10 best summer destinations in Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa (2024)

Yurigahama, Kagoshima

This seasonal beach down on Yoronjima is often called an illusion as it only appears for a short time from spring through to summer, in accordance with the tides. Although located extremely close to Okinawa, Yoronjima is actually part of Kagoshima prefecture and is famed for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.

When Yurigahama Beach finally appears, it sure is a stunner. Essentially a long sandbar, the beach is a gorgeous expanse of white, star-shaped sand made up of tiny coral and is surrounded by emerald waters that are perfect for snorkelling and taking in the area’s natural sea life.

Tsunoshima, Yamaguchi

To get to the island of Tsunoshima, you’ll have to cross over the picturesque Tsunoshima Ohashi bridge, which stretches 1,780m across the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Japan. A popular road trip destination, the island is home to beautiful sandy beaches and restaurants to sample fresh seafood.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Tsunoshima's lush patches of nature and calm waters for swimming. The island's 130-year old lighthouse is also a must-visit attraction.

If the summer is too hot to handle, cool down in Hokkaido at the stunning Unkai Terrace. The scenic spot is an extension of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, and is the perfect place to witness the natural phenomenon known as unkai, or a sea of clouds.This summer, you can evencamp outon the terrace.

There are seven different vantage points which you can access via gondola from the bottom of Mt Tomamu. Unkai Terrace is open until the end of October, just before ski season begins, so there’s plenty of time to head on over before the snow starts to fall.

Ikumi, Tokushima

Miyakojima, Okinawa

Karuizawa, Nagano

Furano-Biei, Hokkaido

Takachiho, Miyazaki

Take a rowboat through the stunning Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki prefecture, known for the jaw-dropping 17m-high Minainotaki waterfall. The area is accented by dense green foliage and sheer cliffs made from volcanic basalt that resemble the scales of a dragon.

The best way to see the gorge up close is from the water, but you can also walk a paved path that runs around the edge of the gorge for a top-down view. During the summer, the gorge is lit up in the evenings giving it an otherworldly vibe.

Shodoshima, Kagawa

Shodoshima is the second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea and boasts a warm summer climate a little like a Greek coastal town.

In fact, Shodoshima was the first place to grow olives in Japan and olive trees are still found all over the island. There's even the public Shodoshima Olive Park where nearly 2,000 olive trees are planted. Olives season runs from May through to June, so summer is the best time to head over and sample this local delicacy.

Shodoshima takes part in the Setouchi Triennale art festival, so you’ll also find a number of permanent artworks and installations dotted around the island.

Notojima, Ishikawa

From spring through to autumn, there are a handful of beaches around Japan where you can witness umihotaru, the ‘sea fireflies’ which illuminate coastlines in a brilliant shade of blue. One of the best places to witness these colourful creatures is on Notojima, an island found near Toyama Bay.

The sea fireflies are actually tiny round crustaceans, usually no bigger than 3mm, which live in the shallows. On warm nights, when they come out to feed, they give off a beautiful blue light, turning the surrounding shoreline into a magical sight.