Updated February13, 2025

Top 10 Summer destinations  in Japan by HIS trend research

Not only beach destinations but also mountain and lake are also on the top 10 list.

(This is originally posted on "travel happy" Japan Travel Blog. https://tictokyo.wordpress.com/ )

1. Kagoshima Prefecture

Yoron-jima Island, Yurigahama Beach

In Kagoshima Prefecture, there is a beach called Yurigahama on the east coast. The pure white sandy beach only appears from one hour before low tide to one hour after low tide.

If you hold some sand in your hands, you may be able to spot the star shaped grains called “Hoshisuna”. It is said that if you happen to pick up the number of grains that correspond to your age, you will find happiness!

Comment from a customer: “The beach that appears out of nowhere is so amazing!”
Access:  40 minutes by plane from Okinawa Naha; 1 hour 10 mins by plane from Kagoshima; Glassboat operates from June to September, transports from Oganeku Coast to the beach

2. Okinawa Prefecture

Kabira Bay

Very popular for the beautiful scenery is Kabira Bay. It is located a 40 minute drive from the city of Ishigaki in the northwestern part of the island.

The beautiful nature and magnificent scenery has earned 3 Michelin stars. The sand is pure white and the water so transparent you can see the ocean floor. Take a ride on the boat with a glass bottom and you can enjoy the colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. This is a very popular tour with tourists.

Comment from a customer: “The scenery is so beautiful, like a post card.”
Access: 40 minutes by car from Ishigaki.

3. Yamaguchi Prefecture

 Tsunoshima

Located in Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture, this island has a population of just 900 people. The white sandy beaches and green emerald seas attract tourists from all over the Shikoku and Kansai regions.

The Tsunoshima Ohashi (bridge) opened in November 2000 and is 1780 meters long. By the way, tolls are free!

Comment from a customer: “The emerald green sea is so beautiful that I cannot believe I am in Honshu!”
Access:From JR San-in Main line, Kottoi Station, take the Blue Line bus towards Tsunoshima. It takes around 23 minutes.

4. Hokkaido

Orofure Pass Observatory

Located in Karuru town of Noboribetsu, the Orofure Pass observatory is at an altitude of 930 meters. The view is truly majestic and you can see both Lake Toya and Mt. Yotei. From the observatory, you can see the sea of clouds on the Noboribetsu side and the Sobetsu side.

They look completely different from each other. The sea of clouds can be viewed from spring to autumn so it is recommended you go from mid-May to October. If you’re lucky, you will be able to see the beautiful morning sunrise and sparkling stars at night.

Comment from a customer: “When I see the sea of clouds, I feel like I’m being enveloped in the mysterious atmosphere.”
Access: Located in central Hokkaido, about 15 km or 30 minutes from the Noboribetsuhigashi IC by car.

5. Aomori Prefecture

Shirakami Juni-ko

Shirakami is the name of a vast area that spans from Aomori Prefecture to Akita Prefecture and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There is a region called Juni-ko at the foot of the Shirakami Mountains. On the Sea of Japan side, there are natural lakes surrounded by forests of beech trees. The forests have a relaxing effect and have even been certified as a forest therapy base. There is a pond in Juni-ko that is cobalt blue and it is a must see. You can enjoy the bright green leaves from mid-June until the end of summer.

Comment from a customer: “The beautiful blue pond is very impressive. I want to visit again in the summer.”

Access: Takes two and a half hours by car from Akita Airport.

6. Nagano Prefecture

Mishakai Pond

This pond is like a mirror and reflects back the the fresh green trees surrounding it. It has appeared in many commercials so you may have seen it before. If you want to enjoy an even deeper green scenery, try going in the early morning. The silence wraps around you as if time has stopped.

This pond was created in 1933 as a reservoir for agricultural purposes. Because the water is weakly acidic, there are fewer microorganisms and that is how the water remains so clear.

Comment from a customer: “The beautiful pond makes me want to keep on gazing at it.”
Access: About a 30 minute drive from the Suwa IC.

7. Hyogo Prefecture

Awaji Island Sea Firefly

On the Aman coast of Awaji Island, you can enjoy the “sea fireflies”. Generally, fireflies refer to the kind you can see in rivers or mountains. However, sea fireflies are are only about 3 mm across. The reduced flow of fresh water, and the gentle waves led to this peculiar kind of firefly.

Another unique point of these fireflies is that they glow blue. This is because of a substance called luciferin. Seeing hundreds and thousands of these bright blue critters is an amazing sight. (Can be viewed from April to September.) One hotel in Awaji Island conducts a meeting for sea firefly appreciation.

Comment from a customer: “The blue lights are so beautiful!”
Access: About a 30 minute drive from the Seidan Mihara IC.

8. Kochi Prefecture

Shimanto River

Shimanto River flows through the western part of Kochi prefecture and it is 196 km long. It is the longest river in Shikoku and it is called the last clear stream in Japan. Meandering over and over again and joined by many different tributaries, this river displays many kinds of expressions.

There are a total of 47 bridges across Shimanto River. The longest bridge downstream is a low water crossing which means it is a bridge designed to be underwater if a flood occurs. This bridge is called Sada low water crossing Bridge. Because there are no railings to keep water out, you can enjoy the lush green scenery of the surrounding mountains.

Comment from a customer: “I love sitting on the bridge and feeling the summer breeze!”
Access: About a 30 minute drive from the Seidan Mihara IC.

9. Hokkaido

Lake Mashu

This lake was formed 7000 years ago by volcanic activity. It is a mysterious lake because the water level never changes even though there are no rivers from the lake. The unique deep blue shade gives a mysterious and impressive image to the lake.

After passing a ridge, the lake will suddenly appear out of nowhere. The surrounding area is specially protected so cars and ships are not allowed to pass through. You can thus enjoy a calm and peaceful scenery from the observation deck.

Because there are no rivers flowing into or out of the lake, it is not legally registered as a lake. Technically, it is a puddle.

Comment from a customer: “The deep blue of the lake is really impressive.”
Access: From JR Mashu Station, take the Akan panorama course bus. About 20 minutes.

10. Gunma Prefecture

Fukiwari Waterfall

Referred to as the Niagara Falls of Asia, it has also been declared a natural monument. About 3 km north of Oigami Onsen in Fukiwari valley, the waterfall flows through Katashinagawa and is 30 meters wide and 7 meters tall. There is a V shaped crack in the stone where it was eroded by the water.

In the summer, the contrast of the green trees and blue sky is very beautiful. The waterfall emits negative ions which combats sun fatigue so you can spend a whole day there.

Comment from a customer: “Hiking around the waterfall which emanates negative ions, both the mind and body will become refreshed.”
Access: 20 km from Kannnetsudou Numata IC, around 40 minutes.

So that’s it for the ranking of top summer destinations in Japan. I hope this inspires you to visit these places! See you next time.

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