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  • 執筆者の写真Narelle Katsumoto
    • 6月21日
    • 読了時間: 6分

Embracing the Summer Solstice: A Vibrant Season in Japan



Summers In Japan


Summer in Japan is a season full of vibrant energy and joyful celebrations. The streets buzz with colorful festivals, and families travel back to their hometowns to reconnect with loved ones and traditions. The summer solstice, or 夏至 (geshi), is a special day marking the longest day and shortest night of the year—and the true beginning of summer! For 2024, the solstice falls on Friday, June 21.


On this day, the sun is at its highest, creating very short shadows and offering extra daylight compared to winter. It’s not just a calendar event but a lively cultural celebration, with people enjoying outdoor activities, seasonal foods, and festivals that showcase Japan’s rich heritage and the deep connection between nature and life. Let’s explore more about the traditions and significance of the summer solstice in Japan!


The Summer Solstice: Marking the Longest Day


In Japan, summer stretches from June to August, officially kicking off with the summer solstice around June 21st. As temperatures rise and humidity increases, the landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise. This transformation is thanks to the rainy season, or tsuyu, which starts in early June and continues until mid-July. The essential rainfall revitalizes rice paddies and crops, paving the way for the hot and humid summer days that follow, lasting until the end of August.



The word 'geshi' comes from the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, which was used by ancient Japanese for keeping track of time and farming activities. While we celebrate geshi on June 21st for its longest daylight hours, it traditionally covers a period of about two weeks beyond that date. Nowadays, in Japan, geshi marks the start of the summer solstice season. It typically falls around June 21st, highlighting the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day, but its exact date can vary slightly, landing anywhere between June 20th and June 22nd.


There are many ways you can give back during your travels as well! Pay it forward, helping those in need in the heat, and simply giving a kind smile along the way. Let us know what YOUR favorite part of summer in Japan is!



What is your favorite part of summer in Japan?

  • The Food!

  • The Drinks!

  • The Desserts!

  • The Festivals!

You can vote for more than one answer.



Seasonal Delights: Cooling Foods to Enjoy


During the summer solstice, Japan comes alive with traditional practices that celebrate this vibrant time of year. From savoring seasonal foods to immersing yourself in lively festivals, there’s so much to enjoy!


During the dog days of summer, people often turn to quick and refreshing meals that require minimal effort. It’s the perfect time to enjoy cooling foods like crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, paired with cold noodles and a chilled broth. Dishes like Zaru Soba (cold buckwheat noodles) or Hiyashi Chuka (cold ramen) are great options to beat the heat. 





You could also try somen, which are thin noodles typically dipped in a light sauce called mentsuyu—similar to a milder soy sauce. For an extra cooling touch, you can even eat them with ice! For a bit of fun, visit a restaurant serving nagashi somen (flowing noodles), where the noodles are sent down long bamboo shoots filled with running water, and you catch them as they flow by. You can even bring the experience home by purchasing a set for your own nagashi somen adventure!







While strolling through the streets, you might spot locals enjoying cucumber sticks, known as kyuuri azuke. These lightly pickled treats are a refreshing snack, perfect for munching on as you explore tourist spots!




Of course, no season is complete without its own bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables. In the summer, watermelons, peaches, and melons take center stage in Japan—you'll find these flavors everywhere, from McDonald's to local cake shops!





As for vegetables, winter melon is a surprising summer favorite. Despite its name, winter melon actually thrives in the heat. This hydrating, low-calorie vegetable consists of 95% water and can be preserved until winter, making it both a flexible and nutritious option. Packed with potassium and vitamin C, winter melon is a fantastic way to keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the summer.




In Japan, summer is a time for delicious traditions that carry deep meaning. In the Kanto region around Tokyo, people enjoy grilled rice cakes made from freshly harvested wheat and glutinous rice. These sticky treats symbolize perseverance and encourage us to face challenges with determination. 




In Fukui Prefecture, a special custom on the 11th day after the summer solstice involves eating a whole grilled mackerel. This tradition dates back to the Edo period, when it was believed to help restore energy after a hard day’s work in the rice fields. Grilled mackerel, rich in protein, is a hearty reward for those hardworking farmers.




Down in the Kansai region, including Kyoto and Osaka, octopus is a popular summer dish. Eating octopus is linked to a wish for a good harvest, with its eight legs symbolizing the strong roots of rice plants. This tradition is not only symbolic but also practical, as octopus is packed with nutrients like taurine and zinc that help fight summer fatigue. Whether enjoyed as sashimi or grilled, octopus is a tasty way to celebrate the season and support your well-being.




At the end of June, Japan enjoys a seasonal treat called minazuki, a triangle-shaped sweet made from kuzu starch and rice flour, topped with sweet red beans. This refreshing confection, symbolizing ice, is believed to ward off evil and disease. Minazuki, meaning "water month," starts appearing in stores in early June and is especially cherished in Kyoto during the Nagoshi no Harae ceremony on June 30th, where it's eaten to wish for health and well-being for the rest of the year. Historically, it was enjoyed as a cooling alternative to ice, a luxury only the imperial court could afford. Today, Minazuki remains a beloved part of summer traditions in Kyoto, enjoyed on June 30th to celebrate the season. 




If you find yourself in Japan during the summer, be sure to try these delightful seasonal foods to keep cool and refreshed.


Traditional Celebrations and Adventures: Rituals, Mount Fuji, and Festivals


The solstice is also a time to honor nature and the sun, with many people taking part in sunrise and sunset viewings to fully appreciate the longest day of the year.


On June 21st, the Futami Okitama Shrine in Mie Prefecture celebrates the Summer Solstice Festival, or Geshi-sai. This vibrant festival features a unique ritual where visitors wade into Ise Bay at sunrise, witnessing the sunrise perfectly between the Meoto Iwa, or “wedded rocks.” This special event is a time for purification and connecting with the sun's energy, marking the longest day of the year with a blend of tradition and natural beauty.




Come July 1st, Mount Fuji invites adventurers to embark on its sacred ascent via the Yoshida Trail, beginning in Yamanashi Prefecture. Rooted in ancient Japanese traditions, this seasonal opening allows climbers to experience the revered mountain during its designated climbing period. As the path beyond the fifth station opens up and mountain huts and first-aid stations come to life, this annual event offers a unique opportunity to connect with Japan’s spiritual heritage while tackling the climb of a lifetime.




Throughout the summer, Japan bursts with energy, showcasing a variety of festivals, known as matsuri, fireworks displays, and other cultural events that bring communities together. Highlights include the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, and the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori. These lively festivals feature parades, traditional music, dance performances, and elaborate floats, creating a festive atmosphere that captivates both locals and visitors alike. 




So, if you find yourself in Japan during these vibrant months, be sure to check out the summer festivals all around the country. Each region has its own unique flair and share of stories, so dive into what interests you and enjoy the magic of summer!


Discover the Magic of Japanese Summer


Summer in Japan is a time of vibrant energy and joyful celebrations. From savoring seasonal delicacies and participating in traditional festivals, like the Summer Solstice Festival at Futami Okitama Shrine, to embarking on adventures such as climbing Mount Fuji, there’s so much to explore and enjoy.


If you happen to be in Japan during these lively months, don’t miss out on the vibrant festivities and cultural experiences each region has to offer. Embrace the season’s unique charm, from lively festivals to delicious seasonal treats, and enjoy the full magic of summer in Japan!


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