What are the summer resorts that are cool even in summer? Cool Experiences Popular among Foreigners

Summer in Japan is really hot! Comparison with other countries in the world

Many people say, “Summer in Japan is just too hot,” but in reality, is it really that hot compared to other countries around the world?

This time, we compared summer temperatures in Japan with those in the so-called “tropical” regions of the world, based on data from the Japan Meteorological Agency!
In addition to temperature, the difference in humidity is also a point of interest.

What a surprise, Japan came in a respectable second place! That hotter than India and Kenya than India and Kenya.

Then, what about “humidity”?
It is often said that “summers in Japan are gloomy,” but how high is the humidity in Japan compared to other countries?

Average humidity ranking for July 2024
1st place	Kenya: approx. 82
2nd place	Vietnam: approx. 77
3rd place	Japan: approx. 76
4th place	India: approx. 71

Japan is in third place. It is true that summers in Japan are humid, but they are still more comfortable than in other tropical countries.

Sources include: Japan Meteorological Agency, Weather Spark

What do foreigners have trouble with in the summer? [Interviews about their experiences].

Japan is hotter than India or Kenya. How do foreigners living in Japan feel about such a summer?

I would like to interview Mr. D, who has been living in Japan for about three years.

The heat is unbearable even for Southeast Asians.

In fact, Mr. D’s roots are in Vietnam.
Although Vietnam is hotter and more humid than Japan, they still say they cannot stand the Japanese heat.

Still want to enjoy Japan.

Mr. D is suffering from the heat in Japan.
On the other hand, however, they are not only troubled by the Japanese summer, but also somewhat longing for it.

Summer in Japan is often depicted in anime.
Because of this, many foreigners seem to yearn for summer in Japan through anime.

So, what kind of summer scenes do anime-loving foreigners like Mr. D admire in Japan?
Since we were in the mood, we asked Ms. D about three summer events that she longs to attend.

What summer events are of interest to foreigners?

Many foreigners are interested in Japanese summer events through anime. So, what kind of summer events are foreigners actually attracted to?

In this issue, we asked Mr. D, a fan of Japanese anime, to share three of his favorite summer events.
For each event, we have also included information on highlights and how to make reservations, so please take a look!

fireworks

summer festival

BBQ

Overseas visitors seem to be interested in this kind of “uniquely Japanese summer.
When entertaining foreigners in the summer, they will surely be pleased if you can provide them with these unique Japanese experiences.

If you are thinking, “But going out in the hot summer is a bit difficult…” or “I want to enjoy myself in a cooler place if possible,” please refer to Motenas Japan’s past articles on the subject.
Here are some typical Japanese experiences that can be enjoyed indoors.

A summer resort if you are a repeat foreigner! Get in touch with Japanese nature

Standard tourist destinations such as Tokyo and Osaka are great, but why not experience the “summer of Japan’s rich and famous” if you are so inclined?

Some of Japan’s wealthy people have a vacation home in a cool, natural setting, separate from their main home, where they spend their summers. A summer spent away from the city in a quiet and beautiful natural setting will surely be a special memory.

In this article, we will introduce five popular vacation home areas for wealthy Japanese. Please try to find your favorite place.

Karuizawa, Nagano｜High-altitude summer resort near the city center

Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture is a highland resort area with easy access, located about 1.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen bullet train.
It is characterized by abundant nature and a cool climate, making it a comfortable place to live even in summer. Many people love this area for its beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.

It is extremely popular among wealthy Japanese and has long been a favorite vacation spot.The quiet and serene atmosphere makes it an ideal place for refreshment or a summer retreat.

There are many fashionable cafes and restaurants to enjoy the resort lifestyle. There are also a variety of leisure facilities for outdoor activities and golf.

Karuizawa is the perfect place for those seeking a special summer destination where nature and culture are in harmony.

Karuizawa Tariacen

Karuizawa Tagliassen, located in Karuizawa, is a resort facility that blends nature, art, and history around Lake Shiozawa, where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities.

Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture｜Popular summer resort where you can enjoy hot springs and nature

Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo and is a popular weekend getaway hot spring resort.
Surrounded by rich nature and beautiful mountains, visitors can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. Hakone has a long history as a hot spring resort, and many inns and hotels line the streets.

Favored by wealthy Japanese, it is known as a quiet and luxurious place to spend time. There are many cultural facilities such as art museums and the Sculpture Forest, where you can enjoy nature and art at the same time. Visitors can also take a sightseeing boat ride on Lake Ashi to enjoy the scenery.

It is a special place where you can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and refresh your body and soul.

Hakone Kowakuen Unessan

Hakone Kowakuen Unessan is a hot spring theme park where visitors can enjoy themselves in bathing suits. There are many unique bathtubs, including a wine bath and a coffee bath. Recommended for families and couples.

Lake Ashinoko Pleasure Boat

The Lake Ashinoko Pleasure Boat is a pleasure boat modeled after a pirate ship, which cruises around Lake Ashinoko and offers views of Hakone’s nature and Mt.

Owakudani (region around Osaka Bay, esp. Tokyo Bay, but also Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands)

Owakudani is attractive for its powerful scenery of volcanic fumes from volcanic activity. The famous “black egg” is said to prolong one’s life by seven years.

World Heritage Sites and Nature in Harmony in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture

Nikko, located in Tochigi Prefecture, is an attractive tourist destination with its rich nature and historical temples and shrines.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, registered as a World Heritage site, attracts many visitors with its gorgeous decoration and historical value.
The four seasons are beautiful in nature, and the autumn foliage is especially famous throughout the country.

It is popular among wealthy Japanese and is known as a summer resort where one can spend quiet and quality time.
One of the attractions of Nikko National Park is its vast natural environment, where you can refresh yourself.
There are also hot spring resorts scattered throughout the area, where you can enjoy a relaxing stay.

This is the place for those seeking a special summer experience where history and nature are in harmony.

Nikko Recommended Spots Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu is a gorgeous shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu and is registered as a World Heritage site. It is famous for its sculptures such as the Yomeimon Gate, the three monkeys, and the sleeping cat.

Kegon Falls

Kegon-no-taki Falls is a magnificent 97-meter-high waterfall and one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan. You can see the powerful waterfall up close from the viewing platform.

Mt. Rokko, Hyogo｜Mountain resort where you can enjoy the night view and nature

Located in Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Rokko is a popular mountain resort with easy access from Osaka and other parts of the Kansai region, where visitors can enjoy both nature and the city. The summit of the 931-meter-high mountain offers a spectacular view famous for its “million-dollar night view.
Known as a favorite summer resort for wealthy Japanese, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery in each of the four seasons.

The area also offers a wide variety of enjoyable activities such as hiking, driving, and night view viewing.
There are also plenty of family-friendly spots such as Rokko Garden Terrace and Rokkosan Ranch.
We recommend this place for those who want to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Rokkosan Recommended Spots Rokkosan Ranch

Rokkosan Ranch is a farm where you can interact with animals such as sheep, goats, and ponies. There is also a cheese factory and bakery, which are popular with families.

Rokkosan Tenranandai (Mt.)

Rokkosan Exhibition Hall is an observatory named after Emperor Showa who visited there. It is a spectacular spot from which you can see the city of Kobe and the direction of Osaka.

Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture

Oku-Biwako, located in the northern part of Shiga Prefecture, is an area of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, where nature remains especially strong.
The quiet and peaceful lakeside scenery offers visitors a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There is beauty in every season, and the cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall are especially breathtaking.

It is a favorite among wealthy Japanese who want to get away from the city and spend a quiet time in nature.
Surrounded by crystal clear waters and lush green mountains, you can enjoy an atmosphere like a retreat.
Because the area is not overly touristy, visitors can experience a relaxing “real Japanese summer.

This place is recommended for those who want to calm their minds and get in touch with nature.

Oku-Biwako Marine Sports Club

At Oku-Biwako Marine Sports Club, you can enjoy various kinds of marine sports. There is a training course, so it is recommended for beginners and children.

Recommended for first time visitors to Japan! Summer x Cool Japan Experience Model Plan

I want to enjoy the Japanese summer, but the heat is too much for me to do anything…
“I am afraid of being outdoors in the heat, I just want to go somewhere cool…
For such foreign guests, here are five recommended summer plans to stay cool.

This summer, why don’t you enjoy the Japanese summer in the cooler weather?

Tokyo: Aquarium Day Trip Plan

On hot days, you don’t want to go outside much if possible.
On such days, we recommend a plan that allows you to enjoy the cool, air-conditioned museum and its surroundings alone.
Watching the fish swimming comfortably in the cool sea will cool your body and mind.

Hours.	Activities	supplement
10:00-12:00	Visit Sumida Aquarium	－
12:00-13:00	Lunch at the museum’s café	－
13:00-13:30	Souvenir Selection	－
13:30-14:30	Snack break at Solamachi (commercial facility)	Matcha ice cream is recommended.
14:30-16:00	Walking around Sky Tree	If you have time, I recommend the observation deck.
16:00-17:00	returning home	If you want to avoid crowded trains, go home at this time.

Tokyo: Kinkai Park Plan (Day Trip)

You want to go to a theme park, but the heat is too much for you. …… Wish there was a theme park where you could play even in the rain.

In fact, there is a theme park in Tokyo that is completely indoors!
Enjoy the theme park to the fullest in a comfortable environment without worrying about the weather.

Hours.	Activities	supplement
11:00-13:00	Enter Tokyo Joypolis. Enjoy the attractions in the museum	Recommended to enter the museum as soon as it opens and ride popular attractions such as roller coasters.
13:00-14:00	Frame café at Lunch	Window seats are recommended as they overlook Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge when the weather permits.
14:00-15:30	Free time / Souvenir shopping	―
15:30-16:00	Stroll in Odaiba Seaside Park	―
16:00-17:00	Cafe break in Odaiba area	―

Tokyo: Huge Pool Resort Plan (Day Trip)

Hot days are the time to enjoy the pool to the fullest.
But many people are worried about sunburn and heat stroke at outdoor pools….

In such cases, we recommend indoor swimming pools. It is a comfortable place to spend time without worrying about the weather or heat.

Why not create unique summer memories at an indoor swimming pool?

Hours.	Activities	supplement
10:00	Tokyo Summerland Adventure Dome Admission Indoor Pool Fun	Recommended to arrive before the park opens as it is a popular spot.
12:00	At a restaurant or food court in the park Lunch	Early or late lunch, such as 11:30, is recommended to avoid crowds.
13:00	Enjoy the outdoor pool area	If the sun is strong, indoors is recommended.
15:00	Break and snack time	Cool snacks such as kakigoori, tapioca, etc. are recommended.
16:00-16:30	Purchase souvenirs and change clothes	Early return is recommended due to possible congestion.

Access to this facility is somewhat complicated, so we recommend that you take a cab.
If you are worried about the fare and how to make a reservation, please refer to the following article.

Osaka：Pool×Onsen Plan (Day Trip)

I want to enjoy both summery pools and Japanese hot springs!”
For those people, we recommend **”Spa World “**, which combines hot springs and swimming pools.

At this facility, visitors can enjoy not only an indoor pool, but also hot springs and bedrock baths with themes from around the world.
After a vigorous day at the pool, relax in the hot springs.

Why don’t you spend an exquisite moment where you can both play and heal?

Hours.	Activities	supplement
10:00	Entrance to Spa World Indoor swimming pools for a great time	―
12:00	Lunch at the on-site restaurant	―
13:00-15:00	Indoor swimming pool/game center	―
15:00-17:00	Enjoy Hot Springs Around the World	―
17:00-17:45	Bedrock bath/rest/buying souvenirs, etc.	－

Kyoto：Nagashi Somen x Onsen Plan (2 Day Package)

Recently, Nagashi Somen has been attracting a lot of attention from foreigners.
In Kibune, Kyoto, Nagashi Somen is especially popular while listening to the murmuring of the river.

Why not spend a special summer time surrounded by beautiful Japanese scenery that can only be experienced in Japan?

Hours.	Activities	supplement
9:00	Arrival at Kyoto Station	Route from Kyoto Station to Kibune-guchi】 ①Take the Subway Karasuma Line (direction Kokusaikaikaikan) from Kyoto Station and get off at Kokusaikaikan Station. (2) Exit at Kokusai Kaikan Station from Exit No. 3, board the **Kyoto Bus No. 52 (bound for Kibune-guchi)** and disembark at Kibune-guchi. (3) From the Kibune-guchi bus stop, it takes about 5 minutes on foot to reach Kibune Shrine. Time required: approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes Fare: approx. 570 yen
Around 11:30	Arrive at Kibune, take a short walk around the area	－
12:00	Nagashi Somen at Hirobun (ひろ文) or Kawadoko Lunch	Payment in cash only. Reservations are not accepted for Nagashi Somen. It is very popular and can take up to 3 hours to get in. If you don’t like to wait, we recommend that you make a reservation for the one-day Kawayuka lunch for 2 people ¥21,780~.
13:00-14:00	Stroll around Kibune Shrine / Snack at Kibune Gallery	If you are short on time, skip this itinerary and head for Kurama Onsen.
15:00-16:30	Move to Kurama Onsen Yumoto Relax at Onsen	Route from Kibune to Kurama Onsen】 ①Take the Eizan Electric Railway fromKibune-guchi Stationto Kurama Station ②From KuramaStation, walk to Kurama Onsen Yumoto
17:00	Return to Kyoto Station	―

If you want to have a unique Japanese experience but are worried about making plans and taking action on your own, please contact Motenas Japan.
We offer a variety of cool and comfortable Japanese experience plans such as sushi experience.

First-Time Admirers! How to enjoy summer safely!

It would be a waste if you get sick from the heat on your trip to Japan.
Therefore, we have compiled a list of measures to prepare for the heat in Japan.

Let them enjoy the Japanese summer to the fullest by referring to heat-protection goods and ways to protect themselves from heat stroke.

Check temperature

On days when temperatures exceed 28°C (82°F), avoid prolonged outdoor activities as much as possible.
In addition, to prevent heat stroke, please pay attention to the following points

① Get enough sleep
Insufficient sleep weakens the body’s resistance to heat and makes it easier to get sick. Make sure to get a good night’s rest the day before.

2) Rehydrate frequently.
In addition to water, beverages containing electrolytes such as sports drinks are recommended. Especially when sweating profusely, replenish with salt as well.

③ Avoid direct sunlight
Make use of parasols and hats, and try to walk in the shade as much as possible. When going outside, it is also a good idea to choose breathable clothing.

Prevention of heat

The following three products are recommended for heat protection.

Cool Towel (Cool Towel)
・Wet it with water and wring it out to keep the cool feeling for a long time
・Wrap it around your neck to lower your body temperature
・When dry, it is light, not bulky, and easy to wash

2) Cooling Spray/Body Sheet
・Cooling Spray for Clothing, which can be sprayed on clothes, is convenient before or on the way out
・Wipe your neck and arms with the menthol-containing sheet to feel cool and refreshed.

Emergency Goods
“OS-1 (Oral Rehydration Solution: Oral Rehydration Solution)”
OS-1 is a special-purpose food to combatdehydration and is recommended to be used under the guidance of a physician or dietitian. Sodium, potassium, etc.) in mild to moderate dehydration. It is suitable for dehydration due to fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating.
It is not suitable for healthy people to drink, but it is a good idea to carry it with you in case of emergency.

abide by the rules

Know the rules for safe summer fun.

Please pay close attention to the following three points when playing in the river or spending time in nature in the summer.

(i) Do not jump into the river.
Hitting shallow water or unseen rocks can lead to serious accidents such as broken bones. For your safety, never jump into the river.

(2) Do not allow children to swim alone.
Japanese rivers have steep currents and suddenly become deep in many places. Please do not let your children out of your sight, and always have an adult by your side to watch over them.
Adults are also recommended to wear life jackets and floatation rings when swimming.

3) Do not enter restricted areas
Japan’s nature is home to many wild animals and dangerous insects. To prevent accidents, never enter areas with no-entry signs or ropes.

Don’t worry about the heat! Enjoy the Japanese summer!

Summer in Japan is extremely hot, but you can have a comfortable and special time by preparing yourself well for the heat and enjoying mainly indoor areas.
Take care of yourself in the heat, and by all means, let them enjoy the charms of summer in Japan.

As mentioned earlier in this article, Motenas Japan also offers special plans that combine “summer” and “cool rooms. We can also arrange interpreters and consult with you on venues, so please feel free to contact us if you would like to bring the unparalleled charm of summer in Japan to your foreign guests.