Tokyo's Top Attractions in Summer

Summer in Tokyo is hot - no doubt about it. If you look at climate charts they say the average temperature is around 28 - 30 degrees. The thermometer in my office tells a different story! Today it's reading 34 degrees and it's 11:13 am in the morning. There's a way for that mercury to go yet! Why am I telling you this? To make the most of your stay you need to be able to keep your cool and enjoy activities that make the most of this weather, without you and your loved ones getting overly frazzled in the heat. Check our list of top Tokyo summer attractions and pack your sun tan lotion for some outdoor fun.

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is set in the middle of Tokyo and can be accessed by the central loop line, the Yamanote Line. Get off at Harajuku Station, not Yoyogi Station, for easiest access to the park. This is a cool escape in the heart of the city where you can stroll under the shade of the trees or have a game of frisbee, football, or any other sport that takes your fancy. Next door is the famous Meiji Jingu Shrine so you can take in a bit of culture and history as you enjoy the surrounding greenery.

Toshimaen Water and Theme Park

Toshimaen can be found on the Oedo subway line or the Seibu Ikebukuro line. The station name for both lines is Toshimaen Station. The park is divided into different zones. You can choose to play in the water in the Hydro Polis section, or follow the rollercoaster route in the Theme Park area. It's up to you. On a hot summer day this is a favorite with Tokyoites and a great way to cool down. Choose from 31 water slides and then enjoy a dip in the wave pool. Just be ready to share your space as this is a popular attraction with tourist and locals alike.

BBQ by the Tama River

On the Meguro line at the south end of Tokyo, get off at Tamagawa Station. Bring with you a portable bbq, whatever you fancy cooking, and don't forget your favorite tipple to wash it down with. As you come out of the station, walk straight and you will see the river ahead of you. Most people set their barbecues up to the left of the big bridge you can see from the road. This is definitely an occasion where you need your suntan lotion - as I found at on a beautiful summer day!

Rooftop Beer Gardens

In the evenings, head up to the roof tops and enjoy a comfortable breeze as you eat a variety of Japanese food and enjoy a drink with your friends. You can often pay one price - the average is 3,500 yen - to have a 2 hour session of all you can eat and drink. The rooftop gardens are usually open from the beginning of July through to the end of August and are a seasonal activity enjoyed by many. This is definitely a summer party with a twist.

Climb Mount Fuji

Finally, if you have ever fancied climbing Mount Fuji, this is the season to do it! There are only around 10 weeks of the year that you are able to climb Fuji. The rest of the year, the official routes are closed. Starting in early July, people start arriving at the 5th level by car, bus, train etc and then make their way to the top on foot. On average this is a 7 hour climb. If you're lucky and get a clear day, the views from the top are just phenomenal.

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