“Japanese festivals! They are where you can experience the real, authentic Japan and are very impressive!” (French man in his 30s)

“I’m not used to the heat and would rather not go out, but I want to go to festivals!” (American woman in her 20s)

“Definitely the festivals! The atmosphere is great and unique, but what’s interesting is the way the Japanese people are all making merry even though they are usually reserved” (American man in his 20s)

“Festivals are really exciting, especially taiko (Japanese drums). It’s really something watching the members all gather to perform!” (Mexican woman in her 30s)

Summer festivals came out on top as a favourite. It seems that the festivals owe their overwhelming popularity to the fact that they offer foreigners a unique cultural experience different from home. Since there are many festivals held over summer, from small regional ones to large-scale ones like Japan’s three biggest festivals, they are now often thought to be an indispensable characteristic of Japanese summers.

Because festivals reflect the local culture and history, they pique the interest of Japanese people too. Thus, it is no surprise that festivals feel uniquely appealing to foreigners. Moreover, since it is rare to see the typically quiet and unexpressive Japanese people let loose and bustle about, festivals are where you can experience this sense of liberation for yourself and see a different side of Japanese people!

“Japanese girls look absolutely adorable in their beautiful yukata with their hair styled! I want to wear a yukata to a festival too!” (American woman in her 20s)

“Going out in a yukata. Watching the fireworks while dressed up in a yukata is something I had always longed to do!” (Indonesian woman in her 20s)

Extremely popular among the women was the yukata, a traditional Japanese costume that is frequently worn in the summer, especially at festivals. One respondent even revealed that she always dreamed of putting on a yukata in Japan! Girls who like dressing up should not miss the opportunity to try out a yukata in Japan.

“The various kinds of food sold at festivals! That’s my main goal when I go there. There are food stands in South Korea too, but the ones in Japan during the summer feel special.” (South Korean man in his 20s)

“Summer’s definitely about the food at festivals! Takoyaki (octopus balls) are delicious!” (American man in his 20s)

As the Japanese proverb hana yori dango, meaning “dumplings over flowers,” suggests, the substance is preferred to form, and, likewise, functionality over aesthetics. There are some with this mindset who attend festivals mainly for the delicacies offered at the food stands!

Not only is the food sold at these food stands easy to eat as you go around, but the ambiance of having your food prepared right before you is also an exciting aspect of the festival.

Among the common delicacies offered, takoyaki and yakisoba (Japanese stir-fry noodles) are popular options among foreigners.

“Having beer outdoors makes it all the more delicious! It’s awesome that there are so many of these beer gardens around during the summer. Drinking is prohibited outdoors in America, so I actually think this seems kind of excessive (laughs).” (American man in his 20s)

“I like drinking frozen beer slushies in beer gardens. I’ve never had something like that outside of Japan before.” (Mexican woman in her 30s)

Beer gardens are a must for Japanese people during summer to help cope with the heat. It remains a mystery why beer enjoyed outdoors tastes especially good. Still, it seems that enjoying having a beer in the night breeze on a hot summer night is a similarity many countries share. Japan’s beer gardens, in particular, offer a wide range of choices, including less commonly seen types of beer like frozen beer slushies and fruit beer.

“It’s got to be the fireworks display! I really like fireworks. Plus, I get to eat the food sold at the food stands!” (Indonesian woman in her 20s)

“The fireworks display! It’s perfect for dates too!” (Korean man in his 20s)

“It’s great going to a fireworks display dressed in a yukata. I dislike crowded places… But I don’t have a choice since I want to see the beautiful fireworks!” (South Korean woman in her 20s)

As expected, summers without fireworks displays cannot be called Japanese summers at all. Although fireworks are commonly used overseas at large scale events and to welcome the new year, Japan’s fireworks displays are slightly different. With lots of varied fireworks designs and various accompanying performances, this is a beautiful sight you can behold only in Japan.

Surprisingly, there are people who have never tried hand-held fireworks before! While fireworks displays are great, handheld fireworks are also a wonderful option you should try out.

“I love kakigōri! There’s been lots of pictures of tasty-looking kakigōri uploaded on Instagram recently and I just want to try them all!” (South Korean woman in her 20s)

“Even though I enjoy the kakigōri available in convenience stores, I’d like to try those fancy-looking ones too!” (Indonesian woman in her 20s)

Kakigōri, or shaved ice, is a popular treat served during summer. Kakigōri comes in a variety of options; you would be spoilt for choice! Besides the usual strawberry and Blue Hawaii flavors, recent novel flavors include amazake, a sweet Japanese rice wine, as well as cheese. There are even kakigōri made using natural spring water that offers an improved texture and mouthfeel from the usual options.

Everyone agrees that the heat during Japan’s summers is simply unbearable, considering how it is more humid here compared to Western countries, and how the temperature has been rising in recent years. But at the same time, the summer also presents a variety of things we can look forward to. So, let us weather through the terrible heat by enjoying the fun aspects of summer!