“Atsui desu ne” (It’s hot, isn’t it?) is a common greeting during the Japanese summer, which lasts from June to September. Summer in Japan offers so much with various events, delicious foods, and unique cultural experiences, but with temperatures ranging from around 28°C to 37°C and with surging humidity levels, the season can be uncomfortable. So, how does “Cool Japan” stay cool in the summer heat? Here are our top tips and hacks to help you beat the heat, and make sure you have a summer to remember, for all the right reasons.
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1. Head for the sea
Our first tip is to get away from the city. In this regard, Awaji Island is a real gem. It’s close to the big cities of Kobe (45 mins) and Osaka (60 mins), but it feels like it’s a world away. The pace is relaxing compared with the hectic city and, as it’s an island, there is always a slight cooling breeze that you just don’t get in the steamy metropolis.
2. Use your head and bring a hat… and shades… and a fan… and sprays… and…
And not just a hat, bring sunglasses too, and wear loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made from breathable, UV ray-blocking fabrics that can effectively shield you from the sun while keeping you cool.
For a delightful traditional touch, consider using a hand fan to stay cool in the heat. Even better, portable electric fans are convenient to carry, and provide instant relief with just a push of a button. Don’t forget the sunscreen too. And the cooling wipes, sprays, and gel packs, conveniently found at convenience stores and drugstores everywhere.
You might want to consider carrying a small, dampened towel too, but our top tip is the gel-filled neck wraps that you can wear straight from the freezer. They are so good; so cool. There is even one that you can line your hat with too. Now, that’s how you keep a cool head.
3. Savour Seasonal Treats
After spells of fun in the sun, the perfect way to quench your thirst and cool things down is with refreshing drinks like iced tea, and fruit smoothies, suitably chilled. Additionally, indulge in summer staples like shaved ice or a wonderfully fruity float topped with delicious ice cream.
4. Explore Indoor Attractions
Awaji Island, there are several indoor attractions, ranging from entertainment complexes to shopping areas, all equipped with refreshing air conditioning. When the summer heat becomes intense, why not intersperse these locations with the outdoor attractions to give yourself (and your body) a welcome break.
So, after having outdoor fun at Nijigen no Mori anime park, take a cooling break at HELLO KITTY SMILE, a wonderful Hello Kitty-themed complex, or find some special gifts at the shop and restaurant facility, Craft Circus, both just a short hop away on the beautiful west coast. At places like these, you can have a blast while staying comfortably cool. So, make the most of these delightful indoor havens to escape the scorching temperatures during the hottest parts of the day.
| Location | HELLO KITTY SMILE |
|---|---|
| Address | 985-1 Nojimahikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1721 |
| Access | 10 minutes by car from Awaji IC or Hokudan IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays 11:00~19:00 Sat., Sun, & Public Holidays 10:00~19:00 Please note that each restaurant/café has different operating hours. |
| Closed | Tuesdays |
| Website | https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittysmile/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g1022838-d15190676-Reviews-Hello_Kitty_Smile_Garden_Terrace-Awaji_Awaji_shima_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html |
| Phone Number | 0799-70-9037 |
Click here for details of HELLO KITTY SMILE
5. Indulge in Summer dishes
The choice of delicious seasonal summer dishes in Awaji Island is vast. Almost every restaurant will have refreshing new delights available at this time of the year. From cold noodle bowls to fresh sushi platters, from super chilled desserts to supremely fresh farm-to-table salads, there truly is something for everyone.
Among the seasonal delights available, these are our top picks:
Is there anything more refreshing on a summer’s day, than super fresh seafood and ice-cold sushi? We don’t think so, especially when paired with a light, delicately fried tempura assortment, and a long cool drink. Simply delectable! The restaurant too is bright and airy, and the seating is pitched to give all customers a great view of the ocean, and of the skilful chefs at work creating their masterpieces.
For a different, but equally inspiring experience, why not try the highly refreshing whitebait pizza at Craft Circus (also on the west coast road)? This Awaji Island twist on an Italian classic will really give your tastebuds a treat. Easy to share and easy to pair with their revitalising long drinks too. Dally a while after your pizza pit-stop and browse the huge array of unique gifts and goods available in the store, all the while keeping your cool.
| Location | CRAFT CIRCUS |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-2 Nojima-Hirabayashi, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-1724 |
| Access | 15 minutes by car from Awaji IC on Awaji-Kobe-Naruto Expressway. 10 minutes by car from Iwaya Port (Jenova Line Ferry). |
| Parking | 80 spaces |
| Business Hours | Weekdays: 10:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) Weekends/Holidays: 9:30-20:30 (last order 19:30) |
| Closed | Thursdays (excluding national holidays) |
| Tel | 0799-82-1855 |
| Website | https://awajicraftcircus.com/ |
| Reservations | https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/craftcircus/reserve |
Click here for details of CRAFT CIRCUS
Just along the road is Chef’s Garden, a great little cluster of shops and restaurants sitting right on the ocean. The sea views are unrivalled, as is the broad selection of tasty treats on offer. Maneki’s island soba is worth a look, as are the various Awaji-based dishes, Awaji beef, Awaji chicken, Awaji onions, and so on. The famous Seto Inland Sea octopus is also not to be missed, but our tip is something a little different.
You simply cannot leave Awaji Island without trying the amazing Nagoya/Awaji kishimen (flat noodles) fusion at the Hoshigaoka Noodle Factory. The restaurant’s original concept, “just delicious kishimen for everyday life” needs to be modified slightly for the summer season to read, “just refreshing kishimen for island life!” Conventional concepts have been overturned, as the delicious noodles have been paired with refreshing and tasty Awaji Island ingredients.
Slurp up these slippery, chewy, refreshingly citrusy noodles. It will give you a welcome cooling boost and reenergise you for whatever else you have planned to round out your day in the sun.
| Name | Awai Chef's Garden by PASONA |
|---|---|
| Address | 57-3, Nojima Okawa, Awaji Shi, Hyogo Ken, 656-1723 |
| Parking | Approx. 140 units (Chef Garden Parking Space & SEIKAIHA Parking Space) 500 yen/day |
| Phone Number | 080-8177-4501 |
| Website | https://www.awaji-chefgarden.com/ |
| Business Hours | 11:00～21:00 (last order 20:00) *Subject to change depending on the season and weather. |
Click here for details of Awaji Chef's Garden
Closing
We truly hope this little guide helps you to get the most from your island jaunt, while at the same time keeping you and your loved ones cool and calm in the face of the intense heat of the Japanese summer.
“Atsui desu ne?”
