GUIDE LINES Summer Events

Races

World Aquatics Championships 2023 Fukuoka

The competition will take place at several venues around Fukuoka City, starting with diving at Fukuoka Prefectural Pool and choreographed swimming and water polo at Marine Messe Fukuoka. Athletes will compete in open-water swimming and high diving at Seaside Momochi Beach Park. This event will be followed by the masters championships held across Kyushu.

When: July 14-30

Where: Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Web: fina-fukuoka2022.org

Salomon 4100D Mountain Trail in Nozawa Onsen

This run is held in the traditional hot spring village and Olympic ski town of Nozawa Onsen. There are long (65 kilometers), middle (37 kilometers) and short (14 kilometers) courses and participants can run solo, as a pair or in a group.

When: July 16

Where: Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Web: s-mountain.com/nozawa

OMM Lite and Bike Otari

This entry-level race is designed to give newbies a feel of an Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) navigational race in mountainous Hakuba. The OMM Lite is a two-day race with some off-trail areas, but mostly on trail with teams of two to five people. Families and friends who are not participating can camp with racers in the overnight camping area. The OMM Bike (the cycling version of OMM Lite) will be held simultaneously.

When: July 22-23

Where: Otari, Nagano Web: theomm.jp

World Aquatics Masters Championships 2023 Kyushu

Following the Fukuoka events, this masters championships will be held across Fukuoka City, Kumamoto City and Kagoshima City. The final races will wrap up on August 11th.

When: Aug. 2-11

Where: Kyushu Web: worldaquatics.com

Niseko Hanazono Hill Climb

This 14-kilometer race starts at Kutchan— the Potato Festival will be held here simultaneously—and runs mainly on flat roads to the Kutchan Agricultural High School. From there, climb a wide mountain road. The last two kilometers becomes a single lane with a steep slope until the goal at the border between Kutchan and Niseko towns.

When: Aug. 6

Where: Kutchan, Hokkaido Web: nisekohillclimb.com

Mt. Rokko Trail Run and Summer Picnic

This trail run is held on Yama no Hi, or Mountain Day, at Mt. Rokko, which overlooks Osaka Bay. The 28-kilometer course goes up to 1,750 meters and takes about six hours, while the 10K race reaches 300 meters and takes about four hours. There is also a familyfriendly rogaining challenge held the same day.

When: Aug. 11

Where: Kobe Municipal Arboretum, Hyogo Web: actrep-sports.com/mt-rokko-picnic

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023

Okinawa joins Manila and Jakarta as hosts of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Group plan or the first two rounds will be held at Okinawa Arena where some of the world's best basketball players will gather and compete for the title. The quarterfinals and finals will be played in Manila.

When: Aug. 25 - Sept. 3

Where: Okinawa Arena, Okinawa Web: fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023

NAC Trail Run

Hokkaido’s first trail run returns for its 21st race. Choose between a hardcore 30-kilometer mountain course, a shorter 10K run and a 5K serene forest trail course.

When: Sept. 3

Where: Niseko, Hokkaido Web: nacadventures.jp/events/nac-trail-run-inniseko

Central Alps Nishikoma Bokka

Bokka in Japanese means to carry luggage or supplies up a mountain. This unusual hill climb goes up to Nishikoma, Japan’s central Alps’ northernmost mountain hut. Nishikoma was built as an evacuation hut in 1913 by local residents and the tradition of preserving this hut continues with this trail run. Choose between three or 15-kilogram stacks of firewood and run up to the 2,690-meterhigh hut at Mt. Shogikashira.

When: Sept. 3

Where: Kiso Mountains, Nagano Web: sportsentry.ne.jp/event/ t/90864

Zao Skyrun 2023

Run from spa to sky in Yamagata. The run starts from Zao Onsen’s hot spring town and heads up to the 1,840-meter Mt. Zao. You’ll also pass by the vividcolored Lake Okama.

When: Sept. 9-10

Where: Zao Onsen, Yamagata Web: zaoskyrun.com

Adventure Travel World Summit

Travel professionals from around the world will come together this fall at Asia’s first Adventure Travel World Summit. There will be cycling and walking tours in between intriguing panel discussions by speakers including Shannon Stowell, CEO of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and best-selling author Pico Iyer.

When: Sept. 11-14

Where: Sapporo, Hokkaido Web: events.adventuretravel.biz/ summit/hokkaido-2023

Spartan Race Beast/Sprint

This course takes advantage of the hilly terrain at Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort and promises great views at the top. For a tasty reward, our friends at Baird Beer will be serving fresh craft beer at their booth.

When: Sept. 23

Where: Gala Yuzawa, Niigata Web: jp.spartan.com/en

Alps Outdoor Summit

This three-day event connects local and international outdoor brands and makers while exploring Matsumoto, the gateway to the Kamikochi mountains. Discover manufacturers changing the adventure travel scene, then go hiking or cycling during peak autumn foliage season.

When: Oct. 6-8

Where: Matsumoto, Nagano Web: alpsoutdoorsummit.jp/en

Tour de Kyushu

Eighteen teams from Japan and abroad will be cycling on an epic route through Kyushu’s historic, oceanic and volcanic landscapes. The race begins at Kitakyushu’s Kokura Castle then continues over the following days through Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Oita prefectures, passing through the five Aso mountains and ending with a high-speed sprint in Hita’s city center in Oita.

When: Oct. 6-9

Where: Kyushu

Web: tourdekyushu.asia/en

Grinduro

This adventure cycling race combines the best elements of a mountain bike enduro with a gravel grinder-style road race. Plus racers can enjoy delicious food, an art and bike festival, live music and camping in the Japan alpine village of Hakuba. The 80K course follows flowing singletrack to flat rice fields.

When: Oct. 7-9

Where: Hakuba, Nagano Web: ridejapan.cc

BikesBeachBergs

KIDS’ SUMMER CAMPS

Imagine Summer Camp

Kids get a taste of a wide range of activities on land and water around Niseko at this weekly camp. Daily transport takes kids from the standard pick-up spot in Niseko Higashiyama, with the option to add pick-up points such as in Kutchan or Sapporo. The first three days are day trips and the last two are an overnight camping excursion. The destinations range from the rivers of Kyogoku to the forests of Kimobetsu and from an ostrich farm in Niseko to Lake Toya. In one of Imagine’s signature activities, teams are challenged to build their own “civilizations” in a forest using tools, limited resources and natural materials. They also learn survival skills, cook on their own campfire and build bamboo rafts. Other highlights include cycling, snorkeling, SUP, river rafting, water fights and classic outdoor team games.

When: Weekly between June 19-Aug. 28

Where: Niseko, Hokkaido

Age: 7-14 Web: imagine-japan.com

ReWild Child Forest School

ReWild Child’s two-day summer day camps give children the freedom to roam the forest and explore nature. The camps start around a fire circle and include activities such as raft making, hand balsam making, fire striking, slacklining, nature potions, bow and arrows and happa zome (Japanese leaf printing). There’s free time to hunt for bugs, build dens or simply swing and relax in a hammock.

Niseko Gravel

This autumn race is a mixedsurface ride taking adventure cyclists through forest roads, gravel climbs and iconic Hokkaido farm trails.

When: Sept. 23-24

Where: Niseko, Hokkaido Web: nisekogravel.com

Spartan Race Trail/Kids

Enjoy grand views of Mt. Fuji at this 10K race in Susono City, near Hakone and the Ashitaka mountains. There will also be the first-ever standalone Spartan Kids race.

When: Sept. 30-Oct. 1

Where: Susono, Shizuoka Web: jp.spartan.com/en

Hakone Hill Climb

This road bike competition climbs to the top of Mount Hakone covering approximately 20 kilometers.

When: Oct. 1

Where: Hakone, Kanagawa Web: walkride-cycling.info/ hakone-hc-top

This 125-km. ride is for roadies as it’s a mostly paved course. Explore the southernmost point of the subtropical Izu peninsula with its ocean lookouts and beaches; the ride starts with a smooth yet hilly route in Shimoda. Head to Shirahama Beach before heading for the hills and traversing the center of Minami Izu. The checkpoint is in Matsuzaki, an up-and-coming MTB town. Enjoy quintessentially Japanese scenes at Ishibu rice terrace. Cycle to Cape Irozaki before returning to Shimoda.

When: Oct. 29-30

Where: Izu, Shizuoka Web: ridejapan.cc

Sea to Summit

Montbell’s popular Sea to Summit race series aims to help invigorate local areas, holding events where participants can experience nature through canoeing, cycling, trekking and other means of human-powered movement.

When and Where:

July 1-2: Bizen, Okayama

July 15-16: Myoko, Niigata

July 22-23: Gassan, Yamagata

Aug. 19-20: Asahidake, Hokkaido

Aug. 26-27: Mt. Chokai, Yamagata

Oct. 7-8: Kamimachi, Miyagi

Oct. 14-15: Chikuma River, Nagano Web: seatosummit.jp

When: July 17-18

Where: Hayama, Kanagawa

Age: 7-14

Web: rewildchildcom.wordpress.com

EdVenture Summer Kids Camp

Choose between three or five-day camps; experiences include custom skateboard building, tree planting workshops, mountain biking, cultural excursions and organic vegetable farm visits.

When: Weekly between June to August

Where: Niseko, Hokkaido

Age: 3 and up Web: edventureniseko.com

Evergreen Summer Camp

Evergreen Outdoor Center runs outdoor education programs for international schools, families and groups in the beautiful Japan Alps. Programs range from day experiences to nine-day camps. Activities include raft building, hiking, river rafting, canyoning, mountain biking, stand-up paddle boarding, tree climbing, rock climbing and orienteering in the Hakuba outdoors.

When: June 19-Aug. 25 (5-day and 10-day camps)

Where: Hakuba, Nagano

Age: 7-16

Web: evergreen-hakuba.com

English Adventure

English Adventure runs English camp experiences for children from kindergarten to middle school. This camp is nestled in the mountains near Tsunan in Niigata and emphasizes English speaking skills, personal development and growth. Fun camp activities include crafts, camp games, hiking and campfires.

When: July 22 - Aug. 23 (Multi-day camps)

Where: Tsunan, Niigata Age: 6 and up Web: english-adventure.org

Music Festivals

Corona Sunsets Festival

When: July 15-16

Where: Toyosaki Seaside Park, Okinawa Web: corona-extra.jp/sunsets-fes

Fuji Rock

When: July 28-30

Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata Web: fujirockfestival.com

Rock in Japan Festival

When: Aug. 5-6, Aug. 11-13

Where: Chiba Soga Sports Park, Chiba Web: rijfes.jp

Rising Sun Rock Festival in Ezo

When: Aug. 11-12

Where: Ishikari, Hokkaido Web: rsr.wess.co.jp

Music Circus

When: Aug. 11-13

Where: Sennan Long Park, Osaka Web: music-circus.jp

Earth Celebration

When: Aug. 18-20

Where: Ogi, Sado Island, Niigata Web: earthcelebration.jp

Summer Sonic

When: Aug. 19-20

Where: Tokyo and Osaka Web: summersonic.com

MadStreet Music Festival

When: Aug. 19-20

Where: Madarao, Nagano Web: madaraomountainresort.com

Space Shower Sweet Love Shower

When: Aug. 25-27

Where: Yamanakako, Yamanashi Web: sweetloveshower.com

Gampeki Music Festival

When: Mid-Sept.

Where: Uriwari Stone Park, Yamagata Web: gampeki.com

Sunshine Festival

When: Sept. 16-18

Where: Naeba, Niigata Web: sunshinefestival.jp

New Acoustic Camp

When: Sept. 16-18

Where: Minakami, Gunma Web: newacousticcamp.com

Ringo Fes

When: Sept. 23-24

Where: Matsumoto Alps Park, Nagano Web: ringofes.info

Asagiri Jam

When: Oct. 21-22

Where: Asagiri Kogen, Shizuoka Web: asagirijam.jp

Other Events

Montbell Photo Contest

Montbell, Japan’s largest homegrown outdoor brand, is hosting their fifth annual photo contest. Photo submissions include mountaineering, trekking, camping, kayaking, cycling, fishing, climbing, hiking and enjoying outdoor activities. Landscape and nature photography may also be submitted. Enter for your chance to win a ¥50,000 Montbell gift card and other exciting prizes. Anyone is eligible.

When: Until Aug. 31 Web: montbell.jp

Craft Beer Festivals

Hibiya Oktoberfest

When: July7-17

Where: Hibiya Park, Tokyo Web: oktober-fest.jp

Tsukuba Craft Beer Fes

When: July 21-23

Where: Tsukuba, Ibaraki Web: tsukuba-craftbeerfest.com

BeerFes

When and Where:

Aug. 5-6: Nagoya

Sept. 9-10: Yokohama

TBD: Osaka and Okinawa Web: beerfes.jp

Belgian Beer Weekend

When: Sept. 14-18

Where: Roppongi, Tokyo Web: belgianbeerweekend.jp/en

Traditional Summer And Fireworks Festivals

July 1-15: Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, Fukuoka

July 1-31: Gion Festival, Kyoto

July 7-9: Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Festival, Kanagawa

July 15: Ueno Park Festival, Tokyo

July 20-22: Kumatani Uchiwa (Fan) Festival, Saitama

July 21-Aug. 18: Sapporo Summer Festival, Hokkaido

July 22-23: Ogionsa Summer Festival, Kagoshima

July 25: Osaka Tenjin Festival, Osaka

July 29-30: Matsuri Erekoccha Dance Festival, Miyazaki

July 29-30: Nagasaki Minato Festival, Nagasaki

July 31: Kosui Lake Festival, Kanagawa

End of July: Haneda Festival, Tokyo

End of July: Chidorigafuchi Moat Floating Lantern Festival, Tokyo

Beg. of Aug.: Tsukiji Honganji Bon Odori Festival, Tokyo

Aug. 1-4: Morioka Sansa Dance Festival, Iwate

Aug. 2-7: Aomori Nebuta Festival, Aomori

Aug. 2-3: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival, Niigata

Aug. 3: Hinokuni Summer Festival, Kumamoto

Aug. 3-6: Akita Kanto Festival, Akita

Aug. 4-6: Fukushima Waraji Festival, Fukushima

Aug. 4-6: Niigata Festival, Niigata

Aug. 4-9: Oita Tanabata Festival, Oita

Aug. 5: Torii Gate Burning Festival, Kanagawa

Aug. 5: Chikugogawa River Fireworks Festival, Fukuoka

Aug. 5-6: Nakameguro Summer Festival

Aug. 5-6: Onmaku Fireworks Festival, Ehime

Aug. 5-7: Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, Yamagata

Aug. 6-8: Sendai Tanabata Festival, Miyagi

Aug. 9-12: Yosakoi Festival, Kochi

Aug. 11-15: Awa Odori Dance Festival, Tokushima

Aug. 12-13: Okinawa All-Island Eisa Summer Festival, Okinawa

Aug. 12-14: Yuki Niseko Bon Festival, Niseko

Aug. 13-16: Gujo Odori Bon Dance Festival, Gifu

Aug. 19-20: Okayama Momotaro Summer Festival, Okayama

Aug. 26: Akita Omagari Fireworks Festival, Akita

Sept. 1-3: Owara Kaze no Bon Festival, Toyama