Photo by HS You
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency’s forecast, temperatures from August to October 2025 are expected to be higher than average. Not only extremely hot days with temperatures reaching 35℃, some regions are expected to see highs of 40℃. Moreover, Japan’s summer is known or its high humidity which makes the perceived temperature even higher. School holidays have already started and companies are also will have holidays soon. Everyone including both tourists and residents enjoys going out during summer. But, what are good ways to avoid the extreme heat of Japanese summer?
Portable fans
Recently, more people are carrying around portable fans. Thet are light, handy, and easy to transport, making them very popular. The most common type has a small electric fan with a handle but there are lots of variations including fans with a clip or stand, and ones for hanging around the neck. Some are battery-operated, and others are USB-powered. Prices range from around 1,000 to 4,000 yen. They can be purchased at electronics stores, general goods shops, and online retailers.
Neck coolers
The neck is an important body part that regulates body temperature. Similar to wearing a scarf to warm yourself in the winter, you can refresh your heated body by putting a cooler around your neck. There are several types of neck coolers: those to be chilled in the freezer, towel type, and electric type. The frozen type and towel type are recommended for tourists. The frozen tube type is suitable for short outings, providing an instant cooling effect. Although the towel type is not as cold as the frozen tube, it can be reused repeatedly by dampening it.
Cooling body wipe sheets
While traveling in Japan, you will basically be going out every day. If you travel in Japan during the summer, you will definitely sweat a lot. You can’t really help it, but you feel sticky all over after walking around sweating heavily. The cooling body wipes gives you an instant refreshment and cooling sensation. It also has a deodorant effect. Prices vary by makers but normally remain between 400 yen to 600 yen.
Cooling sprays
A cooling spray (not the medical type) is a must-have item when spending hot summer days outdoors. Various types are available, including those to be sprayed over clothes, those to be used directly on bare skin, spray cans, and misting types. You can purchase them everywhere, from convenience stores, drugstores, and supermarkets. Choose one that suits your preference, such as those with menthol scents or deodorant effects. Use a cooling spray together with a portable fan to cool yourself even better.
Salt candies
Heatstroke is one of the biggest hazards while traveling in Japan during the summer. In Japan, the average summer temperature has been rising over the past few decades, many cases of heatstroke are reported every year. While temperature regulation and frequent hydration are certainly important, what is often overlooked is the replenishment of salt and other minerals. Salt candies are small and easy to carry around on you. By eating a salt candy and drinking water or barley tea, you can intake fluids and salt that were lost due to excessive sweating. There are also salt candies that contain minerals like magnesium and potassium in addition to sodium. Just be careful not to overtake them.
Don’t forget to take this with you…
Although you hardy have a chance to wear this outside, a thin long-sleeve shirt can be very handy during summer. In Japan, the summer is extremely hot outside, but indoors are kept cool by air conditioning. When you are sweating outside and then come inside to cool temperatures, it feels good at first, but your body quickly cool down. Exposing yourself to sudden temperature changes all day from the hot outside to the cool inside, you can eventually feel unwell. For this reason, having a thin extra layer that you can quickly put on when going out in the summer will help you regulate your body temperature.
Step outside, summertime’s in bloom
The 2025 summer is getting hotter and hotter. Particularly in urban areas with many skyscrapers, such as Tokyo and Osaka, the heat island phenomenon is causing temperatures to rise even higher than in surrounding areas, significantly increasing the risk of heat stroke. However, summer is the best season to enjoy events like fireworks and music festivals, which naturally encourages you to go outside. So, on top of hydrating yourself well, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and putting sunscreen, use some handy gadgets introduced in this column to spend this summer comfortably!
