🥵 Surviving Japan’s Scorching Summer:

The Relentless Heat and Humidity You Didn’t Expect

🌡 “Why Is It So Hot in Japan!?”

If you’re visiting Japan this summer, be prepared for a kind of heat you’ve likely never experienced before. It’s not just about high temperatures—it’s the humidity, the lack of airflow, and the urban heat that combine to create an unbearable atmosphere, even for locals.

🔥 Case in Point: Tokyo Hits 35°C Before Noon

On July 7, 2025, central Tokyo recorded a temperature of 35.0°C (95°F) by 11 a.m. And this is before the official end of the rainy season (tsuyu). In recent years, it’s not uncommon to see temperatures between 34–38°C (93–100°F) for several weeks straight.

💦 The Humidity Is What Gets You

Unlike dry heat in places like California or Spain, Japan’s summer is extremely humid, often exceeding 70–80% humidity.

“It felt like walking into a sauna, except it never ends,”
– Daniel, tourist from Canada, visiting Osaka in July

❌ There’s No Escape

• Airflow is minimal in narrow streets of traditional areas like Kyoto’s Gion or Tokyo’s Asakusa.
• Even shaded areas feel hot and sticky, as the air doesn’t circulate.
• At night, temperatures often remain above 28°C (82°F), with high humidity creating what’s called “tropical nights.”

🧍‍♂️ It’s Not Just Tourists – Locals Struggle Too

🏥 Emergency Cases Are Rising

In July alone, over 10,000 people across Japan were hospitalized due to heatstroke, including indoor cases where people didn’t use air conditioning enough.

In Tokyo, a 72-year-old man collapsed in his apartment because he refused to run the AC “to save money.”
In Kyoto, multiple tourists fainted in long lines at temples.

☠️ How Dangerous Is It, Really?

Very. The Japanese government issues “Heatstroke Alerts” when conditions become life-threatening. These are broadcast on TV, phones, and digital signs in train stations.

When the alert is active:

• Avoid outdoor activities between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Postpone temple hikes, park visits, or long walks
• Use convenience stores, malls, and train stations to cool down

🧊 Tips for Tourists: How to Survive the Heat

1. Start your day early (before 9 a.m.) or go out after 6 p.m.
2. Carry a folding umbrella or parasol – it’s not just for rain!
3. Bring a portable fan or wear a cooling neck towel (sold at Daiso or Don Quijote).
4. Hydrate constantly, even if you’re not thirsty. (Use Pocari Sweat or Aquarius.)
5. Take breaks indoors every 30 minutes – don’t try to power through it.

🏙 Why Is Japan So Hot?

A combination of factors make Japanese summers particularly brutal:

💬 Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Stay Safe

Japan is beautiful in summer—festivals, fireworks, and nature—but it’s not worth risking your health. Even locals say:

“The heat has become dangerous. We adjust our lives around it now.”

So enjoy your trip, but:

• Adjust your schedule
• Take breaks
• Don’t underestimate Japan’s summer heat

Because this isn’t just hot—it’s extreme.

✈ Bonus: Best Places to Cool Down in Tokyo