Ever since “washoku,” or traditional Japanese food, was designated an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013, popular dishes and liquors like sushi, tempura, sukiyaki, sake, shochu and awamori — have been garnering a lot of international attention.

Emerald terraced fields stretch out against a backdrop of blue sea under the bright sun. Thousands of watermelons line up in the foliage awaiting harvest.

As the days get steamier and wetter, maybe going out to see Tokyo’s many attractions is not something you’re motivated to do. Why not try something unusual to scare away the melancholy and Japanese summer blues?

Three hiking regions to join Japan’s hiking community.