The Very Best of Japanese Summer

It should come as no surprise that the optimal time to visit Japan varies with the seasons. Spring and autumn are the most popular times to see Japan's historical attractions because of the vibrant colours of the Sakura in spring and the autumn leaves in autumn. Although tourists may be put off by the rainy season (June–August) and the accompanying heat and humidity, they would be missing out on many unique and worthwhile experiences by not visiting Japan during this period.

Hoshinoya has six hotels in Japan, each of which features hospitality inspired by the area's unique geography, history, and culture. Here's how you can take part in a seasonal tradition at Hoshinoya.

Enjoy the sound of rain at Mount Fuji.

Hoshinoya Fuji, Japan's first "glamping" resort, is set in the hills above the picturesque Lake Kawaguchi. Although travellers flock to Mount Fuji every summer, cloudy skies shouldn't prevent you from making the most of your trip. While it's pouring outside, visitors may relax with a warm whisky barrel-aged coffee drink under an umbrella on the wooden patio overlooking the forest.

Indulge in seasonal Kaiseki.

Hoshinoya Resorts was founded over a century ago in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. Hoshinoya Karuizawa, an hour by bullet train from Tokyo in a much cooler temperature, is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate. Shinshu is the original name for Nagano Prefecture, and during the summer months, the prefecture's abundant wild game and river fish may be incorporated into a unique kaiseki feast for visitors to enjoy. The meal will be held at a private mansion, the grounds of which feature a gently flowing river.

Paddle Okinawa's pristine coastline.

Hoshinoya Okinawa, situated on the natural shoreline of Yomitan Village, provides a comprehensive introduction to the island's flora, fauna, and geology. The water turns a deep blue in the summer, and the wind and waves are gentler, making it the best time to enjoy kayaking. A private cruiser waits just beyond the reef, and from there, visitors can get into kayaks and explore the surrounding area, taking in sights like Okinawa's 30-metre-tall sheer rock, the mangroves that line the coast, and the table corals.

Stargazing on Taketomi Island.

Taketomi Island in Okinawa was the first Japanese island designated as a starry sky conservation zone, and it is possible to see 84 of the sky's 88 constellations from the island. In the summer, the sky is so dark that you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that was built to complement the local environment and culture. Here, visitors may enjoy a five-course French meal prepared with island-grown products while sitting on a hill with a breathtaking view of the hamlet below.

Relax like an aristocrat in the Heian period.

Hoshinoya Kyoto, a historic house of the Heian nobility, is located in Arashiyama, nestled beside the Oi River. Legend has it that wealthy people came here throughout the summer to cool down. Hoshinoya Kyoto is still a retreat where people come to get away from it all, and getting there by boat is part of the appeal. The Noryo-Doko, an unique cooling floor, is only set up in the summer so that diners may enjoy a chilly Kaiseki course while listening to the trickle of a nearby waterfall.

Try a refreshing dessert reminiscent of the Edo period.

A large, black monument-like skyscraper stands out from its surroundings in the middle of Tokyo. Hoshinoya Tokyo is a chic and up-to-date hot spring ryokan with a contemporary twist. It's hard to think that the business area of Tokyo has the resources to restore one's health. Since the Edo period, visitors have enjoyed a unique summer ice produced from fermented dishes and fresh seasonal fruits. The 10 levels of ice will include a wide variety of textures and flavours, including fermented foods like amazake, doburoku, and mirin spice.