Beat the Heat! Japan Summer Tour 2026
Where Japan’s summer feels like a breeze
Escape Japan’s summer humidity on this adventure through the country’s coolest destinations.
From the breezy peaks of the Japanese Alps to the tranquil lakes of Hakone and the chic resort town of Karuizawa, the Beat the Heat! Japan Summer Tour will show you the best of Japan – without breaking a sweat. Savor the crisp mountain air as you taste regional flavors, try your hand at traditional crafts, and unwind in comfort. Summer in Japan has never felt so cool!
If you’ve traveled to Japan in the summer, you know how grueling the heat can be — but that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beautiful summer season! That’s why we’ve put together the Beat the Heat: Japan Summer Tour, exploring Japan’s coolest destinations. Skip the humidity this year and travel with us to Japan’s refreshing mountainous regions — where all the locals go to escape the summer heat.
Travel by ropeway and pirateship through Hakone, all the while admiring Mt. Fuji’s stunning views. Check out Matsumoto’s famous Daio Wasabi Farm and marvel at the breathtaking scenery of Japan’s Alps in Kamikochi. Shop ’til you drop in Karuizawa and even try your hand at a curling lesson! And no summer day is complete without a cool beverage, so we’ve made sure to include local wine and beer tasting along the way.
Destination Highlights for the Beat the Heat: Japan Summer Tour
Tokyo – Hakone – Matsumoto – Kamikochi – Karuizawa
What’s included on the Beat the Heat Japan Summer Tour 2026:
- Start your journey in peace, away from the airport crowds, with a chance to relax at HIS Hawaii’s exclusive LeaLea Lounge at Honolulu Airport before your flight.
- Expert English-speaking local guides and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Unique culture and craft activities designed to keep you cool, including Hakone Yosegi Zaiku woodworking, byobu folding, and curling lessons!
- Relaxing stays at top-rated accommodations
- 22 savory meals, featuring regional and seasonal delicacies
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Key Highlights:
- Discover the natural beauty and cultural charm of Hakone. Glide above the volcanic valleys of Owakudani on the Hakone Ropeway, cruise Lake Ashi aboard a pirate ship, and explore Komagatake’s panoramic views. Dive into local culture with a hands-on Hakone Yosegi Zaiku woodworking experience and enjoy a tasting at Gora Brewery, sampling craft beers made on-site.
- Travel to Matsumoto, home to historic castles and scenic farms. Explore the Daio Wasabi Farm, where you can see traditional wasabi cultivation, and later admire the striking architecture of Matsumoto Castle. Then, venture into the Japanese Alps for a full day of trekking in Kamikochi, surrounded by pristine rivers and towering peaks, with plenty of time to enjoy local cuisine along the way.
- Experience the elegance of Karuizawa. Visit the serene Shiraito Falls, stroll through the charming Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, and cool off at the interactive Karuizawa Ice Park. Don’t forget to enjoy shopping at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza during your free time!
- Conclude your journey in bustling Tokyo. Enjoy a farewell Yakatabune cruise in Tokyo Bay, a traditional boat dining experience as you take in city lights from the water. End your trip with a full free day to explore the city, perfect for shopping, sightseeing, or simply relaxing at your own pace.
Tour Itinerary
9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS IN JAPAN
☀️Click here to see the full tour schedule!☀️
Day 0 – August 1 (Saturday): Departure from Honolulu
- Your journey to Japan begins at Honolulu International Airport. Relax in the exclusive LeaLea Lounge before boarding your nonstop flight with All Nippon Airlines. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Day 1 – August 2 (Sunday): Arrival in Japan
- Arrive at Haneda Airport and meet your local Japanese guide. Then, proceed to the hotel to check in and drop off your luggage. Enjoy a light dinner at a local izakaya before heading back to the hotel. Rest up for your big summer adventure!
- Hotel: Shinagawa Prince Hotel
- Meals included: Dinner plus two meals served onboard the plane
Day 2 – August 3 (Monday): Hakone Highlights
- Leave the city heat behind as you journey to the cool mountain air of Hakone. Ride the Hakone Ropeway, then wander the steaming vents of Owakudani – Try a black egg to add seven years to your life! Next, set sail across Lake Ashi on a scenic cruise before a visit to the Hakone-en Aquarium. Then ride the Komagatake Ropeway for more sweeping panoramas. Finish the day with a soak in the onsen.
- Hotel: Hotel Okada (onsen hotel) or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 – August 4 (Tuesday): Arts, Crafts & Cool Brews
- Begin your day at the tranquil Narukawa Art Museum, known for its breezy lakeside setting and Mt. Fuji views. After lunch, dive into Hakone’s traditional artistry with a Yosegi Zaiku marquetry workshop. Then, refresh with a cool pint at Gora Brewery, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting. Finish the day with a dip in the onsen!
- Hotel: Hotel Okada (onsen hotel) or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 – August 5 (Wednesday): Matsumoto Sightseeing
- Today, journey north through the highlands toward Matsumoto. Stretch your legs at Daio Wasabi Farm, where you’ll stroll through shaded fields and enjoy lunch. Next, explore the elegant Matsumoto Castle, whose unique dark walls rise against the alpine sky. Don’t forget to enjoy the onsen in the evening!
- Hotel: Tabi no Hotel Lit Matsumoto (onsen hotel) or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 – August 6 (Thursday): Kamikochi Adventures
- Beat the summer heat like a local with a full-day adventure in the Japanese Alps. Stroll through Kamikochi, where crisp mountain air, turquoise rivers, and lush forests create one of Japan’s most breathtaking landscapes.
- Hotel: Tabi no Hotel Lit Matsumoto (onsen hotel) or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 – August 7 (Friday): Karuizawa & Chill Sips
- Savor a morning drive to the Château Mercian Mariko Winery. Enjoy a relaxed winery tour and tasting before heading to Karuizawa, Japan’s premier summer resort town. Enjoy a free afternoon for world-class shopping, sightseeing, or just relaxing in the hotel onsen. Enjoy dinner at your own pace at one of Karuizawa’s local restaurants.
- Hotel: Karuizawa Prince West (onsen hotel) or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 7 – August 8 (Saturday): Discover Karuizawa
- Start the day with a visit to the breathtaking Shiraito Falls. Then, stroll the charming Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, filled with boutique shops and cafés, and enjoy a free lunch on your own. In the afternoon, cool off with a fun and unique curling experience on Olympic-grade ice at the Karuizawa Ice Park.
- Hotel: Karuizawa Prince West (onsen hotel) or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 8 – August 9 (Sunday): Twilight on Tokyo Bay
- Return to Tokyo and enjoy some free time after checking into your hotel. As evening falls, celebrate your journey aboard a Yakatabune dinner cruise, gliding along Tokyo Bay while dining on traditional dishes under the sparkling skyline.
- Hotel: Shinagawa Prince Hotel (or similar)
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9 – August 10 (Monday): Tokyo Free Day
- Enjoy a free day to explore Tokyo at your own pace. Visit air-conditioned museums, browse the cool shopping arcades of Ginza or Shibuya, or just relax in your hotel oasis.
- Hotel: Shinagawa Prince Hotel (or similar)
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – August 11 (Tuesday): Farewell, Japan!
- Squeeze in last-minute shopping or sightseeing during your free morning in Tokyo. In the evening,enjoy one last uniquely Japanese experience — a Byobu folding screen–making workshop. Then, head to Haneda Airport for your departure back home.
- Meals included: Breakfast
This immersive summer journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and enjoy hands-on cultural experiences, stunning mountain scenery, and charming historical towns — all while exploring Japan’s coolest destinations.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,990.00*
$5,090.00 **
$1,500.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early-booking Special Offer:
SAVE $100 by being one of the first ten participants!
Here are just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: While August is peak summer in Japan, this tour is designed to escape the worst of the heat. After a brief time in Tokyo (highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F), most days are spent in cooler mountain and resort areas: Hakone and Matsumoto average in the low to mid-80s°F, Karuizawa stays comfortably cool in the mid-70s to low-80s°F, and Kamikochi offers refreshing alpine weather in the upper 60s to low-70s°F. Expect pleasant mornings and evenings, with occasional light summer showers.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance. One thing to keep in mind is our day of “light hiking” in Kamikochi. The paths are mostly paved and flat, and you will have the day to explore at your own pace. If you prefer not to walk too much, there are many facilities nearby, such as cafes and shops, where you can relax and enjoy the views.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a free afternoon in Karuizawa and a full free day in Tokyo.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 22 exceptional meals: 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a selection of carefully chosen, comfortable Japanese and Western-style hotels throughout the tour, ranging from modern city hotels to scenic resort-style properties. All hotels are selected for their quality, location, and relaxing atmosphere after a full day of sightseeing and culinary adventures.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international airfare from Honolulu to Japan, as well as domestic flights within Japan, are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (24 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
