How to Survive Summers in Japan
In 2020, the hottest day in Tokyo had a real feel of 116℉/46.7℃. While that’s on the extreme end, summers in Japan are HOT. I can’t stress that enough.
During the Tokyo Olympics, heat became one of the issues and many athletes themselves brought it up.
If you’re like me where you absolutely hate heat and humidity, summer in Japan is not for you. However, if you plan to live in Japan or visit during the summer, you’re going to have to deal with it somehow.
Having lived (survived) numerous oven-like feeling summers in Japan, I’ve learned of a few everyday things that help me a little. They may help you if you’re in need.
Everyday items
1. UNIQLO Airism
Airism from UNIQLO [J] comes in different forms but is meant to help keep you cool in the summer heat.
There are a few different options, but I recommend these seamless, micro-mesh v-necks.
Like many, I used to try to simply wear less clothes in the summer, so I wouldn’t wear an undershirt. These however, help keep your shirt from getting sweaty and sticking to your body. They make it a little easier for air to pass through which helps keep you cooler.
2. Summer pants
I’m a long jeans guy but in the summer, they get put away as it’s just way too hot. Instead, going for lightweight and/or breathable bottoms made for this weather is highly recommended.
My favorite shorts I’ve found are by a Japanese brand called Minotaur, and they are ridiculously lightweight - it’s like you’re not wearing anything. Having shorts are a minimum requirement, but ones like these can have a huge difference to standard, cotton shorts.
They can be a bit pricey depending on the brand, but UNIQLO [J] and some other places have good and reasonable options as well.
3. Menthol sprays
If you go to a drug store or shops like Loft or Tokyu Hands, you’ll find shelves of items such as menthol sprays that help with the heat.
You can either spray them on the insides of your clothes which will give a cool sensation when you wear them, at least for a little while, or you can also directly spray them on your skin. There’s also gels and wipes that have the same effect.
4. Wet towels
Towels that hold moisture and stay cool for a long time can be found in a lot of stores and they’re really convenient, especially if you’ll be outdoors for a while.
I don’t really use them as much in Tokyo, but I used to a lot when I was living in Fukuoka and would bike each day to work under the brutal summer sun. Just wet them and put them around your neck, then re-wet them as needed.
5. Mini fan
Pocket or carry bag-sized mini fans can really help especially on those muggy days, or in trains when ventilation is low or when they get really crowded.
Some fans are tiny and palm-sized, other’s are a little bigger and there are ones with rechargeable batteries that can also be used to charge your phone. A completely different and convenient design are flat ones that can be worn around your neck so they’re blowing air on you hands-free.
6. Powder Lotions
Powdered lotions, often with some kind of scent or deodorant, spreads a fine powder on your skin to help make you less sticky.
Sea Breeze might be the most popular brand but I personally like 8x4 because the powder to liquid ratio seems to be better. Japanese summers will leave you hot and sticky, so this can really help.
Got any other good tips?