Heartbeat of Japan’s Summer—Festivals, Fireworks
- 7 days
- From
- $6,200
/person
- Best Time to Go
- Jun-Nov
Summer in Japan bursts with life—trees lush, cicadas singing, streets alive with color and sound. Festivals fill the air with music and motion, connecting people to tradition. At night, fireworks bloom like fleeting flowers in the sky, dazzling and vanishing in an instant. This is Japan’s beauty: vibrant yet delicate, joyous yet ephemeral. In every spark and every cheer, there is a quiet reminder—nothing lasts forever, and that is what makes it beautiful.
Tour Highlights
- Witness the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival—one of Japan’s top three fireworks displays—from exclusive reserved seating, for an unforgettable view of this breathtaking spectacle.
- Experience the vibrant energy of the Nebuta Festival up close from exclusive VIP seating, where illuminated floats and powerful rhythms come alive before your eyes.
- Feel the powerful echoes of your own rhythm as you beat the taiko drum in an immersive cultural experience.
- Stay at carefully selected luxury accommodations, including the Five-Star Palace Hotel and Saryou Souen—a refined ryokan known for its serene Japanese garden and exceptional hospitality.
- Travel in exceptional comfort with Gran Class—the Shinkansen’s first-class experience—along with smooth and scenic journeys on limited express trains, complemented by seamless transfers with a private chauffeur.
Nagaoka
You will arrive at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) or Narita International Airport, where a private chauffeur will greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to Tokyo Station. From there, relax in comfort aboard the Shinkansen’s exclusive Gran Class to Nagaoka Station. Upon arrival, another private chauffeur will be waiting to escort you to the destination.
Nagaoka, in Niigata Prefecture, is a city shaped by resilience and innovation. Known for its spectacular fireworks launched in remembrance of war and disaster, it symbolizes peace and hope. The city also thrives in traditional craftsmanship and precision manufacturing. Set along the Shinano River and surrounded by snowy mountains, Nagaoka offers a unique blend of heartfelt community, engineering excellence, and cultural heritage—an inspiring destination that tells a deeper story of Japan’s spirit.
Sample experiences
・Witness the beauty of terraced rice fields, a symbol of Japan’s harmonious relationship with nature.
・Experience Japan’s finest fireworks show, a dazzling celebration of color, craftsmanship, and tradition
Akita
Located in northern Japan, Akita Prefecture sits in the Tohoku region at a latitude similar to Beijing and Madrid. Known for its dramatic seasonal beauty, Akita is home to deep snow in winter, lush rice fields in summer, and vibrant traditions like the Kanto Festival. Visitors can enjoy relaxing hot springs, local sake, and warm rural hospitality. With its rich culture and stunning natural landscapes, Akita offers an authentic and peaceful Japanese experience away from the crowds.
Sample experiences
・Discover the spirit of Akita’s local traditions at the Akita Folk Performing Arts Museum
・Enjoy a magical summer night at the Kanto Festival, with glowing lanterns rising into the sky in perfect harmony.
Aomori
Aomori Prefecture, located at the northern tip of Japan’s main island, is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by mountains and sea, it offers scenic landscapes in all seasons. Aomori is famous for the Nebuta Festival, fresh seafood, and world-renowned apples. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, soak in hot springs, and experience the deep traditions of northern Japan. With its unique blend of history, nature, and seasonal charm, Aomori offers an unforgettable and authentic Japanese escape.
Sample experiences
・Prepare for the Nebuta Festival with a visit to Wa Rasse, an interactive museum where you can explore the history, artistry, and spirit behind Aomori’s most iconic celebration.
・If you wish, you can even take part in the Nebuta Festival and join the vibrant parade yourself.
Sendai
Sendai is a vibrant city where nature, history, and modern life harmoniously coexist. Known as the “City of Trees,” it offers lush parks, historic temples, and lively festivals like Tanabata. The legacy of samurai lord Date Masamune lives on through local architecture and culture. Visitors can enjoy regional specialties such as gyutan (grilled beef tongue) and relax in nearby hot springs. With its blend of tradition and comfort, Sendai is a perfect gateway to the spirit of northern Japan.
Sample experiences
・Admire the special Tanabata illumination at Zuihoden, the historic resting place of famed samurai Date Masamune, where tradition meets seasonal beauty.
・Stroll through lively shopping streets during the Tanabata Festival, where stunning decorations and joyful energy create a truly magical experience.
Tokyo
Tokyo is far more than just a city. It is a singular stage for extraordinary experiences, where serenity and energy, tradition and innovation, elegance and playfulness resonate in perfect harmony. One moment, you’ll find yourself immersed in tranquil spaces steeped in refined ritual; the next, you’re surrounded by cutting-edge design and global trends that awaken the senses. This is a city where Japan’s subtle aesthetics coexist with an ever-evolving pulse of creativity.
Sample experiences
・Experience the timeless elegance of Noh theater, Japan’s classical performing art of masked drama, movement, and music.
・Luxury river cruise and night view experience along the Sumida River
You will be safely transferred to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) or Narita International Airport by a private chauffeur, concluding your wonderful journey.
