Yes, summer in Japan is hot, but that's one of the reasons to retreat to a comfortable climate in the mountains. The other reason – the best reason – is to experience Japan's exciting summer festivals. In Gunma Prefecture, a mountainous inland region northwest of Tokyo, not only will you discover charming towns, abundant nature, some of Japan's finest hot springs, and a diverse array of local cuisine, in summer, you can participate in two outstanding traditional festivals: the Kiryu Yagibushi Ma
