12 amazing things to do in Tokyo this summer

Your phone screens will never do these dazzling displays justice. Japan takes immense pride in its fireworks, with shows often lasting between one to two hours. The biggest spectacles are divided into four parts, much like an orchestra symphony, and feature different shapes and colours chosen to symbolise certain themes or events. You’ll want to get there ahead of time to secure a prime viewing spot as the grounds get busy quickly with clusters of families, friends and couples setting up their picnics to watch the display. 

There’s something about the atmosphere of a matsuri (festival) with its street stalls, lanterns and attendees in yukata that makes it the pinnacle of a Japanese summer. Matsuri are held throughout the year for different occasions, often tied to Buddhist or Shinto practices, but the biggest ones are held in the months of July and August, making them unmissable occasions for anyone looking for a large helping of Japanese food, culture and entertainment.

Most shrines and temples will hold matsuri big enough for residents in nearby neighbourhoods to attend, but festivals such as the Fukagawa Matsuri means closing main roads to make way for the grandest procession of the year. 

Nothing says summer in Japan like kakigori – the iconic shaved ice treat that’s taken on a whole new life. Once a simple dessert with syrup, kakigori has made a major comeback, with specialty shops across the country drawing lines out the door all summer long.

While many places now serve it year-round, summer is still peak kakigori season—and shops are getting more creative than ever. Expect wild flavours like tiramisu, avocado, corn, and even tomato. This isn’t your average ice dessert – it’s a must-try summer experience.

Tokyo might be short on space, but it more than makes up for it with clever high-rise escapes. This summer, when the city feels crowded and hot, look up – you might just find a breezy rooftop garden hidden atop a shopping mall. Whether you’re lounging under the shade or soaking in skyline views, these green hideaways are free to enter and perfect for a budget-friendly summer break.

World-class cocktails are best paired with killer views, of which there are no shortage of in Tokyo. While the sight of city lights illuminating the night sky are second-to-none, there’s no real reason to wait until the sun goes down to get started on cocktails during the summer. Get a side of nachos with your frozen margarita to admire the city in broad daylight, or watch the sunset with a cosmo in hand from one of the highest bars in town. 

You don’t have to pay exorbitant prices for a beach getaway as sandy shores are just a short train ride away from Tokyo. If you fancy combining your day of tanning with some sightseeing, head to the seaside city of Kamakura, which is home to the Great Buddha at Kotokuin Temple.

For beach lovers with small children in tow, the island of Enoshima features an interesting aquarium and feels a world away from Tokyo with its surfer-style cafes and coffee shops. Whatever coastline you head to, don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen and a pair of shades. 

Tokyo has its fair share of quality gelato shops, with flavours ranging from classic chocolate to salted caramel, but let’s face it, you can find those flavours in any other city.

Trade your run-of-the-mill ice cream and soft-serve for something more exotic and Japan-specific, like sakura, roasted green tea or ume plum. You might even discover a new favourite flavour.

Summer’s here, and that means Tokyo’s rooftops are buzzing with beer gardens, open-air bars and cool evening vibes. From hotels to department stores, everyone’s opening up their terraces – and nothing says summer like sipping a cold pint under the sky. With so many beer events popping up across the city, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry – we’ve rounded up the best spots for drinks, views and unbeatable summer deals.

There are plenty of ideal picnic spots in town but the iconic view of Tokyo Tower at Shiba Park is hard to beat. If you’re too short for time to pack your own provisions, grab some sandwiches and other baked goods to-go from the nearby Le Pain Quotidien. Apart from the stellar view of a Tokyo landmark, the park has its own fair share of sights worth exploring, including the Zojoji Temple and the Mausoleum of Tokugawa Shoguns. 

Noodles are a Japanese staple through any season, but slurping a piping hot bowl of udon doesn’t seem appetising when you’re also sweating into the broth. Thankfully, there are plenty of mouth-watering noodle options that will satisfy your appetite as well as cool you down.

Most udon and soba shops offer zaru udon or zaru soba, where the noodles are rinsed in cool water before being served on a bamboo basket for you to dip into a broth. In addition to classic zaru udon, Tsurutontan’s summer menu features season-limited specials like the zingy sudachi udon featuring slices of fragrant sudachi citrus.

Traditional matsuris aren’t the only kind of festival Japan is known for in the summer. Some of the biggest names in the music industry are hitting Fuji Rock at the end of July, with artists by the likes of Fred Again.., Vulfpeck and Vampire Weekend headlining this year's three-day fiesta. 

Later in August, the Tokyo Summer Sonic will see another exciting line-up of international artists including Fall Out Boy, Alicia Keys and Common as well as K-pop acts Babymetal and The Rose.

You know the one. Mt Fuji is only open to climbers from the first of July to September, making this mammoth trek a common item on the summer to-do list of many locals –  but few get around to actually climbing it. Whether you’re in it to one-up your friends on Instagram or for the quiet glory of seeing the sun rise from the highest peak in Japan, the journey is bound to be an unforgettable one.