How to Spend Summer in Japan: A Complete Guide to Enjoying Japanese Summer Comfortably
Summer in Japan is a unique experience unlike anywhere else in the world. From the intense heat and high humidity to vibrant festivals and seasonal foods, Japanese summer offers a rich cultural and sensory adventure. However, the combination of heat and humidity can be challenging, especially for foreign travelers or residents unfamiliar with it. This guide will walk you through the distinctive features of Japanese summer, practical humidity countermeasures, and useful items for summer, so you can enjoy your time comfortably and fully.
The Unique Features of Japanese Summer
Japan’s summer typically starts with the rainy season (tsuyu) in June, followed by hot and humid weather through July and August. Temperatures often reach 30–35°C (86–95°F), but what really makes it tough is the humidity, often soaring above 80%. This high humidity makes sweat linger and makes the heat feel even more intense.
Despite the challenging weather, summer in Japan is vibrant with cultural events. Across the country, summer festivals (matsuri) and spectacular fireworks displays (hanabi taikai) light up the evenings. People dress in colorful yukata (summer kimono) and enjoy street food from lively festival stalls.
Summer also brings seasonal foods that help beat the heat, such as cold somen noodles, edamame, shaved ice (kakigōri), and grilled eel (unagi). These dishes are refreshing and deeply tied to Japanese summer culture.
Understanding and Coping with Japanese Summer Humidity
Why Is Japanese Summer So Humid?
Japan’s geography and climate, influenced by the Pacific high-pressure system, cause the air to be saturated with moisture during summer. This humidity makes the air feel heavy and sticky, increasing the discomfort and risk of heat exhaustion.
Practical Humidity Countermeasures
Wear Breathable Clothing
Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Japan’s stores, including popular chains like Uniqlo and Muji, offer “cooling” or quick-dry innerwear designed for summer comfort.Stay Hydrated
Carry water or sports drinks, which are widely available at convenience stores and vending machines everywhere. Drinking small amounts frequently helps prevent dehydration and heatstroke.Seek Shade and Air-Conditioned Spaces
When walking outside, use shaded paths or covered arcades. Take breaks in air-conditioned cafes, malls, or train stations to cool down.Use Cooling Products
Cooling sheets (hirake-shiito), sprays, and salt tablets are sold at drugstores and convenience stores. These help provide instant relief from heat and replenish electrolytes.
Three Useful Items for Surviving Japanese Summer
1. Folding Fan (Sensu) or Flat Fan (Uchiwa)
A traditional and practical tool to create a breeze anywhere. Folding fans are compact and easy to carry, while uchiwa are sturdier and often sold at festivals. You can find them at 100-yen shops, convenience stores, and souvenir shops.
2. Parasol (Higasa)
A parasol protects you from the sun and reduces heat exposure. Lightweight and foldable models are popular and can be found in department stores and variety shops. Recently, parasols designed for men have become trendy too.
3. Cooling Sheets and Sprays
Cooling sheets can be applied to the forehead or neck to lower skin temperature instantly. Cooling sprays can be misted on clothes or skin for refreshing relief. Both are affordable and widely available at drugstores and convenience stores.
Tips for Enjoying Summer in Japan
Experience Traditional Festivals and Fireworks
Summer festivals and fireworks are highlights of Japanese summer. Wearing a yukata, enjoying festival foods like yakisoba and takoyaki, and watching fireworks create unforgettable memories.
Escape to Cooler Regions
If city heat becomes overwhelming, consider visiting cooler areas like Hokkaido, Nagano, or the mountain resort town of Karuizawa. Okinawa’s beaches and islands also offer a tropical escape with refreshing sea breezes.
"A cool riverside retreat in Karuizawa, a popular summer getaway"
Savor Seasonal Summer Foods
Try kakigōri (shaved ice with syrup), chilled noodles, edamame, and grilled eel. These foods are not only delicious but also help you stay cool and energized.
Spend Time Indoors When Needed
Museums, shopping malls, and cinemas offer air-conditioned comfort. Plan indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day to avoid heat exhaustion.
Personal Experience: How I Learned to Love Japanese Summer
When I first arrived in Japan during summer, the humidity was overwhelming. I quickly learned that dressing in breathable clothes, carrying a fan, and using cooling sheets made a huge difference. Attending a summer festival in a yukata and tasting seasonal foods turned the challenging heat into a joyful cultural experience. Taking short trips to mountain areas also helped me recharge.
Conclusion
Knowing how to spend summer in Japan comfortably means understanding the challenges of Japanese summer humidity and preparing with useful items and strategies. Embrace the unique cultural experiences, enjoy seasonal foods, and use practical humidity countermeasures to make your Japanese summer unforgettable and enjoyable.
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