In this post I’m sharing a few great summer activities to do in Japan. Many people visit Japan in the Spring and Fall. However, that does not mean that there aren’t lots of things to do during the summer too. Let’s start somewhere traditional.

East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

These palace gardens are a must if you are in Tokyo. The gardens themselves are built on the ruins of a castle from the Edo Period. They were built as part of a restoration project in the 1960s. The gardens have been open to the public since 1968.

There are certain things that will not be in the gardens during the summer months, such as the cherry blossoms. However, I still consider this garden a great summer activity for when you’re in Japan.

Key features of the garden are Tenshu-dai -Base of the main tower/(#20 on the official garden map). This is a great lookout area where you can see a lot of the garden from above.

Another area I enjoyed was the bamboo garden/(#19 on the official garden map). There were so many types of bamboo. They ranged in color, size and texture.

The rose garden/(#16 on the official garden map) was another highlight. This area includes many types of roses and other flowers. I was surprised to see many flowers I’m familiar with in Connecticut, right there in the middle of a garden in Tokyo.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan

Website: Visit the Imperial Palace and other related facilities – The Imperial Household Agency

Tokyo Tower

On my first trip to Japan, I got Tokyo Tower, and the Tokyo Sky Tree confused. I finally know the difference. Tokyo Tower is the one that looks like the Eiffel Tower. It is red and white in color and has been part of the Tokyo skyline since 1958. I was shocked to know it had been around that long.

Tokyo Tower is a great summer activity for when you’re in Japan. It allows you to see an aerial view of Tokyo. See all the buildings from above and experience the people that look like ants.

You are able to choose from two viewing areas. There is the main viewing deck located in the center of the tower. That is where I went. Above that is the upper viewing deck, for an even higher viewpoint.

A highlight for me was seeing the history of how the tower was built. Before you take the elevator up to the viewing decks, you are able to see pictures and watch videos of how the tower was constructed.

There was even a scale model of how some parts of Tokyo looked while the tower was being constructed (below). I enjoyed this a lot.

Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan

Website: Tokyo Tower Official Website

Tokyo Station Area

Tokyo Station is a beautiful landmark and the perfect addition to any trip to Tokyo.  The station itself has beautiful architecture. From the moment you see the station you see the beautiful brick on the outside. Then go inside and stare up into the breathtaking ceiling.

Address: 1 Chome Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan

Website: JR-EAST – Tokyo Station

The surrounding area has many office buildings. Inside these office buildings are great restaurants and shops.

One of those restaurants is called Ootoya Gohan Dokoro, Ootoya for short. I ate there with my sister and a couple of friends.

The restaurant itself is a chain with many locations throughout Japan.  It tastes like homemade Japanese food. However, you have the convenience of an inexpensive chain restaurant. It’s the best of both worlds.

I had the Spanish mackerel set (below). It included the mackerel, rice, radish, and miso soup. It was seasoned so well.

My friends, who are Japanese and the ones who chose this restaurant, both had the same chicken and vegetable set (below).

My sister had a pork set along with sweet potato (below). Like all the other sets we ordered, it included rice and miso soup.

Address: Japan, 〒100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 3 Chome−3−1 Shin-Tokyo Building, B1

Website: ootoya.com

And guess what?! If you’re not able to visit Japan soon, there are locations in the U.S. (New York City), Thailand, Hong Kong and more!

U.S. Website: Ootoya America

Disney TokyoSea

No list of summer activities in Japan would be complete without visiting Disney TokyoSea in Chiba, Japan. This Disney park is separate from Tokyo Disneyland. It is unique in that it is the only one like it in the world. This park focuses on different seaports. Many attractions were water themed.

For instance, I was able to take a gondola ride in “Venice.” The city of “Venice” was beautiful and so detailed. The gondolas took us out into the main seaport that was at the entrance to the park. It was a lot of fun, and the wait time was not long.

I purchased a half day pass. This seemed liked a good idea. However, the wait times for most rides are very long. The half day pass will not give you much time to stand in line for rides. The other option is to pay for a fast pass. A couple rides have a line for single riders that allows you to skip past those who want to ride with friends and family members.

The photo below is of Rapunzel’s tower. It is located inside the Fantasy Springs section of the park. A few months ago it cost extra to enter this section. Now it is included in the regular ticket price.

There are great food options throughout the park. Remember, you’re still in Japan, where food quality is a priority. I ate at the Casbah Food Court which was located in the Arabian Coast section (See a section of the area in the photo below.) of the park.

I had the chicken curry (below) which was so good. Then I also had the Tandoori chicken, which was part of a special festival that was going on.

My sister had the curry sampler platter (below). She also had a grape cake and lassi drink, which were both part of the same festival. The food was delicious, and the portions were very good.

When I went, the Food & Wine Festival was taking place. That’s the festival I referred to earlier. Each restaurant had special limited time food items that were part of the festival. There were also commemorative items available for purchase that were festival themed. The Food & Wine Festival ends at the end of June. So, if you will be in Tokyo in June, you still have time to experience it.

Address: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-8511, Japan

Website: Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website

Are you looking to visit Japan this summer? Which summer activities are you most looking forward to?