Temperatures are approaching 40 degrees in Japan! Check out these 7 summer vacation spots around Tokyo!

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🤗 01 Karuizawa Address: Karuizawa-cho, Kita-Saku-gun, Nagano Prefecture

Karuizawa is one of the best places in the Kanto region to escape the summer heat. However, don't think that it is very cool here. The temperature here is close to 30 degrees Celsius lately, and if you are in the sun, the body temperature is also very high.

It is recommended to stay here for one night. When it is hot, you can visit the cafes and grocery stores, and in the early morning or late afternoon, you can visit Shiraito Falls and Unba Pond, and then take a walk, ride a bike, and look at the stars, which is a much better experience.

🤗 02 Kamikochi Address: Kamikochi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Summer comes a little later in Kamikochi than in the city, and the temperatures throughout July to September are generally 5 to 9 degrees Celsius cooler compared to Tokyo, making it a solid summer vacation spot.

If you are traveling to Kamikochi from Tokyo, it is best to have a car in Nichigome and take the Sawatari. For public transportation, it is more recommended to put it together with Matsumoto, play one day in Matsumoto, and then go up to Kamikochi the next day, which is relatively enough time.

🤗 03 Okutama-cho Address: Okutama-cho, Nishitama-gun, Tokyo

Located in the westernmost part of Tokyo, Okutama is a very niche travel destination in a forest surrounded by greenery, with mountains, lakes, and stalactite caves.

The most recommended place to visit in the summer is the Hibara Bellows Cave, which stays cool at 11 degrees Celsius all year round! A natural rock wonder millions of years old, the cave is lined with Buddha statues and shrines, adding to the psychedelic atmosphere. It is said that one of them is a god who can pray for love. This is a great place to enjoy a cool summer day away from the heat of Tokyo.

Of course, the Tama River, Lake Tama, hiking in the Kawamossan Mountains, and the Japanese sake served here are also recommended experiences.

🤗 04 Hakone

Address: Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Hakone is located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and in summer the temperature is usually around 20~25 degrees, making it a great summer vacation spot.

With its stunning mountain scenery and hot springs, it is also recommended to stay for a night, soaking in the hot springs, strolling around Lake Ashinoko, visiting Owakudani, and checking out the art museums are all very relaxing ways to spend your time.

However, the transportation in Hakone is not very convenient, there is only one train line to get there, if you go up to the mountains, you have to change to the very old train in the middle, the speed is really very slow, and my character will die of anxiety.

🤗 05 Nasu Kogen Address: Nasu-cho, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture

The Nasu Plateau in Tochigi Prefecture, a two-hour drive from Tokyo, has an altitude of 300 to 1,250 meters, and the average summer temperature is only 25 degrees Celsius, which is refreshing and comfortable.

The Japanese Imperial Family has three "Imperial Residence" vacation villas, one of which is located here, and the setting needs no introduction.

In addition to seeing the natural scenery, the other vacation facilities here are also more complete. There are themed hot springs, alpaca ranch, Nasu Animal Kingdom, stained glass art gallery, etc. Compared to the previous ones, this place is more suitable for those who are traveling with their children. The hiking trails here are also very complete, and those who like hiking should not miss it.

Of course, it is also best to go here by car or chartered bus.

🤗 06 Kirigakure Kogen Address: Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

This is considered a relatively niche summer vacation spot that even many Japanese people have never heard of.

Because it is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, even in the height of summer the average temperature is around 20 degrees, making the comfortable climate very attractive. High above the plains, various alpine wildflowers are in bloom: Nikko yellow daylily, azalea, hog's-tooth flower, tangsong grass, gentian, and purple calyx.

Especially from late June to mid-July every year, Nikko chrysanthemums, a famous product of the Kirigakure Highlands, are in full bloom. Surrounded by a world of yellow, you can fully enjoy the grand finale.

As you climb the 1,445 steps that rise into the sky, you will really experience the feeling of "Kirigatake. When you reach the top, the view of the surrounding mountains is like a picture scroll unfolding in front of you. If the weather is fine, you can even see the Pacific Ocean.

Access to the area is relatively easy, as you can take a 25-minute bus ride from JR Nikko Station or Tobu Nikko Station to Kirigatake Highlands or Oasasago Makiba.

🤗 07 Narusawa Ice Cave Address: 8533 Narusawa-mura, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture

The Narazawa Ice Cave at the foot of Mt. Fuji has an average temperature of no more than 3 degrees Celsius even on a hot day of more than 30 degrees Celsius, and you can see huge natural icicles everywhere, which is just as magical as the world of ice and snow.

In 864 A.D., Mt. Fuji's flanking volcano, Mt. Nagao, erupted, and its lava flow formed the tunnel-like caves that are known as the Narazawa Ice Cave and, not far from here, the Tomigatake Wind Cave. The cave was selected as a natural monument of Japan for its peculiar geological composition, and the most amazing thing is that not only is there ice in the cave all year round, but the icicles also "grow", with April being the fastest season for formation.

Located at the eastern entrance to the famous Aokigahara Sea of Trees and only 800 meters away from the Toyake Wind Cave, the Narazawa Ice Cave has a mysterious and adventurous atmosphere, making it a perfect place for a "cool and exciting" summer trip.