Can’t Handle the Heat? Ways Japan Stays Cool

According to Japan’s traditional calendar, August 7 marks Risshū, the beginning of autumn. But step outside, and you’ll be forgiven for thinking summer has no intention of letting go. The sun is relentless, the humidity thick and the heat often overwhelming, especially for newcomers to Japan. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve lived here for years, staying cool is no easy task. 

The Japan Meteorological Agency and Ministry of the Environment report a steady rise in the number of extremely hot days, with temperatures now regularly staying high through September and, at times, even October can still feel like summer.

However, Japan has developed its own mix of clever techniques, cultural habits and lifestyle spaces to help people handle the heat. From parasols and vending machine hacks to frozen treats and mega-malls that function like indoor towns, here’s how people across Japan beat the summer swelter.

The Ultimate Cooling Station: Japanese Mega-Malls

On a scorching day, few places offer better relief than a Japanese mega-mall. AEON Laketown in Saitama—the largest in the country—isn’t just a shopping center, it’s a lifestyle hub. Across Japan, indoor malls like AEON, LaLaport and Ario have become essential to daily life, especially in summer.

These spaces are designed for more than retail therapy. You can grab groceries, get a haircut or watch a movie. Walkways are barrier-free, rest areas are everywhere and family services such as stroller rentals and diaper-changing stations make traversing easy for those with kids.

Welcoming to people of every age, these indoor malls are true community spaces. They offer a cool, convenient place to escape the heat and get daily tasks done, all under one roof.

Quick Fixes and Clever Cooling: Japan’s Everyday Heat Hacks

While Westerners may reach for a fan or a water bottle, Japan adds a layer of subtle genius. Parasols are incredibly common not just among women, but a growing number of men use them too. These umbrellas are often labeled with their UV-cut percentage, highlighting Japan’s strong commitment to sun protection. You’ll also find fun and uniquely shaped umbrellas, another example of how design and practicality often go hand-in-hand here.

Frozen neck rings, sold at convenience stores and general goods shops such as Loft or Don Quijote, are a popular and wearable solution that stays cold for up to an hour. And for a quick hack on the go? Grab a drink from one of Japan’s ubiquitous vending machines and hold the chilled drink to your neck or wrist for instant relief. Cooling your pulse points is a simple and effective way to lower your body temperature.

More recently, clothing with built-in fans has made its way from construction sites to everyday summer wardrobes. Originally designed for workers exposed to the sun all day, these battery-powered garments blow air directly into the clothing, circulating it around the torso to cool the body from the inside out. You can now find them online or in stores designed for office workers, cyclists and children.

Personal Shade, Japanese Style

One cooling trend that was popularized during the covid era and stuck is the use of pop-up tents in public parks and beaches. What started as a way to maintain distance and create personal space has now become a staple during summers in Japan. Visit a large park on a sunny weekend, and you’ll spot dozens of compact, portable tents dotting the lawn, often set up under trees for extra shade.

These aren’t camping tents. They’re lightweight, easy to fold and designed for day use. Families use them as sun shelters while kids play, couples lounge in them during picnics and solo visitors even nap or read in their private patch of shade. It’s a clever and culture-specific way to escape the sun without staying indoors.

Cool Foods, Cooler Nights: Eating and Celebrating the Season

When it comes to cooling down from the inside out, Japan offers a menu of summer favorites. Kakigori (shaved ice topped with flavored syrup or condensed milk) is a summer classic, and you’ll find everything from festival stalls to specialty cafés offering elaborate versions. Meanwhile, mugicha (roasted barley tea), often served chilled in homes and restaurants, is caffeine-free and a deeply refreshing drink to have during the summer.

Cold noodles are also popular. Somen served over ice, or cold zaru soba with dipping sauce, are common summertime meals. While some of these flavors may be unfamiliar to foreigners, there are plenty of accessible options too—like chilled watermelon, citrusy ramune soda or fruit-flavored soft cream that appeals to all ages.

Many summer traditions in Japan revolve around community and celebration, especially at night when temperatures ease. Matsuri (festivals) become gathering points for neighborhoods, with food playing a central role. Whether it’s a cucumber on a stick, ice-cold beer or a takeout tray of yakisoba with pickled red ginger, these moments are about more than just cooling off, they’re a refreshing taste of summer culture.

How Do You Stay Cool?

From traditional fans to futuristic frozen neckwear, Japan offers no shortage of ways to stay comfortable when the heat kicks in. But as any longtime resident knows, there’s always one more clever trick to discover or invent. Whether it’s a personal habit, a favorite summer food or a hidden spot to escape the sun, everyone seems to have their own go-to method for surviving the season.

There are endless solutions out there, many we haven’t included here, and many more still to be dreamed up. So as you navigate the summer heat, keep an eye out for what works best for you. The next great cooling trend might be something you try tomorrow.

Quick Tips for First-Timers in Japan’s Summer

1. Underground Isn’t Just for Trains

In Tokyo, underground passages connect major stations, malls and shops. Because they’re air-conditioned, you can go blocks without ever stepping into the sun.

2. Bring Real Deodorant

Japanese options are gentle, but not always strong enough. Pack your usual brand from home if you want lasting protection.

3. Convenience Stores Save the Day

From cooling wipes and spare T-shirts to cold drinks and ice packs—konbini are found everywhere, always open and stocked with summer essentials.

4. Don’t Knock the Parasol

A UV-blocking umbrella is one of the smartest ways to stay cool outdoors. They’re practical, effective and part of everyday life in Japan.

5. Stay Cool and Stylish

Japan has mastered summer fashion that works in the heat. Lightweight layers, quick-dry fabrics and UV-cut clothing are easy to find and made to look good.