As someone who grew up in Hong Kong, I thought I was well prepared for the intense summer heat Japan is famous for. The sticky humidity and high temperatures of my hometown had me feeling ready for anything. However, after moving to Kyoto, I quickly realized that Japan’s summer heat is on another level, it literally feels like stepping into an oven! In 2024, we even experienced several “猛暑日” (moushobi), or extremely hot days, making heat management not just about comfort but also safety. For travelers planning to visit the country in the summertime, here are five tips you can’t miss out on to help you stay cool and safe.
Dress Appropriately
Linen Shirt – Photo Credit: tian dayong on Unsplash
When stepping outside on a scorching day, choosing the right clothing can make a huge difference. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to allow for better airflow and help release body heat. Avoid materials that trap heat, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Consider wearing quick-dry, moisture-wicking undergarments, so that sweat can evaporate quickly, keeping your core dry. Loose, light-coloured clothes can also reflect sunlight and keep you feeling cooler.
In Japanese culture, there’s a sense of “隠す美” (the beauty of modesty), so you may notice that even on the hottest days, people tend to wear less revealing clothing. However, many travelers may choose to wear as little as possible to combat the heat. If this style feels more comfortable for you, go for it! To adapt to the culture while staying cool, you can also carry a light, thin jacket to throw on when needed.
AIRism – Photo Credit: Uniqlo Official Website AIRism Feature Story
For additional comfort, consider grabbing some clothes from Uniqlo’s AIRism line while you are here! These garments are specifically designed for hot and humid weather and are made from cool-to-touch, breathable, and quick-drying fabrics that help keep you both cool and dry. As cheap as under ¥1,000, AIRism innerwear, t-shirts, and even their selection of masks are popular and affordable choices among locals and travelers alike.
Use Japanese Cooling Goods
Japanese Cooling Goods – Photo Credit: PR Times Loft Press Release
Japan is famous for its genius summer products. Portable fans and the traditional uchiwa (handheld fans) are must-haves to circulate air and cool yourself down. Cooling sprays, often infused with menthol, can be sprayed on your clothes to provide an instant chilling effect that can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Cooling towels and cooling body sheets can also help, so make sure to always have some in your bag. Last, but not least, don’t forget a cool ring for your neck, they don’t require refrigerating beforehand and simply putting it on can target major blood vessels that help lower your overall body temperature efficiently.
All of these products will be available at pretty much every convenience store, supermarket, and drugstore during the summer, so make sure you stock up along the way. Personally, cooling body sheets have been incredibly helpful in bringing my temperature down, removing excess moisture, and keeping my skin cool for a good while. So I can definitely say that I highly recommend these products for beating the heat.
Always Stock Up at Vending Machines
Boy at Vending Machine – Photo Credit: Egor Myznik on Unsplash
Japan’s iconic vending machines are a lifesaver in the hotter months. Keep an eye out for drinks like “麦茶” (mugicha, or barley tea), which has natural cooling properties and replenishes minerals lost through sweat. Sports drinks like Pocari Sweat or Aquarius are also excellent for staying hydrated and maintaining electrolyte balance. Make it a habit to grab a drink whenever you pass a vending machine, you’ll be glad you did!
However, it’s important to choose your drinks wisely. Caffeinated beverages like coffee, black tea, and green tea should be consumed in moderation, as they can lead to dehydration. Similarly, sugary drinks, such as sodas and juices, slow water absorption and can disrupt your blood sugar levels. Even milk, while rich in nutrients, can raise body temperature and induce sweating, making it unsuitable for staying cool on hot days.
Rest and Plan Around Peak Heat Hours
Cafes are incredibly popular and found almost everywhere in Japan – Photo Credit: Mylène Larnaud on Unsplash
The combination of Japan’s high temperatures and humidity is no joke. Overexerting yourself can lead to heat exhaustion, especially during the rainy season (梅雨期) when humidity spikes. To avoid this, try to plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late evenings when the sun is less intense. From around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., take advantage of air-conditioned indoor spaces like museums, department stores, or cafés to rest and cool down. Kyoto, for example, offers beautifully air-conditioned museums, galleries, and temples with sunroofs that let you experience the city without having to experience the midday heat. In other places like Osaka and Tokyo, you can go crazy no matter the temperature in the endless outlet parks and towering department stores!
Embrace Japan’s Summer Traditions
Kibune’s Kawadoko restaurants – Photo Credit: Catherine Chong
One way to cope with the heat is to embrace summer traditions like eating refreshing seasonal foods or enjoying cooling activities. For example, try kakigori (shaved ice) topped with sweet syrups, and traditional foods like somen (cold noodles) dipped in a light, flavorful broth. For the best 5 summer foods in Japan, take a look at another one of our blogs here.
Visiting water-related attractions, such as rivers or waterfalls, can also help you feel cooler. For example, in Kyoto, you can escape to the cool forests and rivers of Kibune or Kurama, where you can enjoy dining over a flowing river at kawadoko restaurants. The place actually feels like nature’s air conditioner! For a unique experience, try nagashi somen, where you catch cold noodles flowing down a bamboo slide with chopsticks, a fun and cooling activity often found in summer-focused restaurants. These experiences not only help beat the heat but also immerse you in Japan’s summertime culture.
The Tradition of Uchimizu
Uchimizu – Photo Credit: Mission Uchimizu Japan Official Website
Have you ever heard of uchimizu (打ち水)? This traditional Japanese practice of sprinkling water on streets and sidewalks is not just a custom, but an effective and proven way to cool down urban areas. You might witness storekeepers or homeowners doing this on their porches. The water cools the ground and, through evaporation, lowers surrounding temperatures. In 2024, a test conducted in Kyoto found that the ground temperature dropped from 37.9°C to 35.1°C after uchimizu, a whopping difference of 2.8°C!
Girl in Summer Field – Photo Credit: Nguyen TP Hai on Unsplash
Japan’s summer heat is intense, but it doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans. With the right preparation, you can still enjoy the country’s rich culture, seasonal delights, and breathtaking landscapes. Dress light, stock up on drinks, take breaks and embrace the innovative cooling solutions that Japan offers. Sip your barley tea, go crazy with a cooling spray, and let’s survive summer by adapting. Stay cool, stay safe and we’ll see you for an experience like none other come the season of heat!
Featured Photo Credit: Ryo Yoshitake on Unsplash
Now that you know how to survive a Japanese summer, why not join one of our Summer food tours on your next trip to Japan?
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