Do you prefer a beach or a highland vacation spot in the summer? This summer season, why not completely revel in Japan’s popular vacation destinations? We may also recommend accommodations for every vacation spot. Start planning an extraordinary summer vacation now!
Seaside Destination ① Shirahama
Known as “Japan’s Hawaii,” Shirahama is a renowned vacation destination with the pristine white sands of Shirarahama Beach and the deep blue sea, creating a captivating summer enjoyment scene. The 620-meter-long Shirarahama Beach is ideal for swimming or watching a romantic sunset.
Shirahama’s seashore uses silica sand from Australia, giving it a Waikiki Beach-like vibe. Nearby, Adventure World is fantastic for family fun. With several accommodation alternatives and convenient transportation, it’s a particularly famous beach motel in the Kansai region.
Recommended Hotel: INFINITO HOTEL & SPA Nanki-Shirahama
Located on a small hill barely far from Shirahama’s hot spring town, this inn boasts a prime location with open-air hot springs presenting lovely views of the Pacific Ocean, especially captivating at nightfall with the sky’s ever-changing colorations.
- Official Website: https://hotel-infinito.co.jp/
Seaside Destination ② Amami Oshima
Kagoshima Prefecture’s Amami Oshima is well-known for its “Amami Blue,” boasting pretty obvious seawater and untouched natural landscapes, recognized as a World Natural Heritage site. The island is filled with subtropical forests and rare natural world, with lovely beaches like Kakeroma Island and Tomori Coast tremendously recommended.
Summer is best for snorkeling and diving on Amami Oshima, where you could be surprised by tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. Listening to island songs and savoring nearby delicacies are also pleasant experiences.
Recommended Hotel: THE SCENE
THE SCENE is a lodge hotel at the southern tip of Amami Oshima, with all 21 rooms offering sea views and striking white, open-style interiors. Waking up to the deep blue sea inside the morning—isn’t this the holiday vibe you’re dreaming of?
- Official Website: https://hotelthescene.com/
Seaside Destination ③ Okinawa Main Island
Okinawa’s foremost island gives intense summer season sunshine, fresh sea breezes, and adistinct atmosphere. Kouri Island, accessible by automobile, features emerald-green waters and white sandy beaches, with the Kouri Bridge providing breathtaking views.
Located in Onna Village, Manzamo is famous for its dramatic cliffs juxtaposed with lush grasslands and turquoise seas, best for snorkeling, diving, and other marine activities. Enjoy fresh fruit smoothies or tropical cakes at seaside cafes.
Recommended Hotel: Kafuu Resort Fuchaku CONDO・HOTEL
Located via the sea in Onna Village, primary Okinawa, this hotel has all sea-view rooms across 3 buildings. Some rooms encompass kitchens and washing machines, and there’s a rooftop infinity pool with diverse styles.
- Official Website: https://www.kafuu-okinawa.jp/
Seaside Destination ④ Miyakojima
Miyakojima, a famous Okinawa destination, stuns with its summer-time “Miyako Blue” waters, showcasing breathtakingly clear emerald-green seas. Snorkeling, diving, and other marine activities abound.
Yonaha Maehama Beach, with its 7km of white sand and clean waters, is the epitome of “Miyako Blue.” Relax leisurely at the seashore or let youngsters play appropriately—each is are ideal pick.
Recommended Hotel: Miyakojima Tokyu Hotel & Resorts
Facing the stunning Yonaha Maehama Beach, dubbed the most beautiful in the East, this Tokyu Hotel spans 54,000 tsubo and offers pools, tennis courts, a soccer field, and mini-golf facilities.
- Official Website: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/
Seaside Destination ⑤ Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island boasts Kabira Bay, certainly one of Japan’s most beautiful bays, with clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat excursions are particularly popular for families.
The Blue Cave snorkeling revel in is pretty advocated, with sunlight creating a mystical blue worldthrougha the water. Stargazing at night on Ishigaki is also highly romantic.
Recommended Hotel: Fusaki Beach Resort Hotel & Villas
Facing a 1km-long beach, this hotel features outdoor and indoor pools, a large bathhouse, hot springs, and a shop with 2,000 items, offering comprehensive amenities.
- Official Website: https://www.fusaki.com/
Highland Destination ① Furano
Hokkaido’s Furano is famous for its sizeable flower fields blooming in July and August, making it a perfect highland holiday spot. Tomita Farm is famous for its lavender fields from late June to mid-August.
Shikisai-no-Oka’s flower fields are best for pix, and Furano’s clean veggies and dairy products aren't to be ignored.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Naturwald Furano
With wooden rooms offering views of the Tokachi Mountain Range, this hotel’s restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients.
- Official Website: https://naturwald-furano.com/
Highland Destination ② Nasu
Tochigi Prefecture’s Nasu Highland is a famous summer season retreat near Tokyo, 2-three°C cooler than the metropolis with low humidity, offering a comfortable break.
Nasu Animal Kingdom offers interactions with alpacas, capybaras, and chickens. Komadome Falls and the Nasu Ropeway are best for enjoying natural scenery.
Recommended Hotel: Hotel Epinard Nasu
A luxurious resort in Nasu Highland, this hotel features balconies, kids’ rooms, hot springs, and diverse restaurants using local ingredients.
- Official Website: https://www.epinard.jp/
Highland Destination ③ Karuizawa
Nagano Prefecture’s Karuizawa is a fab summer season retreat with a mean temperature of about 20°C and sparkling air. Old Karuizawa Ginza Street is lined with bakeries, dessert stores, and boutiques.
Shiraito Falls, 70m extensive and 3mhighe, gives lovely scenery. Karuizawa Toy Kingdom and Yagasaki Pond are super for picnics and cycling.
Recommended Hotel: Karuizawa Prince Hotel
Karuizawa Prince Hotel, a top-tier resort, is near Mount Asama and a shopping plaza, offering beautiful scenery and convenient shopping.
- Official Website: https://www.princehotels.com/
Highland Destination ④ Yatsugatake
Spanning Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures, Yatsugatake is a cushty summer retreat with beautiful nature and plentiful activities.
Kiyosato Highland’s vegetables and the famous Kiyosato Soft Cream are irresistible. At night, stargazing from the inn rooftop is a must.
Recommended Hotel: Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa
Offering views of Yatsugatake, the South Alps, and Mount Fuji, this hotel features a rooftop observatory with guided stargazing experiences.
- Official Website: https://grand-mercure-yatsugatake-resortandspa.jp/
Highland Destination ⑤ Aso
Kumamoto Prefecture’s Aso is understood for its good-sized grasslands and volcanic landscapes, imparting a cool summer season escape ideal for hiking and nature walks. Shirakawa Springs, one of Japan’s top one hundred water sources, and the pastoral views of Kusasenrihama, alongside its starry nights, are fascinating.
Recommended Hotel: Aso Health Forest
This unique hotel features dome-shaped rooms within a national park, offering a healing, out-of-the-ordinary experience.
- Official Website: https://asofarmland.co.jp/
