How to Prepare for Japan’s Summer Heat

Japan’s summer can be beautiful, but also very hot and humid. If you’re planning to visit or live in Japan during the summer months (June to September), it’s important to prepare for the high temperatures, humidity and even sudden heavy rains. Here’s how to stay safe, comfortable and make the most of summer in Japan.

What to expect in the Japanese summer

Summer in Japan begins in June with the rainy season, or tsuyu (梅雨). This usually lasts about a month, bringing humid weather and heavy showers. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures often reaching 35°C (95°F) or more. The heat worsens with high humidity, especially in big cities like Kyoto and Osaka.

How to stay safe and comfortable in Japan’s summer

1. Stay hydrated

Carry a water bottle and drink regularly. You can find vending machines with drinks almost everywhere in Japan. Many also contain sports drinks like Pocari Sweat and Aquarius to help replace lost minerals and ions.

Photo credit: Flickr

2. Use Japanese cooling products

Convenience stores, Don Quijote and even online selling platforms offer a variety of cooling products like cooling wipes, sprays and gel sheets. These products, ranging from ¥1,200-¥2,000, can help you cool down when the heat gets intense.

Photo credit: Timeout

3. Wear light, breathable clothes

Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made from cotton or linen. Some apparel stores like Uniqlo sell clothing with cooling fibers known as Airism. It’s also popular to wear thin arm sleeves for UV protection. 

4. Avoid the hottest times

Try not to stay outside for a long period from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you have to go out, rest often in shaded or air-conditioned places.

5. Know the signs of heatstroke

Symptoms for summer heatstroke include dizziness, headache, nausea and fatigue. If you feel unwell, find a cool place, rest and drink water immediately. Call for help if necessary.

Useful apps and tools

To enjoy your summer in Japan safely and comfortably, it’s helpful to use the right tools. These apps can help you stay informed about the weather, understand your surroundings and get around more easily.

• Tenki.jp: A popular weather app with updates on temperature, humidity and rain.
• NHK World Japan: Offers emergency alerts and weather updates in English.
• Google Translate: Quickly translates text, speech and images, helping you communicate and understand signs in Japan.
• Google Maps: Helps you navigate Japan’s train lines and busy streets with ease.
• Smiles Mobile Remittance: Send money abroad quickly and securely directly from your smartphone.

Where to go and what to do in Summer

Despite the heat, summer is a fun time to explore Japan. Here are some ideas:

• Go to the mountains: Areas like Nagano, Hakone or the Japanese Alps are cooler and offer great hiking and views.

Photo credit: Only Luxe

• Visit beaches: Okinawa, Kamakura and Shirahama have beautiful beaches where you can swim and relax.

Photo credit: Rough Guides

• Experience  summer festivals known as matsuri (祭): Don’t miss local festivals with fireworks, street food and traditional dancing. Famous ones include the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka.

Photo credit: Pinterest

• Try Japanese summer food: Cool off with shaved ice known as kakigori (かき氷), somen noodles or cold green tea.

Photo credit: Japanese Taste

• Enjoy firework shows: Fireworks, or hanabi (花火), are a huge part of Japanese summer culture. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view in a summer kimono, more commonly referred to as a yukata (浴衣).

Photo credit: Oki Social

What to pack for a summer trip to Japan

• Light clothes and a foldable umbrella
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Cooling wipes or a portable fan
• Handkerchief
• Reusable water bottle
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals

Final tips

Japan’s summer can be tough if you’re not prepared. But with the right gear, smart planning and some cool places to visit, you can enjoy your trip safely and comfortably.

Whether you’re watching fireworks, tasting summer treats or hiking in the mountains, summer in Japan offers unforgettable memories—just remember to stay cool!

Send money overseas while basking in Japan’s heat

Even during Japan’s hot summer days, you can stay connected with your loved ones back home. Smiles Mobile Remittance is Japan’s “Absolute number one” mobile money transfer service, trusted by many overseas workers and residents.

With just your smartphone, you can send money anytime, anywhere. Smiles offer a fast, safe and easy way to support your family, even while you’re traveling or working under the summer sun.

Smiles also gives you real-time updates, “Everyday Great Rate” and excellent customer support, making your remittance experience stress-free.