Our Tips for Dealing with the Summer Heat in Japan

Stay hydrated

Mineral water is your best ally for summer, but Japanese pharmacies also offer beverages for hot weather. These include drinks bearing the "FOSHU" (Food for Specified Health Uses) label, which promote health without being classified as medicines.
These drinks, like mineral-enriched waters, are effective for staying hydrated.

Our recommendations:

• Pocari and Karada Shinto drinks are ideal for countering fatigue and summer anemia.
• Opt for reusable bottles and use public water fountains to stay hydrated without producing plastic waste. Many reusable bottles are designed to maintain water temperature, keeping your drink cool all day long.

Cooling off

There are several effective ways of cooling off in Japan:

• Refreshing wipes: use wipes (reikan shīto) to cool off quickly. Fragrant and easy to carry around, wipes are a must-have for summer. 
  They can be used on a hike as well as in the office, and their cooling agents are a great help in regulating your temperature while you wait for that sacrosanct cold shower at the end of the evening.
• Body sprays: Cooling body sprays are a popular option in Japan for beating the summer heat. Available in most pharmacies and supermarkets, they often contain ingredients such as mint,eucalyptus or cooling agents, which provide an immediate sensation of freshness on the skin.
• Ice packs: Reusable ice packs are another effective way to keep cool in summer. They are available in pharmacies and sports stores and can be frozen before use.

Protecting yourself from the sun

Sunscreen is essential to prevent sunburn. In Japan, there is a wide range of high-quality products with different sun protection factors (SPF). Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.

Our recommendations:

• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence: Lightweight and non-greasy, it's perfect for everyday use.
• Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen: offering high protection, it's ideal for prolonged outdoor activities.

The sunshade is also an accessory of choice. Historically made from oiled paper, Japanese parasols remain one of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun.

Air your mind

Need some fresh air? We've got the solution:

• Pocket fans: these small, portable devices, made popular by the Korean Wave (dominated by dramas and K-pop), have captured the hearts of the Japanese after their initial success in South Korea. Pocket fans are now essential companions in the fight against summer heat, especially among young people, who see them not only as practical gadgets but also as fashion accessories.
• Traditional fans, or uchiwa, continue to play an important role in Japanese culture, despite the rise in popularity of modern fans. These fans are often made of bamboo and paper, and decorated with artistic motifs. Sensu, folding fans, are also appreciated for their convenience and aesthetic appeal. They can be slipped into a bag and taken out when needed, combining utility and charm. At summer festivals and other outdoor events, it's common to see the Japanese using these fans for refreshment, perpetuating a tradition that combines practicality and refinement.

Local food

In summer, it's easy to find somen, thin wheat noodles served cold with a soy-based sauce. This refreshing dish is a must for coping with the summer heat. 

Hiyashichuka, a Chinese dish of cold noodles served with vegetables, is also very popular.

For dessert, it's impossible to miss kakigori, the famous Japanese ice cream made with crushed ice and fruity syrups. Refreshing and light, they're a must in summer!