9 Things to do in Tokyo during Summer!

1. Dance the bon-odori

During Obon (August 13-15), Japan pays tribute to the spirits of the departed with traditional bon-odori dances. In Tokyo you can join the locals in yukatas at venues such as Hibiya Park, close to the Imperial Palace, and around Ebisu and Meguro stations. You don't need to be an experienced dancer to join in: just let yourself be guided by the rhythm of the drums and the infectious energy of the party!

2. Watch a fireworks display

Tokyo is famous for its fireworks. Among the season's most important, the Sumida fireworks are held on the last weekend of July. Bridges and riverbanks offer spectacular views of over 20,000 fireworks displays. Go early to secure a spot, as the event attracts several hundred thousand visitors every year.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• Location: Banks of the Sumida River, Tokyo
• Dates: last weekend in July

3. A yukata evening on a boat

Between June 30 and October 9, noryosen (small modern boats) offer evening cruises where all passengers wear yukata! The boat leaves the dock at 7:15 p.m. and crosses Tokyo Bay in less than two hours. You'll pass under the Rainbow Bridge before admiring Tokyo Tower, Odaiba, Haneda Airport, and the Tokyo Gate Bridge. An original evening combining celebration, tradition, and spectacular views of Tokyo!

FURTHER INFORMATION

• Boarding: Hinode Port, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Times: 7:15 pm to 9:00 pm
• Price: average 2,600 yen (14 euros)

4. Eat kakigori in Yanaka

Kakigori, the famous crushed ice with its many flavors, is a summertime staple in Japan! In Tokyo, head to the Himitsudo restaurant, which offers over 100 different flavors! Popular with locals, it's also a great place to stroll through the historic Yanaka district. Our other favorites? Kooriya Ice Monster, in Shinjuku for XXL ice creams, and Yelo, in Omotesando, for kakigori made with fresh fruit.

5. An aperitif in a beer garden

After Golden Week (at the beginning of May), Tokyo opens its beer gardens on rooftops and terraces to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Among our favorite addresses, we recommend

• Hibiya Beer Garden and its terrace in the middle of the park
• Rooftop Beer Terrace, in the LUMINE shopping mall in Shinjuku, for its view of the skyscrapers
• Futako-Tamagawa Rise Rooftop, whose terrace offers a panoramic view of the Tama River
• Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel Rooftop, for its upscale ambience and live music.

6. Explore shady gardens and temples

In summer, Tokyo's heat can quickly become difficult to bear. To cool off, there's nothing better than visiting the capital's traditional gardens, such as Koishikawa Korakuen, Shinjuku Gyoen, or Hamarikyu. Take the opportunity to enjoy a matcha on the spot. An ideal break for a morning or late afternoon stroll.

Explore the outskirts of the capital

7. Enjoy the beaches of Kamakura

Just an hour by train from Tokyo, Kamakura is the perfect getaway to cool off and enjoy the water. Its beaches attract locals and travelers alike. You can swim, surf, and even barbecue.

For an authentic and original experience, head to Kisarazu, on the other side of Tokyo Bay. Try your hand at traditional sudate fishing , which involves catching fish trapped by the tide. After fishing, you can cook and enjoy your catch on site.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• Address: Nakajima 2050, Kisarazu, Chiba
• Access: Aqualine bus from Tokyo station to Kisarazu-Kaneda (approx. 40 minutes)
• Price: 170,000 yen for 30 people, meals included

• Shikine-jima: This small, peaceful island is ideal for swimming, fishing, and coastal hiking. Enjoy its open-air onsen overlooking the waves and taste the local seafood.
• Hachijo-jima: More remote, this volcanic island offers lush tropical forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails with ocean views. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will find exceptional marine fauna.
• Ogasawara Archipelago: Accessible only by boat (24 hours from Tokyo), these UNESCO World Heritage islands are ideal for dolphin and whale watching and diving.