HOW TO: Survive Summer in Japan [24 Resources]

It's July and I'm sure most of you are in the thick of the stick! Sticky humidity that is. Unless you're in Hokkaido. Regardless of where you are, you need to be prepared for what summer brings. Humidity, bugs, bug bites, mold, nasty smells, sunburns, and of course, fun.

We've got you covered. Read on for more.

Rainy Season / Humidity

The rainy season is more or less over now in Japan this year, but many of these tips will help you beat the heat and humidity of a Japanese summer.

40 tips to survive the rainy season in Japan
12 more ideas to survive the rainy season

Bugs

The mosquitoes are obnoxious and the roaches are disgusting, so how do you deal with them? Read on below. Plus tips to find medicine for those itchy bites.

HOW TO: Prevent and kill cockroaches
A Survival Guide to Mosquito Repellent in Japan
HOW TO: Find anti-itch, insect bite medicine in Japan

Home

Not sure how to work your air conditioner or dehumidifier? Look no further.

Also tips on how to deal with the ever-present mold, and why you should check out bamboo charcoal and activated charcoal.

A Guide to Dehumidifiers in Japan
HOW TO: Use an Air Conditioner in Japan
HOW TO: Use Your Dehumidifier in Japan
HOW TO: End Your Battle With Mold in the Bathroom
6 Reasons You Should Use Bamboo Charcoal (Takesumi)
Deodorize and more with Activated Charcoal
HOW TO: Stay cool without air conditioning: "Cool Air Fan" or 冷風扇

Personal and Body Care

No, most Japanese sunscreens aren't going to whiten your skin. And no, not all Japanese deodorant lacks aluminum, the active ingredient in anti-perspirants. I'm not going to tell anyone what to use--we all know what works best for us--but please inform yourselves. :)

A Guide to Sunscreen in Japan
Japanese Deodorant: What's in it, What's the Best, and What You Think
HOW TO: Find good deodorant in Japan
What is "Calorie Off" and why should you care?

Recreation

It's summer, so enjoy it! Go swimming, even with a tattoo! Travel around Japan without breaking the bank! Go to the movies! Hike some trails!

HOW TO: Find a recreational pool or water park in Japan
QA: Swimming with a tattoo?
HOW TO: Save Money While Traveling in Japan
7 tips for going to the movies in Japan

24 Handy Resources for Traveling in Japan
HOW TO: Customize your drinks at Starbucks or Tully's in Japan
HOW TO: Find hiking trails in Japan
how to find outdoor gear in Japan


What other topics would you like to see covered on how to survive summer in Japan?

*******

Thanks to Nihongo Master for being SiJ's July sponsor!

Learn Japanese online and study with your friends using Nihongo Master. I've tried a lot of tools, but I love their unique concept.

3 Things for Spring

Spring is upon us, more or less, and soon (if not already, wherever you might be) the sakura will be showing off their bright petals. And unfortunately, spring also means hay fever for many of us, and the obnoxious "yellow sand" (which I've heard has been particularly bad in places there recently). The posts below might help you find ways to help your poor sinuses, how to find a nice place to do hanami, and what you should know about yellow sand (and how to deal with it).

Happy Spring!


15 Ways to Survive Hay Fever Season
Some of these are ideas you're likely already familiar with, but some might surprise you.

And you might also want to check out HOW TO: Find Pollen Counts in Japan.

Yellow Sand in Japan - How does it affect you?
It dirties your laundry and can affect those with allergies or lung conditions, among other things. I've explained why you should know about it, how to check levels where you are (in English), and how you can protect yourself.

HOW TO: Find a good hanami spot (cherry blossom viewing)
It's well worth it to find the less crowded spots -- and of course you can also find beautiful places just by exploring the area where you live (recommended!), but you can look up spots to check out (in Japanese). Here's how to do that.

*********

7 Useful Resources for Winter and the Holidays in Japan

It's freeeeezing cold here in Shizuoka city today, and those winter winds I hate so much are back in full force as well. It's interesting to watch the clothes you hand outside blow sideways... And hope that you've tied everything down well enough so you won't lose anything (we've had several years of practice now).

So as we move into mid-December, meaning Christmas and New Year's are on their way, and then the coldest months of January and February, I thought I'd pull out some posts that might be useful this time of year.



1. Where to Find "Illuminations" (Christmas/Holiday Lights) in Japan

Light displays in Japan can be pretty spectacular. You'll probably see basic ones while out and about but I recommend going to a larger one if you can. Last year we went to Gotenba, Shizuoka to see the light tunnel (pictured above). The screenshots in the post are outdated, but the sites are laid out essentially the same, so it's still helpful for those of you who want to find a place to go and can't read Japanese.

2. Resources for a Very Merry Christmas in Japan

Looking for holiday decor? Food? Cards? This post has you covered.

HOW TO: Heat Your Home (and Stay Warm) in Japan This Winter

Original photo via manicstreetpreacher, design, editing and text by me.

Winter in (most of) Japan can be cold. And not just in the mountains of central Japan or Hokkaido as you would expect, but even coastal climate areas like where I live here in Shizuoka. It may not typically snow here, but the wind is strong and biting.

Well, obviously, it's cold. It's winter. And I'm a wimp when it comes to cold.

However.

Many homes in Japan are not insulated well and don't have double-paned windows, although this is changing with newer structures. Despite that, there's a good chance many of you live in a drafty apartment or house.

That said, there are some ways you can winterize your Japanese dwelling, but if you're on the hunt for a decent heater, you'll find several options below, depending on your preferences and budget. (I've previously written a guide to heaters in Japan, but expanded a bit in today's post.)

Where to See and Enjoy Japan's Fall Foliage 2012 (紅葉)

Now that it's October, we're inching closer to seeing the Autumn leaves in much of Japan -- although some places, like Hokkaido, are already boasting their colors. Lucky you folks in the North!

I've written previously about finding places to go to see and enjoy the lovely hues of orange, red and yellow here in Japan, this is a 2012 update.

You may already be familiar with the popular tourist destinations for Fall colors (such as Kyoto), but if you're looking for some less crowded areas or some place nearby, you might find one of the following sites useful. Each site offers a way to search locations all over Japan and find listings of good 紅葉 (こうよう, kouyou) spots. They are in Japanese only, which is why I'm also providing a tutorial below.

Japan Summer Survival Guide 2012

It's still May, but summer is just around the corner, and the weather lately, at least here in Shizuoka, has certainly felt like summer weather. I've included a roundup of previous summer-related posts below, although note that some, such as the fireworks festival finder websites, haven't been updated yet for 2012 information (but you'll still be able to get an idea of what festivals are held in your area/wherever you're going, and then can look up this year's info later once it's been confirmed.)

More will be added as any relevant new post are published this summer.


The Rainy Season

First of all, the rainy season has already begun in Okinawa, which means it's likely to start earlier than usual on the main islands as well. It's best to be prepared, so check out these 40 tips to survive the rainy season in Japan. After that, why not read 12 more ideas to get through the sticky season of humidity and sweat? If you're stumped as to what to do in the rain, you'll find several ideas here.

The Bugs 

Once the temps go up, they come in droves. The high-pitched buzzing sound you might be hearing throughout the night - multiple times - is those obnoxious mosquitoes. Here are some ways to defend yourself against them, and how to take care of the bites they leave behind.

Don't forget the roaches. Learn how you can prevent them from making an appearance in your home and how to get rid of them, here.

Body and Home

If you're looking for an alternative to air-conditioning that uses less electricity and saves money, you want to try a "cool air fan."And to help control mold and humidity, keep your veggies fresh longer, and deodorize the air, bamboo charcoal, or "takesumi", is quite useful for that, with the added bonus that it's natural.

And to protect yourself from the sun, you'll want this useful guide to sunscreen in Japan.

Recreation

Want to go to the movies in Japan but not sure how to go about it, or how to find an English movie, etc.? Here's everything you need to know: 7 tips for going to the movies in Japan

To cool off, why not head to the pool, or even a water park? Not sure how to find them? Read this.

Finally, the fireworks festivals usually happen from July through September here in Japan, and they are definitely an event you won't want to miss, so learn how you can find them here.

[Updated] Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Blooming Forecast 2012

This year's cherry blossom (桜, さくら, sakura) blooming forecast has been released! It seems that the sakura in most parts of Japan won't be showing their petals until a little bit later this year in general (probably not surprising with all this cold weather we've been having on Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu).

Below is a translation of the 2012 cherry blossom blooming forecast from the Japan Weather Association (translation mine). If you want to see it for yourself in Japanese along with other notes, click the link. *There are more cities in each region listed on the JWA website, so feel free to check it out for other large cities in your area.* Note: The forecast and dates can change at any time, and blooming dates may be affected by weather and other factors.


Also note that the best time for viewing varies between a few days to a couple weeks from the time they open, and the estimated full bloom has been added below. If you'd like to take part in hanami this year (flower viewing), you may want to read how to find a good hanami spot (useful if you're looking for more places aside those listed in English).

Cherry Blossom Blooming Forecast 2012
from Japan Weather Association (Updated on tenki.jp Apr. 18, updated here Apr. 18) 
Parentheses () around the date means the cherry blossoms have bloomed in that area or they have reached full bloom, per the corresponding column.

Kyushu - 九州

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Fukuoka (Prefecture)	(March 27)	(April 1)
Oita	(March 27)	(April 3)
Nagasaki	(March 26)	(April 2)
Saga	(March 28)	(April 3)
Kumamoto	(March 25)	(April 2)
Miyazaki	(March 24)	(April 3)
Kagoshima	(March 26)	(April 5)

Shikoku Region - 四国

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Takamatsu (Kagawa)	(April 2)	(April 6)
Tokushima	(April 1)	(April 5)
Matsuyama (Ehime)	(March 30)	(April 4)
Kochi	(March 21)	(March 27)

Chugoku Region - 中国

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Hiroshima	(April 2), 201	(April 9)
Okayama	(April 3)	(April 9)
Matsue (Shimane)	(April 6)	(April 10)
Tottori	(April 3)	(April 10)
Shimonoseki (Yamaguchi)	(March 30)	(April 6)

Kinki Region - 近畿

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Osaka	(April 2)	(April 9)
Hikone (Shiga)	(April 8)	(April 12)
Kyoto	(April 3)	(April 9)
Maizuru (Kyoto)	(April 9)	(April 12)
Kobe	(April 2)	(April 9)
Nara	(April 3)	(April 9)
Wakayama	(March 30)	(April 4)

Tokai Region - 東海

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Nagoya	(March 30)	(April 6)
Shizuoka Prefecture	(March 24)	(April 1)
Gifu	(March 30)	(April 6)
Tsu (Mie)	(April 4)	(April 8)

Kanto Region - 関東

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Central Tokyo	(March 31)20	(April 6)
Mito (Ibaraki)	(April 6)	(April 12)
Utsunomiya (Tochigi)	(April 8)	(April 12)
Maebashi (Gunma)	(April 8)	(April 12)
Kumagaya (Saitama)	(April 4)	(April 10)
Choshi (Chiba)	(April 2)	(April 11)
Yokohama (Kanagawa)	(April 2)	(April 9)

Koshin Region - 甲信

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Kofu (Yamanashi)	(April 1)	(April 7)
Nagano	April 19	April 22

Hokuriku Region - 北陸

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Niigata	(April 16), 20	April 20
Toyama	(April 12)	(April 16)
Kanazawa (Ishikawa)	(April 10)	(April 13)
Fukui	(April 10)	(April 13)

Tohoku Region - 東北

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Sendai (Miyagi)	April 19	April 22
Aomori	April 29	May 4
Akita	April 22	April 26
Morioka (Iwate)	April 26	April 29
Yamagata	April 21	April 25
Fukushima	(April 16)	April 20

Hokkaido - 北海道

Spot	Estimated Blooming Date	Estimated Full Bloom
Sapporo	May 6	May 10
Muroran (Hokka	May 10	May 14
Hakodate	May 5	May 9

24 Ways to Stay Warm in Japan This Winter

So you've prepared your home in Japan as best you can for winter and you've got a heater or two, or a kotatsu, to keep you warm. What else can you do to survive the winter in Japan, especially with the continued emphasis on energy conservation?

Note: Amazon links below are affiliate links. Non-Amazon links are not.

1. Carry "kairo" (カイロ). Small body (typically hand) warmers. The disposable kind are the ones you open and shake up and typically last a few hours. Some can be placed in your shoes, around your ankles, around your waist or even around your wrists. Here are a few examples.

I've also noticed a trend of "eco-kairo" (エコカイロ) this year. The eco-kind vary, but some are filled with gel and you heat them in the microwave. Some are battery-powered (I'm not sure exactly how that is very "eco" though).

Some examples of "eco kairo" with cute covers (found at Loft):



And an eco-kairo that lasts about 4 hours:

2. Use a lap blanket. Whether at work or home, these smaller blankets are good to have on hand. Look for ひざかけ (膝掛け).

Resources for a Very Merry Christmas in Japan

Getting geared up for the holiday season? Feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to go or what to do or how to do it? You'll find some of my favorite resources below. Please let us know in the comments if you have something to add (even if it's regional).

Decorations
Often including trees

Nitori - Housewares store. Link is to English version of their site (including store locator). You can also shop online from the Japanese version of the site.

Tokyu Hands - Misc. goods. Japanese site. Store locator (usually located in big cities) and online shop.

Loft - Similar to Tokyu Hands. I've seen these more often, but still usually in big cities. Japanese site; store locator.

Where to Find "Illuminations" (Christmas/Holiday Lights) in Japan

Though it's the year of "setsuden" or "energy saving," many places in Japan are still setting up their Christmas/Holiday light displays for their annual "illumination," or イルミネーション, as it's called in Japanese. Although I've noticed there haven't been as many listings so far this year compared with last year, but at least many that are putting up displays are going with LED lights (if they weren't already, since I think most probably were), which use less electricity.

So while we should all do our best to continue saving energy this winter, and maybe not leave the Christmas lights on all the time, at least it's a way to feel festive and like it's actually the Christmas season (if you celebrate Christmas, that is). This can be difficult as an expat, I know, any holiday really, and maybe even more difficult if you have loved ones in another part of the world. So if the colorful, twinkly lights help put you in the Christmas spirit, here's a guide to finding holiday light displays in Japan.

You can look up illumination spots on several websites and find them in other ways as well (train stations often have them nearby), but a few options:

Preparing for winter in Japan

It's that time of year again. The temps drop (despite the fact Fall [Autumn] has been so lovely this year), and the sun only shows its face for a few hours (at least it feels that way).

I noticed these 2 posts have suddenly been climbing the "most visited" links list lately, so if you haven't seen them yet, here's what you need to know to prepare for the cold months in Japan. (Well... most of Japan; some of you are lucky - I'm looking at you, Okinawa.)

8 ways to winterize your Japanese apartment (or house)

A guide to heaters in Japan



And just a note for those of you who celebrate Christmas and are looking for a Christmas tree this year, you may want to check out:

HOW TO: Find a Christmas tree in Japan


Time for me to find my slippers. Stay warm!

HOW TO: Find and Enjoy Autumn Leaves (紅葉) in Japan

You may remember a post earlier this year about how to find a good hanami spot (cherry blossom viewing). Yet spring isn't the only time of year in Japan with lovely colors. In the Fall (or Autumn), trees all over Japan turn lovely hues of yellow, orange, and red for a short time before the coldest weather sets in.

Though it's likely you'll have some trees with colored leaves in your local neighborhood (some more than others), various spots exist around the country that are particularly known for beautiful foliage this time of year.

So, how do you find those spots?

HOW TO: Find a fireworks festival (花火大会) this summer

The rainy season has ended, and along with the heat and humidity, late July, August and early September mean festivals in Japan. You’ll find them all over the country, and even in local neighborhoods, either 祭り (まつり, matsuri, festival) or 花火大会 (はなびたいかい, hanabi taikai, fireworks display/show). Matsuri generally refers to a festival (as that is what it means), which can take on various forms depending on the type of festival it is. For example, I wrote about the big Shimada Obi Matsuri last year, which is specific to Shimada city in Shizuoka prefecture, but there are hundreds of other types.

And then there’s fireworks festivals, or 花火大会. Sometimes these happen in conjunction with a regular matsuri, or they may happen separately (particularly the big events). My local neighborhood (or 町, machi/cho, also known as "town") holds a small festival at the nearby temple every summer, and they shoot off fireworks at night.

One large fireworks festival I have particularly enjoyed here in Japan is the Fukuroi Fireworks Festival in Shizuoka. You can read more about it in my write-up here on SiJ, and if you're interested in going, check out this Fukuroi Fireworks Festival post for specifics (in English).

So if you’re in Japan, whether you live here or just visiting, I certainly recommend checking out a festival of some kind, in particular the fireworks festivals. But how do you find them?

HOW TO: Stay cool without air conditioning: "Cool Air Fan" or 冷風扇

冷風扇 - れいふうせん or "cool air fan"

The last week or so has been rather hot (in central Japan at least), with temps here in Shizuoka hovering around 30 Celsius and up (high 80s to 90s Fahrenheit). My husband and I still don’t own an air conditioner, simply due to the costs involved with buying and installing one, and then periodic cleaning. Yet, being 33 weeks pregnant, I've been finding myself desperate for some kind of cooling alternative the past week or so.