Legendary Summer Gear That Keeps You Cool
As someone who grew up in Texas, I couldn’t fathom how mid-80 degree temperatures could be somehow worse than our average near-100 degrees. But summer in Japan is no joke. The combination of high humidity, blazing sun, and heat radiating off concrete makes sightseeing a sweaty challenge. It doesn’t have to be miserable though with the right gear. Whether you’re packing from home or shopping locally, here’s what to buy to stay cool, comfortable, and culturally savvy in Japan’s hottest (and dampest) season.
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👕 Clothing That Helps You Stay Cool
✔️ Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics
- Look for Uniqlo’s AIRism and UV Cut lines
- Loose, quick-dry fabrics like linen blends and poly-cotton work best (these will also help with sweat stains)
- Avoid thick cottons and denim
- Athletic-wear (often made from nylon, rayon, etc.) may seem like the obvious choice but they retain odor and have low breathability
- Wearing black or other dark shades may hide sweat stains but will make you warmer. Wear white or other light colors so sweat isn’t as visible and you stay cooler. Avoid grey at all cost.
✔️ Fan vests and cooling jackets
- Built-in battery fans circulate air between your clothes and skin
- Found at Don Quijote, Workman, and home centers
- For the seriously heat-averse travelers
- Aim for a battery voltage level around 6-10V for a quieter time
Tip 💡: Bring a spare t-shirt you can change into if you tend to sweat a lot.
✔️ Western Fashion vs. Japanese Modesty
It’s not uncommon in western countries to see men shirtless or women walking around in the shortest shorts and crop tops that leave nothing to the imagination. It makes sense to want to wear less when it’s hot out. In Japan though, you’ll notice it’s quite the opposite. It’s common to see natives wearing long sleeves (UV-blocking), sun hats, anything to avoid exposure to the sun. This isn’t just to avoid tan lines but it’s also out of modesty.
No one will say anything if you wear spaghetti straps or wife-beaters but be wary of wearing anything too low cut or too short. Overexposure can draw the wrong kind of attention—including hidden photos take by creeps. Just be aware of your surroundings if you go out in revealing clothing.
Men–do not walk around shirtless. This can be seen as public indecency under Japanese law and could potentially get you in trouble with the police. Not even men can “free the nipple” here.
If you want to read more about how wearing revealing outfits in Japan in particular can spoil your fun check out our blog by Japanese-native and husband of Abby, Tappei: Summer in Japan: Why Your Outfit Might Be Riskier Than You Think
👟 Summer-Ready Footwear
Choose shoes that breathe:
- Mesh sneakers or trail shoes (Hoka, On, etc.)
- Comfortable sandals like Teva or Keen
What to pack:
- Spare socks for temple visits
- Portable foot wipes for sandal days
☀️ UV Protection Essentials
Sunscreen:
- Widely available in Japan with lightweight, no-white-cast formulas
- Bring your own if you need reef-safe or fragrance-free options
- Some of the most popular face sunscreens originate from Japan (eg. Biore’s UV Aqua Rich)
UV umbrellas (sun parasols):
- Special umbrellas made with UV-blocking lining
- Most can function as regular umbrellas on rainy days assuming they’re not made from paper or similar materials
- Keeping the sun off your back is one of the quickest ways to avoid overheating
- These are incredibly common for both men and women
- We recommend the Davek Parasol, which you can order online, for excellent UV protection and comfort.
Hats and UV sleeves:
- Essential for day trips, cycling, or open-air markets, work similarly to UV umbrellas in keeping the sun off you
- Japanese UV sleeves are breathable and stylish, good for avoiding tanning or if you forgot to wear sunscreen
❄️ Cooling Gadgets & Accessories
USB or neck fans:
- Neck fans have stronger airflow than hand fans
- Bladeless ring fans are a top choice for discreet cooling
Cooling neck rings/Ice pack scarves
- Freeze at 28°C and stay cool for up to an hour
- Sold at Don Quijote, Loft, and convenience stores
Tenugui (手ぬぐい) towels:
- Lightweight cotton towels used to wipe sweat or wrap cold drinks
- Also highly recommended due to public restrooms not including hand dryers or paper towels
Cooling Body Wipes (Sheet Type)
- Large, pre-moistened wipes that deliver a refreshing chill (via menthol) while cleaning off sweat and odor
- Brands like Biore and Gatsby are the most common. Find them at convenience stores and drugstores.
Tip 💡: Look for “超クール” (super cool) on the packaging for maximum icy power!
Cooling Spray (for Clothes and Skin)
- Menthol-based spray similar to the cooling sheets
- Good for a quick cool-down but won’t last very long
- “冷感スプレー” (reikan spray = cooling spray)
💧 Hydration & Electrolyte Support
OS-1 rehydration drinks:
- Medical-grade electrolyte drinks sold in pharmacies and konbini
- Best for extreme heat exhaustion or dehydration
Salt tablets & candies:
- Easy to carry and available in lemon or ume (plum) flavors
- Look for “塩分チャージ” (enbun charge)
Electrolyte packets from home:
- Bring Liquid I.V., Nuun, or similar for daily use
- Powder packets save space and help beat jet lag, too
Pocari Sweat or Aquarius
- Japan’s favorite electrolyte drinks—mildly sweet and lightly salty
- Tastes very much like a generic sports drink
🎒 Smart Bag Tips for Summer Travel
Use a mesh-backed backpack or sacoche:
- Prevents heat-trapping between your back and your bag
- Crossbody styles are popular and practical
Pack extras:
- Reusable water bottle
- Zipoloc bags to protect items from condensation water bottles and sweaty towels
🍧 Bonus: Fun Summer Finds in Japan
Frozen drinks from konbini:
- Part slushie, part hydration
- Try the frozen Pocari Sweat or Calpis in squeeze packs
Garigari-kun (ガリガリ君):
- Classic soda-flavored popsicle that costs under 100 yen
Coolish (クーリッシュ):
- Pouch-style soft-serve ice cream—drink it like a smoothie!
Cooling eye masks and aromatherapy sprays:
- Sold in drugstores and beauty shops
- Meant for sleep, but refreshing after a long hot day
Final Thoughts
Japan’s summer might be intense, even for a Texan, but with a little planning—and the right gear—it’s totally conquerable. Japan has a whole market for heat-beating items so you’ll stay cool, stylish, and sweat-free.
For more blogs about summer in Japan click here.
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