Introduction
Japanese summers are known for their intense heat and humidity. With temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F), staying cool becomes a top priority for the locals. In this article, we will explore the various ways that Japanese people stay cool during the summer months.
Air conditioning
One of the most popular ways to stay cool in Japan is by using air conditioning. Almost every building in the country, including homes, offices, and public spaces, is equipped with air conditioning units. Japanese people tend to keep their air conditioners at a lower temperature than people in other countries, which helps them combat the heat and humidity.
Summer festivals
Summer festivals are an integral part of Japanese culture and offer a great way to stay cool during the hot summer months. Many of these festivals take place in the evening when temperatures are slightly cooler, and they often feature street food vendors, games, and fireworks displays.
Wearing lightweight clothing
Japanese people are known for their fashion sense, and in the summer months, they opt for lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. This allows them to stay cool while still looking stylish.
Drinking cold beverages
Japanese people love their cold drinks during the summer months. Popular choices include iced green tea, lemonade, and soda. Convenience stores also offer a wide variety of cold drinks, including unique flavors like watermelon and lychee.
Matsuri-themed foods
Matsuri-themed foods are another way that Japanese people stay cool during the summer. These festival foods include shaved ice (kakigori), which comes in various flavors like strawberry, melon, and matcha. Other popular treats include chilled noodles (somen) and grilled meat skewers (yakitori).
Visiting water parks and beaches
Water parks and beaches are a great way to stay cool during the summer in Japan. There are many water parks located throughout the country, and they offer a variety of attractions like water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Japan also has numerous beautiful beaches, which are popular destinations for swimming and sunbathing.
Using cooling products
Japanese people use a variety of cooling products during the summer months. These include handheld fans (uchiwa), cooling towels, and cooling sprays. Some people also use cooling pads that can be placed inside clothing to help lower body temperature.
Staying indoors during peak hours
To avoid the hottest part of the day, many Japanese people prefer to stay indoors during peak hours. This is especially true for older people who are more susceptible to heatstroke. Some companies also adjust their working hours in the summer to allow employees to work earlier or later in the day when temperatures are cooler.
Taking cool showers or baths
Taking cool showers or baths is another way that Japanese people stay cool during the summer months. Many homes in Japan are equipped with bathrooms that have both hot and cold water taps, making it easy to take a refreshing shower or bath when needed.
Avoiding heavy meals
Eating heavy meals can make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable during the hot summer months. Japanese people tend to eat lighter meals like salads and cold noodles to avoid feeling weighed down. They also avoid eating spicy foods, which can increase body temperature.
Wearing hats and using umbrellas
Wearing hats and using umbrellas is another way that Japanese people protect themselves from the sun’s rays during the summer months. Hats provide shade for the face and scalp, while umbrellas offer protection from both the sun and rain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japanese people have a variety of ways to stay cool during the hot and humid summer months. From air conditioning and lightweight clothing to shaved ice and beach trips, there are many options available. By following these tips, you too can beat the heat and enjoy all that Japan has to offer during the summer season.
What do Japanese people do in summer?
Summer in Japan is a time of celebration, with street festivals, seasonal cuisine, and fireworks shows happening all around the country. It’s also the perfect season for outdoor activities like hiking in national parks, enjoying the beach, and admiring beautiful flower arrangements.
What is the Japanese cooling method?
Uchimizu is a practice where water is sprinkled on the street outside of one’s home to cool down the ground and lower the temperature of the surrounding area. This is typically done in the morning and evening when temperatures are cooler, as water evaporates quickly during the warmer daytime temperatures.
How hot can Japanese summers get?
The average highest temperature each month is 28.9 degrees Celsius (which is equivalent to 84.02 degrees Fahrenheit). The hottest summer climate is near Tokyo and some other areas in Honshu, the primary island of Japan, where the temperature can climb to nearly 40 degrees Celsius (or 104 degrees Fahrenheit).
What is considered a hot day in Japan?
The hottest days in Japan are referred to as “midsummer days” when temperatures reach over 30°C/86°F, and “sweltering days” when temperatures exceed 35°C/95°F, accompanied by high humidity.
Do Japanese kids get summer off?
In both Japan and the U.S., summer vacation is a time for leisure and enjoying the warm weather, spending time with loved ones, or traveling. However, while American students typically have two to three months of vacation time, Japanese students typically only have five weeks of vacation from school.
How long is summer break in Japan?
In Japan, schools have three semesters that are separated by periods of vacation. Summer vacation typically spans 40 days from July 20 to August 31, while winter and spring vacation are both around 10 days long, occurring from December 26 to January 6 and March 25 to April 5, respectively, at most schools.
Staying hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial during the summer months, and Japanese people know this better than anyone. They tend to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep their bodies cool and prevent dehydration. Many also enjoy drinking sports drinks like Pocari Sweat, which contains electrolytes to replenish the body’s fluids.
Using traditional cooling methods
Japanese people have been using traditional cooling methods for centuries, and many of these methods are still popular today. One example is the use of bamboo blinds (sudare) to block out the sun’s rays and allow for natural ventilation. Another is the use of hand-held fans (sensu), which were originally used by geisha and other performers to stay cool while on stage.
Going to indoor attractions
Indoor attractions like museums, art galleries, and movie theaters offer a cool escape from the summer heat. Many Japanese people take advantage of these indoor spaces during the summer months to stay cool while enjoying cultural activities.
Wearing cooling fabrics
In recent years, Japanese designers have started creating clothing made from innovative cooling fabrics like Coolmax and Dri-Fit. These fabrics are designed to wick away sweat and moisture, keeping the wearer cool and dry even in hot and humid conditions.
Keeping windows and curtains closed
During the hottest part of the day, many Japanese people keep their windows and curtains closed to block out the sun’s rays and keep their homes cool. This helps to reduce the amount of heat that enters the home, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors.
Practicing mindfulness
Japanese people also practice mindfulness during the summer months by paying close attention to their bodies and how they feel. They listen to their bodies when they need rest, take breaks when necessary, and avoid overexerting themselves in the heat. By doing so, they can stay cool and healthy during the summer months.
