Summer survival kit

In the third issue of Time Out Tokyo magazine, we suggested '50 great escapes and staycations' for making the most of your summer. But there's no point in getting away from it all, only to spend your holiday trying to find an airconditioned room – if you've ever spent a few hot months in Japan you'll understand how the humidity really does get the better of you, no matter how hard you try not to let it. So in the same issue, we also graciously included this summer survival kit. Some of the items will make you laugh, but they're mostly pretty practical ways of combatting the heat. The Japanese, as usual, have got it all sorted.

Wind chimes

Locals believe the chiming sound of fuurin cools them down. Not only are they eco-friendly but these Edo Fuurin are made using chubuki glassblowing techniques, so each has a unique sound.
Edo Fuurin, ¥1,836 (Komaru Kikyo), ¥1,512 (Komaru Sanbiki Kingyo) and ¥1,512 (Komaru Ajisai) from Shinohara Maruyoshi Fuurin, 4-25-10 Taito, Taito. 03 3832 0227. www.sam.hi-ho.ne.jp/ maruyosi/ (Japanese only).

Uchiwa fan

Ibasen sells elegant uchiwa (round flat fans) featuring artwork by ukiyo-e masters, giving the product an extra dose of heritage. We recommend one with Hiroshige’s print of the Tonegawa River, featuring the shade referred to as ‘Hiroshige blue’.
Ukiyo-e Edo Uchiwa (Nishikie Yamatogata) Tonegawa/Hiroshige fan, ¥4,320 from Ibasen, 4-1 Nihonbashi-Kobunacho, Chuo. 03 3664 9261. www.ibasen.com/world_wide. Click for map

Shirt-cooling spray

Like breath spray for clothes, this menthol spritzer by Kobayashi keeps you feeling fresh. Spray it on your T-shirt, underwear or even pyjamas before dressing and when you feel a sweat coming on, you’ll also be pleasantly overcome with a minty cooling sensation. Just don’t spray directly onto your skin.
Kobayashi Shirt Cool, about ¥540 from drug stores.

Cooling scarf

Ah, the miracle of polymers. Soak this neck scarf in water for five minutes, sling it around your neck and feel strangely cool for the next few hours. Once dry, simply soak again. This particular one won’t win you any style awards, but a quick Google search opens up a world of cooling-scarf options.
Kiribai cooling scarf, about ¥1,080 from drug stores.

Ice-making spray

Trapped in a crowded room with no airconditioning? No sweat. Just give your handkerchief or handtowel a one-second spritz of this cooling mist that turns to ice as it's sprayed, and dab on your face and neck. Note that ice burn can occur if it’s applied directly to the skin.
Dokodemo Ice-Non Ice Spray, about ¥562 from drug stores.

Fanning mask

Summer flu? Wearing a mask borders on insane in 30-degree weather but Thanko Rare Goods has the answer. Their mouth mask is worn on top of your regular mask and its small fan makes things much less steamy, even if there is a distinct rubbery smell in the air.
Thanko Rare Goods USB Refreshing Mouth Mask cat design, ¥2,130 from www.thanko.jp/product/1406.html (Japanese only) or the Thanko Rare Goods store at Shin-Suehiro Bldg. B, 3-14-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda. 03 5297 5783.

The futuristic sun visor

We like to think that when wearing this oversized visor we’re more Daft Punk in their 'Vogue' spread than V. Stiviano in public-shame mode. Although, granted, the mistress of disgraced racist Donald Sterling has sparked a ‘Paparazzi Visor’ craze. As usual, the Japanese are way ahead of the curve and have been wearing the visor for years already.
UV Super Wide Sun Visor Black, about ¥698 from www.amazon.jp and drug stores.

Instant ice

Carry this handy pack around with you until the heat becomes unbearable, then whip it out and squeeze firmly to activate its freezing effect. It stays frozen for about 20 minutes, after which you toss it out. Perhaps not the most eco-friendly of the lot, but when times are desperate...
Shunkan Reikyakuzai W, about ¥101 from drug stores.

Necktie cooler

‘Say, why’s your tie plugged into your computer?’ This is probably the mildest of mockings you’ll get when sporting the USB Fanning Tie by Thanko Rare Goods. But if you’re prepared to take the jibes on the chin, your literal chin will be rewarded with a gentle breeze emanating from the sneaky fan that reveals itself when you slide the tie knot down. Now, how to make the look work with a white tee.
Thanko Rare Goods USB Fanning Tie, ¥3,180 from www.raremonoshop.jp/usb-fanning-tie-3.html or from the Thanko Rare Goods store at Shin-Suehiro Bldg. B, 3-14-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda. 03 5297 5783.