10 Popular Summer Escapes

1. Kamikochi (Nagano)

A must for nature lovers. With its cool alpine climate, clear rivers, and dramatic peaks, Kamikochi attracts hikers and photographers every summer.
Despite its popularity, car-free access preserves the peaceful vibe.

2. Furano & Biei (Hokkaido)

Famous for vibrant lavender fields and wide, rolling hills, Furano and Biei feel like a postcard in July.
Mild temperatures and Instagram-worthy views make this a top choice for summer photographers.

3. Yakushima Island (Kagoshima)

Loved by eco-tourists and Ghibli fans, Yakushima’s ancient forests offer a cooler, wilder kind of summer.
Its remote feel adds to its charm.

4. Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada (Aomori/Akita)

Tohoku’s most photogenic summer trail. Oirase’s shaded paths and waterfalls are pure green therapy, while Towada’s lakefront is perfect for slow afternoons.

5. Karuizawa (Nagano)

A longtime favorite of Tokyo locals and international visitors alike, Karuizawa blends cool forest air, boutique shopping, cycling paths, and charming cafés. Surrounded by larch and birch trees, it stays breezy even in the middle of summer.

In early summer, Karuizawa hosts the Umbrella Sky installation, where hundreds of colorful umbrellas are suspended above the streets, casting playful shadows and drawing photographers from across Japan. It’s a whimsical seasonal highlight that adds a splash of color to this already stylish mountain town.

6. Ine & Miyama (Kyoto)

Though lesser-known globally, these peaceful Kyoto villages are gaining popularity fast thanks to Instagram and boutique travel.
Perfect for travelers seeking culture and calm, just outside Kyoto city.

7. Iya Valley (Tokushima)

Remote and adventurous. Vine bridges, dramatic gorges, and traditional farm stays appeal to those wanting off-the-beaten-path exploration.

8. Shiretoko Peninsula (Hokkaido)

A dramatic UNESCO natural site with cooler temperatures and wildlife sightings in summer. The untouched beauty and ocean breezes draw adventurers seeking real wilderness.

9. Kumano Kodo (Wakayama)

A pilgrimage for the soul—especially in summer, when the mossy trails and shaded forests offer cool reflection.
Popular among spiritual travelers and wellness-focused guests.

10. Tateshina & Yatsugatake (Nagano/Yamanashi)

Chic yet natural. These highlands offer art museums, nature trails, and quiet resorts for those avoiding the more crowded Karuizawa.

Find Your Perfect Summer Match

From mountain retreats and alpine lakes to fishing villages and cedar forests, Japan’s summer escapes offer cool weather and warm hospitality. Whether you seek nature, culture, or calm—your next journey is waiting.