You might have heard how hot and humid it is in Japan during summer time. The humidity takes summer to a whole new level especially in the months of July and August, when temperature can reach to 35 degrees celsius or higher depending on each part of the country you are in.
But, as Japanese people tend to simplify and make life easier there are some summer hacks you can learn to enjoy better your stay in Japan in the summer.
First thing I noticed when I got here was almost all men workers use a towel around their necks to dry off the sweat of the face. I recently tried it for the first time and it really works, face won’t get sticky, and there’s less chance to experience sweat allergy. There are also towels made especially for this use and handkerchiefs women normally use around their necks, they normally have technology that allows the cloth to be in a colder temperature.
There are also cool facial sheets for sale, you can clean up your face and experience a cool sensation. A good point of this product is that you can carry it easily on your bag or backpack. There are also cool mists you can use directly to your body to feel your skin cooler.
In addition to this there are some ice rings in the form of a U for sale most department stores and pharmacies. You just out it in the fridge and can enjoy a cold breeze around your neck that will help you low your body temperature. It is usually very cheap and very effective.
Another thing that is very common in Japan are the portable fans. If you have been to a Matsuri, you probably have seen girls and women using it to cool of the face. Sometimes they are even colored with lights in it to make it more popular and matching the Japanese pop atmosphere.
Along with the portable fans, there are also the portable fans to use on the neck, they look like headphones, and produce breeze on your face without you have to hold it. You’ll get cool breeze with free hands. Especially useful if your handling your map on the phone or taking pictures of your trip.
Moving to a different kind of self care during summer, salt candies are also very popular in Japan. They’re made to prevent blood pressure drops and to replenish the minerals we loose in sweating. I eat it when I feel unwell because of the heat. Although they’re very popular, I would recommend check it with your physician for a OK before eating it.
On the drinks section, there are beverages that replenishes your body faster like Pocari Sweat and Aquarius. They are very refreshing with a plan taste which is easy for everyone to enjoy. They also come in drinkable jelly form which is very fun to squeeze and drink. And, best of all they are sold everywhere like supermarkets, convenience stores and automatic machines.
Something that Japan is very famous too is its amazing sunscreens. As Japanese people is very concerned to the harmful effects of the Sun, they have developed amazing sunscreens suitable for all kinds of wish. You will be able to find them in most drugstores and stores like Donki Hote. I also recommend the spray type to use on the scalp as it also might get burned if you are not using a hat.
Other popular item in Japan are the sleeves for your arms, if don’t want to get your arms sunburned the sleeves are very helpful and practical to use.
Still in the clothes section, there are also the cool shirts, pants and socks to use underneath your clothes, they will get you a sensation of cooling all they long. You can find them in the biggest clothes stores.
Finally, something that I imagine we are all used to see are the Higasa, umbrellas made especially for covering from the sun. Different from the common umbrellas for rain, they have UV cut, which will protect you from the harmful UV rays.
What if I get sunburned?
As it might happen not only in Japan, but everywhere, if you do get burned by the Sun, try using the Sea Breeze lotion or a lotion alike. It will give you a sensation of refreshing, and help you with the pain and discomfort caused by the burns. There are also cool liquid soaps that provide a unique cool sensation during shower.
Japan summer is not easy, but if you have to come or wish to enjoy summer in Japan, these things will help you while in Japan. Although it pretty hot, summer in Japan has a super fun atmosphere, with a lot of Matsuri, Hanabi (fireworks shows), beaches, rivers and parks activities that will be forever in your mind.
Hope to see you in Japan enjoying summer safely and joyfully with a great memories of your dog days in Japan.
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