Japanese way to beat Tokyo’s brutal summer

Best solution: escape the heat (−10°C strategy)

・Escape to Hokkaido pref

→ about a 90 min flight from Tokyo

cool, dry, and comfortable

In Hokkaido, Sapporo and Otaru is easy to visit

→ easy sightseeing by train

→ food, nature, and walkable streets

・Escape to Karuizawa, Nagano pref

→ about 1 hour by Shinkansen

→ around 10°C cooler than Tokyo

Japan’s most famous highland summer retreat

→ gourmet restaurants, outlet shopping, museums

active options

→ cycling, tennis, golf — all comfortable in cool air

・Escape to Kamikochi, Nagano pref

→ about 4.5 hours from Tokyo

arguably Japan’s most beautiful natural scenery

→ crystal rivers, alpine views

on the way: Matsumoto city

→ home to a national treasure castle

→ birthplace of Yayoi Kusama (museum available)

Back up solution: How to escape the heat in Tokyo

・TeamLab Planets Tokyo

→ immersive digital art experience

→ walk through water, light, and mirrors

→ fully indoor, air-conditioned, visually unforgettable

・Museums & galleries (Ueno area is ideal)

→ Tokyo National Museum

→ Japan’s most important cultural collection

→ National Museum of Nature and Science

These place are cool, quiet, and intellectually rewarding

・Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

→ modern aquarium with light shows

→ dolphins, jellyfish, immersive lighting

→ fully indoors, easy access from central Tokyo

Native tip (this is the key)

Don’t fight Tokyo’s summer!!

Either escape it or design your day entirely around air-conditioned spaces

That’s the real native way!