Summer in Japan offers a rich tapestry of festivals, outdoor adventures, and unique cultural experiences. Whether it’s joining lively traditional celebrations, exploring nature’s wonders, or discovering cutting-edge exhibitions, summer presents opportunities for children to learn, explore, and enjoy new environments. This guide highlights seven standout activities across Japan — from immersive festivals and interactive parks to a transformative outdoor camp — that can inspire curiosity, foster growth, and create lasting memories. Let’s dive into each one and see what makes them special for families and young explorers alike.
1. Gion Matsuri in Kyoto
When to visit: The festival runs throughout July, with the two grand float processions (Yamaboko Junko) taking place on July 17 (09:00–13:00) and July 24 (09:30–11:50). The evenings leading up to each procession — July 14–16 and 21–23 — feature Yoiyama, when the streets are closed to traffic and lined with food stalls, traditional music, and festive displays from 18:00 to 23:00.
What it’s about and why it’s great for children: Gion Matsuri is centred around elaborate festival floats known as yamaboko — often called “moving museums” — which include yama (typically smaller, hand-carried floats) and hoko (larger, wheeled structures that can weigh up to 12 tons and reach 25 metres in height). Intricately decorated with centuries-old tapestries, wood carvings, and gilded ornaments, these floats are paraded through Kyoto’s city centre and displayed along pedestrianised streets during the Yoiyama evenings. Families can admire the craftsmanship up close, enjoy the rhythmic Gion-bayashi music performed by festival musicians, and explore vibrant streets lined with traditional food stalls. For children, the experience offers a captivating, sensory-rich introduction to Kyoto’s cultural heritage — blending spectacle, learning, and celebration in a welcoming and festive environment.
Tip: Reserved seating for the float processions is available and must be booked in advance. Visit their website for details and ticket reservations.
2. Cherry Picking in Yamagata Prefecture
Best time to go: Mid-June to early July
What it’s about and why it’s great for children: Yamagata Prefecture is known as Japan’s “Kingdom of Fruits,” and its cherry orchards offer families a deliciously hands-on way to enjoy the summer season. During peak harvest, farms open their doors to visitors for all-you-can-eat cherry picking, often under the shade of rain-covered greenhouses. Wandering through rows of glistening red cherries, gently plucking the fruit straight from the trees, could offer a sensory experience that connects children to nature and food origins — and a refreshing change from typical sightseeing spots.
3. Visit Osaka Expo 2025
Best time to visit: The Expo runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025
What it’s about and why it’s great for children: This six-month global exposition on Yumeshima Island, Osaka features 188 pavilions showcasing cutting-edge technology, sustainable solutions, and cultural experiences. Families can explore interactive exhibits on robotics, health innovations, world cultures, and more — all in one massive “People’s Living Lab.” While the Expo offers incredible learning opportunities, it’s expected to welcome around 28 million visitors over its six-month run. For families with young or sensory-sensitive children, the large crowds, long queues, and vibrant atmosphere may feel overwhelming. Consider planning ahead by reserving pavilion entry times where possible, visiting during quieter hours, and identifying shaded or quiet rest areas in advance to ensure a more enjoyable day for everyone.
4. Experience a Japanese Farm stay in the Countryside
Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (May to October)
What it’s about and why it’s great for children: Farm stays in rural Japan offer families a unique opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature and one another. Whether it’s harvesting vegetables, feeding animals, or learning how rice is cultivated, children can take part in seasonal agricultural tasks that are both hands-on and educational. These immersive stays often include home-cooked meals and interactions with local hosts, offering insight into traditional Japanese lifestyles and rural values. Beyond the novelty, farmstays can foster patience, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for where food comes from — making them a refreshing alternative to urban sightseeing.
5. Cycle the Nakasendo Way
Best time to go: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes
What it’s about and why it’s great for children: Cycling the Nakasendo Way offers families a unique chance to trace one of Japan’s most historic travel routes — an Edo-period trail that once linked Kyoto and Tokyo. The route winds through mountain passes, forests, and charming post towns like Magome and Tsumago, where time seems to stand still. While some sections feature cobblestone paths and steep slopes that are best explored on foot, these scenic towns make ideal resting points with traditional architecture, waterwheels, and nostalgic tea houses to explore. Children will enjoy discovering old milestones, sampling local treats, and imagining life during samurai-era travel. The experience blends light adventure, cultural storytelling, and relaxed sightseeing — perfect for sparking curiosity and creating lasting family memories.
6. Nago Pineapple Park in Okinawa
Best time to go: Year-round, but ideal during the summer holidays
What it’s about and why it’s great for children: Nago Pineapple Park is a popular family-friendly attraction where visitors can enjoy a leisurely ride on an automated vehicle through the fields, learning about how pineapples are grown. The park features a tropical garden and a small pineapple processing factory. This experience offers children an engaging way to connect with agriculture in a fun, vibrant setting.
7. AISL Outdoor – Appi Alpine Quest (Residential Camp), Iwate
Programme dates: Summer session (July)
What it’s about and why it’s great for children: The Appi Alpine Quest is a six-day residential camp set in the heart of Appi Kogen, designed for children aged 10-16 to build independence and confidence. Campers take part in a range of outdoor challenges — including mountain biking, hiking, map navigation, fire-building, shelter construction, leadership tasks, and cultural workshops. Campers stay onsite with accommodation and meals provided for the six-day residential experience, alongside a full schedule of guided outdoor activities. The programme fosters resilience, environmental awareness, collaboration, and self-reliance — making it a meaningful and often transformative experience for children ready to step beyond their comfort zones.
Extracurricular activities that may be of interest:
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AISL Outdoor Leadership Summer Camps
Empower the next generation of leaders with the best summer camps in Asia for 2025. AISL Outdoor’s English-language programmes equip students with essential skills in decision-making, public speaking, and strategic thinking. Designed for ages 8 to 16, AISL Ourdoor camps offer immersive experiences that foster confidence, resilience, and global awareness.
Cultural Immersion Programs
Learn With Dragonfly has long-established programs in multiple locations across China, including in Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, and Yunnan, as well as in Malaysia and Japan. Students can learn about local cultures, try their hand at traditional crafts, explore beautiful natural environments, learn how to cook using local flavours, and experience life in a community very different to their own. Programs in China can also be facilitated in Putonghua, for full language immersion.
Elite Journey – Summer Camps
Elite Journey, founded in 2015, connects China with global education through short-term programs, including camps, competitions, and exchange programs. It focuses on developing skills like communication, creativity, and global citizenship. Recognised for its excellence, it was a finalist at the PIEoneer Awards.
Immerse Education – Academic Enrichment Programmes
For students who want to excel academically from home, Immerse Education Online Research Programmes offer personal and group tutoring with an expert academic from a top international educational institution. Over and above our Classic programmes, participants also have the option to choose from a range of accredited programmes, which provide eight critical UCAS points to use towards university applications.
Kingswood Study Group – Immersive Camps
With over 41 years of experience, Kingswood offers immersive camp experiences designed to inspire and support children from across the globe. Their dedicated team of camp specialists, language teachers, and support staff have cared for tens of thousands of students from more than 75 countries. Guided by the philosophy of “bringing out the very best in children,” Kingswood creates safe, nurturing environments where young learners thrive.
National Geographic Education
National Geographic Education empowers teachers and students to explore the world through engaging, standards-aligned resources. Discover a wealth of lesson plans, activities, videos, and interactive content across subjects like geography, biology, and social studies. Connect live with renowned National Geographic Explorers through immersive virtual events. Get hands-on with maps, interactives, and other tools to spark curiosity and transform learning experiences. Fuelled by the expertise and content of the iconic National Geographic Society, this education platform provides educators and students the resources they need to ignite the spirit of exploration.
