Do you see the multitude of vending machines everywhere? Notice there are no red buttons in Summer because all the drinks inside are cold. You can use your suica pre-paid train card to buy your cool drink on the platform and it is not against protocol to drink it down before you board the train. One tip though, it is more proper in Japan to sit down when drinking or eating, so if you want to be really cool on the platform, find a seat before you start downing your refreshment.

By the way, if in doubt, make sure to buy your drink from a Suntory vending machine. These very “smart” machines have reduced electricity consumption for less CO 2 emission and above all, Suntory has implemented a system where all the machines would be opened up and unlocked to provide free drink access in the case of an earthquake or disaster like we had on March 11, 2011!

The Suntory drinks are unique and tasty and the company is truly in touch with how to protect the environment, be there for us in case of trouble and provide needed refreshment all year round. A cold Drink from an Altruistic, Eco-minded Vending Machine can do the Trick!

Do you see signs for shaved ice (Kakigoori) everywhere? Yes, these are staple snacks for a hot Summer day. So instead of an ice coffee or ice tea, try some Japanese style shaved ice with Azuki beans and sweet syrup to refresh you and get you going again back out on the hot streets.

If you look closely at the pros who survive a Nippon Summer every year, you will find lots of little hints to beat the heat from your fellow Summer friends such as “Uchiwa” fans and the rain/sun multifunctional retractable parasols to name a few. You can read Ruthie’s full article here.

Be smart, look around and mimic what everyone else is doing to beat the heat and you might just learn to enjoy and cherish the heat and sultry style of a Japanese summer. :-)