Summer in Japan can be deadly, especially in more southern regions like Kyoto. Here’s how you can survive and thrive through the heatwave!
Like most East Asian countries, Japan’s summer is quite brutal when it comes to humidity, though it’s likely even worse because of its island nature. As someone who comes from Australia’s much drier summer air, I find Japan’s summer an absolute nightmare of breathless air and nonstop sweating! Well, after living in Kyoto for 3 years, I learned a few tricks to manage what I once considered the most unbearable season of Japan.
Wear Baggy Clothes
If you’re an absolute sweat bag like me, you’ll want to avoid having your clothes become a see-through wet cloth of embarrassment. Fortunately, wearing baggy clothes in Japan is quite the norm, even in summer, and doing so will help minimize that nasty feeling of clothes sticking to your body and exposing your figure. It’s quite easy to find this kind of fashion in Japanese clothing stores, and I’d also recommend darker colors if you really want to hide those sweat patches! Places like Uniqlo or Muji can be a great place to find some affordable Japanese-style fashion outfits in Kyoto.
Hit Up Lake Biwa!
Kyoto may not have a coastal beach, but it does have one of the biggest swimmable lakes in the country! Lake Biwa or Biwako is a massive body of water and home to Omi-Maiko Beach – where the sandy shore meets the freshwater lake. Being able to jump into the water is such a great way to combat the the heat of Japan’s summer, allowing you to feel refreshed and re-energized in an otherwise exhaustive climate. More than that, the vibe at Lake Biwa is truly that of a summer vacation, with plenty of stores open selling ice cream, juices, takoyaki, burgers, and more!
Hydration is Key!
Hydration truly is key when it comes to surviving Kyoto’s humidity, especially with all the constant sweat loss! You’ll find yourself getting parched more often, and if you don’t stay hydrated, it’s easy to get lightheaded and feel weak. Luckily, Japan is the country of convenience, so finding vending machines and convenience stores are a walk in the park! A good way to get some relief around Kyoto City is to sit by the Kamo River where the air is a little more bearable and the temperature drops slightly. You may even feel some cool breezes as you sip on that C.C. Lemon drink (I know what you’ll pick!).
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!