During the Japanese summer vacation (July-August), many people travel, and it's also a time for Obon celebrations in hometowns, usually observed between August 13-16.

Japanese travel agency JTB recently ranked the top destinations for Japanese travelers during this year's summer vacation (July 15 - August 31, 2023). The Kansai Region, featuring Universal Studios Japan, ranked second, while the Kanto Region with Tokyo Disney Resort came in first. These areas have gained popularity since 2022 due to the exciting summer events held at their theme parks.

August 11, a national holiday in Japan, seems to be the preferred departure date for most people. Following closely are reservations made between late July and early August, typically from July 20 to August 4. As a result, we can expect a significant increase in the number of travelers, especially on public transportation, planes, Shinkansen, and roads, potentially causing traffic jams on highways.

Summer sees a surge in travelers and people returning home, making it a busy period for transportation systems. To enhance your travel experience, consider choosing a comfortable tour bus. These buses provide a convenient way to visit multiple sightseeing spots without the burden of transferring and carrying your belongings. Check out the following tours that offer exciting summer experiences, including the increasingly popular walking food tours in domestic travel.

Universal Studios Japan, conveniently linked to JR Universal City Station in Osaka, is a popular destination for international and domestic travelers alike. This summer, the park is set to offer an array of thrilling limited-time events to help beat the heat in 2023.

The ONE PIECE Premier Summer 2023 is a show-based event inspired by the popular pirate manga of the same name. The event will run from July 5 to October 10, bringing to life the series' beloved characters, including protagonist Luffy, his sidekick Chopper, and the rest of the Straw Hat Crew! Produced exclusively for the park, the original storyline promises a unique immersive experience that visitors will only find here, with realistic character battles that bring the audience into the action by cooling them off with incoming splashes of water!

"Super Mario Power Up Summer" is an exciting event debuting this summer from July 5 through August 24, 2023, featuring beloved characters from the Super Mario video game series, including Mario, Luigi, Bowser, and more. With water shooters in hand, visitors can join the Mario cast in the Water Splash Festival, a refreshing and playful summer-only event where everyone gets soaked by their favorite game characters. So forget about the heat, and join in the fun!

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For travelers looking to explore the popular Kyoto area, Uji and Arashiyama are often top choices. To fully enjoy the sights without the hassle of crowds and transfers, we recommend a convenient and comfortable tour bus experience!

Departing from Osaka, the tour begins with Uji, famous for its matcha tea. Omotesando Street is lined with all kinds of long-established shops, specializing in this traditional Japanese tea. The tour will also take participants through various Kyoto hot spots, including the endless, awe-inspiring torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the enchanting paths of the Bamboo Grove, and the picturesque Watarigatsu Bridge overlooking the Katsura River.

You’ll also have the chance to visit Nishiki Market, fondly known as the “Kitchen of Kyoto.” This historical market, with a rich history of 400 years, offers an array of local eats, including fresh and dried fish, teas, and various other delicacies in every corner, making it the perfect place to stop for a bite during your trip.

For souvenirs, we recommend the shops of Arashiyama, in which you’ll also find the Katsura River, Watarigatsu Bridge, and the Bamboo Grove. Great gift options include pickled goods, teas, and more! Note that tour guidance is also available in Chinese.

Amanohashidate, located in Miyazu City in the northern part of Japan, is a scenic spot overlooking Miyazu Bay on the Sea of Japan, far from the bustling city center of Kyoto.

Amanohashidate has long been regarded as one of the “Three Great Views of Japan” (alongside Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture), drawing in throngs of visitors to admire its scenery. With blue skies, shimmering seas, and white sandy beaches lined with nearly 8,000 pine trees, this landscape is indeed a sight to behold.

The Amanohashidate tour starts from Dotonbori, a popular Osaka attraction. Besides Amanohashidate, the half-day tour includes visits to Ine Town and Ine Bay on the Tango Peninsula. It allows you the perfect chance to explore lesser-known seaside spots of Kyoto, and immerse yourself in the summer resort atmosphere.

The tour starts with free time, during which you can explore Amanohashidate and partake in various activities of your choice. One of the most popular attractions in Amanohashidate is the Hiryukan Observation Deck, overlooking the seas and sandy beaches, as well as the Cycle Car, allowing visitors to enjoy a pleasant stroll through the air. Visitors can also embark on an elegant cruise around Ine Bay while taking in the sights of the old town of Ine, fondly known as the “Kyoto by the Sea” due to it being the closest town to the sea in all of Kyoto.

No matter how often you have visited Kyoto before, we recommend this tour to anyone interested in discovering the charming allure of the “Kyoto of the Sea,” which stands as one of Kyoto’s lesser-known attractions. Tours are available in Chinese and Japanese.

Ninjas are a part of Japan’s history, known for their black outfits and swift speed and skills used to carry out secret missions. Most people today, however, only know about ninjas from their movies and manga appearances.

Ninja-do is a must-see attraction near other famous sights such as Shinsekai and Tennoji Zoo. Just one minute away from JR Osaka’s Shin-Imamiya Station and the Dobutsuen-mae Subway Station, Ninja-do offers an authentic experience where visitors can participate in hands-on classes and immerse themselves in the world of ninjas. Classes are conducted in traditional Japanese-style rooms, adding to the experience as attendees devote themselves to an intense day of ninja training!

Visitors can rent ninja costumes on-site, eliminating the need to bring extra belongings to class. Over the course of an hour, you will learn several ninjutsu techniques, including the art of throwing shuriken and using blow-guns, swords, and other historical ninja tools and weapons no longer seen in everyday life.

At the end of the experience, participants can capture a memorable moment in a photo donning their traditional ninja attire for an everlasting memory of their day as a ninja.

After class, visit one of Osaka's renowned kushikatsu skewer shops or izakaya. Raise a glass and toast to your accomplished ninja missions with a cold beer or refreshing drink! This exciting adventure is available in both English and Japanese.

Nestled away from the city center of Hyogo Prefecture, Awajishima (Awaji Island) is a popular resort destination surrounded by the sea and the abundant natural beauty of the Kansai Region.

This island offers an array of attractions, from pristine beaches to fun-filled activities and delicious local cuisine. Special tours also take guests to multiple island attractions in succession. Among these is the half-day tour, which allows visitors to admire the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, connecting Hyogo Prefecture to Awaji Island, and the enchanting vistas of Awajishima Terrace, with endless skies and blooming fields of flowers. Awajishima Terrace is famous for its indulgent all-you-can-eat buffet, which has taken social media by storm.

The main attraction of this tour is the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world, stretching a remarkable 3,911 meters in length and 1,991 meters in width. Seize the moment and capture a stunning photograph with this magnificent bridge and the scenic Akashi Daikyo Straits in the background!

Awaji Hanasajiki, a national park known as Flower Island, is popular for its kaleidoscope of seasonal flowers and lush vegetation. The island comes alive in the summer with sunflowers, salvias, three-foot verbenas, and other colorful blooms. So embrace the gentle sea breeze, and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Awaji Island's flourishing flora!

Enjoy your fill on the open-air terrace for lunch, savoring over 50 mouthwatering local meat and seafood dishes unique to Awaji Island. The resort area of Awajishima Terrace also serves as a fantastic photo spot, where you can bask in breathtaking views of the boundless seas and spectacular sunsets. There’s also the popular spot, “A Happy Pancake,” and a cafe featuring treats and pasta dishes. Service is available in Chinese and Japanese.

This year marks a significant milestone as the first summer that Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted on entry to Japan, allowing tours and events to resume in full swing. If you’ve been eagerly anticipating an adventure in the Kansai Region, don’t delay! Tickets and reservations are in high demand, so act now and prepare for a memorable journey like never before.

*Information in the article as of July 2023. Please see the official websites for the latest updates and information.

*Ticket and tour availability are subject to change. Please see official reservation sites for the most up-to-date schedule and availability.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki