Japan In Summer: You can weather it!

Above, summer means heat and humidiy in Tokyo, but you can find relief in air conditioning. Shinjuku from Tokyo Tower.

Japan In Summer: You can weather it!

Text and photos by Armand Vaquer

Some potential Japan travelers are reluctant about going there during the summer months as Japan can get hot and very humid. If you're from a mild climate, I can understand the reluctance. But it really isn't all that bad, provided you prepare for it.

Back in August 2004, J. D. Lees of G-FAN magazine led 60 Godzilla fans to Japan on a 10-day tour. It was hot and humid, but we handled it. We also knew ahead of time what to expect and planned accordingly.

For one thing, we packed light clothing. Most of us just wore t-shirts and shorts. I especially recommend cargo shorts with lots of pockets.

Above, the pagoda at Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple. Kyoto is generally hotter as it is in a more southern latitude than Tokyo.

Second, we also drank a lot of water. Japan is a first-world country and their tap water is quite drinkable. You won't get any kind of "Montezuma's Revenge" drinking Japan's tap water. It was just as good as the tap water in the United States. However, if you'd rather have bottled water, you can find it everywhere in Japan. There are Lawson's, 7-11 and AM-PM mini markets everywhere. There are vending machines all over Japan where one can buy a variety of bottled waters.

Summer can also mean rain. Normally, I would recommend bringing an umbrella, but in Japan, one can buy one at a low price (around 500 yen or less) pretty much anywhere. It's just one less thing you'll need to pack.

Most public buildings such as museums, restaurants, shopping malls and stores are air conditioned. So it is easy to get relief.

After your day's explorations, you can settle down for a traditional Japanese bath at an onsen, public bath facility or at your hotel (below) or ryokan (Japanese inn). That'll help to cool you off!



So don't be afraid to visit Japan in the summer.