Japanese summers are so unfair. They are packed with amazing things: festivals, fireworks, the beach, all the yummy food. However, summer is also the most challenging season weather-wise, hot and humid.
Nevertheless, if you are up for a challenge and are willing to battle it out with the humidity, you can have an absolutely amazing time. Take the festivals for instance. In Tokyo, every self-respecting neighborhood organizes awaodori (dance parade), and it would be a crime for you not to go and check out at least one of them.
You are also more than welcome to take part in the festivities and become a part of the community. For me, I love Japanese festivals especially for the community spirit that they have. Families, lovers, children, neighbors, seniors—everyone around you is smiling, eating, drinking, dancing. So get equipped with some bottles of water, a camera, and off you go, off to the most amazing summertime experience of your life!