Japan in summer offers a wealth of cultural experiences, colourful festivals and lush landscapes, but temperatures and humidity can pose a real challenge to travellers who are not used to this climate. From June to September, the warm and saturated air of humidity envelops the archipelago, with frequent peaks around 35 °C, or even more in some urban areas such as Tokyo or Osaka. To make the most of your stay without suffering from the heat, here are five practical strategies to adopt as soon as you arrive.
Smart drinking: the keys to good hydration
Moisture is essential in the early hours of the day. Mineral water remains a safe value, but the Japanese also use specially formulated beverages to compensate for electrolyte losses, such as Pocari Sweat or Aquarius.
These isotonic drinks, sold everywhere, allow the body to rehydrate quickly after a day of walking or a passage through the crowded metro.
In supermarkets and vending machines, there are also drinks labeled “FOSHU” (Food for Specified Health Uses), developed to support the body during periods of thermal stress. Some are enriched with minerals, others promote energy recovery.
Reusable bottles are also recommended: they are suitable for filling public fountains or stations without generating plastic waste. Some insulated gourdes keep the freshness of your drink for several hours, an appreciable detail during outdoor trips.
Refresh effectively throughout the day
Therefreshing wipesare essential. They provide immediate relief after prolonged exposure to heat and exist in mentholic, perfumed or neutral versions. These wipes slip easily into a bag and use at any time.
Other Ally:refreshing spray. There are some for the body, face, feet, or even clothes. Very popular, these sprays based on menthol or d-eucalyptus provide a sensation of rapid freshness. Some models also contain moisturizing agents, thus avoiding skin drying.
For more extreme situations (recorded, festivals), theIce bagsReusable or refrigerant gel patches offer real relief. You can apply them on the neck, forehead or wrists, sensitive areas where freshness is particularly effective.
Protect your skin and body from UV
The Japanese sun, often intense, requires adequate protection. The solar screens available in Japan are efficient and designed for everyday use, even in urban areas. It is recommended to use a product with a minimum SPF of 30, offering dual protection against UVB and UVA.
Two particularly reliable brands: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, light and pleasant, perfect for sensitive skin, and Anessa, which offers formulas resistant to water and sweat.
Lumbrellaremains a simple and elegant alternative. Many Japanese women use in addition to the sunscreen. Current umbrellas are often designed with modern anti-UV fabrics. For visitors who prefer a more sober style, UV umbrellas sold in department stores or 100¥ Shops are efficient and discreet.
Don’t forget the clothes: the ” AIRism” or “Dry” ranges of Uniqlo offer light and breathable outfits. It is best to wear clear colours, loose fabrics, and hats with wide edges to maximize body ventilation while minimizing direct exposure.
Adopt the right accessories to circulate at ease
Thepocket fansbecame a summer standard in Japanese streets. Recharged by USB, these small devices slip into the pocket and ensure continuous ventilation during your travels. Some models include a mirror or humidifier function.
TheTraditional ranges(uchiwa for fixed, sensu for folding) remain popular. It can be found in temples, festivals or as souvenirs, decorated with seasonal motifs. They are lightweight, durable and perfectly suited to everyday use.
Another traditional tip:the little towel(hankachi), often used to sponge sweat. Sold everywhere, it can also be moistened and then placed on the neck for a refreshing effect. Compact and washable, it is also useful for drying hands after washing in public toilets.
Theice ringoffers a pleasant feeling of lasting freshness: neither too cold nor too hot. Its advantage: it is reusable, its disadvantage: don’t forget to put it in the refrigerator. You can wear it comfortably without wetting your clothes or hair.
The refreshing napkins or bandages, soak this piece of fabric in the water and the gel it contains will cool. You can then wear it around the neck or around the head and it will keep you cool all day, whether you are hiking in the mountains, at the beach or in the city. So simple that it is ingenious: refreshing is a child’s play!
Eat to better withstand heat
Japanese cuisine summer is full of dishes designed to refresh the body while providing the energy needed to face the day.
Thesomen, white noodles served cold with soy sauce, taste quickly and help lower internal temperature. They are often found at family meals or in specialized restaurants.
Thehiyashi chukaare another popular option. This Chinese dish includes cold noodles decorated with vegetables, eggs, meat or shrimp, all of which have a vinaigrée sauce.
For dessert, thekakigoriis unavoidable. This flavoured ice cream with fruit syrup (melon, strawberry, yuzu…) is often served at festivals and in summer cafes. For a more gourmet version, some variants include concentrated milk or sweet red beans (anko).
Other specialties such aszaru soba(cold soba served on a bamboo tray) or cold tofu (hiyayakko) are also to be preferred. Low calorie, digestible and fresh, these dishes are suitable for heavy days in heat.
Facing the Japanese summer requires some adjustments, but with the right tools and a little preparation, it is possible to fully enjoy his trip without suffering from the climate. Hats, light clothing, regular breaks, refreshing meals and adapted body care will transform the heat wave into a simple backdrop to your discoveries. Anticipating, equipping and listening to his body remain the keys to a successful stay on the archipelago during the warm season.
Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.
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