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Summer Activities in Japan: 5 Unique Cultural Experiences

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Summer Activities in Japan: 5 Unique Cultural Experiences

These exclusive summer cultural experiences in Japan include activities like making fireworks, a nighttime tour of Himeji Castle, after-hours temple visits, and more.

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Ramona

Written by

Ramona

Tokyo

Ramona, English content editor at MATCHA since 2016, has been practicing ikebana flower arrangement (Ikenobo School) and tea ceremony (Omote Senke) since 2012. She arrived in Japan in 2012 as a graduate student with a focus on Japanese literature and performing arts. As a travel editor and writer, Ramona has visited and documented 40 of Japan's prefectures with a focus on art, history, traditional Japanese crafts, and performing arts.

Unique Summer Experiences in Japan

Summer in Japan, though often hot, is a vibrant season filled with fireworks festivals and outdoor adventures.

We have curated five exclusive experiences perfect for summer, including nighttime activities, after-hours tours of castles and temples, and a relaxing stay in the mountainside.

These carefully selected activities are offered by Wabunka, Japan’s leading provider of luxury cultural experiences.

Exclusive Summer Activities in Japan

1. Crafting and Launching Fireworks near Mt. Fuji
2. Cormorant Fishing and Boat Dinner with Geisha Entertainment in Gifu
3. Nighttime Tour of Himeji Castle
4. Fishing and Seafood in the Seto Inland Sea
5. Kyoto: After-Hours Temple Visit with Zazen Meditation and Matcha Tea
Additional Tip: Stay in the Mountainside of Hida Takayama

1. Crafting and Launching Fireworks near Mt. Fuji

fireworks experience

Pictures courtesy of Wabunka

Experience the Japanese art of fireworks-making by creating your own under the guidance of a master pyrotechnician. Mr. Gen Sasaki, whose factory is located near Mount Fuji in Yamanashi, specializes in the rare and elegant tradition of Wa-bi, Japanese fireworks.

Over a 4-hour workshop, you will learn to craft traditional skyrocket fireworks and sparklers, witness them being launched, and enjoy a professional fireworks display.

Mr. Sasaki will share insights into the rich history and understated beauty of Wa-bi fireworks, highlighting what sets them apart from modern, flashy displays.

After personally launching your handcrafted fireworks from a tranquil riverbed, you can relax and take in the sophisticated elegance of a professional show that celebrates the timeless artistry of traditional Wa-bi fireworks.

2. Cormorant Fishing and Boat Dinner with Geisha Entertainment in Gifu

Cormorant Fishing in Gifu

Pictures courtesy of Wabunka

Cormorant fishing (ukai) has a rich 1,300-year history in Gifu. This tradition involves master fishermen working with trained cormorants to catch sweetfish, a practice famously associated with the Nagara River, where it can only be experienced during the summer months.

During this experience, you'll ride on a boat that runs parallel to the fishing boats, allowing you to observe the skillful ukai fishermen up close while enjoying a delightful dinner. The menu features grilled sweetfish, in season during the summer, along with other local dishes.

Your evening will be enhanced with performances by local geisha, showcasing traditional music and dance. This quintessential experience offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in multiple facets of Japanese culture, creating a memorable summer trip.

3. Nighttime Tour of Himeji Castle

Night tour of Himeji Castle

Pictures courtesy of Wabunka

This exclusive nighttime tour of Himeji Castle offers special access to areas normally off-limits to the public. Led by an expert curator, you'll explore the castle’s hidden details and learn unique stories about its history.

In addition to witnessing the castle beautifully illuminated up close, you'll enjoy the breathtaking night view of Himeji City from the castle keep—an experience enjoyed by very few.

The tour also includes a welcome drink at the Geihinkan guesthouse within Himeji Castle, along with a light meal or a selection of sweets from a local restaurant or confectionery shop.

4. Fishing and Seafood in the Seto Inland Sea

Fishing experience in Japan

Pictures courtesy of Wabunka

Join an exclusive fishing and boat-to-table culinary adventure in the Seto Inland Sea, the heart of Japan's seafood culture.

This experience includes a ride on the Ebisumaru fishing boat, where you can observe the traditional shinkei-jime fishing technique that has made the local fishermen highly prized suppliers to sushi restaurants.

You’ll also enjoy a private dining experience at the Michelin-starred Akakichi, featuring freshly caught seafood expertly prepared by an award-winning chef.

This tour is also a chance to take in stunning views of Hakatajima Island in the Seto Inland Sea, known for its rich natural environment and deep historical significance.

5. After-Hours Temple Visit in Kyoto, with Zazen Meditation and Matcha Tea

After hours temple visit in Kyoto

Pictures courtesy of Wabunka

Enjoy a private after-hours visit to Taizoin in Kyoto, a serene part of the Myoshinji Temple complex—one of Japan’s largest Zen temple grounds.

Guided by the deputy head priest, you'll explore the temple, its beautiful garden illuminated at night, and experience a tranquil zazen meditation session.

The garden’s natural scenery will be especially enchanting under the evening lights. You can also choose to learn about Zen garden design and the art of creating the illusion of water using only pebbles and sand.

Concluding the experience, you'll have the opportunity to craft seasonal Japanese confections with the guidance of a professional confectioner visiting the temple, and savor your handmade sweets alongside a cup of matcha green tea.

Additional Tip: Stay in the Mountainside of Hida Takayama

Stay in Hida

Pictures courtesy of Wabunka

For a truly memorable summer trip to Japan, consider staying in a renovated townhouse in the scenic mountainside city of Hida Takayama, renowned for its traditional townscape.

TANIYA is an exclusive inn limited to one group per day, offering an intimate experience. This historic residence features a beautiful wooden interior crafted by skilled Hida carpenters.

Your stay can be part of a 3-day itinerary that includes exploring Takayama’s rich heritage and visiting a local couple in a nearby mountain village, where you can observe how they live harmoniously with nature and gain insight into mountain life in Hida.

Enjoy Summer with Unforgettable Experiences

From making fireworks to riding a fishing boat and visiting Himeji Castle—a UNESCO World Heritage site—at night, these experiences are rare and reserved for only a few lucky individuals. They offer invaluable insights into Japanese culture and create once-in-a-lifetime memories that will enrich your life.

If your summer trip to Japan celebrates an anniversary or a special occasion, why not mark it with one of these truly extraordinary experiences?

Main image courtesy of Wabunka

Ramona

Written by

Ramona

Tokyo

Ramona, English content editor at MATCHA since 2016, has been practicing ikebana flower arrangement (Ikenobo School) and tea ceremony (Omote Senke) since 2012. She arrived in Japan in 2012 as a graduate student with a focus on Japanese literature and performing arts. As a travel editor and writer, Ramona has visited and documented 40 of Japan's prefectures with a focus on art, history, traditional Japanese crafts, and performing arts.

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