Summer in Tokyo

[Delinjapan]

So what is there to do in Tokyo during the summer apart from going to Hanabis and to overcrowded swimming pools? what do you guys/girls do in the summer that you don't do in the other seasons? anything special going on?

[maninjapan]

I can sit in my japanese apartment butt naked without fear of being freezing cold!

[Hanakuso]

[Blah Pete]

Go to the beach but not on the weekends if possible. Try to get away from any major centers and beaches close to a train station unless you like crowds.

Head for the mountains, Chuo line up to Nagano Ken or go the other direction Tohouku.
If you don't have much time grab a lawn chair and a cooler full of beer and head to a non-cemented in river somewhere.

[mr. sparkle]

a non-cemented in river somewhere.

Those exist?

I think FG's like to go to the Nishi Azabu Matsuri. Dancin' and drinkin' in the streets is fun.

[IkemenTommy]

Yukata + hanabi

[Delinjapan]

Hmmm I thought of a couple more :

- climb mount fuji (OK, it's not in Tokyo)
- picnic in yoyogi park

Where's a good place near Tokyo to see fireflies?

Btw, while we're on the topic, what are the things to do in autumn, winter and spring (apart from hanami)? if I'm staying here for at least a year, might as well start planning.

[Mulboyne]

The restaurant Ukai Toriyama usually does a firely event through summer. Take in a walk up Takao-san first and then settle in for an early dinner and you have a good, not too expensive, day out.

I'm surprised no-one has mentioned beer gardens so far. Meijin Kinenkan have a great one only open in summer called Sekirei. There are plenty on rooftops too although it's probably better to look first for a sign saying "Beer Garden" before climbing onto a random roof.

Keep an eye out for matsuri. I'm fairly sure that the Azabu Juban festival Mr. Sparkle mentioned has already finished but there are plenty of others. If you aren't going anywhere for obon, make sure you have a few things in your fridge because a lot of small shops and restaurants will be closed over those days. It used to be impossible to find an open ATM machine too but that has changed for the better now.

Tokyo usually feels quiet empty over those days so it can be pleasant to walk around or hop on a bike and explore a bit.

[Jack]

Hmmm I thought of a couple more :
Where's a good place near Tokyo to see fireflies?

.

The garden of the Four Seasons at Chinsan so.

[Iraira]

Use as much public air conditioning as possible, despite what it is doing to my lungs. Take at least 3 showers a day, generally in the private of my own domicle, but in a pinch, find a nice fountain somewhere.....

[Greji]

Any fleshpot in Roppongi with a beer spigot!

[kamome]

Isn't there a beach in Izu with great eye candy? I remember hearing about one particular beach that is great for nanpa. Probably best to go with some Japanese people so you have an in with the crowd.

[Captain Japan]

Keep an eye out for matsuri. I'm fairly sure that the Azabu Juban festival Mr. Sparkle mentioned has already finished but there are plenty of others.

It's next weekend. August 18, 19, 20. The Japan Times has a pretty good list of festivals here.

[Mulboyne]

It's next weekend. August 18, 19, 20.

What do I know? Thanks for that. Interesting poster design:

[mr. sparkle]

It's next weekend. August 18, 19, 20. The Japan Times has a pretty good list of festivals here.

Cool Cap'n. That was a blast meeting you and all the FGs at that Matsuri. That was a fun evening.

This particular street party is highly recommended! Wish I was there to enjoy it with ya'll.

[IkemenTommy]

The Tokyo Bay Fireworks that was planned for tonight is postponed.

[Captain Japan]

The Tokyo Bay Fireworks that was planned for tonight is postponed.

Any idea as to whether they rescheduled it?

[IkemenTommy]

I believe they are having it tonight.. but I am just waking up from the bad hangover:puke:

[Captain Japan]

I believe they are having it tonight.. but I am just waking up from the bad hangover:puke:

Yep. I saw it. The rain that cancelled it on Saturday was absolutely amazing.

Sparkle-san, yes that was a great time two years ago. And I suppose I'll be out there again this year.

[Delinjapan]

yeah I was there too. Next year I'll bring a cushion to sit on. Btw, impressive crowd management after the fireworks, although I did have to walk all the way to Toyosu station because according to the guy with the megaphone, Kachidoki station was extremely crowded...and I believe everything a guy in a megaphone says...

thanks for all the replies, I'll definitely check out the Azabu Juban festival.

Btw, I remember hearing about a park in Tokyo where people can just set up their equipment and perform their music. Now I've seen that around Yoyogi park, however there are not that many bands playing...is there another venue or is that it? or does it depend on the day or time of year?

[Delinjapan]

hmmm, can you just visit the garden even if you're not a guest at the four seasons hotel?

[GuyJean]

[IkemenTommy]

Alright.. who else went to the Azabu Juban Matsuri?:ninja3:

[emperor]

Azabu Juban Matsuri

[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/ehnmark/218332937]http://www.flickr.com/photos/ehnmark/218332937
[/URL]

[Delinjapan]

Great Pictures! what type of photographic equipment do you use?