5 tips for surviving the Japanese summer
summer in japan
Flick/ Bong Grit
When freshness is often within reach
With its temperatures reaching 40°C in the sun and its humidity... the Japanese summer can be unbearable when you are confronted with it for the first time. In order to avoid dehydration and sunburn, here are five tips to stay cool in the blistering heat!
How to survive summer in Japan?
1. Stay hydrated
If mineral water remains your best ally this season, you should know that Japanese drugstores also have other drinks that are particularly recommended during hot weather. Drinks are often labeled “FOSHU” (Food for Specified Health Uses), which have a positive impact on health without being relayed to the rank of “drugs”.
Among the latter, we find in particular water enriched with minerals, which help to hydrate and fight against high temperatures.
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See also: Summer in Japan
Our selection: Pokari and Karada Shinto drinks are particularly indicated in case of fatigue or anemia in summer.
The Pokari Sweatshirt
Ph.L
2. Cool off in all circumstances
Scented and easy to carry with you, freshness wipes are a must-have not to be left out during the summer.
They can be used both on the trail and in the office, and their cooling agent is a great help in regulating your temperature while waiting for the damn late-night cold shower.
Our selection: scented wipes from the BIORE brand are ideal. In particular, their -3% version, which has been all the rage!
BIORE Wipes -3°C
Rakuten.jp.com
3. Protect yourself from the sun
Adored by grannies and coquettes who don't want to tan in a country where milk skin is a guarantee of aesthetics, the cotton visor and gloves are a good way to protect your skin from the sun.
The umbrella is also a traditional Japanese accessory. Historically made of oiled paper and called wagasa, Japanese parasols - now mostly replaced by Western umbrellas - are one of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun.
However, if this very ''Japanese'' look is not to your liking, remember that the floor cream is a very good option to avoid sunburn.
And that's good since Japan is full of skincare products with sun protection factors included!
SPF 50+ products are commonplace in Japan
Flick/ Tironasarah
Our selection: from Nivea to BIORE, via Kosé or Anessa, many SPF 50 sunscreens are sold in drug stores across the country. The latter are even often supplemented with lip balms and BB creams, also enriched with anti-UV agents.
4. Clear your mind
Whether in restaurants, konbini or even on the train, it is customary to turn on the air conditioning when the good weather returns. A habit that you quickly acquire a taste for, and which would almost make you feel helpless once you find the outside.
Fortunately, pocket fans are here!
Straight from South Korea, handheld fans gradually won the hearts of the Japanese following the Korean Wave ( the ''Korean wave'' of which drama and K-pop are the figureheads) that swept over the archipelago a few years ago.
We now find them in the hands of the Japanese, and in particular young people who see them both as fashion items and as very practical little tools to face the scorching heat.
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Also Read: Okubo Korean town
Pocket fans developed in Japan thanks to the Korean Wave
Wikimedia
Where to find it? Pocket fans are sold at many stores, such as Tokyu Hands or Loft. In Tokyo, it can also be found in cosmetic shops in the "Korean district" of Shin-Okubo.
5. Eat local
Eating light and cold is perhaps the watchword of summer in Japan.
This is why one will easily find somen in this season, these fine wheat noodles that are eaten cold with a soy-based sauce. On the same principle, we will also appreciate the HiyashiChuka, a dish of Chinese origin made of cold noodles accompanied by vegetables.
As for dessert, let's not forget the stars of the summer table either: kakigori, traditional Japanese ice cream made from shaved ice!
Kakigori shaved ice is an essential summer refreshment in Japan!
yoppy
While these few tips might be helpful, don't forget common sense either.
Also remember to wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from too bright rays, and avoid sunbathing between 12 pm and 3 pm. Don't forget the mosquito repellent either, whether, in the countryside or in town, you never know!
Girls in yukata
Ant the Breton
