Japanese Summer
In summer in Japan, the sun warmly illuminates every inch of the land. In the blue, gem-like sky, a few soft white clouds float gently, like delicate embellishments. The streets are lined with green trees, their branches and leaves swaying gently in the breeze, bringing a hint of coolness.
At night, the lights of the summer festival flicker brightly, and people dressed in colorful yukatas shuttle through the bustling market, their laughter and shouts intertwining. The sound of traditional taiko drums echoes through the sky, accompanied by lively dances, showcasing a unique cultural charm.
By the seaside, the waves continuously crash against the beach, creating layers of white foam. People enjoy the coolness and comfort of the sea water, while surfers ride the waves, displaying bravery and vitality. The distant horizon where the sea meets the sky evokes a sense of boundless vastness, making people yearn for it.
Eight Famous Bathing Beaches
Minato, 〒135-0091 1-4 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo，Japan
Edogawa, 〒134-0086 6-2-2 Rinkai-cho, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Kamogawa, 〒296-0041, Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba ，Japan
Tateyama, 〒294-0035, 1563 Tateyama, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture，Japan
Yokohama, 〒236-0006 Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City, Kanazawa Ward, Hakkeijima，Japan
Kamakura, 〒248-0014 4-5-1 Yuigahama, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa ，Japan
Atami City, 〒413-0014 10 Nagisa-cho, Atami-shi, Shizuoka，Japan
Ito City, 〒 413-0231 841-1 Tomi, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture，Japan
Top 3 most
popular activities
Katsushika Cool Fireworks Festival
The 58th Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. This year, approximately 15,000 fireworks will light up the summer night sky of Katsushika!
Date: Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Time: 7:20 PM to 8:20 PM
Location: Shibamata Baseball Field, Katsushika Ward (Edogawa Riverside)
Organizer: Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival Executive Committee (Katsushika Ward, Katsushika Ward Tourism Association)
The Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival features fireworks launched very close to the audience, allowing you to feel the sounds and enjoy an immersive and powerful display. Last year's event (2023) saw about 770,000 attendees, making it one of Tokyo's largest fireworks festivals.
*Cancelled in case of stormy weather.
Bon Festival
The timing of Obon varies by region. Across most of Japan, it is celebrated from August 13 to 16. In Hokkaido, Niigata, Nagano, southern Kanto, and Kansai areas, this period is designated as Obon. In Tokyo, Yokohama, and the Tohoku region, Obon is celebrated a month earlier, from July 13 to 16. In northern Kanto, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Nansei Islands, Obon is based on the lunar calendar, with the central day being the 15th of the 7th lunar month, so the dates vary annually according to the solar calendar.
During Obon, people visit graves to pay respects to their ancestors, and in some places, they perform traditional "Bon Odori" dances. Additionally, many companies designate August 14 and 15 as holidays, giving employees 3 to 5 days off around this period. In 2024, Obon in Japan will be from August 10 to August 18.
In some areas, people light "welcome fires" at their doorsteps to greet the spirits of their ancestors and "farewell fires" to send them off. Some regions also release lanterns into rivers. Additionally, in some areas, people decorate eggplants and cucumbers with biodegradable chopsticks or matches to resemble cows or horses, providing rides for their ancestors' spirits to travel to and from the spirit world. In many regions, regardless of age or gender, people gather at temples and shrines, wear yukata (light cotton kimono), and dance the Bon Odori together.
The 12th Nakano Station Front Bon Odori Festival is coming up.
Date: August 3rd (Saturday) to 4th (Sunday), 2024, 10:00 to 21:00
Location: Nakano Central Park, Park Avenue
Organizer: Nakano Station Front Bon Odori Festival Executive Committee
Co-organizer: Nakano Ward Minyo Federation
Celebrating its 12th year, the theme of the Nakano Station Front Bon Odori Festival is "Live Songs and Dances of Nakano." The event features live performances by the Nakano Ward Minyo Federation, showcasing local tunes like the "Nakano Ondo" and various traditional bon dance songs from across Japan, including the "Tokyo Ondo," "Tanko Bushi," "Dodarebachi," and "Kagoshima Ohara."
Last year's event saw approximately 60,000 attendees and featured guest appearances by DJ KOO, DJ Celly a.k.a. Bon Jovi, and others, receiving coverage from numerous television and media outlets.
This year, we'll once again blend bon dancing with a festival atmosphere to present the most spectacular Bon Odori yet!
In some regions, families light "welcoming fires" at their doorsteps to invite ancestral spirits and "farewell fires" to bid them farewell. Some areas also float lanterns on rivers. Additionally, in some places, eggplants and cucumbers are decorated with biodegradable chopsticks or matches to resemble cows or horses, providing transportation for ancestors traveling between the spirit world and ours. In many areas, people of all ages and genders gather at temples and shrines, dressed in yukata, to dance the Bon Odori together.
Tokyo Bay Summer Night Cruise
Departing from Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal,the cruise circles around the highlights of Tokyo Bay.Onboard,you can enjoy the night view,savor delicious food,and experience unique onboard events and performances specific to the Tokyo Bay Summer Night Cruise.The cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.Whether with family,lovers,or friends,it will surely be a wonderful summer memory.We look forward to your participation.
Operation Period:From Friday,July 5 to Monday,September 23.Departure at 19:15(boarding starts from 18:50),return at 21:00
Fare:Adults 2000 yen,Children 500 yen(drinks and food charged separately)
Step 1:Reservation
The cruise operates on a reservation-only basis.Please make your reservation in advance.
-Reservations for boarding only can be made from the same day of the previous month.
-Reservation methods include online reservations and phone reservations.Online reservation customers do not need to go to the window on the day;they can go directly to the boarding gate with the ticket issued at the convenience store.
Designated Seat Plan(Restaurant Plan,Western Room Plan,Japanese Room Plan)
-Reservations for designated seat plans can be made from the same day of the previous month until two days before the boarding date.
-Reservation method is by phone only.
-You will be given a reservation number when making the reservation.Please write it down as it is required to receive the boarding pass at the window on the day.
Step 2:Receiving the Boarding Pass
For Online Reservations
After making an online reservation,please pay and receive your boarding pass at a convenience store.
-Each passenger must receive one boarding pass at the convenience store.Please make sure to bring the correct number of boarding passes on the day of boarding.
-If the payment is not completed at the convenience store within 72 hours of the online reservation,the reservation will be automatically canceled.
-If you forget to bring the convenience store ticket,you will need to repurchase it.
For Phone Reservations
Please receive your boarding pass at the window of Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal between 17:00 and 19:00 on the day of boarding.
-A reservation number is required to receive the boarding pass.
-If you are using the yukata discount,please inform the staff.
-The window will be crowded,so for group boarding,please have a representative purchase the boarding passes together.
Step 3:Boarding
Boarding starts around 18:50
Please bring your boarding pass and proceed to the boarding gate of the Summer Night Cruise at Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal.
-Note that food and drinks are not allowed to be brought onboard.
-After boarding,you can enjoy the onboard food and drink services before departure.
19:15 Departure
