13 Must-Have Items to Stay Cool During Japan's Summer

Where to find cooling items in Japan

As summer arrives, Japanese retailers and stores showcase a variety of cooling products. For a wide selection of these handy goods, visit lifestyle stores like Loft or Tokyu Hands, where you can find a dedicated section featuring items like cooling sprays and neck wraps. Drugstores are excellent places to purchase cooling wipes and special deodorants.

If you're looking for a portable fan to stay cool on the go, large electronics stores like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera offer a wide range of models and styles. Read on for the best cooling items to get during your trip.

Bioré Cooling Sheet

Bioré offers the -3°C Cooling Sheet, a refreshing wet wipe infused with cooling mint. Just one wipe is enough to cool down your entire body, with an immediate cooling effect of about 3 degrees Celsius. The large, durable wipes effectively remove the sticky feeling caused by heat and humidity, while also eliminating dirt, sweat, and odor-causing sebum.

In addition to the fragrance-free option, the wipes are available in "Peach Soap" and "Refreshing Floral" scents.

AG Deo 24 Clear Shower Sheet

AG Deo24 is a deodorant brand by Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido. Their Clear Shower Sheets are designed to wipe away sweat, dirt, stickiness, and odor-causing bacteria. The wipes also contain moisturizing hyaluronic acid, leaving the skin feeling comfortable after use.

The Cool variant offers a cooling effect, infused with long-lasting cooling ingredients for a refreshing sensation on the skin, and lowers the skin's surface temperature by 3.2 degrees Celsius.

Fernanda Fragrance Cool Body Spray & Roll-on Stick

Japanese fragrance brand Fernanda offers a range of delightful scents, including a summer-friendly cooling fragrance series. The Cool Body Spray contains natural plant extracts for moisturizing, and features a blend of pear, jasmine, and sandalwood scents, providing a refreshing feel and uplifting mood.

Additionally, the Cool Roll-On Stick is convenient for on-the-go use, perfect for applying to wrists or neck during outings, work, or dates.

Junsuhada Medicated Japanese Mint Water Mist

On hot days, cool down with Japanese skincare brand Junsuhada's Medicated Japanese Mint Water Mist. This mist delivers a cooling sensation to the skin, thanks to its peppermint essential oils. With a generous 250ml size, you can freely spray it all over your body after a bath.

The mist contains botanical ingredients like dipotassium glycyrrhizate, which effectively soothes the skin and helps prevent back acne.

Carbonated Soft Foot Sheet (Lavender Mint Scent)

Kao's MegRhythm series, known for its steam eye masks and steam warm foot patches, also offers the Carbonated Soft Foot Sheet. This product contains carbonated bubbles and refreshing menthol to soothe tired feet.

Perfect for long days of walking while traveling in Japan, these patches can be applied to the soles or calves to instantly envelop your legs in a refreshing sensation. The soothing effect lasts for about six hours, and the lavender mint fragrance helps relax the mind as well.

Suo Ring Plus 18°Ice

One of the most popular items for keeping cool in the summer is the "cooling neck ring." It uses a special material called PCM (Phase Change Material,) which absorbs and releases heat as it changes between liquid and solid states.

This design helps lower your temperature. SUO's cooling neck rings come in various designs and colors, and they emphasize the use of eco-friendly, plant-based materials. The "Ring Plus 18°Ice" is particularly recommended for short outings due to its high cooling effect.

Y's Port Icy Sherbet Shoulder Neck Ring

Like the cooling Suo neck ring, Y7s Port's Icy Sherbet Shoulder Neck Ring also uses PCM material. In addition to being chilled in the fridge or freezer, it will naturally freeze in environments below 24 degrees Celsius.

This product is designed to cover a large area, fitting around the shoulders, neck, and upper back, providing a direct cooling sensation. It won't condense or wet your clothes, and its slim design allows it to be worn discreetly under clothing without affecting your style.

3Coins Cooling Neck Ring

The chain store 3Coins is popular for its affordable lifestyle goods, with prices starting at JPY 300. Known for its cute designs and great value, it offers various summer cooling items like their colorful cooling neck rings. It naturally freezes in environments below 28 degrees Celsius and comes in M and L sizes, making it a great gift option.

Alphax Cooling Neck Wrap

The Cooling Neck Wrap by Japanese lifestyle brand Alphax is perfect for staying cool in hot and humid weather. Just fill it with ice and wrap it around your neck for a refreshing chill. Its unique double-layer design prevents condensation as the ice melts. The outer cover is made from a cooling fabric, so if you don't have ice, you can simply wet it and give it a shake for a quick cooling effect.

Can Do Cooling Towels

The Japanese 100-yen shop chain Can Do offers a range of summer cooling items, with their cooling towels featuring adorable designs like polar bears, pandas, and sharks. These towels provide a refreshing sensation when wet, thanks to their moisture-absorbing and quick-drying material.

You can repeatedly experience the cooling effect by simply rewetting them. Compact and easy to carry, these cool towels are perfect for on-the-go use and can help prevent heatstroke during outdoor activities.

Can Do Cooling Gel

Another recommended cooling item from Can Do is the reusable "Cooling Gel." Unlike typical ice packs, this product remains soft even when stored in the freezer, providing a long-lasting cooling sensation. It comes in a convenient size for on-the-go use, ideal for cold compresses or chilling drinks.

There's also a larger size, measuring 30x20 centimeters, perfect for placing under your pillow for a cool night's sleep. Similar products can be found at other Japanese 100-yen stores like Daiso and Seria, so be sure to check them out while shopping.

HashTAG Portable fans

"HashTAG" is BicCamera's original brand, known for its products designed to capture beautiful photos with their vibrant and cute designs. During the scorching summer days, a handy portable fan is essential. This fan offers five adjustable wind speeds and can run for about nine hours on a full charge.

It comes with a stand for desktop use and a neck strap for easy portability, allowing you to enjoy a cool breeze anytime. The charming designs in green, blue, and pink are reminiscent of refreshing ice cream sodas, making them very appealing.

Francfranc Smart Handy Fan

Francfranc's "Smart Handy Fan" is a lightweight, foldable fan with adjustable angles, five wind speed settings, and a battery life of up to ten hours. It comes with a neck strap for hands-free use and can also function as an emergency power bank using a USB Type-C cable, making it both practical and stylish.

Discover more cooling items for the summer on WAmazing Shop

Shop for all your favorite Japanese cooling products and more on WAmazing Shop. Order online at tax-free prices, and pick up your purchases at designated self-service lockers in major Japanese airports in order to save time and skip the hassle of shopping while traveling.

Click the button below to discover more Japanese lifestyle and travel goods at tax-free prices.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.