🧊 Surviving Summer in Japan: How I Beat the Heat (and You Can Too!)

Try these Japanese ways to stay cool without blasting the A/C all day

Summer in Japan is intense. If you’ve ever visited or lived here, you know exactly what I mean. The heat is high, but the humidity is what really gets you—it wraps around you like a hot, damp blanket and refuses to let go. And with temperatures regularly climbing over 35°C (95°F) and humidity often hitting 90%, even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming.

But I’ve learned something valuable since moving to Japan: the locals have been dealing with this kind of summer for a while now, and they’ve come up with some really clever ways to stay cool. So in my latest video, I decided to test out traditional and modern Japanese cooling tricks to see which ones actually work—and let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised!

🎥 👉 Watch the full video here

🌿 Cooling Down Like the Japanese Do

Japan has this beautiful way of combining practicality with aesthetics, and that really shows in how they handle the summer heat. The first thing I noticed when summer arrived was the sound of 風鈴 (furin)—glass or metal wind chimes that tinkle softly in the breeze. The sound alone has a psychological cooling effect, and they’re hung from windows and verandas all over the country. Even if you’re sweating buckets, the gentle sound makes you feel a bit cooler.

Another trick I love is using 簾 (sudare)—these are bamboo blinds that hang outside your window to block direct sunlight while still allowing air to pass through. They’ve been used in Japan for over a thousand years and are still a staple in many homes. I installed one on my porch and noticed the temperature dropped inside by a few degrees almost immediately. No fancy gadgets—just smart design.

🍧 Sweet Relief: Kakigōri & Summer Veggies

Of course, one of the best ways to cool down is from the inside out, and that’s where kakigōri comes in. This is Japan’s answer to a snow cone—but it’s fluffier, finer, and infinitely more delicious. You can buy it everywhere in summer, but I made my own at home with some syrup and condensed milk. Instant mood booster and very refreshing!

Japanese summer meals also tend to be light and hydrating, full of seasonal vegetables like cucumbers, eggplants, and tomatoes. I put together a simple cold dish using local veggies, and it made a real difference in how I felt afterward—less sluggish and more refreshed.

💧 Pool Therapy and Cool Touch Bedding

Now for my favorite tip: just get in the water.
Even a small inflatable pool in your backyard or balcony can help lower your core body temperature and give your nervous system a break from the heat stress. I hopped in mine with a cold drink in hand—and even Millie came over to investigate!

And when it comes to sleeping in this heat, don’t underestimate the power of cool-touch bedding. Japanese stores sell sheets made from special materials that actually feel cool against the skin. I swapped out my regular bedding for a summer set, and it instantly made falling asleep much easier.

I use the above bedding from NITORI. It really keeps your body temperature down at night.

🐱 Staying Mindful of Millie’s Needs

Summer isn’t just tough on us—it can be hard on pets too. Millie, my curious little cat, tends to hide when it gets too hot. So I’ve made it a point to keep her in mind:

• Fresh, clean water is always available (bonus: I use a little water fountain which she LOVES)

• She has cool, shaded areas around the house to retreat to

• And I make sure she doesn’t overexert herself when the temperature soars

• I buy rehydrating treats from Churu that have a high water content

Being mindful of her comfort is part of the rhythm of daily life now—and it’s taught me to slow down and pay attention to my own needs too.

☀️ My New Summer Merch Is Here!

To celebrate the season, I’ve just released a new line of light, breezy summer merch over on my Fourthwall store! The colors—white, light pink, and soft yellow—are inspired by Japan’s relaxed summer vibes. These T-shirts are perfect for casual days, weekend adventures, or just relaxing at home (maybe even in your own backyard pool!).

🛍️ Check out the full summer collection here → https://chani-japan-shop.fourthwall.com

Every purchase helps support my YouTube channel and keeps me creating content from Japan. Thank you for being part of this journey 💛

💬 Let’s Stay Cool Together

So those are the tricks I tried—and honestly? They helped a lot. Now I’d love to hear from you:
How do you stay cool in the summer where you live?
Have you tried any Japanese methods, or do you have your own family traditions? Let’s share ideas in the comments on the video or down below on this blog post.

If this is your first time here—hello and welcome! I’m Chani, an Australian living in Japan and documenting life, slow travel, and daily adventures on my YouTube channel.

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