Sure, it’s a bit toasty out, but escape from the heat is never farther than the ocean or mountains, neither of which are far from downtown Yokohama. Previously, the month of August was devoid of official holidays, but this year the Japanese government has graced us with a new one: Yama no Hi, or Mountain Day. If heading to the coolness of higher elevations was in your plans, now you have another reason to do it and an extra day off, too!
We aren’t encouraging you to leave the city completely behind for a month in the woods. For some, a trip to one of the many beer gardens set up around the city is more than enough to wash away the summertime doldrums. And there are plenty of great events happening, as you will see in our Spotlight section.
Grab a friend or three, strap on your hiking boots or put on your yukata and get out there. It may be hot, but together we make this city an even cooler place.