Looking for ways to escape the heat this summer? Instead of battling the crowds at the usual beaches and city attractions, why not venture off the beaten path and discover some of Japan’s cooler hidden gems.
From four-degree sake snow room tours to cultural dives and valley escapes, here are some of the best destinations to cool off in Japan.
Hit the beach in Wakayama, Kii Peninsula
Wakayama Prefecture might be known for the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage trails, but in the summer months, the beach is where the locals go to cool off. Located on the southernmost tip of the Kii Peninsula, Shirarahama Beach is the jewel of Japan’s coastline. Boasting pristine white sand, it is officially recognised as the “sister beach” to Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Embark on a snorkelling or scuba diving excursion or head out on a glass-bottomed boat tour and get a front row seat to the colourful tropical fish swimming around in the colonies of table coral. After some time in the water, head to the Sandanbeki caves or wander along the vast rock flatbed of Senjojiki, a part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park. visitwakayama.jp/en | visit-kii.com
Enter the valleys for a rejuvenating cultural getaway, Tenkawa Villa, Nara Prefecture
Surrounded by the Omine Mountains, just two hours from Nara City, Tenkawa Village is one of the most overlooked treasures in Japan that feels suspended in time. With temperatures averaging three to five degrees lower than the Nara Basin area, it makes for a cooling respite, especially in the summer months. Make a stop at the Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha Shrine, soak in the healing waters of Dorogawa Onsen or hike along parts of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage trail. Beyond its spiritual allure, Tenkawa is quietly evolving with local gems like SÉN, a one MICHELIN Star and Green Star restaurant celebrating regional produce and Tenkara Gelato, serving seasonal gelato flavours made with the village’s pure mountain water. visitnara.jp
Go diving with the Ama Divers in ISESHIMA, Mie Prefecture
Head to ISESHIMA for a rare and immersive glimpse into an ancient Japanese tradition while cooling off in the waters of the Ago Bay. The Ama, renowned female free divers, have been practicing their craft for centuries, diving without modern equipment to harvest pearls and seafood from the ocean depths. Join these incredible women on a dive and witness their skill firsthand, from understanding the delicate art of implanting the pearl nucleus into the oysters to witnessing the divers’ skillful and graceful underwater techniques. The experience also provides insight into the Ama’s unique way of life, which blends sustainable practices with a deep connection to nature and community. iseshima-kanko.jp/en
Take a tour of the Hakkaisan Yukimuro Snow Storage room, Niigata Prefecture
Niigata might be famous for its powder snow in the winter, but in summer, travellers can find a touch of this snowy paradise at Hakkaisan Brewery in Minamiuonuma City. Founded in 1922, Hakkaisan Brewery now runs several facilities, including the Uonuma no Sato complex. Here, visitors to Japan can experience firsthand how the brewery takes advantage of the region’s unique climate with a guided tour of the Hakkaisan Yukimuro Snow Room, a 4℃ natural refrigerated sake storage facility that maintains its temperature all year round. Take in the sight of 1,000 metric tons of snow before tasting their refreshing Hakkaisan Clear Sparkling “AWA” with its lovely fruity aroma and refreshing taste, perfect to combat the summer heat. discover-niigata.com
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