It’s been crazy hot lately… where I live in Aichi, it’s been hitting 37°C—hotter than body temperature! Totally worn out from the heat.I hate hot weather (lol), so here are some places in Japan I actually visited and found super cool and refreshing! ☺✨
Nagano – Kurumayama Highlands, Kirigamine & Utsukushigahara
The Venus Line, a scenic drive between Chino and Matsumoto in Nagano, takes you over 2,000 meters above sea level with breathtaking views.Even in summer, it stays nice and cool—super refreshing!
Along the Venus Line, you’ll find stunning spots like Kurumayama Highlands, Kirigamine, and Utsukushigahara.
You can take a lift straight to the top, or just enjoy the drive—perfect even if hiking’s not your thing.
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or just want to chill in nature, it’s got something for everyone.
A mountaintop you can reach by lift!
Recently, Kurumayama Highlands added a brand-new Sky Terrace ☺✨
You can take a lift all the way to the summit—no hiking experience or gear needed, just hop on and enjoy the ride!
https://summer.kurumayama-skypark.com
Nagano – Northern Yatsugatake Mountains
Located on the northern side of the Yatsugatake Mountain Range, which stretches across Nagano and Yamanashi Prefectures, Northern Yatsugatake is a great spot to soak in Japan’s natural beauty.One of the easiest ways to get up close to the mountains is by hopping on the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway.The ropeway runs between Mount Kitayokodake and Mount Shimagare, taking you straight to the scenic summit area.
When I visited in early July, it was 24°C (75°F) at the ropeway base and just 14°C (57°F) at the top—super refreshing!
Right after getting off the ropeway, you’ll find yourself in “Tsuboniwa,” a cool lava plateau.
Hardcore hikers can head straight for Mt. Kitayokodake, but if you’re not into climbing, just wandering around Tsuboniwa is totally worth it.
Mt. Kitayokodake is an easy one-hour hike from Tsuboniwa.The trail is well-maintained, so it’s a great choice even for beginners.
In fact, it’s listed as one of the easiest mountains to climb in the “Shinshu Mountain Grading” by Nagano Prefecture.
https://www.pref.nagano.lg.jp/kankoki/sangyo/kanko/gure-dexingu.html
Yamanashi – Southern Yatsugatake
The southern side of the Yatsugatake mountain range—straddling Yamanashi and Nagano—is full of summer resorts and scenic farms. It’s the perfect getaway to escape the heat! With its high elevation, the temperature stays around a comfy 20°C (68°F) even in summer. You get the best of both worlds: cool mountain air and a relaxing resort vibe.
One of the most popular spots here is RISONARE Yatsugatake, a resort run by Hoshino Resorts—one of Japan’s top luxury resort brands.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, the cute “Piment Street” (Piment-dori) is worth a visit!This stylish little street inside RISONARE Yatsugatake is lined with cozy cafés, gift shops, and more. It’s super fun to explore!It’s also very dog-friendly—some shops even let you bring your pup inside as long as you carry them!
If you are staying overnight, don’t miss the wine tasting experience—it’s one of the highlights of the resort! 🍷✨
One of my personal faves—Yatsugatake Alpaca Farm! 🦙💕
Nagano – Kamikōchi (Kamikochi), Japan’s iconic summer mountain escape
Sitting at about 1,500m above sea level in Matsumoto, Nagano, Kamikōchi is the perfect highland resort to escape the summer heat.Even in summer, the temperature usually stays below 20°C (68°F), and the crisp, cool air makes it feel like nature’s own air conditioner.Kamikōchi’s most famous view is from Kappa Bridge, where you can see the stunning Hotaka mountain range and the super clear Azusa River.
Kamikōchi’s most famous view is from Kappa Bridge, where you can see the stunning Hotaka mountain range and the super clear Azusa River.You don’t need to be a hiker to enjoy it—there are well-maintained trails for easy strolls.
Popular walking routes include the peaceful forests and riverside trails from Kappa Bridge to Myōjin Pond, Taishō Pond, and Tashiro Lake.
Note: Access to Kamikōchi is limited—no private cars allowed!To protect the area’s natural beauty, private vehicles aren’t allowed into Kamikōchi.Instead, you’ll need to park at places like Sawando Parking and take a shuttle bus or taxi.It takes a bit of extra effort, but trust us—it’s totally worth it.Thanks to the restrictions, the untouched nature feels like stepping into another world.
Hokkaido: Furano & Biei Area
Furano and Biei in Hokkaido are packed with stunning views and delicious food.During summer, the weather is dry and pleasant, with daytime temps around 26–30°C (79–86°F).
From July onward, lavender and lots of other flowers are in full bloom.
Check out my other post all about Furano & Biei!It’s packed with model courses and must-see spots, so take a peek if you’re planning a trip 💗
Summer in Japan is seriously hot!
It’s not just hot—it’s humid too.Lately, some places even get hotter than body temperature… 😵If you’re visiting Japan in summer, definitely check out these cool getaway spots!
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