5 Great Japanese Products to Beat the Heat

Japan can be incredibly hot and humid during the summer, but there are a number of great Japanese summer traditions that really help to beat the heat. Here are the top 5 Japanese products that I use to stay cool wherever I’m travellng.

5. Sun Parasols

When thinking of sun parasols in the West, I picture images from the Victorian era. I’m not sure why they aren’t more commonly used these days.  Parasols are a great way to block the harmful UV rays and stay cool. My grandmother always carried one and her complexion was beautiful into her 90s. There are great selections available in Japan, so I recommend purchasing one if you are there. You can also find them online – get a full size Large Japanese Windproof Wooden Rain Umbrella or a portable Folding Umbrella UV Protection Parasol.

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4. Cooling Cosmetics

This Esprique Cool BB Spray UV 50 provides lightweight coverage, cools your skin, shrinks pores, and doesn’t melt off in the heat. You can purchase at drug stores around Japan.

3. Cosmetic Papers

When it’s hot, aburatorigami (Japanese cosmetic or blotting paper) is the best way to freshen up your look. Without reapplying makeup these little papers quickly remove any shine, resulting in a more natural look than adding powder. Originally a byproduct of gold leaf production, these portable papers have been used by the Geisha and Kabuki theater community for hundreds of years. If you are in Japan, they make great souvenirs. You can also purchase online – MUJI Blotting Paper .

2. Fans

A hand held fan can make a significant difference in stifling heat. I was transiting through a hot airport without any air circulation once when a friend pulled out a sensu (Japanese folding fan). It made the wait much more bearable and now I pack my own. They make beautiful souvenirs from Japan, but you can also buy them online – Japanese folding fan.

An Uchiwa is not a folding fan, but it is useful to have at home since you can use it to cool sushi rice. Make sure to get one made out of traditional lightweight bamboo instead of plastic. This one was given to me by a childhood friend over 20 years ago!  It is another great souvenir from Japan, or you can buy one online – Uchiwa Fan.

1. Gatsby Ice Paper

This was a life changing discovery by my husband! These cooling wipes are available in facial or deodorizing body versions. They refresh your skin, and have a cooling property that has a cold blasting effect for up to 30 minutes. You can walk outside in hot humid weather and feel like you have personal air-conditioning!  They are available at drug stores and convenience stores around Japan. Luckily, you can also purchase them online – Gatsby Ice Paper.