Times Of TIU

Writer : Momoka T.
Editor : Hinata S.
Translator: Jonathan S.

Introduction

Japan’s summer is not only hot but also extremely humid, making it a harsh season where just stepping outside can quickly drain your energy. Especially in urban areas like Tokyo, the heat radiating from buildings and asphalt makes the temperature feel even higher, and people tend to flock to cooler spots.

However, staying indoors all the time to avoid the heat can sometimes make you feel down or prevent you from fully refreshing yourself. That’s why finding places and ways to both relax and stay cool is key to enjoying summer comfortably.

In this article, I will introduce specific spots, cafes, and hidden gems within Tokyo where you can beat the heat without overexerting yourself. Let’s discover ways to spend slow, enjoyable moments—experiences you can only have in summer.

1. Cool and Refreshing Spots

① [Sumida Aquarium] – Sumida Ward

Located right next to Tokyo Skytree, this aquarium offers a soothing escape that feels like stepping into another world despite being in the middle of the city. Inside, it’s pleasantly cool, and you can leisurely enjoy the illuminated, fantastical jellyfish displays and the sight of penguins swimming freely. The blue lighting helps you forget the summer heat and puts you in a peaceful mood. It’s the perfect place to have some peace and quiet.

• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Oshiage Station
• Point: Open until 9 PM on weekdays

② [Yoyogi Park’s Forest Area] – Shibuya Ward

This spacious, lush park makes it hard to believe you’re in the city center. Surprisingly, the northern area of Yoyogi Park, with its many trees and refreshing breezes, is not widely known. If you stroll there in the morning or evening, you can enjoy the sound of cicadas and the scent of trees, experiencing a coolness that feels far from the city. Bringing a hammock or having a picnic is highly recommended. The time you spend there might become your new go-to refresh spot.

• Access: About a 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station or Yoyogi-Koen Station
• Point: The northern area tends to be less crowded

③ [Minato City Library] – Shiba Park

This quiet library has just the right level of air conditioning, creating a calm atmosphere perfect for reading or studying at your own pace. Despite being in central Tokyo, it’s not crowded and is easily accessible even on weekends. Spending time surrounded by your favorite books and magazines in a cool, quiet space will surely become a special summer moment. It’s also a great idea to stop by after a light walk in nearby Shiba Park.

• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Akabanebashi Station
• Point: A hidden gem with few people despite being in the city

2. Cool and Delicious Cafes & Sweets

① [Kakigori Kobo Yuki Usagi] – Setagaya Ward

This shaved ice specialty shop is known for its authentic kakigori made with fluffy natural ice. The shop offers a wide variety of seasonal flavors, from classic Uji Kintoki (matcha and red bean) to peach compote and milk tea options. To avoid crowds, visiting right after opening is recommended. You can enjoy refreshing desserts while staying cool inside.

• Access: About a 10-minute walk from Yoga Station
• Point: Takeout is available. The café is relatively quiet on weekday afternoons.
  

② [Café Mamehico Sangenjaya] – Sangenjaya

Located in a quiet area where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, this café has a calm and cozy atmosphere. The lemon cake is a popular treat, and the summer menu features refreshing items like summer vegetable curry. With its serene interior, this café is perfect for those who want to read a book or write in a journal at their own pace. It’s also a great spot to relax and recharge with a nutritious meal.

• Access: About a 7-minute walk from Shibuya Station
• Point: A quiet, adult-friendly café

3. Relaxing Ideas for Staying Home

① Make Your Own Refreshing Drinks

Store-bought iced tea and bubble tea are nice, but having DIY cold herbal teas, like mint or lemongrass, is a refreshing way to enjoy a café atmosphere at home. Adding a bit of lemon or frozen fruit makes it visually appealing and boosts your mood. You could also try making your own matcha latte for a stylish twist.

② Relax with Japanese Scents

If you’re having trouble sleeping due to the heat, why not relax with traditional Japanese fragrances? Scents like yuzu (Japanese citrus) and green tea have calming effects and can help regulate your autonomic nervous system. Try using incense or aroma oils to bring a sense of coolness and Japanese tranquility to your room. Feeling “cool” through fragrance is a uniquely Japanese way to cope with summer.

③ Evening Balcony Time

At night, stepping out onto the balcony and letting the evening breeze warm up your body after a whole day under AC can be very pleasant. During the cooler evening hours, you can enjoy ice cream, listen to music, or gaze at the stars from your balcony. It offers a different kind of peace compared to the noisy city and can be a great way to refresh your mind. It feels slightly cooler than indoors and is a nice change of pace.

Conclusion

In our busy daily lives, it’s surprisingly difficult to achieve both “coolness” and “relaxation” at the same time. However, if you shift your perspective just a little, you’ll notice that there are plenty of small summer retreats and comforting places even within Tokyo.

By exploring the spots and ideas introduced here, I hope you can enjoy a comfortable summer at your own pace, without succumbing to the heat.

Whether it’s spacing out in nature, slowly savoring delicious shaved ice, or relaxing while feeling the evening breeze, each of these moments can surely become a wonderful summer memory.

Don’t rely too much on air conditioning, but don’t push yourself either. Be kind to yourself and enjoy summer in Tokyo.