10 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Japan in Summer

Japan Instagram Spots in Summer

Summer is one of the high-seasons to travel in Japan. From Hokkaido to Okinawa, not to mention Tokyo, everywhere will be filled with people.

Taking photos, posting and sharing them on SNS like Instagram and Facebook with your friends are probably one of the elements that make your travel memorable and fun.

Especially in eventful summer, you may be encounter so many moments you want to take pictures on a beach, when having BBQ and in the nature where trees get greener than ever.

Today, I’d like to introduce the 10 best Instagram-worthy spots in Japan in Summer. These 10 spots are not only being Instagram worthy, but really enjoyable spot.

Here are the 10 selections from the places that will get popular, which they had picked up judging from the number of pictures posted on TripAdvisor last summer. If you are planning on visiting Japan in summer, you should check this out.

1. Lake Toya Onsen

Lake Toya

At Lake Toya in Hokkaido and the volcano near it, you can deeply experience the dynamic nature in Hokkaido. In the summer time, the cool breeze from the lake is very refreshing and it doesn’t feel hot or humid, so it is really comfortable to climate to enjoy the nature. Going on a boat and go over to “Nakajima” the island is one of the things you can enjoy while it is summer. In the winter, you can get in the Onsen (hot springs) or enjoy the Christmas illuminations.

2. Oasis 21

Oasis 21

Mall/entertainment complex “Oasis 21” is in the downtown Sakae, Nagoya. The symbol of it is called “Mizu no Uchusen (Water spaceship)” and it is popular when the summer comes. Specifically, they light up the whole thing which is the reason for its being popular. Its theme is based on seasons. The lighting changes season by season. The light-up takes place twice a night. Get a picture when it happens! For a side-note, you can go and take a walk on the oval glass on top.

3. Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum

Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum

Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum (新横浜ラーメン博物館) is a food amusement park with the theme of a nostalgic town from early 1990s in Japan, located in Yokohama. Famous Ramen shops gather at the museum from all over Japan. Ramen itself and the good-old atmosphere are simply great on photos!!

Yokohama Ramen Museum: Best Place to Eat Ramen in Japan

4. Yanaka, Tokyo

Yanaka

Yanaka is a quiet neighborhood located in Taito ward, Tokyo. The main street called “Yanaka Ginza” has many shops and restaurants which are in business for a long time. The atmosphere that comes from the avenue makes the photo look great. Feel the nostalgic old Japanese here.

5. Okinawa World

Okinawa World

Okinawa world: the biggest amusement park in Okinawa is located in the south of Okinawa. This place has many things you can feel and experience the nature, the culture and the history of Okinawa. Especially “Natural Monument Gyokusendo cave”, the cave inside the park, has been produced naturally for 300,000 years. The full length of it is 5,000 meters and has over a million stalactites. They are one of the biggest ones in the country. It is the best place to take dynamic photos.

6. Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Shiretoko Goko Lakes

There is a huge virgin forest in Shiretoko peninsula on the edge of northern east Hokkaido. Inside the forest, surrounded by trees, there are 5 mysterious looking lakes, Shiretoko Goko lakes. It is the best place and popular to visit and take pictures in the summer. The reflection of trees surrounding the lake and Shiretoko renzan (mountain chain) in the lake is absolutely breath-taking. From the observation tower you can view the dai-ichi(the first) lake and Shiretoko Renzan.

7. Aqueduct at Nanzenji Temple

Aqueduct at Nanzenji Temple

An old brick aqueduct runs through the site of Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺). The aqueduct bridge with beautifully arched footings was designed to be matched the scenery of the temple. The red bricks forming the aqueduct represents the Meiji Period.

8. Gotokuji Temple

Gotokuji Temple

Welcomed with many Manekineko (fortune cats), there is a temple called Gotokuji (豪徳寺) in Tokyo. Manekineko has been in Japanese lives for a really long times. It is believed that it will bring us luck in everything, including business. It would be nice to capture the temple and over 1,000 cute Manekineko while getting the cool breeze from the trees around it, don’t you think?

9. Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery ©️ ASAHI BREWERIES, LTD.

Nikka Whisky is the representative of Japanese whisky brand and the origin of Nikka Whisky’s Distillery is Yoichi city, Hokkaido. The place is called “Japanese Scotland”, in another words, Mecca of Nikka Whisky. The atmosphere inside the gate of the site, where there are many buildings used to make whisky, is as if you were in old Europe. We are sure that you will enjoy taking pictures here, and they have whisky taste tests as well.

10. Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita

Middle area of Hokkaido gets popular in summer. Especially the lavender farm. Farm Tomita is known as the largest lavender field in Japan. Many people come in the summer from Japan and outside of Japan. Here, they have many flower field and many kinds of flowers are being grown. This field of colorful flowers, including purple lavenders is very Instagram worthy. From the middle to toward the end of July is the best season to see them.


Tokyo is the most popular city for the tourists, but Hokkaido and Okinawa get popular in the summer. There are so many great places in Japan, other than the places we have mentioned above. Look for your original Instagram worthy spots with your own eyes!

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Picks▼

Written by

I'm writing by my motto: helping travelers spend their limited time experiencing something priceless in Japan. My articles won't let you down! Living in Tokyo and traveling many popular and hidden sites all over Japan, I deliver well-selected and latest tourist information to you from the perspective of “100% Japanese local”. My specific interests are island hopping, eating countless bowls of ramen, watching anime and reading manga. Enjoy Japan Web Magazine for recommended food spots, hidden gems Japanese Otaku (geek) culture, and everything about Japan :)