7 things to try in Japan this July

Let’s join GoEMON to explore the locations and interesting activities that one should not miss this summer. This article might be of use in helping you decide what to do and where to go to have the best time with your family and friends, or even solo! 

1. Conquer Mount Fuji

When the question of which place to visit during the summer of Japan pops up, one location that you simply cannot miss is the area around Mount Fuji. This is the perfect period to climb up to the top, or simply just have a tour around the mountain. 

Mount Fuji is widely recognized as the soul of Japanese culture both in terms of spirituality and beliefs. Thus, many tourists, both domestic and international, would opt for the mountain as the ideal location to get out of their comfort zone, break their own limits, and create new memories. Aside from its breathtaking beauty, the weather at Mount Fuji during the period from July to September is also extremely pleasant, making it perfect for climbing. 

When visiting Mount Fuji, you can also combine a visit to nearby Lake Kawaguchi. This is a lake whose water surface is silhouetted against the sacred Mount Fuji. Lake Kawaguchi is also praised by the people and given many winged compliments.

2. Going to fireworks festivals

Your summer experience in Japan cannot be completed without going to at least one firework festival! There are many fireworks festivals hosted annually throughout the country during the summer months from July to September. GoEMON is sure that you will be completely mesmerized by the spectacular beauty and grandeur of the fireworks here! 

3. Tenjin Festival (Tenjin Matsuri)

Tenjin Matsuri, or Tenjin Festival, is a festival held annually in Osaka on July 24 and 25 with many interesting activities and events. Thus, it is anticipated by both Japanese people and foreign tourists. The festival is created to honor the Japanese deity of scholarship and learning - Sugawara Michizane. The highlights of Tenjin Matsuri include a grand firework shoe and a 3-hour-long parade. 

Starting at 7:30 PM on July 25, more than 5,00 fireworks will be launched into the air along with a series of colorful and stunning performances. We recommend having a meal somewhere near the firework display area to be able to both enjoy your delicious meal and admire the performance at the same time. Before that, there will also be many parades on the street and river for you to watch. 

4. Kyoto Gion Festival (Kyoto Gion Matsuri) 

Gion Festival is one of the biggest and most famous traditional festivals in Japan and held throughout July with the meaning of seeking peace and protection from natural disasters for the Japanese. It is a meaningful cultural event that the people in the Land of the Rising Sun have preserved through many years up until this day. 

The Yamaboko Junko parade is one of the highlights of the festival. It consists of 32 Yama and Hoko floats, with the latter can even weigh up to 9 tons and requires 40 to 50 people to move it. The parade is sure to blow your mind away with its grandeur. 

5. Sumo Nagoya Basho

Sumo is an ancient traditional martial art which originated in the Land of the Rising Sun with thousands of years of history. The image of tall and big sumo wrestlers are one of the iconic symbols associated with Japan. Every year, there will be 6 major tournaments held in big Japanese cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, etc, in different months. 

How about joining the spectacular Sumo Nagoya Basho Tournament this July? At this tournament, the sumo wrestlers will compete in pairs on the sumo ring called “Dohyo.” The rules are simple: the one who can force their opponent out of the ring will be the winner. 

GoEMON especially recommends this to foreign tourists who are interested in experiencing Japanese culture considering how Sumo is one of the nation’s most distinct cultural aspects. However, do keep in mind that you might not be able to attend the tournament as individual attendees.

6. Admire the vibrant flower fields

In July, which also marks the end of the rainy season, thousands of different flowers bloom in Japan, showcasing their vibrant and charming colors. There are many different locations for you to travel to based on the types of flowers that you want to see. 

Those who love lavenders can check out the lavender fields in Furano, Hokkaido. Tomita Farm is also a great option, as it not only has a large field of lavenders but also many different flower fields in a variety of colorful shades. It would be a waste to leave out these locations on your trip to Japan this month! 

Sunflower lovers can check out the Higashiyama mountain range, where thousands of beautiful sunflowers bloom. 

7. Indulge yourself in Japan’s exquisite seasonal cuisine 

Aside from dishes that can be enjoyed all year round, there are also many seasonal foods in Japan. Made from the best ingredients that are in season, these specific dishes are best eaten in their respective time of the year. Coming to Japan in July, these foods are not only delicious but can also help you beat the sweltering heat of summer! 

In this article, GoEMON has recommended to you 7 activities to participate in while in Japan this July. We hope that it was of use to you in planning your trip here! 

Do you have any other recommendations on what to do in Japan this July? Let us know in the comments down below! 

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