Kyoto summers go over 35°C(95℉) - Japanese summer style
When it comes to summer events in Kyoto, it's the Gion Festival. But locals don't really go to the city center much during the festival. That's because the temperature feels about 3°C higher than outside the city. This is no joke.
Kyoto is located in a basin. It tends to trap humidity, and the sunlight is strong. Even if the temperature is the same as in your country, Kyoto probably feels hotter. And right now, temperatures are rising all over the world. When I was a kid, anything over 30°C was considered Dog Days. In 2025, Kyoto had 61 days with temperatures over 35°C(95℉). This heat feels life-threatening.
In the past few years, all kinds of Cooling stuff have been created and become popular in Japan. If you walk around Kyoto, you'll probably see people with handheld fans or wearing Neck Cooler. Yeah, they're sloppy.Its not "cool". In a life-threatening situation, they don't have the luxury to worry about their appearance.
You should try imitating the Japanese too. Gear up with Cooling stuff head to toe and stroll lazily around Kyoto. Don't worry, this is a travel spot, so no one will see you. Except for you and your family….
Sun Umbrella (For Both Sunny and Rainy Days)
In your country, do people use sun umbrellas? Do men use them too? In Japan, this has been a common sight for a few years now. I also bought one a year ago. It keeps your whole body in the shade, so it's more comfortable than a hat. And above all, it looks elegant. There's a painting by Monet of a lady with a sun umbrella, but even men look gentlemanly using one.
There's even more of a benefit. Most umbrellas sold in Japan are for both sun and rain. In other words, you can use them on rainy days too. First, try using it on a rainy day, then use it again when it's sunny. In Japan, they're sold in many stores during the summer: convenience stores, drugstores, supermarkets. The budget starts from around ¥1,500. But cheap ones break easily. If you want to use it for a long time, you should buy something that's at least ¥2,000.
Handheld Fans
These are probably popular not just in Japan, but across Asian countries. Until a few years ago, cheap models costing around ¥500–¥1,500 were the norm, but in the past year or two, many high-end models priced between ¥2,000 and ¥5,000 have appeared. Some models even combine a cooling plate to blow cool air. These are also sold at convenience stores and drugstores in Japan.
Neck Cooler
When you wear this, even if you're just taking a walk, you look like you're being walked. It's used by chilling it in the freezer. The budget is ¥1,000–¥3,000. But recently, there are models with built-in air conditioning, which are almost like home appliances. For those kinds of models, you'd want to set aside at least ¥5,000.
Shirt Mist
I don't know how popular this is outside of Japan. But if you happen to see a spray at a drugstore or convenience store with an ice illustration on it, costing around ¥800–¥1,500, that's probably a shirt mist. When you spray it on your shirt or underwear, it keeps you feeling super cold for a few hours. I even use it on my way to work. Its contents are strong menthol, so there are a few things to be careful about. Don't apply it directly to your skin. Don't use it on underwear for the lower body. Don't put too much on your shirt either. Its effect is so strong that it can make you too cold and even mess with your health.