With heat index reaching 33°C to over 40°C, summer in Japan can be brutal. But don’t sweat it (pun intended)! There are plenty of ways to beat the heat. Discover some handy items to help you stay cool, along with practical tips to survive Japan’s scorching summer.
Summer in Japan spans from June to August—a time of sweltering heat, high humidity, and vibrant traditions. It typically begins with the rainy season, known as tsuyu, when frequent rainfall is accompanied by rows of hydrangeas lining up pathways and parks. As mid-July approaches, temperatures begin to rise and humidity often exceeds 80%. By August, the weather reaches its peak, making it the hottest and most humid month of the year.
Summer brings plenty of fun (think of frolicking on the beach, watching fireworks display, and attending lively festivals). However, it also comes with its share of health risks such as dehydration, heatstroke, and summer fatigue. Staying informed can help you make the most of the season all while keeping yourself safe and healthy.
Cooling wipes are just as common in summer as heat packs are in winter. You’ll find them almost everywhere. They’re an easy grab when you need a quick, refreshing way to cool down your skin. Popular brands such as Gatsby and Bioré offer a variety of options to suit different preferences. When shopping, look for labels such as 冷感シート (reikan shīto, “cooling sheet”) or ボディーシート (bodī shīto, “body sheet”) on the packaging. These thin, disposable wipes help remove sweat, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and instantly cooler.
Clothing cooling mists are used to provide continuous cooling sensation if you plan to spend time outdoors. Simply spray the product directly onto your clothing before heading out.
You can try Matsumoto Kiyoshi’s EX COOL Shirts Spray which contains 7% menthol formulation that triggers long-lasting, icy-cold sensation across your body as you begin to sweat. It also acts as a refresher by deodorizing sweat odors, disinfecting, and providing anti-viral protection. The spray comes in two varieties: the blue label (mint scent) which leaves a crisp, herbal fragrance and the gray label (unscented) which gives extreme cooling strength without any added fragrance. Another great option is MUJI’s Cooling Mist for Clothes that comes in a light blue bottle. Formulated with menthol and alcohol, the mist is activated by sweat or a passing breeze to create a refreshing cooling effect that helps lower your perceived body temperature. True to MUJI’s minimalist philosophy, it is free from synthetic fragrances, artificial coloring, mineral oils, parabens, and silicone.
If you don’t like the sticky feeling of sunscreen, you might want to opt for cooling body gels. As the name suggests, these products are applied directly to the skin. They usually contain ingredients like menthol or peppermint extract that create a cooling sensation as they evaporate. Many are also infused with moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or plant extracts that soothe skin that’s been exposed to the sun.
FERNANDA is one of the well-known brands that sells cooling gels. Their Moist Body Gelato is especially popular because it combines a cooling effect with elegant, long-lasting scents inspired by perfumes. Their gels come in scents like Maria Regale, Momo, and other seasonal fragrances.
You might wonder what those C-shaped plastic rings displayed on store shelves are. They are neck cooling rings, one of Japan’s most popular summer essentials. Kids and adults alike can be seen wearing them around their necks during the hot season. What’s great about these rings is that they are reusable. All you have to do is chill one in the refrigerator, then wear it before heading outdoors. Unlike ice packs, they stay cool without becoming excessively cold or leaving your clothes damp with condensation. Available in an assortment of colors, sizes, and designs, neck cooling rings are lightweight and portable—a convenient solution to get through the blazing heat.
If there’s one item you’ll see almost everywhere during summer, it’s a potable fan. Whether people are commuting to work or waiting in line at theme parks, these handy devices help make the intense heat a little more bearable. They come in a wide range of sizes and designs, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
While portable fans are available at drugstores and supermarkets, stores like Yodabashi Camera (larger branches) and Francfranc have a wider selection of innovative models. Some feature a built-in cooling plate that you can press against your skin for an extra cooling sensation. Other models are compact in size but deliver surprisingly powerful airflow.
Another must-have item to keep in your tote bag is a UV parasol. This trusty companion not only provides shade but also helps protect your skin by blocking up to 99% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, provided it is made with high-quality UV-blocking materials. Unlike regular umbrellas, UV parasols are specifically designed to reduce sun exposure, helping lower the risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, and heat-related discomfort.
When choosing a UV parasol, look for one with a dark or silver-colored undercoating. This coating helps reflect heat and reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches your skin. For added convenience, pick a foldable design that you can easily carry wherever you go.
Sweating is your body’s natural way of cooling itself, but it also causes you to lose water and essential minerals. Drinking electrolyte beverages can help replenish these fluids. In Japan, you have many options to choose from, but here are the most popular ones:
Don’t let soaring temperatures drive you crazy. Here are some tips on how to handle the searing summer heat while still enjoying seasonal festivities, the beach, and outdoor activities.
Always bring a bottle of water wherever you go. Health experts recommend sipping fluids gradually throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts infrequently.
Wear loose cotton and linen fabrics that allow airflow and reduce body heat retention. Light colors such as white, beige, pastel, and mint help reflect heat and keep you cooler.
Japanese sun hats and arm-protecting garments are uniquely engineered to tackle both intense ultraviolet rays and extreme summer humidity. There are many styles to choose from, including wide-brim hats or those with a flap and neck guard. To protect your arms from sunburn, you can check out Uniqlo’s AIRism UV Cut Seamless Arm Covers that utilize smooth, moisture-wicking technology with threads that reflect UV rays.
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