MUSUBI: Surviving Summer in Japan
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あついぞ！熊谷 or “Very Hot! Kumagaya!” is the catchphrase of the city in which I live. Kumagaya in Saitama Prefecture is known for being the hottest city in Japan. Just to give you an idea, in August 2007 it broke the 74-year record for the highest temperature recorded in Japan, 40.9C (105.6F).
In July 2018 it broke this record again with a temperature of 41.1C (106.0F). Needless to say, it gets very hot here in summer. But that's a statement that could be made in many parts of Japan, from Tokyo to Osaka (also a legendarily hot city) and everything beyond.
Unfortunately, heatstroke has become increasingly common as temperatures have soared year after year. I’ve lived in Kumagaya for over even years so I’ve managed to pick up a few things on how to survive the blistering heat, and you can apply them wherever you live (if in Japan, or beyond!)
As we are in the midst of another hot summer right now, let’s dive right in!
In July 2018 it broke this record again with a temperature of 41.1C (106.0F). Needless to say, it gets very hot here in summer. But that's a statement that could be made in many parts of Japan, from Tokyo to Osaka (also a legendarily hot city) and everything beyond.
Unfortunately, heatstroke has become increasingly common as temperatures have soared year after year. I’ve lived in Kumagaya for over even years so I’ve managed to pick up a few things on how to survive the blistering heat, and you can apply them wherever you live (if in Japan, or beyond!)
As we are in the midst of another hot summer right now, let’s dive right in!
Cool Towels
If you go anywhere in Japan in summer, you will see people with towels around their necks. Not only are they great for wiping the sweat from your face and neck, but recently you can get towels that when wet are very very cool! You can get these towels just about anywhere, from convenience stores to 100 yen shops.
The ones that I am currently using are fruit-themed and I got them from my local Threppy (300 yen shop)! All you do to use them is wet them in some water, wring out the excess (because if you don’t your shirt will get wet) and then wrap it around your neck and embrace the cool escape!
There also now cooling neck rings that look somewhat like horseshoes. Pop them in the freezer, take them out and put them around your neck, and they'll keep you cool for hours, supposedly!
The ones that I am currently using are fruit-themed and I got them from my local Threppy (300 yen shop)! All you do to use them is wet them in some water, wring out the excess (because if you don’t your shirt will get wet) and then wrap it around your neck and embrace the cool escape!
There also now cooling neck rings that look somewhat like horseshoes. Pop them in the freezer, take them out and put them around your neck, and they'll keep you cool for hours, supposedly!
Personal Fans
Fans are amazing in summer, but did you know you can get personal ones? And no, I’m not talking about a desk fan! I’m talking about a fan that you can hold in your hand! Or even put around your neck to wear on the go!
I first saw these a few years back during some summer festivals. I was very skeptical at first, but boy are these things amazing! I mean I’m not going to lie, they look very silly, but when you have your own personal cool bubble, who cares right?
I first saw these a few years back during some summer festivals. I was very skeptical at first, but boy are these things amazing! I mean I’m not going to lie, they look very silly, but when you have your own personal cool bubble, who cares right?
Throat Lollies
Heatstroke. As I mentioned above, heatstroke is a very big problem in summer. If you’re unaware, heatstroke is caused by your body overheating. A big cause of it is becoming dehydrated by not drinking enough water to replenish fluids lost through sweating. More on drinks below, but another way you can help your body is to suck on some throat lollies.
And no I’m not talking about your sore throat lollies. Rather, these are chiefly design to replenish salt, but in a tastier way than just downing a while shaker.
The most common clavors are lemon and plum (ume). You can get these from your local supermarket, pharmacy or even the convenience store! They are very cheap and thanks to Japan's mask-wearing culture, it's easy to use them discreetly if you wish. My personal favorite is the 塩分チャージタブレット sports drink flavor. They melt very quickly though, so I tend to have a lot of these in a day.
And no I’m not talking about your sore throat lollies. Rather, these are chiefly design to replenish salt, but in a tastier way than just downing a while shaker.
The most common clavors are lemon and plum (ume). You can get these from your local supermarket, pharmacy or even the convenience store! They are very cheap and thanks to Japan's mask-wearing culture, it's easy to use them discreetly if you wish. My personal favorite is the 塩分チャージタブレット sports drink flavor. They melt very quickly though, so I tend to have a lot of these in a day.
Sports Drinks
Heatstroke. We meet again, but not this time! Let’s face it, sometimes water just isn’t enough! If you’re like me and you sweat a lot, your immediate response is to drink a ton of water. And yet, you find you're still coming home with a headache or worse. Well friend, get some sports drinks in you! Pocari Sweat and Aquarius are the most well-known and loved for good reason. They're the Coke and Pepsi of sports drinks, if you will.
You can buy a box full of premade bottles, or you can just get the powder and make your own like I do! On amazon Japan, a box of Aquarius will run around 2000 yen with 1500 ml of deliciousness. Or you can go the powder route and get a box of Aquarius powder for 3000 yen and up, which is around 48g x 25 packs. One packet typically does 1 liter of sweet sweet goodness.
You can buy a box full of premade bottles, or you can just get the powder and make your own like I do! On amazon Japan, a box of Aquarius will run around 2000 yen with 1500 ml of deliciousness. Or you can go the powder route and get a box of Aquarius powder for 3000 yen and up, which is around 48g x 25 packs. One packet typically does 1 liter of sweet sweet goodness.
When in doubt, AIRCON!
Lastly, the best way to beat the heat in Japan: just stay indoors and turn on your aircon! I tend to turn my aircon on at about 25 degree and I’ll leave it on all day. Recently the local news have said it’s actually cheaper to run it constantly than to turn it off and on, but the choice is yours. Either way, be prepared to pay more for electricityin the hot summer months... especially if you live in Kumagaya!
Photo Credits:
1) 旅するししゃも / PhotoAC
2) Ruu@tette / PhotoAC
3) ぽぽ☆ / PhotoAC
All other content (text) created by the original author and© 2022, 2025 MUSUBI by Borderlink
Photo Credits:
1) 旅するししゃも / PhotoAC
2) Ruu@tette / PhotoAC
3) ぽぽ☆ / PhotoAC
All other content (text) created by the original author and© 2022, 2025 MUSUBI by Borderlink
WRITER
Lupa Van Luis
From the USA
A connoisseur of Japanese cuisine that has traveled the country for many years!
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