What was the weather like when I visited Sapporo last July?

Last July, Sapporo experienced a severe heatwave with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius, making it extremely hot. The author even mentioned that they would only recommend summer trips to Japan to their enemies.

Why should I bring a Wpc. IZA ZA021 blackout umbrella for a summer trip to Japan?

The Wpc. IZA ZA021 blackout umbrella blocks direct sunlight and lowers the perceived temperature by about 3-7℃. It's best to bring a product with a black interior that offers complete shading and UV protection.

What precautions should I take when using ice spray purchased at Don Quijote or drugstores?

Ice spray can be quite refreshing when sprayed on clothes, but it's strong enough to sting if it touches your skin. Therefore, you should never spray it directly onto your body.

What Uber discount benefits can Hyundai Card members receive when traveling to Japan in the summer?

Hyundai Card members can receive a 50% Uber discount coupon. This coupon is issued on the 1st of every month, so it's advisable to get it in advance at the beginning of the month when your travel plans are set.

Japan Summer Travel 2026: 8 Essentials to Beat the Heat

Japan Summer Travel 2026: 8 Essentials to Beat the Heat | TRVLOGUE

There's a common saying that you'd only recommend a summer trip to Japan to your worst enemy. But with the favorable exchange rates, many of us are still drawn to Japan for our summer getaways!

I learned this the hard way myself. Last July (2025), I visited Sapporo, thinking, 'Surely it'll be cooler up north,' only to nearly melt in a scorching 95°F (35°C) heatwave. I swore I'd never return to Japan in the summer, yet here I am, with tickets booked for this year, 2026. Guess I'm a creature of habit – and forgetfulness!

Having survived one intense summer, I've gathered my top 8 essential items that truly made a difference. Let's dive into what you'll need for your summer Japan adventure!

1. Dark UV-Blocking Umbrella

Product Name: Wpc. IZA ZA021 / Purchased at LOFT

Just like in many parts of the world, summer in Japan can be brutal. Walking around without a parasol or umbrella will leave your scalp and skin stinging. This is an absolute must-have for me, whether I'm traveling or just out and about.

A good parasol doesn't just block direct sunlight; it can lower the perceived temperature by about 5-13°F (3-7°C). I can personally attest that it feels significantly cooler under one, making it essential not just for Japan, but for any hot summer day.

📍 Pro tip: Opt for one with a black inner lining, like the one pictured, for maximum shading and UV protection!

2. UV-Blocking Hat

"I hate umbrellas! They're cumbersome and heavy!" If that sounds like you, then at least pack a reliable UV-blocking hat.

I bought a waterproof UV-blocking hat from Montbell, but my boyfriend swiped it, so I'm planning to get another one on my next trip. Protecting your scalp is crucial, folks!

⬇️ For those curious about the hat model: ⬇️

【Montbell】Rain Capwebshop.montbell.jp

3. Sunscreen Spray

Even if you slather on sunscreen first thing in the morning, you're supposed to reapply every 2-3 hours. But let's be honest, when you're exploring, it's easy to forget!

The product pictured is a popular Japanese souvenir, but it felt a bit greasy and didn't apply well to my face, so it sat unused for a while. However, it's absolutely perfect for spraying on your body when you're out and about, so I now use it specifically as a body sunscreen.

📍 A word of caution: While some say you can use it on your scalp, it made my hair look like I hadn't washed it in five days. Proceed with caution!

4. Cooling Spray

You'll spot these cooling sprays everywhere in Don Quijote and other Japanese drugstores during the summer. I picked this one because the packaging looked the most "powerful," and it definitely delivers!

It's small and easy to carry, and a quick spritz on your clothes provides a noticeable cooling effect.

📍 Important note: The product pictured is quite strong and can sting if applied directly to skin. Always spray it on your clothing, never directly on your body.

5. Cooling Handheld Fan

You might be surprised to find that many indoor places in Japan keep their air conditioning quite mild. I remember being in Hokkaido, and nearly every restaurant we visited felt stiflingly hot because they barely ran the AC – one yakiniku place didn't even have it!

This handheld fan was an absolute lifesaver. I'm prone to facial flushing and very sensitive to heat, so this fan was my constant companion throughout my trip. The battery also lasted a full day of touring, which was fantastic.

Left: Regular fan function Right: Cooling function

During peak summer, even a regular fan can feel like it's just blowing hot air. That's why this time, I invested in a model with a dedicated cooling function, and it's a huge improvement over a standard handheld fan!

⬇️ I purchased my fan here: ⬇️

Oa Ice Bolt Max Portable Fan Mini Rapid Cooling BLDC Handy Handheld Fannaver.me

6. UV-Blocking Arm Sleeves

I'm quite sensitive to sun exposure and getting a tan, but wearing long sleeves in the summer heat feels like torture. That's where these UV-blocking arm sleeves come in!

They offer excellent UV protection and are incredibly thin, almost like stockings, making them far less constricting than traditional arm sleeves. These days, you can even find UV-blocking arm sleeves at stores like Daiso, so if you're concerned about your arms getting too much sun, definitely grab a pair.

7. Sarasara Cooling Wipes

You know that feeling after a full day of sightseeing when you go to the restroom and your clothes are so drenched in sweat they practically stick to you? I can't be the only one, right?

These Sarasara cooling wipes are my absolute favorite. They're incredibly refreshing and instantly transform sticky skin into a cool, dry canvas. Wiping down sweaty areas like your armpits, neck, and back provides a blissful, invigorating sensation that lasts for a good while.

8. Credit Card Travel Perks & Uber Discounts

While the original tip highlights a specific Korean credit card offer, it's a great reminder to check for travel perks from your own credit cards or loyalty programs! Many cards offer discounts or cashback on ride-sharing services like Uber, which can be a huge lifesaver.

These kinds of coupons or benefits are often issued monthly, so it's smart to check at the beginning of the month if you have a trip planned. Whether it's scorching hot or unexpectedly chilly, having a discounted ride option can save you from uncomfortable walks and help keep your travel budget in check.

In addition,

Beyond these essentials, remember to plan your days strategically. Try to schedule indoor activities like shopping at malls or relaxing in cafes between 12 PM and 3 PM, when the sun is at its most intense. Filling your entire day with outdoor excursions in the summer will quickly turn your vacation into an endurance test!

Also, keep in mind that both your phone and handheld fan batteries drain faster in the heat, so don't forget to pack a portable power bank.

While a summer trip to Japan will undoubtedly come with heat, packing these items made a world of difference in my ability to enjoy being outdoors. Especially if you're sensitive to heat like I am, I implore you to bring a dark UV-blocking umbrella, a cooling handheld fan, and those refreshing cooling wipes!