When you consider that summer in Japan can be extremely hot and humid, the crowds in the cities, the need to walk a lot and use public transportation, the limited use of air conditioning, and the fact that it is the rainy season, you could be forgiven for questioning whether or not it is a good idea to travel to Japan during the summer.
Tips for Thriving During the Japanese Summer
Maintain adequate hydration
Always carry a bottle of water with you everywhere you go. Even though vending machines are ubiquitous in Japan, it is essential to carry a water bottle at all times to ensure optimum hydration. In Japan, vending machines are highly common.
Everyday Sunblock
You don’t want sunburn to mar your trip, and you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time outside when travelling, so you should have sun protection. Check out our suggestions for the best sun protection in our article about sun protection. The most effective sunscreen is the one that you will enjoy using, and finding it may need some trial and error.
Wear sunglasses and don’t forget your cap
Remember to wear sunglasses and a hat to cover your eyes and head from the bright sunlight. Despite the fact that most Japanese women, unless they are extremely young, do not wear caps for women, it is not regarded offensive or inappropriate for a visitor from another country to wear one in Japan.
Bring both fashionable and practical footwear
You will walk frequently, and you will easily accomplish your daily step goal of 10,000. You will most likely stroll two to three times every day. This is a result of the local culture, the way things are laid out, and the unintended consequences of relying largely on public transportation. Consider carefully how you handle your skin.
Exposure to the sun, air conditioning, and a foreign environment can cause irreparable harm to your skin. During our trip to Japan, my skin will become more susceptible to dehydration than it normally is, particularly on my hands and body. The good news about summer in Japan is that the humidity adds extra moisture to the air, allowing the skin to maintain its natural equilibrium.
Put on fabrics with a natural flow
In warm weather, natural fabrics are more able to breathe than synthetic ones, hence reducing the quantity of sweating and the associated discomfort. Natural fibres such as cotton and linen will be an excellent choice for this event. Silk is a natural material, but it has the disadvantage of adhering to surfaces and displaying wet markings more than other options.
Enjoy some delicious summertime foods
Traditional Japanese foods such as sushi and sashimi are particularly attractive during the warmer months of the year due to their lightness and lack of heaviness. During the summer, additional seasonal recipes are commonly available.
Both udon and ramen can be ordered cold and served with a dipping sauce for those seeking a novel and refreshing way to satisfy their appetites for noodles. As a snack, you can order kakigr, which is shaved ice with a choice of toppings. You’ll also discover fresh fruit that has been chopped and skewered individually.
If the heat is making you feel like you’re about to melt, you should leave the city
Not only does the city have less ventilation, which makes it feel hotter, but the temperature and humidity % are also higher. This leads to the perception that the city is hotter than its real temperature.
You may imagine that people will avoid the heat by staying indoors, but you could not be more mistaken. The Japanese summertime is characterised by festivities and outdoor activities under the warm sun.
