Why Japanese Summers Are Brutal
If you’ve never experienced summer in Japan, let us warn you—it’s not just hot, it’s humid. From late June to early September, the heat is heavy, sticky, and relentless. Tokyo’s concrete traps it. Rural towns steam with moisture. And when typhoons roll through, the humidity hits its peak. Locals have developed clever, practical solutions to cope. These are the real summer essentials in Japan, the ones nobody tells you about unless you live here. Forget giant bottles of water or basic sunscreen—this guide covers what Japanese people actually use to get through the season.
1. Cooling Body Wipes (汗ふきシート)
Sold in convenience stores and drugstores across the country, cooling body wipes are one of the most practical summer essentials in Japan. These are not your average wet wipes. Brands like Gatsby and Biore offer menthol-infused sheets that remove sweat, kill odor, and leave a chilling sensation on your skin. You’ll see office workers in suits using them on lunch breaks and school kids wiping down before getting on trains. They’re small enough to fit in any bag and feel like a portable shower.
2. Portable Neck Fans and Clip-On Mini Fans
Japan has redefined personal cooling with portable fans. Available at stores like Don Quijote, Loft, or even Daiso, these are one of the most underrated summer essentials in Japan. Some are worn around your neck, others clip to your bag or stand on your desk. The best ones come with USB charging and adjustable speeds. In crowded places like Shibuya or Shinjuku station, they’re your best defense against sweaty crowds.
3. UV Umbrellas (日傘)
Forget everything you think you know about umbrellas. In Japan, parasols aren’t just for the rain—they’re for the sun. Known as “higasa” (日傘), these umbrellas block UV rays and lower the temperature under their shade. They’re commonly used by both women and men, especially during midday walks. Many come in foldable styles with stylish patterns. In cities like Kyoto or in fashionable areas like Daikanyama, these are considered both practical and cool.
4. AIRism Everything by Uniqlo
When you’re trying to beat the heat, what you wear matters. Uniqlo’s AIRism line is one of the most relied-on summer essentials in Japan. The fabric is light, breathable, sweat-wicking, and odor-resistant. From T-shirts to innerwear, pajamas to masks, AIRism is everywhere. Even bedsheets and pillowcases are made from this material now. If you’ve just moved to Japan, head straight to Uniqlo and stock up.
5. Anti-Humidity Room Gear
Japan’s humid summers don’t just affect your body—they mess with your home too. That’s why summer essentials in Japan include items like moisture absorbers (除湿剤). These are small, inexpensive plastic tubs filled with beads or chemicals that pull moisture out of the air. You’ll find them in closets, under sinks, even inside shoe cabinets. Available at any drugstore or 100-yen shop, they help prevent mold and keep your space fresh.
6. Cooling Sprays for Clothes and Bedding
Another invention that makes Japanese summer bearable is the “cooling spray” (冷感スプレー). Spray it on your shirt before you leave the house, or on your futon before bed. The menthol-based formulas create an instant cooling effect that lasts 20–30 minutes. Some sprays are made for your neck towel or socks. Muji and Tokyu Hands offer natural versions with herbal scents. If you ask locals, they’ll often have a favorite brand they swear by.
7. Katori Senko and Mosquito Repellents
Summer in Japan means bugs. To deal with mosquitoes, locals rely on katori senko—traditional mosquito coils made from dried pyrethrum flowers. They’re shaped like spirals and sit in a small dish or decorative holder. The scent is nostalgic, and it works surprisingly well. For indoors, plug-in electric repellents or anti-mosquito patches are also common. All of these have become regular summer essentials in Japan, especially in countryside homes or older apartments with tatami mats.
8. Shaved Ice Machines (かき氷機)
While not exactly a necessity, small home-use shaved ice machines have become a beloved summer staple. Families and roommates buy their own and use flavored syrups like melon, strawberry, or even matcha. You can find them at electronics stores like Bic Camera or online through Rakuten. In neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa (known by locals as “Shimo”), you’ll often see cafés with DIY shaved ice stations. For many, it’s not summer without a bowl of kakigori.
9. Hiyashi Chuka and Cold Foods
Food is part of the climate strategy in Japan. In summer, supermarkets and convenience stores rotate in cold noodle dishes like hiyashi chuka (cold ramen), somen (thin cold noodles), and jelly-style tofu desserts. These dishes are light, refreshing, and easy to digest. Pair with cold tea like mugicha (barley tea), and you’ve got a meal that helps regulate body temperature. Knowing what to eat is part of mastering the summer essentials in Japan.
10. Ice Packs and Gel Coolers
Last but not least: reusable ice packs. Available in all sizes and shapes—from small rectangles that fit in your lunchbox to large pads for your pillow—they’re sold at drugstores, Muji, and Nitori. Some come as gel neck wraps, while others are designed to cool down pets. On the hottest nights, people in Japan place these under their feet or behind their necks to fall asleep without relying too heavily on air conditioning.
The Art of Japanese Seasonal Living
One of the most fascinating things about Japan is how seasonal living is built into everyday life. Summer isn’t just hot—it’s a shared cultural moment. Stores stock up on limited-edition seasonal items. Train ads shift to show fans, wipes, and parasols. Even in trendy neighborhoods like Shimo, seasonal goods are everywhere. Locals don’t just survive the heat—they embrace it with smart, specific tools.
Final Thoughts: Pack Like a Local
If you’re planning to visit or live in Japan during the summer, don’t just bring shorts and sunscreen. Instead, look around and see what locals are actually using. These summer essentials in Japan aren’t expensive or flashy. They’re quietly brilliant, crafted for comfort, and easy to overlook if you’re not paying attention. Learn from the people who’ve lived through it year after year—and your summer in Japan might actually be enjoyable.
