Where will you go for this summer vacation? We have carefully selected and introduced recommended spots and areas nationwide.
Have you already decided on your summer vacation plans? With such a long holiday, it can be hard to decide where and how to spend it...
In this article, we focus on domestic travel, introducing popular summer vacation spots, including well-known summer resorts and hidden gems! Check out the following to find out what spots are available!
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ① "Biei (Hokkaido)"
The first recommended spot for domestic travel during summer vacation is "Biei Town" in Hokkaido. Biei is located almost at the center of Hokkaido, between Asahikawa and Furano.
It is one of Hokkaido's representative tourist destinations, offering a chance to enjoy the vast natural beauty unique to Hokkaido. The entire town is designated as a "scenic area," highlighting how much the beauty of the scenery is a key feature.
Summer vacation is the best season to visit Hokkaido!
Summer in Hokkaido is ideal for sightseeing as well as for a refreshing escape from the heat. Plus, the long travel time can be covered during the long break, making it an especially great season to visit.
Biei is the perfect place to enjoy the grandeur of nature that is difficult to find in Honshu. With mountains in the distance, you can enjoy various landscapes.
Biei is home to some of Hokkaido's best scenic spots, such as the "Blue Pond" and the "Shikisai-no-oka" (Hill of Seasonal Colors), so be sure to visit during your summer vacation.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ② "Oirase Stream (Aomori)"
Next on our list of recommended spots for summer domestic travel is "Oirase Stream." This is located in the central-southern part of Aomori Prefecture, at the northernmost tip of Tohoku.
Oirase Stream is a 14km-long stream that flows from Lake Towada to the northeast.
The hiking trails around the stream are surrounded by trees and greenery, allowing visitors to feel the refreshing negative ions up close, which is a major attraction.
A classic spot for escaping the heat!?
Oirase Stream is one of the most popular spots in Tohoku for escaping the summer heat, attracting many tourists from early summer to the Obon holiday. While it may have the image of a hidden gem in Aomori, it is expected to be somewhat lively with tourists during the summer vacation period.
On the other hand, during the Obon period, it is likely that many other tourists will be visiting, so there's less chance of feeling uncertain about your plans.
Since it is a bit further from the town and involves heading towards the mountains, planning a longer trip is necessary. You can make the most of your visit during the long Obon holiday.
Traveling from Aomori to the stream, walking the trails, and spending time there require some stamina, but the beauty you will witness is well worth the effort.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ③ "Oze (Gunma)"
Next on the list of recommended spots for summer domestic travel is "Oze," located in the highland area of Gunma Prefecture.
Gunma is known for its abundant greenery, with many places to enjoy nature. Oze is a national park located in the northeastern part of Gunma, and it offers an overwhelming landscape of vast land and nature, which feels as if it's far from the Kanto region.
The walking trails take you over green terrain that feels like curtains or carpets, but due to the sheer size, it is impossible to explore the entire area in just one day. You can refresh yourself while enjoying landscapes far removed from typical scenic spots.
Also, when exploring Oze, hiking gear is essential. If you plan to walk for several days, make sure not to forget your equipment.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ④ "Kamogawa Sea World (Chiba)"
The next recommended spot for summer domestic travel is "Kamogawa Sea World" in Chiba Prefecture. Aquariums are a classic destination for a summer outing, and Kamogawa Sea World is one of the most renowned aquariums in the Kanto area, as well as one of Chiba's top tourist spots.
Marine animals are creatures we don’t often interact with in our everyday lives. The theme of the exhibits is "Encounter with the Sea World," and Kamogawa Sea World offers a fully recreated marine environment for its displays.
The animals live in an environment that mimics the ocean, naturally and intelligently, which is the greatest appeal of the aquarium.
◎A Spot with Various Access Options
Kamogawa City, where Kamogawa Sea World is located, is situated in the southeastern part of Chiba Prefecture, on the eastern side of the Boso Peninsula. While it's a bit far from the city center, there is National Route 128 nearby, making it relatively easy to access.
You can also reach the aquarium by train, and there is a free shuttle bus available from the nearest station, "JR Awa-Kamogawa Station." It’s an ideal location for a short summer trip.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑤ "Shin Enoshima Aquarium (Kanagawa)"
Next on the list of recommended spots for summer domestic travel is the "Shin Enoshima Aquarium," another aquarium located in the Kanto region.
Shin Enoshima Aquarium is located in Fujisawa City, on the southern side of Kanagawa Prefecture, close to Enoshima, a representative tourist spot in Shonan. The aquarium has been around for over half a century, making it a place with a long history. Inside, numerous creatures swim freely in a large tank that recreates the Sagami Bay environment.
You’ll find yourself captivated by the immersive underwater world, and the exhibits feature deep-sea creatures and various types of jellyfish, offering plenty to enjoy.
The stars of the show are towards the end!
Popular animals like dolphins and seals are located towards the latter part of the aquarium, and many events are held within. It’s worth timing your visit around one of these events.
The nearest station is "Katase Enoshima Station," and it’s easily accessible from Tokyo.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑥ "Oarai Sun Beach (Ibaraki)"
Next up for recommended summer domestic travel is the "Oarai Sun Beach" in North Kanto.
The city of Oarai, known for its high tourism demand due to its coastal location, is home to Oarai Sun Beach, the largest beach in Ibaraki Prefecture. It is a popular spot for surfing and sunbathing. The beach is spacious and offers great views of the sea, encapsulating the charm of a beach in a simple yet impressive way.
The town has many tourist attractions!
There are many great beaches to visit around Japan during summer vacation, but Oarai Sun Beach stands out for offering both a beach experience and the opportunity to explore Oarai.
The town also has several other attractions, such as the Oarai Isosaki Shrine, where you can enjoy stunning views of the ocean from the shrine grounds, and the "Aqua World" where you can see relaxing manta rays.
These are all places you’d want to visit during your summer vacation!
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑦ "Lake Suwa (Nagano)"
Next on the list of recommended spots for summer domestic travel is "Lake Suwa," located in the center of Nagano Prefecture, in the Koshinetsu region.
Lake Suwa is the largest lake in the prefecture, and during the winter, it is famous for smelt fishing. In other seasons, it is a scenic spot offering a beautiful view of Mount Fuji, which is listed among the "Kanto Fuji Scenic 100 Views."
At Lake Suwa, you can enjoy two grand landscapes: the mountains and the lake.
There are plenty of water-based activities to enjoy, including sightseeing boats, amphibious buses, and boats. The surrounding area also features the prestigious Suwa Taisha Shrine, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful summer moment surrounded by greenery. It’s the perfect spot to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
A popular fireworks event in summer!?
During the summer at Lake Suwa, the "Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival" is a major event, scheduled for August 15, 2023. Fireworks shot off over the lake create a spectacular scene, with water-based star mines and other unique displays that are only possible on the water.
This is an unmissable event if you visit Lake Suwa during summer.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑧ "Venus Line (Nagano)"
Next on the list of recommended summer vacation spots is the "Venus Line," a scenic route in Nagano Prefecture.
The Venus Line connects the city of Chino to the beautiful highland of Mt. Megahira, with wide green meadows along the road and surrounded by the majestic Alps. The 76km stretch is perfect for a drive that feels like you're visiting a foreign country. You can also book rental cars for Nagano Prefecture here.
There are often debates about whether to visit the mountains or the sea in summer, but in Nagano, a land without the sea, there are plenty of "highland scenic spots." The Venus Line is packed with breathtaking views, making it the perfect place to create lasting summer memories.
The starting point is also a tourist spot
The starting (and ending) point of the Venus Line, Ueda City, is a popular tourist destination, known for the Ueda Castle, which is connected to the famous samurai hero Sanada Yukimura. It was also the setting for the movie "Summer Wars," giving it a distinctly summer vibe.
Ueda is home to Bessho Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Nagano Prefecture, with many ryokan inns offering a relaxing experience. Though hot springs are usually associated with colder seasons, they offer a unique and refreshing experience during the summer heat.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑨ "Yoro Falls (Gifu)"
Next, we introduce "Yoro Falls," located in Gifu Prefecture.
When thinking of tourist destinations in Gifu, places like Hida Takayama and Gifu Castle come to mind, but during the summer, "Yoro Falls" in the southwestern part of the prefecture is highly recommended.
The falls are located in a tranquil mountain area with cool, refreshing air and an abundance of negative ions. The nearest station, Yoro Station, has a classic station building that has been around since the Taisho era, creating a peaceful atmosphere that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Although there is a bit of distance from Yoro Station to Yoro Falls, it is a popular walking course. The accommodations and scenery are also highly rated, making it an ideal place to relax and breathe in the peaceful air of the area.
Between the station and the falls, you can also find family-friendly spots like "Yoro Land," making it an excellent choice for family trips.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑩ "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Toyama)"
Next, we introduce the "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route," a spot especially recommended for those looking for cool temperatures and breathtaking views during their summer vacation.
Toyama Prefecture in the Hokuriku region has an image of being quiet and cool compared to urban centers and the Kansai area. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a mountain route in the Northern Alps, with peaks reaching 3,000 meters! It is a symbol of the prefecture and is counted among Japan's three famous mountains, alongside Mount Fuji.
When you think of mountainous areas, you typically imagine traveling by car. However, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is unique in that it uses various modes of transportation, such as buses, cable cars, and ropeways, allowing you to enjoy the natural scenery at each stop.
The Tateyama Cable Car climbs 1.3 km, offering a chance to enjoy changing forests along the way. The Kurobe Cable Car is the only one in Japan that runs entirely underground, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
The highlight is the ropeway, which is one of the longest in Japan. Between Daikanbo and Kurobe-daira, there are no supporting pylons, offering a 360-degree panoramic view with no obstructions. It's a must-see "moving observatory!"
The Last Run of the Trolley Bus in 2024!
From June to July 26, 2024, the final run event of the Tateyama Tunnel Trolley Bus will be held. The actual last run will be on November 30, but this event provides an opportunity to enjoy the charm of the trolley bus before then.
The trolley bus is a vehicle that receives electric power from an overhead line like a train, but it runs on tires instead of tracks. It has been a popular and unique feature of the Tateyama Alpen Route for a long time. Trolley buses across the country are gradually being discontinued, and Tateyama's trolley bus will be the last one in Japan.
The event will be held multiple times, with two events during the summer of 2024. If you have never ridden the Tateyama Trolley Bus, this may be your last chance. Be sure to plan your travel itinerary to experience it!
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑪ "Tomo no Ura (Hiroshima)"
How about adding a "healing port town" to your list of summer domestic travel destinations?
Next, we introduce "Tomo no Ura," located in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Tomo no Ura is known as one of the most soothing port towns in Japan, with several islands scattered across the bay. The islands and the surrounding coastal area are all designated as a national park.
It has been a beloved scenic spot for a long time, with charming old buildings lining the bay, creating an excellent atmosphere. You will be thoroughly relaxed by both the town's landscape and the view from the bay.
Fukuyama City is located at the eastern edge of Hiroshima Prefecture and is quite far from Hiroshima City, which is on the western side of the prefecture. If you're planning to do sightseeing in Hiroshima, you'll need to plan your itinerary carefully, so be mindful of this.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑫ "Hagi (Yamaguchi)"
Next, we introduce "Hagi," a city located in the San'in region of Yamaguchi Prefecture, as a recommended destination for domestic travel during the summer.
Hagi is not a large town, but it flourished as the castle town of a powerful feudal family during the Edo period. Even today, traditional Japanese-style buildings remain in the castle town area, and you can enjoy glimpses of the past in various spots throughout the city.
It is a sacred place for the samurai who played an important role during the Bakumatsu and Meiji Restoration periods, and places like "Shōin-juku" are even registered as World Heritage Sites.
There are many attractions throughout the city, making it easy to get lost, but you can travel between tourist spots by bus, which makes getting around surprisingly easy.
Access is a bit tricky
Hagi is not particularly easy to access, and since it is located in the San'in region, the Shinkansen doesn't pass nearby. However, buses can take you from Yamaguchi, and it is connected to various places in the San'in region via national highways.
There are also flights from Tokyo to Hagi-Iwami Airport. It could be a great idea to plan a trip to the San'in region with Hagi as your destination.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑬ "Iya Kazura Bridge (Tokushima)"
Next, we introduce the "Iya Kazura Bridge," located deep in the mountains of Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku, as a recommended summer vacation spot.
When you think of Tokushima Prefecture, famous landmarks and attractions like the Awa Odori and the Naruto Bridge come to mind, but the central part of Shikoku is dominated by the Shikoku Mountains, offering expansive and breathtaking natural scenery.
A Secret Spot Created by Nature
The Iya Kazura Bridge is a 45-meter long suspension bridge 14 meters above the water, located in the heart of this natural wonder. As you walk across the swaying bridge, you can look down to see the Iya River flowing in the valley below. You will proceed through untouched greenery.
When visiting during the summer, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery while enjoying both the thrill and stunning views.
The Iya Kazura Bridge is known as one of Japan's three famous bridges. Before it became a tourist destination, it was a true "secret" location, far from human settlements.
The urban areas of Tokushima Prefecture are also popular tourist destinations, so it’s a great idea to visit both during your summer vacation.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑭ "Niyodo River (Kochi)"
When you're unsure where to go for your summer vacation, why not take a trip deep into Shikoku, far from the city?
Next, we introduce the "Niyodo River," located in the southern part of Shikoku in Kochi Prefecture.
The Niyodo River originates from Mount Ishizuchi in Ehime Prefecture and flows into the Pacific Ocean. Along with the Yoshino River and the Shimanto River, it is counted as one of the three major rivers in Shikoku.
While the Shimanto River is famous in Shikoku, the Niyodo River is known for its stunning blue color, often referred to as "Niyodo Blue."
What makes it Japan's cleanest river?
According to water quality surveys, the Niyodo River is considered one of the cleanest rivers in Japan, with exceptional transparency. At a distance, you can enjoy its painted-like blue hue, and up close, the clarity is so high that you can see all the way to the riverbed. The surrounding natural environment adds to the healing atmosphere, making it a peaceful and rejuvenating space.
Known for its "miraculous clarity," the Niyodo River is a great place to enjoy mystical colors and stunning views during the summer vacation.
Recommended Domestic Travel for Summer Vacation ⑮ "Maruo Falls (Kagoshima)"
Kagoshima, a popular destination for refreshing summer vacations, offers both hot springs and scenic spots, making it a great place to visit during a long summer break.
Located at the southern tip of Kyushu, Kagoshima is relatively warm during the summer, and while it might not have the same image as a mountain resort, it is rich in nature, with many spots for forest bathing.
"Maruo Falls" is a spectacular landmark located in the mountainous region of Kirishima City in northern Kagoshima Prefecture. At 23 meters high and 16 meters wide, it is an impressive and majestic waterfall, but it also has a unique feature – it collects hot spring water from the surrounding area, making it a "hot spring waterfall."
Surprisingly accessible?
Located along a national road, the falls are easily accessible during your travel, making it an ideal stop during your Kagoshima sightseeing trip. It is positioned near the border of Kagoshima Prefecture, so it's easy to visit in combination with sightseeing in the Miyazaki and Takachiho areas.
The area is also home to many spots believed to be the setting of various Japanese myths, creating a distinct atmosphere around the Maruo Falls. It is a popular tourist destination all year round, not just in summer.
◎ Summary of Recommended Spots for Summer Vacation
Where to go for the summer vacation... For those who are unsure about their domestic travel destination, we’ve introduced some recommended spots for your summer vacation.
Going out during the summer is also a battle against the heat. In addition to coastal spots like beaches and aquariums, especially recommended are scenic spots in the mountains, waterfalls, and streams where you can feel the negative ions.
Be sure to use this article as a reference and visit the famous spots around the country.