What is summer like in Tokyo, Japan? Hot, humid and with plenty to do
While all four seasons bring with them equally justifiable reasons to spend time in Tokyo, Japan, the scope of this article will focus on how summer appears as a reasonable period to schedule a vacation. From the type of weather to expect, food items to enjoy to the numerous leisure pursuits that can be experienced, summer in Tokyo is quite the talking point and attraction indeed.
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Food
The height of Toyo’s summer (June to August) can easily have you sweating buckets in seconds and one way to beat the heat is to hit the streets in search of a refreshing bite of watermelon. The local fruit farmers grow their crops in a manner which produces optimal flavour, goodness and juice which will sure help you stay well away from falling prey to dehydration during your travels in the city. Also, be sure to try the popular treat titled Japanese shaved ice or kakigori as the locals call it. The ice is fluffy and light which make slurping that much more inviting and enjoyable while the best fruits are chosen that go into preparing a creamy syrup which is then skilfully poured over. On the flip side, for those of you more inclined to tuck into a proper meal or two, then consider purchasing some unagi bento which is basically, rice served with marinated eel. According to popular opinion, the meat will afford you all the stamina and energy you need to get through hot and humid spells which descend over the Japanese capital in summer.
Festivals
Tokyo bears witness to a wide array of festivals that are only celebrated in summer and first up is Obon Festival which takes place in mid-July. While local parks and streets are beehives of activity, no spectacle can be compared to when the Bon Dance or bon odori takes centre stage. Known for a series of dances that are performed in honour of ancestral spirits, the bon odori involves dancing around a yagura tower to the rhythm of taiko drums. Next in line is the Fukagawa Hachiman Festival where locals can be depicted bearing palanquins built for the purpose of housing Shinto gods. As these palanquins are paraded, spectators line the streets and shower those tasked with carrying the palanquins with water and thus, if you ever needed a reason to get soaked, then herein lies your chance. In the event you seek a cultural masterclass made complete with elaborate and skilful dance acts, then consider calling by the area of Harajuku. Situated some 4.7km from Oakwood Residence Roppongi T-Cube Tokyo which features studio apartments Roppongi is known for, Harajuku is reputed for playing host to the Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi Festival. During this celebration, participants attired in traditional clothes are grouped into teams and required to engage in a form of dance that saw the light of day in Shikoku. For a firework display that brings the residents of Tokyo and Kawasaki together in the true spirit of competition, do reserve time for Setagaya-Ku Tamagawa Hanabi which takes place over the waters of a river that divides both cities. As part of the rivalry, residents of each city endeavour to showcase the biggest and grandest fireworks display en route to walking off with bragging rights.
Prices
Summer is when the Japanese decide to pack their bags and travel as schools are closed and it is the most favourable period for quality family time to be had and appreciated. As a caveat, obtaining a good deal on air fare is unheard of given the frequency of locals and their families going overseas. Further, getting about in the city will be a far costlier affair than at any other time of the year which effectively, tends to be reflected in Tokyo’s hotel rates as well.
