The weather is getting warmer and the water is becoming more and more enticing. But, you don’t have to travel all the way to Okinawa for white sandy beaches and exceptionally blue waters. Just a short drive from Tokyo, the beaches out of travel magazines await.

Throughout the summer, Japan’s night skies light up with the brilliance of “hanabi,” or fireworks. With more than 80 fireworks festivals nationwide, you’re sure to have an opportunity to catch one during your stay.

I’m in perpetual pursuit of rustic feels and shitamachi vibes of Japan. My soul is nourished by the sophisticated simplicity, local textures, shapes, and perfect imperfection of things around. For me, that’s the true face of this country – the old world meticulously camouflaged by the skyscrapers, neon billboards, vending machines, conveyor-belt sushi-yas, bullet trains and heated toilet seats.

People from the Edo Period (1603-1868) had various ways of kicking off the summer heat. Whether it was enjoying a wind chime, goldfish scooping, drinking sweet fermented rice drink or wearing a yukata, the Japanese from 100s of years ago had their traditions.