August

One of Japan’s Top 3 displays.

Move over Tottori — Nakatajima has baby turtles & kite battles.

A hot spot for anime and film fans, shutterbugs and lovers!

Giant glowing goldfish are paraded through this cute town.

Bright costumes, thousands of dance moves and bone-rattling drums will leave you in a trance.

Local vibes of Ayu sweetfish and all-night dancing.

For wanderers and adventures, this rugged locale is vital.

Ikebukuro’s quiet backstreets offer a convenient respite accented with warm sake.

Home of the awe-inspiring Kanto Matsuri, the compact city of Akita is packed with museums, shrines, parks and panoramic views.

Prehistoric flowers and record-breaking rice paddy art at this park in rural Saitama.

Close to Beppu, this rural hot spring town is as scenic as they come.