Can you sightsee comfortably even in the hot summer? A guide to enjoying summer sightseeing in Tokyo

Summers in Tokyo are hot and humid, with temperatures consistently exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86°F), making daytime sightseeing physically draining. To enjoy Tokyo in the summer, basic heat countermeasures are essential, such as staying hydrated, using a parasol or a hat, and carrying cooling items.
By taking proper precautions and choosing your locations and times wisely, you can enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo comfortably even in the summer. Here, we introduce recommended ways to spend your time during the hot season.

Cooling Items to Survive the Extreme Heat

When going out during the hot daytime, be sure to take frequent breaks. If you sweat, remember to stay hydrated with sports drinks and easily replenish your sodium levels with salt tablets. Furthermore, prevent heatstroke while exploring Tokyo by making good use of various heat relief goods, such as cooling sprays, cooling body wipes, neck coolers, and handy portable fans.

Carry a drink and hydrate frequently

Salt candy

Portable cooling mist

Body wipes

Neck cooler

Spots to Stay Cool

During midsummer days, it is highly recommended to incorporate air-conditioned facilities or spots where you can feel a refreshing breeze into your itinerary. Among them, aquariums are especially popular. You can enjoy an extraordinary experience while staying comfortably indoors.

• Sunshine Aquarium
• Sumida Aquarium
• Shinagawa Aquarium

Penguins at Sunshine Aquarium

Fish tank at Sumida Aquarium

Gardens and parks surrounded by greenery are also highly recommended. With plenty of shade from the trees, you can feel a refreshing coolness even during the day.

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden travel guide
• Rikugien Gardens
• Hama-rikyu Gardens

Rikugien Gardens
Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association

Hama-rikyu Gardens
Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association

Furthermore, the Tama area is recommended for staying cool surrounded by great nature. The Okutama area, in particular, is blessed with mountains, clear streams, and forests, making it a popular destination to escape the heat of the city center. At places like Mount Mitake and the Akigawa Valley, you can comfortably enjoy walking trails surrounded by trees and scenic views along the mountain streams. Another appeal is that it is easily accessible by train from the city center, making it a great destination for a day trip.

Clear stream at Mt. Mitake

Suspension bridge at Akigawa Valley

Within Tokyo, "Cooling Spots" have been set up in various locations, mainly at public and commercial facilities, to prevent heatstroke and provide a safe place to relax during the hot season. For example, large commercial facilities are well air-conditioned, making them perfect for taking a break between sightseeing.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government also provides a map showing public facilities and other locations where water dispensers are installed. You can drink water directly from the dispensers or refill your own bottles.

• Tokyo Heat Map, Cooling Spots in Tokyo
• Tokyowater Drinking Station | Bureau of Waterworks

Savor Uniquely Japanese "Refreshing Summer Treats"

One of the great joys of a hot summer is Japan's refreshing summer treats, which look just as cool as they taste. A classic example is kakigori (shaved ice), made with fluffy ice topped with syrup or fruit. Specialty shops have been increasing in recent years, offering uniquely Japanese flavors, such as combinations with matcha and traditional Japanese sweets.
In addition, there is a wide variety of summer-exclusive menus, such as easy-to-slurp somen (thin wheat noodles) and chilled udon, chilled oden with a refreshing dashi (broth) flavor, and subtly sweet, cooling desserts like anmitsu and tokoroten (agar jelly noodles). These dishes can be easily enjoyed at restaurants in sightseeing areas and commercial facilities, so please enjoy a cool Tokyo sightseeing experience through its food.

Kakigori (Shaved ice)

Chilled udon

Chilled summer oden

Anmitsu

Enjoy Cool Nighttime Sightseeing

Avoiding the daytime heat and sightseeing from the evening into the night is another great charm of summer in Tokyo.
Spots where you can enjoy special nighttime displays are particularly worth noting.

• Projection mapping at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
• Tokyo Aqua Symphony
• SHIBUYA SKY
• Tokyo Tower
• TOKYO SKYTREE

During the summer, limited-time events such as night events (illuminated gardens and night markets) and traditional festivals are also held, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing during the cooler hours of the day.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Projection Mapping "Tokyo Night & Light"

THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY
©Shibuya Scramble Square

Conclusion

Even in the hot season, you can comfortably enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo with a little bit of planning. Keeping the points introduced here in mind, try to find a way to enjoy summer in Tokyo that best suits you.