A must-read for heat-averse folks! When looking for a summer escape, consider high-altitude destinations! This article recommends cool, high-altitude plateaus across Japan, many of which are popular hot spring resorts!
For every 100 meters of elevation gain, the temperature drops by about 0.6°C, meaning a 1,000-meter-high retreat is roughly 6°C cooler than lowland areas. High-altitude regions have low humidity, allowing you to enjoy leisurely moments in refreshing breezes.
Even if daytime sunlight is intense, mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bring a light jacket! Mountain weather is unpredictable, so pack lightweight waterproof gear. Higher altitudes mean stronger UV rays, so sun protection is essential—hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are a must, along with a scarf or cooling arm sleeves for neck protection.
【Miyagi Prefecture · Yamagata Prefecture】Zao
At over 1,600 meters, this area is a renowned hot spring town covered in lush greenery in summer, perfect for light hiking. The emerald-green Zao Okama volcanic lake is breathtaking, and despite its remote feel, it’s easily accessible.
The "Zao Echo Line" is a popular scenic driving route, and the low-humidity environment makes extended sightseeing comfortable.
Access: About 1 hour by car from Murata IC or Shiroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway
【Tochigi Prefecture】Nasu Highland
A natural summer retreat at about 1,000 meters, reachable in roughly 2.5 hours by car from Tokyo. With an average summer temperature of 21°C, it’s ideal for family outings, featuring zoos, ranches, amusement parks, and local highland vegetables and fresh milk ice cream.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway
【Tochigi Prefecture】Nikko · Oku-Nikko
At around 1,500 meters, Oku-Nikko is particularly cool, with stunning sights like Lake Chuzenji, Senjogahara Plateau, and Kegon Falls, plus World Heritage sites like Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
Access: 20 minutes by car from Kiyotaki IC on the Nikko Utsunomiya Road
【Gunma Prefecture】Manza Onsen
A premier high-altitude hot spring at 1,800 meters, known for its sulfur-rich waters effective for rheumatism and skin conditions. Cool in summer, it’s perfect for stargazing while soaking in open-air baths.
Access: 40 minutes by bus from Manza-Kazawaguchi Station on the Agatsuma Line
【Niigata Prefecture】Naeba
At 900-1,200 meters, enjoy cable car rides and healing mountaintop views in summer. The Naeba Prince Hotel area offers various activities.
Access: 30 minutes by car from Yuzawa IC on the Kanetsu Expressway
【Yamanashi Prefecture】Kiyosato · Yatsugatake
At 1,400-1,900 meters, this plateau offers views of Mt. Fuji and Yatsugatake. Kiyosato’s Seisenryo ice cream is a local specialty, and the "Kiyosato Terrace" provides panoramic highland views.
Access: 30-minute walk from Kiyosato Station on the JR Kohai Line
【Nagano Prefecture】Kurumayama Highland
In summer, take a cable car to the 1,925-meter peak for views of Mt. Fuji and the Alps, with a roughly 80-minute hike to the summit.
Access: 60 minutes by bus from Chino Station
【Nagano Prefecture】Bihoro Highland
At 2,000 meters, this vast grassland often features sea-of-clouds views. The iconic "Bi-no-Tou" area has 350 outdoor sculptures and Japan’s highest-altitude roadside station.
Access: 60 minutes by taxi from Matsumoto Station on the JR Line
【Nagano Prefecture】Karuizawa
A renowned resort at about 1,000 meters with pleasant summer weather. Old Karuizawa Ginza Street is lined with trendy shops, and cycling or hiking is popular.
Access: About 1 hour 10 minutes from Tokyo Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen
【Nagano Prefecture】Hakuba
Surrounded by the Alps, it’s cool in summer. The Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden showcases over 300 alpine plants from June to October, and nights are great for stargazing.
Access: 60 minutes by car from Nagano IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway
【Nagano Prefecture】Kamikochi
A 1,500-meter-high hidden gem with popular hiking trails along the Azusa River. The "Kappa Bridge" offers stunning views of the Hozaka Range, alongside attractions like Myojin Pond and Taisho Pond.
Access: 1 hour by car from Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway
【Gifu Prefecture】Okuhida Onsen Township
A high-altitude retreat with five hot spring areas, ideal for forest bathing and stargazing. The "Shin-Hotaka Ropeway" is Japan’s only double-decker cable car, offering North Alps views.
Access: 1.5 hours by bus from Takayama Station
【Shiga Prefecture · Gifu Prefecture】Mt. Ibuki
At 1,377 meters, a iconic Kansai summer retreat. The summit offers panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the Japan Alps, with vibrant alpine flowers in summer.
Access: 20 minutes by car from Sekigahara IC on the Meishin Expressway
【Oita Prefecture】Kuju Highland
Kyushu’s iconic high-altitude retreat, over 1,000 meters, perfect for hiking, picnics, and stargazing at night.
Access: 60 minutes by car from Yufuin IC on the Oita Expressway
【Kumamoto Prefecture】Aso
A renowned western Japan summer retreat with vast grasslands for horseback riding and hiking, offering tranquility away from the hustle and bustle.
Access: 1 hour 10 minutes by car from Kumamoto IC on the Kyushu Expressway
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