My 4 Things to take out with me during Summer in Japan

It seems like summer is going to start soon in Japan after the long rainy season this year. I was quite glad the temperatures stayed quite cool until now and we just had some warm days so far. But being prepared for rain every day makes me feel kind of depressed, too. So, now it is time to get ready for summer!

My main issue with the Japanese summer, next to the high temperatures, is the high humidity. Weather-wise summer is the season I dislike the most because I spend most of the time sweating, even while doing nothing...

However, you have to go out sometimes and leave the air-conditioned rooms; if it's going to work, eating at a restaurant or doing some tourism. For this, I have some things I always keep inside my bag.  

Drinking Bottle

Japan is quite a convenient country with vending machines and convenience stores on every corner where you can buy a cold drink. However, I usually have my own drink bottle with me when I leave home. First it's a money reason: Why should I spend money for a drink right away when I can take my first 500ml for the day for free from home?  

Furthermore I just bought a stainless bottle this winter which is not only keeping hot drinks warm, but also cold drinks cool. Put some ice cubes inside before leaving and your drink stays cold for a while.

Same goes for the drinks you buy. Cold drinks in plastic bottles get warm quickly in summer. Just refill them in your stainless bottle and have a chilled drink a bit longer.

Electronic Fan

I was usually that type of person to take a folding fan with me. There are so many cute designs available in Japan and they don't weight much. But last year the small electronic hand-size fans became popular and I don't want to miss mine anymore.

There are uncountable different designs and versions of these fans. Some work with batteries, some you have to charge beforehand via USB. Mine is the second type and this is especially convenient when you are out, because I can use my external battery for charging it just like I do with my phone.

Small Towel

In summer I am always sweating a lot, because of the high temperatures and humidity. So one item not missing is a small towel. If it's just a normal day out, I just take a normal hand towel with me. When we are traveling and have activities like hiking, I started to take the bigger muffler towel and carry it around my neck.

Btw, it's also nice to have some wet towels with you when you feel too sweaty and would like to have a quick refreshment.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen became very essential for me in the Japanese summer, because my skin easily gets a sunburn. It is not enough to only paste it on before leaving the house, especially when you spend the whole day outside. So I always get small containers to cary around (they shouldn't be too heavy, either).

These are my four essential things to take with me during the Japanese summer.
What is inside your bag?