Japan’s summers are always sweaty, sticky, and scorching — and 2025 is shaping up to be the hottest yet. As of July, two week forecasts are predicting Tokyo highs near 35°C and lows above 25°C, with humidity forcing the heat index into the “danger” zone. Whether you’re a newly arrived expat or a long-term resident, our advice will help you stay safe and even enjoy the season.
Essential Items to Cool Down
Japanese retailers dedicate space in their stores to summer essentials every May. They will invariably carry items like those listed below, which you can combine into a portable survival kit to beat the heat. There are plenty of different products to keep cool in Japan to suit your lifestyle.
Wearable Fans
Compact neck‑ or collar‑mounted fans create a personal breeze around your face and can drop the perceived temperature by several degrees, even on the hottest days, and they almost look like headphones!
Sony Reon Pocket 5 – a “wearable A/C” that cools the neck with a Peltier plate rather than blades.
- Cost: ~¥17,600
- Where to buy: Sony Store
Hiro HED-4331 Neck Fan – twin turbines plus a mini cool-plate for instant relief.
- Cost: ~¥3,000
- Where to buy: Yodobashi Japan
Elecom FAN-U252 Hybrid Fan – airflow + cooling plate; up to 8 hours on USB-C.
- Cost: ~¥4,980
- Where to buy: Elecom Direct Shop
Cooling Towels and Ice Scarves
Polymer‑infused towels chill 3–7 °C below ambient temperature once wet, while ice scarves stay flexible straight from the freezer. Slip one around your neck before boarding a crowded train to enjoy instant, lasting relief.
Mission “On-The-Go” Cooling Towel – stays up to 15 °C cooler than skin.
- Cost: ~¥1,650
- Where to buy: Sports Authority JP
Yokulamo Ice Scarf (2-pack) – U-shaped, drip-free design.
- Cost: ~¥1,300
- Where to buy: Amazon Japan
Nitori Ice Ring Neck Cooler – re-freezes in 15 min, remains pliable.
- Cost: ~¥2,490
- Where to buy: Nitori Online
Hydrating Drinks and Frozen Treats
Electrolyte drinks like Pocari Sweat and Aquarius replace sodium lost through sweating and freeze solid overnight, doubling as ice packs in your rucksack. Convenience stores also stock fruit‑based popsicles that melt slowly yet provide a rapid cooldown between trains.
Pocari Sweat Ice Slurry Pouch – semi-frozen isotonic gel.
- Cost: ~¥210
- Where to buy: AU Pay Market
Aquarius Zero Jelly Bottle – 33 kcal, no sugar, drink-on-the-go.
- Cost: ~¥198
- Where to buy: Amazon Japan
Garigari-kun “Adult Pineapple” Popsicle – limited-edition extra-fruit bar.
- Cost: ~¥160
- Where to buy: Green Beans
Portable Misters and Handheld Fans
As soon as summer arrives, Japan’s streets fill with the whirr of personal fans. Models with built‑in misters blanket your skin with micro‑droplets that evaporate almost instantly in a breeze; a 15‑second spritz can make a moment in the sun feel like a break in the shade.
Great Work “Freeze Well” Handy Fan – 100 airflow steps + chilled plate.
- Cost: ~¥4,380
- Where to buy: Rakuten Great Work
Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo FA052JGY – cordless mist fan; 9 hour battery.
- Cost: ~¥19,800
- Where to buy: Yodobashi Camera
Magicoool Quick Cool Atomiser-Fan – key-ring-size budget mister.
- Cost: ~¥450
- Where to buy: Daisaku
UV-Cut Parasols
Ultralight UV-cut parasols are a must-have accessory during Japan’s sunniest months. Designed with advanced fabric technology, these parasols block up to 99% of harmful UV rays while also reflecting radiant heat, making them ideal for protecting both your skin and comfort.
Most models weigh less than 200 grams and fold down smaller than a standard water bottle, so they slip easily into handbags or backpacks. Their water-repellent coating means they also double as emergency rain umbrellas, perfect for Tokyo’s unpredictable summer weather. Whether you’re walking through urban streets or sightseeing in temple gardens, a UV-cut parasol keeps you shaded, cool, and stylish.
Waterfront “Zentenkou” Folding Parasol – UPF 50+ with reflective lining.
- Cost: ~¥2,500
- Where to buy: Waterfront Shop
Uniqlo UV-Cut Compact Umbrella (Heat-Shield) – 99 % UV block.
- Cost: ~¥3,990
- Where to buy: Uniqlo JP
Wpc. Super Air Light Sunshade – just 85 grams yet 100 % UV block.
- Cost: ~¥2,970
- Where to buy: Wpc. Online Store
Cooling Gel Sheets & Patches
Cooling gel sheets and stick-on patches are a lifesaver when summer heat becomes overwhelming. Designed to draw heat away from the skin, these medical-grade gel pads offer an instant cooling effect that feels like a portable cold compress. Lightweight and mess-free, they adhere comfortably to key pulse points like your temples, neck, or wrists, helping to regulate body temperature quickly and effectively.
Many versions are infused with menthol or herbal extracts for an extra soothing sensation. Compact and easy to carry, they’re a discreet way to beat the heat whether you’re riding a packed train, queuing at a festival, or walking under the midday sun. Keep a few in your bag for emergency relief on sweltering days.
Kobayashi “Netsusama Sheet” – classic fever & heat-stroke pad.
- Cost: ~¥380 / 12 sheets
- Where to buy: Amazon Japan
Hisamitsu “Bye-Bye Fever” XL Cool Pad – adult-size extra cooling.
- Cost: ~¥580 / 6 sheets
- Where to buy: Big Camera
Pigeon Baby Cooling Pad – gentle adhesive for infants.
- Cost: ~¥398 / 12 pads
- Where to buy: Pigeon Official
Cooling Clothing Inserts & Sleeves
Cooling clothing inserts and UV-cut sleeves are essential tools for staying comfortable in the relentless summer heat, especially during outdoor travel or commutes. Made with advanced phase‑change materials (PCM), these garments absorb and store excess body heat, gradually releasing a cooling sensation that helps regulate your core temperature.
Meanwhile, UV‑cut sleeves not only protect your arms from sun damage but also wick away moisture and dry quickly, making them ideal for biking, hiking, or navigating busy city streets. Some models even contain built-in cooling gels or mesh zones for increased airflow. Lightweight and reusable, they fit easily under regular clothes and can be chilled in the fridge for a stronger effect. A smart and stylish way to beat the heat without sacrificing mobility or protection.
Freezetech Instant Ice Long-Sleeve Shirt – fabric temp drops ~−3 °C when wet.
- Cost: ~¥4,290
- Where to buy: Freezetech Shop
Montbell Cool Arm Sleeves – UPF 50+ with menthol-infused yarn.
- Cost: ~¥2,420
- Where to buy: Montbell Online
Workman “Ice Assist” Cooling Vest – two freezer-pack slots at spine.
- Cost: ~¥2,900
- Where to buy: Workman Store
Cooling Bedding & Sleep Aids
Summer nights in Tokyo often remain muggy and warm, with temperatures staying above 25 °C well after sunset, making restful sleep a challenge. Cooling bedding and sleep aids are designed specifically to combat this lingering heat and promote deep, uninterrupted rest. Many feature quick-dry or phase-change materials that adapt to your body temperature, providing relief even in rooms without strong air conditioning.
For additional comfort, consider portable cooling mats, chilled eye masks, or compact fans with silent night modes. These products work together to reduce nighttime sweating and discomfort, helping you wake up refreshed and ready to face another humid summer day.
Nishikawa “Ice Max” Pillow Pad – PCM gel layer absorbs heat all night.
- Cost: ~¥2,980
- Where to buy: Nishikawa Online
Nitori “N-Cool Super” Mattress Topper 2025 – triple-layer cool-touch fabric.
- Cost: from ¥4,990
- Where to buy: Nitori Online
Gokumin Cool Gel Pillow – memory-foam core with removable gel insert.
- Cost: ~¥3,980
- Where to buy: Gokumin Rakuten
Instant Ice Packs & Cold Compresses
These single-use packs contain inner chemical components that, when squeezed or struck, trigger an endothermic reaction, instantly cooling the pack without the need for refrigeration. Compact and lightweight, they easily slip into backpacks, handbags, or first-aid kits, making them ideal for outdoor excursions, hiking trips, theme park visits, or long days spent exploring urban streets.
They provide quick relief for heat exhaustion symptoms, minor injuries, or even just a flushed face after sun exposure. Some varieties also come with soft, skin-safe wraps or built-in adhesive patches for hands-free use on wrists, temples, or the back of the neck. Reliable and easy to activate, they’re a smart emergency measure in any summer survival kit.
Hakugen Earth “Soft Ice Instant” – below 0 °C for ~30 min.
- Cost: ~¥330 / 2 packs
- Where to buy: Amazon Japan
Kowa Quick Cool Pack – mess-free barrier keeps clothes dry.
- Cost: ~¥280 each
- Where to buy: Amazon Japan
Daiso Disposable Ice Pack – ultralight 100-yen option.
- Cost: ~¥110
- Where to buy: Daiso Net Store
Top Places to Cool Down in Tokyo
Tokyo now publishes an online map of air-conditioned rooms in stations, libraries, and museums, plus dedicated “Cooling Shelters” opened under recent climate-adaptation rules. Discounts often apply on extreme-heat days, so carry ID.
The full map can be found here.
Here are just a few cooling stations you can find in Tokyo:
Shibuya Mark City
Sitting directly above Shibuya Station’s Keio Inokashira Line concourse, Shibuya Mark City provides an air-conditioned walkway linking its East and West towers. Inside you’ll find cafés, bakeries, and plenty of seating, so you can cool down without feeling rushed. As an officially designated “Cool Share Spot,” visitors are encouraged to drop in and linger whenever heat alerts are issued. Its extended opening hours, from the first train until late evening, make it a dependable refuge whenever the pavement outside starts to sizzle.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando
Just a six-minute stroll from Harajuku Station, this open plaza was designed as a summer refuge for pedestrians exploring the district. Overhead mist-shower jets release a fine, cooling spray that drops the air temperature several degrees without leaving your clothes damp. Shaded benches and low planters invite you to linger, charge your phone, or regroup with friends before tackling the next boutique-lined street. Its strategic position between Takeshita-dori and Omotesandō makes it an ideal pit stop whenever the asphalt starts to radiate midday heat.
Nihonbashi Library
Roughly a ten-minute walk from Nihombashi Station, this municipal library doubles as an officially designated “Cool Share” refuge during Tokyo’s hottest months. Its polished lobby is kept at a steady 24 °C, and staff happily welcome walk-ins even if you’re just escaping the heat rather than checking out books. Free Wi-Fi, charging outlets, and nearby vending machines make it easy to rest, rehydrate, and recharge your devices. Peak-heat hours are posted at the entrance, so feel free to settle into an armchair until the sidewalks outside are comfortable again.
Safety Essentials
Summer in Japan can feel much hotter than the thermometer suggests, thanks to high humidity that slows sweat evaporation. Keep this pocket checklist in mind whenever the forecast pushes into the 30 °C range.
- Hydrate continually. Sip 100–200 ml of water or an electrolyte drink every 20–30 minutes and always carry a refillable bottle. Freeze one overnight for a built‑in ice pack.
- Seek shade and A/C. Walk on the shaded side of the street, use a UV‑cut umbrella, and schedule cool‑down breaks inside convenience stores, cafés, or public buildings.
- Dress for the heat. Choose loose, light‑coloured, breathable fabrics—cotton, linen, or high‑tech wicking blends—and add a wide‑brim hat plus UV‑blocking sunglasses.
- Time your outings. Plan outdoor errands for early morning or after sunset. If you must be outside from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., slow your pace and rest every 10–15 minutes.
- Cool your skin. Apply a damp towel, cooling gel sheet, or portable mister to your neck, wrists, and temples. Instant ice packs are a lightweight back‑up.
- Know the danger signs. Dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, or nausea mean you’re overheating. Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, and hydrate. Call 119 if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Stay informed. Enable heat‑alert notifications in the multilingual “Safety Tips” app or your preferred weather service.
Key Takeaway
Japan’s summer heat can be intense. But if you take the right precautions, it can be more than manageable. Prepare yourself with wearable fans, cooling towels, and electrolyte drinks. In a pinch, you can take advantage of public Cool Share spots whenever possible. At home, run your AC in “Dry Mode”, and fire up a dehumidifier. As always, Japan is a nation of the old and the new: you can blend high-tech with low-tech — such as USB-charged misters and century-old folding fans — to not merely survive the summer but thrive in it.
