Summer is approaching now, and the weather here is already heating up. The humidity makes it feel even hotter, making it feel sticky and uncomfortable fast. Sometimes a bit of rain cools things down, but if it stops midday, it just makes the humidity worse.
Back home, I’m used to temperatures of around 105°F (about 40°C), so normally I wouldn’t mind the heat. However, the humidity in Japan really changes things, like a friend of mine said “it feels like you’re boiling.” I definitely underestimate how different it would feel so I didn’t really prepare for it.
Even though I want to wear tank tops, I’ve noticed most people still wear long sleeves, even in the heat. Usually, it seems like the long sleeves are to avoid the UV rays, but I feel a little out of place dressing differently. I’ll usually put on a zip-up jacket over lighter clothes, but I still end up feeling hot, especially when walking around like to class or sitting in the classrooms as the AC won’t be turned on until the teacher arrives.
That’s why I started looking into ways to deal with the summer heat. Here are a few things I’ve seen (or plan to try):
1. Handheld Fans
I see these in a variety of places which makes sense as they’re really convenient as they don’t take up a lot of space and give a nice feeling of cooling down. Some run on batteries and others are rechargeable. I personally prefer the battery-powered ones, but figuring out which kind of batteries to use is important.
2. Neck Coolers
I haven’t bought one yet, but I’ve heard great things about them. They’re designed to keep your body from overheating and stay cool for a surprisingly long time. I’m thinking of getting one during the peak of summer if it gets too unbearable as some people say it helps make the heat more tolerable.
3. UV Umbrellas
These are a great way to stay out of the direct sun. Japan has a lot of umbrellas made specifically with UV protection, and I’ve noticed many people using them on clear, sunny days.
4. Cooling Wipes
These are wipes that not only help cool you down but also freshen you up by wiping away sweat. They’re useful for more than just your neck (like the neck coolers) and great for when you’re out all day. I’ve had some friends tell me they love it, so I got some to try.
5. Stay Hydrated
This one seems obvious, but it’s easy to forget. With all the walking and the heat, you’ll sweat a lot. I certainly have, so I always carry a water bottle with me just in case. There have been a few times where I forget it and I later regret not bringing it with me so always have water with you!
Dealing with summer in Japan is definitely a new experience, but it’s manageable with a little preparation. I’m learning as I go, but hopefully these tips can come in handy for others that are not use to the heat!
DU Abroad 