It’s a nature-centric summer getaway you won’t forget.

Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture)

Located near Hiroshima, Miyajima entices with its iconic floating torii gate and serene atmosphere. Explore scenic hikes, ancient temples, and savor local delicacies. Take a dip in the sea, immerse in soothing waters, and witness magical sunset views over the Seto Inland Sea. Indulge in Miyajima’s tranquility and enchanting beauty.

Kochi (Kochi Prefecture)

When in Kochi, immerse in history at Kochi Castle, discover the vibrant Sunday Market, and admire the picturesque coastline. Explore the atmospheric streets of the old town, indulge in fresh seafood at Hirome Market, and embark on a scenic coastal drive. Don’t miss Cape Ashizuri for breathtaking ocean views.

Iya Valley (Tokushima Prefecture)

Discover the enchanting beauty of Iya Valley, a remote and picturesque region surrounded by lush mountains and deep valleys. Explore the historic vine bridges (kazurabashi) suspended over the Iya River, visit the ancient thatched-roof village of Ochiai, and enjoy hiking, rafting, and hot spring baths in the serene natural surroundings.

Lake Toya (Hokkaido)

Relax and unwind at Lake Toya, a caldera lake surrounded by lush mountains. Enjoy water activities such as boating and kayaking, take a scenic ropeway ride to the top of Mount Usu for panoramic views, and soak in the rejuvenating hot springs at one of the lakeside resorts.

Furano and Biei (Hokkaido)

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Furano and Biei, known for their colorful flower fields and picturesque landscapes. Visit the lavender fields in Farm Tomita, stroll through the Patchwork Road with its rolling hills and vibrant flower gardens, and capture stunning photos at the Blue Pond.

Zamami Island (Okinawa)

Escape the crowds and experience tranquility on Zamami Island, part of the Kerama Islands. Relax on the pristine beaches, go snorkeling or diving to encounter sea turtles and colorful fish, and hike to the scenic viewpoints for panoramic vistas of the island’s beauty.

Best things to do in Japan during winter

Here are our top 4 fun things to do on Golden Week.

Tokyo Tower 333 Carp Streamers

For the Children’s Day celebrated on May 5, Tokyo Tower will be decorated with 333 carp-shaped windsock streamers of different sizes and colors, plus one bonus fish – a giant Pacific saury. The number 333 comes from the height of Tokyo Tower which is 333 meters tall.

Niku Fes

A large meat festival will be held in Komazawa Park during this Golden Week. Maet dishes of all kinds and genres will be featured. Even if you do not eat meat, you can try some of their plant-based meat options or desserts!

Nemophila Harmony

A famous Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki will be in full bloom during the first half of May. Do not miss your chance to enjoy this truly stunning park.

A day trip

Golden Week is also a great chance to take your time and go on a trip. Even if you did not plan anything in advance, you still can make a day trip to Kamakura, Hayama, Zushi, Yokohama, or Hakone. Enjoy the beautiful nature and delicious food. You can file plenty of it in these places.

What are your plans for this GW? Leave a comment and let us know.

9 Beautiful Parks in Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the biggest and most famous parks in Tokyo. Here you will find a big variety of trees and plants. It is home to over 1000 sakura trees of different kinds, which makes the blooming season quite long. It is also a stunning place during the foliage season. Plus it has spacious lawns and during the warm season, you can have a picnic right here in the park.

Admission: 500 yen for adult

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5:30 p.m. on Mondays)

Location: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku

Yoyogi Park

Just like Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Park is also one of the largest and best well-known green spaces in Tokyo. The park is famous because of the Ginko trees and the best time to enjoy them is in autumn. Another reason you might want to visit this park is that it is conveniently located just between Harajuku station and Meiji Jingu (one of the most important shrines in Tokyo).

Admission: free

Hours: always open

Location: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya

Inokashira Park

Inokashira Park is known for being a green escape with lots of facilities and activities available in the Kichijori area, in Western Tokyo. It is famous for the beautiful sakura trees surrounding the park’s pond. You can rent a boat and enjoy the view from the water. There is also a zoo and a shrine that you can visit. Or you can come here after your visit to Ghibli Museum.

Admission: free

Hours: always open

Location: 1-18-31 Gotenyama, Musashino

Hamarikyu Gardens

Hamarikyu Gardens is a gorgeous green space located in central Tokyo and within a walking distance from Tokyo Tower. It is the only park in Tokyo where you can find a tidal pond. Also, it is an important place for the Japanese culture and heritage, as in the past it was used as a Daimyo (feudal lord) garden. When visiting this park, make sure to visit a traditional tea house for a cup of matcha and Japanese confectionery.

Admission: 300 yen for adult

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location: 1-1 Hama Rikyu-teien, Chuo

Kinuta Park

Kinuta Park is another park famous for its cherry blossom. But you can enjoy it all year round as it is a specious green space where you can play with your kids or have a picnic with your friends. To enjoy your picnic even more, before coming to the park grab some delicious sandwiches and pastries from a popular Regina bakery. The park is a little far from central Tokyo, which means that it is less crowded, and mainly locals come here as suppose to Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen.

Admission: free

Hours: always open

Location: 1-1 Kinutakoen, Setagaya

Setagaya Park

This is another park in Setagaya ward popular among the locals. It has many elements of a traditional Japanese garden and is also a good place for various activities. Kids enjoy it because here they have a kids’ playground, a pool (open only in summer), and a miniature train that runs around the park. Adults love this place too as it is a great place for sports, picnics, or even barbeque.

Admission: free

Hours: always open

Location: 1-5-27, Ikejiri, Setagaya

Komazawa Olympic Park

Komazawa Olympic Park became famous after the Olympics of 1964 when it was used as a second Olympic stadium. Until this day it is known as a sports park with lots of greenery. You should visit it if you are looking for children’s fields, jogging or cycling courses, or even a dog run. On the weekends the park becomes especially lively with visitors from all parts of Tokyo. On the weekdays it is much quieter and more relaxed.

Admission: free

Hours: always open

Location: 1-1 Komazawakoen, Setagaya

Kasai Rinkai Park

Kasai Rinkai Park is located in Edogawa ward across the river from Tokyo Disney Resort and it is the biggest park in central Tokyo. Visiting this park is one of the best things you can do on a hot summer day. On a bright day, it offers beautiful views of Tokyo Bay and Mt. Fuji. This park is home not only to many lawns, gardens, and beaches but also to a Ferris Wheel, an aquarium, a seabird sanctuary, and an observation building.

Admission: free

Hours: always open

Location: 6-2 Rinkaicho, Edogawa

Kyodonomori

Kyodonomori is a park and an open-air museum in Fuchu featuring building from different eras throughout Japanese history. The park is especially recommended for a visit in February and March when it holds its annual Plum Festival, as it includes Tokyo’s largest plum orchard.

Admission: 300 yen

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays)

Location: 6-32 Minamicho, Fuchu

Sports Centers in Tokyo

Your Best Guide to Musashi-Koyama and Togoshi Ginza

Tokyo is a great city with so much going on. In this post, we will talk about 8 reasons why to live in Tokyo.

Tokyo is never boring

There are so many things you can do in Tokyo. You can visit museums. Or you can go to one of the many themed cafes. Or you can enjoy the greenery at one of the parks. It will take years if not decades to explore everything Tokyo has to offer.

Tokyo has a fascinating history

Tokyo might only look like a modern concrete jungle. In reality, it is an old city with a long history and rich culture. There are many historical neighborhoods from different eras. And almost every week there are various festivals happening. Even you yourself can participate in different workshops featuring Japanese culture: trying on kimonos, tea ceremonies, making bonsai, etc.

Tokyo has the best food scene in the world

Many know that Tokyo is the capital of Michlen-starred restaurants. Though, even if you don’t want to spend a fortune on one meal, you can still enjoy delicious and high-quality food. You can get a lunch box for as cheap as 500 yen, and it will be fresh and nutritious. Also, there are many unique dishes in Japanese cuisine besides sushi. You will be always able to try something new.

Tokyo is relatively cheap

Although Tokyo has many attractions, you won’t need to break the bank to enjoy them. Of course, there is no limit to how much you can spend here. But if you choose to be moderate with your expenses, you can totally do it. Local food, restaurants, and some of the attractions are not as expensive as some people might think.

Tokyo is safe

Every year Tokyo is ranked high on the world safety rankings. Even if you are a young woman, you can still feel very safe in Tokyo and live or travel here alone. The city is also safe for kids, who go to school by themselves starting from a very young age.

Tokyo is clean

Despite the huge number of people everywhere and the almost complete lack of trash cans, Tokyo can be considered a clean city. Almost no one will leave their garbage on the streets. Plus you can wear white pants and sit anywhere without being worried about getting dirty. People never sit with their shoes on benches or other sitting spots unlike in many other countries.

Tokyo has the world’s best transportation system

If you do not own a car or don’t want to drive a car, Tokyo is the place for you. Transportation here is amazing, almost always on time, and can bring you to any part of the city. Some will say it is complicated. However, if you take a minute and read the signs (all in English as well), you will understand that it is pretty easy, even intuitive.

Tokyo has lots of nature

Another misconception about Tokyo is that it has only skyscrapers and trains. However, in reality, there are many parks, even in central Tokyo. Moreover, Tokyo is close to the sea and beaches as well. Hiking routes are available, animal farms can be found, and so much more.

Other posts about life in Tokyo:

Public Transit

Things to Know about Rent Prices in Tokyo

The culture of souvenirs is extremely developed in Japan. However, probably unlike in other countries, in Japan when you say souvenirs you basically refer to a tasty treat. Pretty much every region in Japan has its unique souvenirs that cannot be found anywhere else. Here is the list of the 5 best edible souvenirs from Tokyo you can bring to your friends and family back home.

Tokyo Banana

First released in 1991, Tokyo Banana became one of the most popular souvenirs you can bring from Tokyo. It is a small sponge cake with a custard filling inside shaped like a banana, hence the name. Filling flavors and cake decor change with the seasons, so you will never run out of options. You can find shops selling Tokyo Banana all around the city and at the airports.

Omochi Club Create

Mochi is a rice cake and a traditional Japanese dessert. You can see it all across Japan. But only in Tokyo, you can get an especially unique and cool one. It was created by Omochi Club Create and it is shaped like a popsicle. You will love the adorable look of it. Although you can buy them online, for a fun experience visit their original store nearby Nishiogikubo station.

Anko Butter Financier

Anko is a sweet red bean paste. Recently anko with butter on toast became one of the staple breakfasts and snacks among Japanese women. When it comes to souvenirs, you can buy them in a version of the financier from a popular Okada Anbataya pastry shop.

Cat-Shaped Monaka

As you might know, monaka is another traditional Japanese dessert made with crispy wafers and filled with beans. Yet the cat-shaped monaka filled with a paste made of white beans you can buy only in Tokyo. Aside from being a very cute-looking “cookie sandwich”, it can also be a good introduction to the culture of using beans in sweets.

Umeboshi assortment

Lastly, if you are looking for a bit fancier souvenir, go for the umeboshi from the Palace Hotel Tokyo. Umeboshi is a Japanese pickled plum, which is used in various savory and sweet dishes. At the Palace Hotel, you can buy a set of two types of umeboshi that are beautifully arranged in a wooden box. Sweet plum is made with honey and the sour pickled ume is made with shiso. They are individually wrapped and have a long shelf life, making them ideal souvenirs.

For more food-related posts, visit:

Japanese Food You Need to Try in Winter

Best American Restaurants in Tokyo