Sun, Fun, and Adventure: Summer Vacation in Japan
- Narelle Katsumoto
- 8月26日
- 読了時間: 3分
Summer Vacation in Japan
When you think of summer in Japan, imagine a season full of energy, tradition, and just a little bit of sweat! Japanese summers are known for their intense heat and humidity, but they also bring the longest school holiday of the year, colorful festivals, beach trips, and plenty of family fun.
The Weather: Hot, Humid, and Sometimes Rainy Summer Vacation in Japan
Japanese summers, especially in July and August, can be scorching. In places like Tokyo, temperatures often climb over 35℃ (95℉), with humidity levels between 78–85%. Before that, from June to early July, Japan experiences tsuyu (梅雨) — the rainy season. During this time, days are cooler than (around 20–26℃ / 68–78℉), but expect lots of rain and even the occasional typhoon. On the bright side, hydrangeas bloom beautifully during this time, making rainy days feel magical.
Summer Vacation for Students
Unlike many countries, Japan’s school year starts in April, so summer break falls right in the middle of the year, from late July to the end of August (about six weeks).
Elementary school kids keep picture diaries, do research projects, or conduct fun experiments.
Middle schoolers work on essays, art, and book reports, along with regular drills in Japanese, Math, and English.
Older students preparing for entrance exams spend their summer balancing fun with cram schools, mock exams, and studying hard for February’s tests.
Even with homework, summer vacation is the longest break students get. Many spend time camping, traveling with family, or joining school trips to the mountains and sea. By the time classes start again, it’s common for kids to return tanned and full of stories.
Why Summer Break Exists
Japan’s summer vacation was created mainly to protect students from the intense midsummer heat. Even though schools now have air conditioning, preventing heatstroke during physical activities is still a major concern. The break also comes at the halfway point of the academic year, giving students the chance to mentally and physically recharge.
Beyond schoolwork, summer offers chances to grow in other ways — kids help with chores, play with friends of all ages, explore nature, and gain confidence from new experiences.
Obon: Honoring Ancestors
One of Japan’s most important summer traditions is Obon (お盆), usually celebrated August 13–16 (though some regions follow July). Families welcome the spirits of ancestors back to earth, visit graves, and gather together.
Festivals during Obon are colorful, full of dancing, music, and food. Expect to see:
Bon Odori dances around a stage
Lanterns and bonfires welcoming and bidding farewell to spirits
Don’t be shy — join in the circle dances, try some street food, and mingle with locals. Even if your dance steps aren’t perfect, the fun is in the atmosphere!
Summer Festivals, Food, and Games
Japanese summer festivals, or matsuri, are packed with energy. Every region has its own style — some are peaceful and quiet, others are loud and lively. Common festival sights include:
Food stalls (yatai) selling takoyaki, choco banana, candied apples, and shaved ice
Games like goldfish scooping, ring toss, balloon fishing, or target shooting
Traditional music with taiko drums and flutes
Parades with floats and portable shrines (mikoshi)
Fireworks shows lighting up the night
Wearing a yukata (summer kimono) while enjoying fireworks, snacks, and festival games is the best way to soak in the summer spirit.
Summer Fun: Beaches, Camping, and Hiking
Japan is an island nation, so beaches are a big part of summer fun. The season kicks off with umi-biraki (sea opening) in July, when beaches officially open. There’s even a national holiday, Sea Day (Umi no Hi), to celebrate the ocean.
At the beach, you might see groups playing suika-wari (a blindfolded watermelon-splitting game). After smashing the watermelon, everyone shares the sweet reward together. Sparklers at sunset are also a popular beachside activity.
For nature lovers:
Camping and barbecues are common, with glamping now a trendy option for those who want comfort with their outdoor adventure.
Hiking is popular too, with spots like Mount Takao near Tokyo offering refreshing views, temples, and a welcoming trail for city-dwellers seeking nature.
Final Thoughts
Summer in Japan is hot, sweaty, and sometimes stormy — but it’s also the most exciting time of year. From the school holidays and festive traditions of Obon, to fireworks, beaches, and tasty festival treats, summer in Japan is full of experiences you’ll never forget.
So grab a fan, slip into a yukata, and dive into the colorful world of Natsu Yasumi!
Picture Sources:
https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/calendar/assets/img/july/summer-v01.jpg
https://www.nippon.com/en/ncommon/contents/japan-data/1001123/1001123.jpg
https://tokyobling.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/bonodori_kids_1.jpg
https://files.tofugu.com/articles/japan/2013-08-13-japanese-summer-festivals/kids-kingyo-sukui.jpg
https://storage.tenki.jp/storage/static-images/suppl/article/image/2/29/298/29881/1/large.jpg
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