10 Things To Do In Tokyo And Osaka During Summer
While many of us visit Japan during winter for snowboarding or skiing and spring time for its dreamy cherry blossoms, summer in Japan is just as exciting jam-packed with fun and family-friendly activities! The sun-soaked season is brimming with vibrant festivals, fireworks, and sweet treats! If you are planning to visit Tokyo and Osaka between June and August, expect a fun-filled itinerary with plenty of icy desserts, beach days, and floral backdrops to keep things fresh. Here's your ultimate summer hit list for Japan’s two most iconic cities.
Tokyo
(1) Sumida River Fireworks Festival (last Saturday of every July)
(2) Tanabata Festival in Asakusa (early July or August)
(3) Summer Flowers Viewing (mid June to August)
(4) Odaiba Beach
(5) Kakigori Cafe Hopping Castle
Osaka
(6) Tenjin Matsuri (24-25 July)
(7) Osaka Aquarium
(8) Tennoji Zoo
(9) Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (early August)
(10) Minoo Park
Tokyo
(1) Sumida River Fireworks Festival
Source: JapanTravel
An annual fireworks display in Tokyo held on the last Saturday of every July, Sumida River Fireworks Festival is one of the oldest and grandest fireworks shows in Japan as it draws over a million spectators every year! Launched from two locations along the Sumida River, the Sumida River Fireworks show starts at 7pm and runs for 90 minutes straight.
The best viewing spots are said to be at Sumida Park near Asakusa Station or for a less crowded option, Oyokogawa Water Park. It is one of the biggest events in Tokyo of the year, so expect large crowds and arrive early around 3-4pm to reserve a good spot. Bring a picnic mat, and be sure to drop by the konbini for some drinks and bentos in advance as the convenience stores in the vicinity will likely be packed.
Source: Japan Travel
Sumida River
Location: Sakurabashi Lower Sumida-ku-Kotobashi Upper (1st venue), Komagata-bashi Lower-Kamabashi (2nd venue), 130-0001, Japan
Admission fee: Free
Website
(2) Sendai Tanabata Festival
Source: Japan Guide
Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, brings paper wishes, colourful streamers, and nostalgic charm to Asakusa’s historic streets. It takes place on the 7th day of the 7th month every year, and in some areas it is celebrated in early July or August.
One popular Tanabata custom is to write your wish on a piece of a paper and hang it on a bamboo tree, as you pray that your wish comes true. Senso-ji Temple will also be adorned with gorgeous festive decorations, while local vendors will be selling delicious seasonal summer street food such as yakisoba! The best part? There will also be beautiful firework displays with the Tokyo Skytree in the background.
Source: Japan Travel
Sendai Tanabata Festival
Location: 1-10-10 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi-ken, 980-0811, Japan
Admission fee: Free
(3) Summer Flowers Viewing
Source: Wikimedia
Who said there are only beautiful flowers in Japan during cherry blossom season? If you are visiting Tokyo in summer, don't miss the chance to admire the city's stunning seasonal blooms. Each month brings a new floral highlight! In mid-June, irises begin to blossom in peaceful spots like Horikiri Shobuen, Meiji Jingu Gyoen, and Mizumoto Park, perfect for a tranquil morning stroll.
Come July, it's lotus season, and the best place to catch them is at Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park. The flowers bloom early, so aim to visit just after sunrise to see them fully open and basking in the golden light. Then in August, Tokyo bursts into sunflower yellow, with vibrant festivals held in the outskirts. The Kiyose Sunflower Festival is especially worth the short trip, imagine wandering through a field of over 100,000 towering sunflowers under the bright summer sky. Pro tip: head out early, bring a hat and plenty of water, and get your camera ready for some seriously picturesque moments.
Source: Tokyo Weekender
Kiyose Sunflower Field
Location: Ishii Farm / Kodera Farm, 3 chome, Shimokiyoto, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo, 204-0012, Japan
Opening hours: 9am to 4pm
Admission fee: Free
(4) Odaiba Beach
Source: Japan Guide
Odaiba may not be your typical beach destination, but it’s a breezy escape from the city buzz! Stroll along the boardwalk with an iced matcha latte in hand, or grab a seat at one of the seaside cafes for sunset views over Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower in the distance. While swimming is not permitted, you can enjoy other water sports and activities such as paddle boarding and windsurfing!
A hot tip: visit in the late afternoon to catch the gorgeous sunset views, the Rainbow Bridge will also be illuminated at night, giving it a whole other different vibe as compared to daytime!
Source: Japan Guide
Odaiba Beach
Location: 1-4 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo-to, 135-0091, Japan
Admission fee: Free
Website
(5) Kakigori Cafe Hopping
Source: Azukito Kouri
On a sweltering hot day, nothing feels better than cooling down with kakigori! The shaved ice dessert is often topped with fresh fruit, condensed milk, and sometimes even mascarpone! A couple of popular favourite kakigori cafes to hit are: Azukito Kouri, Sabo Okuno Shibuya, a kakigori specialist who also operates another popular shaved ice shop called Saryou Okuman in Shinjuku! So if your legs are getting tired from all the shopping in Shibuya, you know where to go.
(6) Tenjin Matsuri
Source: Japan Guide
One of Japan’s most iconic summer festivals, Tenjin Matsuri is a must-go event if you are visiting Osaka during summer! A lively celebration takes over the city every July 24–25 and it is one of the top three major festivals in Japan, alongside Gion Matsuri and Kanda Matsuri. With a 1,000-year history, the festival honours the deity of scholarship, Sugawara no Michizane, and features a grand parade of people in Heian-era costumes, traditional music performances, and a river procession with illuminated boats cruising down the Okawa River.
The evening wraps up with a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the sky and water. The main festivities happen near Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and along the riverfront. It gets extremely crowded as all big events in Japan do, so always be early to grab a good spot along the river! And for the full summer matsuri experience, rent a yukata to really immerse yourself in the culture and blend in with the locals.
Source: Japan Travel
Tenjin Matsuri
Location: 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu, 530-0041, Japan
Admission fee: Free
Website
(7) Osaka Aquarium
Source: Government of Japan
Need a break from the heat? Cool down indoors at the Osaka Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Home to a wide variety of marine life from the Pacific Rim, including whale sharks, giant manta rays, and adorable penguins, the circular layout takes you through different habitats, from the icy coasts of Antarctica to the warm reefs of the tropics. After your visit, you can also hop on the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel nearby for stunning sweeping views of Osaka Bay!
Source: Osaka Info
Osaka Aquarium
Location: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan
Opening hours: 10am to 8pm
Admission fee: 2700 yen
Website
(8) Tennoji Zoo
Source: The Backpack Adventures
A family-friendly spot in the heart of Osaka, Tennoji Zoo is Japan’s third oldest zoo, established in 1915, and houses animals from various ecosystems from African savannahs to tropical rainforests. If you are travelling with children, the kids will love seeing lions, elephants, and hippos swimming with fish up close! At the Reptile Ecological House (IFAR), the near-threatened Japanese pond turtle lives, and there is also the Penguin Park & Sea Lion Wharf, where you can see the ocean scenery where penguins and sea lions swim freely.
Source: Osaka E Pass
Tennoji Zoo
Location: 1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0063, Japan
Opening hours: 9:30am to 5pm daily, Monday closed
Admission fee: 500 yen
Website
(9) Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Source: Good Luck Trip
Held in early August, the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is one of Osaka’s most beloved summer events. What makes it special is that it's organised by local volunteers and residents, giving it a community-driven charm despite the scale. The fireworks are launched from the Yodogawa River, lighting up the night with dazzling colors and perfectly timed music. Some locals even stake out the prime spots in the morning. So for a less crowded experience, you can consider watching from the opposite riverbank or even booking a nearby hotel room with a river view to enjoy the fireworks display in peace and comfort!
Source: Good Luck Trip
Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival
Location: Shinanogawa riverbed, near Shinkitano 3-chome, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka City, 532-0025, Japan
Opening hours: 7:30pm to 8:30pm
Admission fee: Free
(10) Minoo Park
Source: Japan Guide
If you are looking to unwind after shopping the bustling streets of Dotonbori, Minoo Park offers a refreshing summer escape just 30 minutes from central Osaka. This forested valley is a hidden gem, especially in the warmer months when the lush greenery provides shade and the sound of cicadas fills the air. The main trail is a manageable 2.8km walk that leads you to the highlight of the park: Minoo Waterfall, a stunning 33-meter cascade surrounded by dense foliage and moss-covered rocks.
Along the way, you will pass beautiful temples, wooden bridges, and maybe even spot some wild monkeys (just don’t feed them!). The trail is well-paved and gentle, making it suitable for all ages. It’s a peaceful break from the summer heat and crowds, and the waterfall at the end is the perfect payoff. The park is also perfect for picnics, so if you have the time, stop by the konbinis for some bentos or onigiris and a picnic mat, and you will have the most relaxing afternoon at the park.
Source: Japan Guide
Minoo Park
Location: 1-18 Minookoen, Minoh, Osaka, 562-0002, Japan
Opening hours: 24 hours
Admission fee: Free
Website
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