Jul 4, 2026
What cooling items have you tried, tested and approve?
Cooling towels and / or gel sheets, ice-gel technology, portable mist fans, wearable air conditioners... the list goes on and on. But which of Japan's cooling items actually work? What have you tried and tested and give a seal of approval?
Irish, Mom of 4, currently also living beside the In-Laws. 25+ years back and forth between Ireland and Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com
Best Answer
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on Jul 5
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on Jul 5
I quite like the Biore cooling wipes that have menthol in their formulation. They've got both unscented and floral scented varieties, and it's easy to toss a pack in your handbag when you have to be out and about. My preference though is to stay inside in the A/C when it's truly miserable to be outside, haha!
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on Jul 5
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on Jul 5
@genkidesu There's Biore, aimed at women...and then there's Gatsby! The brand targets young men, but this gaijiness resorts to Gatsby wipes. I've reviewed many varieties. My fave is aimed at teens and 20-somethings, dosed with hyaluronic acid. The ingredient is an essential lubricant your body produces, and helps resolve acne and wounds. Awesome stuff. Review here - https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/Md5bk-mind_body_product
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on Jul 5
@genkidesu my preference is also to say indoors with the A/C, but this year I am going to try to embrace the heat a few times. Hence, I am more into the cooling items this year!
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on Jul 5
@TonetoEdo I went handy fan shopping today - multiple posts to follow!
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on Jul 5
@BigfamJapan I think that's a good attitude, I need to embrace the cooling options and just get out there as well!
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on Jul 5
@BigfamJapan I'm eager to see what you turn up - fans, cooling wipes, what have you! One of my simple and traditional favourites is boshu uchiwa, the traditional handmade fans. I mentioned the traditional craft in this blog back in 2021 - https://www.city-cost.com/blogs/TonetoEdo/MgrjY-living_deeperdives_chiba
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on Jul 6
@TonetoEdo I will have to give those ones a go! Love that they contain hyaluronic acid and personal recommendations always go a long way!
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on Jul 6
@genkidesu I like most of the scents. They're pretty large, and you can use them head to toe if you want. Some people like the menthol ones. I find them brrrr.
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on Jul 12
We have a stash of horeizai / freezer gel that I might wrap into a hankerchief when I need to go somewhere during the day (car free life). I got a sensu (folding fan) recently, hah. I like that it's compact and doesn't use energy. The cooling wipes might briefly help but I don't really want to buy disposable products.
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on Jul 13
@helloalissa that's a very good point about disposable items. I do find those wipes useful for wiping away sweat, but I suppose I could do that with a towel. I don't actually find them as useful for cooling, so it is something that I could avoid. Great idea to bring horeizai with you. I was just thinking yesterday I might try putting one in my cap!
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on Jul 14
@helloalissa I save the horeizai packs from chilled items and stash them in the freezer. Fold them in a tenugui and wrap it around your neck. Feels great.
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on Jul 14
@TonetoEdo I do the same - save the ones I get in the freezer. I use them mostly in the kids bento bags and things like that - the size is great.
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on Jul 19
In addition to cooling wipes, towels, fans... How about other cooling products that are used during bath time? I believe there are cooling bath salts that I've never tried. I did just try out Tonic shampoo which has menthol in it. Interesting for the season and probably more appropriate for post work out. Or just cold baths or showers?
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on Aug 2
@helloalissa Lush had minty bath bombs which I think do a nice job of cooling, but they're not in stock right now. Not sure if they will make a comeback, but the link is https://www.lush.com/jp/ja/p/ippuku-sho-ka
16 Answers