7-Eleven and vending machines are your best friends during the Japanese summer, in fact they’re critical for your survival!
Mango Smoothie
Japanese convenience stores are renowned for their high-quality goods at the lowest prices.
Whether it’s 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson, you’ll find them scattered all over the country, offering plenty of refreshing goods to combat the heat.
7-Eleven in particular is well-known for its selection of smoothies! During summer, they offer limited edition options such as this delicious and nutritious mango smoothie.
Priced between 300-400 yen, it’s the perfect refresher for the grueling humidity and heat of Japan’s summer months.
Acai Bowl
I’m a huge fan of acai bowls, and I’ve certainly noticed an ever-increasing number of stores popping up in Kyoto and throughout Japan as its popularity grows.
In fact, even 7-Eleven has started offering mini acai bowls as part of their efforts to keep us cool during the Japanese summer.
Complete with quality acai purée, bananas, berries, strawberries, and oats, it gives you a quick fix of nutrition while keeping you refreshed with its chilled temperature.
Sweet Kiss
An exclusive drink from the brand “Cheerio,” you’ll only find these at select vending machines in Japan.
It seems to appear every summer, though it likely can be found in other seasons too, and it’s a sugary soda that is like a “Sweet Kiss.”
The taste is reminiscent of Mountain Dew, but not quite as sweet or potent in its flavor, making it suitable for a wider range of consumers.
Coolish
Coolish is a local favorite you’ll find in all convenience stores in Japan and even supermarkets and grocery stores.
They have an abundance of flavors from vanilla to chocolate, matcha, coffee, grape, melon, the list goes on!
Flavors are always on rotation and there’s always something new to try. During the summer of 2025, the “Blue Sky Soda Float” was introduced to deliver a refreshing taste designed to keep you cool (ish!).
Watermelon Smoothie
One of my favorite beverages to combat the heat in summer is this watermelon smoothie from 7-Eleven.
Easy to spot with its iconic design, it’s extremely tasty and literally delivers the experience of consuming a watermelon in liquid form.
Thick, smooth, incredibly refreshing, this summer refresher will keep you hydrated, energized, and extremely happy even on the hottest days!
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!