(Based on materials from Hotels.com)
Hotels.com has released its top five “cool destinations” to help travelers beat the intense heat of 2024, both within Japan and internationally. Since Tokyo recorded its first extreme heat day of the year, the relentless high temperatures have driven many people to seek refuge in cooler resorts across the country. This trend is clearly reflected in the over 20% increase in searches for well-known summer retreat areas like Gotemba in Shizuoka Prefecture, Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, and Lake Kawaguchi in Yamanashi Prefecture, suggesting that many are eager to escape the sweltering heat.
(Source : Hotels.com)
One of the recommended destinations is Hiji Falls in Okinawa. Although Okinawa is often associated with hot weather, it surprisingly ranked last in the 2023 prefectural maximum temperature rankings. Hiji Falls is located in the northern part of Okinawa and is surrounded by a natural environment rich in negative ions. The area features a well-maintained hiking trail and boardwalk, taking about 40 minutes one way, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the great outdoors while feeling refreshed.
(Source : Hotels.com)
Another suggested location is Hiruzen Highlands in Okayama Prefecture, which is recognized as one of the premier highland resorts in western Japan. It is celebrated for its expansive natural landscapes and diverse tourist attractions. Among them is “Shiogama Cold Spring,” which springs from the foothills of Hiruzen and has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 famous waters. The cold water and the cool forested surroundings make it an ideal spot to escape the oppressive summer heat.
(Source : Hotels.com)
On an international note, Yellowknife in Canada is highlighted as a “cool destination.” This city is famous for its auroras, and during the period from mid-August to September, the average temperature is a refreshing 7 to 15 degrees Celsius. At this time of year, visitors also have the chance to witness the auroras reflected on the lake’s surface, offering an opportunity to escape Japan’s extreme heat while enjoying the wonders of nature.
(Source : Hotels.com)
Another international recommendation is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in New Zealand. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this park is in the transitional period from winter to spring between August and September. Visitors can enjoy hiking with the backdrop of snow-covered mountains, while nearby Lake Tekapo offers breathtaking views of the starry night sky.
(Source : Hotels.com)
Finally, Xitou in Taiwan is introduced as a cool and refreshing destination. Located about two hours by bus from Taichung, Xitou sits over 1,000 meters above sea level, resulting in a pleasantly cool average temperature of around 16 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The nature education park offers various activities such as hiking and bird watching, making it a popular destination for all ages to enjoy the cool air even in the height of summer.
To help travelers book hotels in these cool destinations, Hotels.com offers convenient tools like Trip Planner and Smart Shopping. With access to over 100,000 hotels worldwide, Hotels.com makes it easy to find and book the perfect accommodation. Furthermore, the platform provides more than 25 million reviews from actual guests, and its app, with over 70 million downloads, ensures a smooth and convenient booking experience.