Summer in Japan: Dealing with HumiditySurviving Japanese Summer: Laundry Tips for Intense HumiditySummer in Japan: Dealing with Humidity
More Than Just Heat: The “Muggy” Problem
If you are visiting Japan between June and September, prepare yourself for intense humidity. It is not uncommon to be completely soaked in sweat within 10 minutes of stepping outside.
In this climate, your laundry strategy is crucial. Letting sweaty clothes sit in your suitcase for days will create unpleasant odors and is unhygienic. You need to wash frequently.
Summer Laundry Strategy
1. Pack Quick-Dry Materials
Avoid heavy cotton t-shirts and jeans. They absorb sweat, become heavy, and take forever to dry if you hang them up. Instead, pack synthetic blends, merino wool, or “tech-wear” designed for sports. These materials wick sweat away and dry incredibly fast.
2. Use Dryers, Don’t Hang Dry Indoors
While hanging clothes to dry is common in Japan, Japanese hotel rooms often lack ventilation. Hanging wet clothes in a humid room will result in a musty smell, and they won’t dry overnight.
Always use the “WASH & DRY” combo setting at a coin laundry during summer to ensure clothes are completely dry and sanitized with heat.
3. The “Fabric Refresher” Hack
For items you can’t wash every day (like jackets or hats), buy a bottle of fabric refresher spray at a convenience store. The most popular brand is “Febreze” (ファブリーズ). A quick spray at the end of the day will kill bacteria and remove odors.
Conclusion
Don’t let the humidity ruin your trip. By packing the right materials and using coin laundries frequently to keep clothes fresh, you can stay comfortable even in the Japanese summer heat.
