Surviving the Summer in Hida
Summers in Hida are pretty hot, but still cooler than other parts of Japan because of the elevation. Mornings and nights tend to be cool, but temperatures will rise during the day.
How to Stay Cool
To stay cool, there are a number of Japanese products such as cooling towels/tissues, portable electric fans, ice neck coolers, etc. These can all be purchased at your local drug store.
Please also make sure to replenish your electrolytes by drinking sport drinks such as Pocari Sweat or Aquarius. You can also buy these electrolyte tablets available at convenience stores and drug stores.
Please also make sure to replenish your electrolytes by drinking sport drinks such as Pocari Sweat or Aquarius. You can also buy these electrolyte tablets available at convenience stores and drug stores.
If you get sweaty easily, Uniqlo in Takayama sells CoolTec, which is a very airy undershirt.
Lastly, because of the high elevation in Hida, UV rays are especially intense, so remember to apply sunscreen to protect your skin and avoid sunburns.
Heat Stroke
Check the Heat Stroke section on the General Health page for an explanation about and preventative measures against heat stroke.
Bugs
Summer also marks the return of the bugs. Especially if you live on the first floor, be prepared to see a dramatic influx of spiders, centipedes, and moths. You can buy a number of bug repellent devices at drug stores. Bugs hate strong scents, so even some strong scented cleaners or aromatic oils can keep bugs out.
Compared to other regions of Japan, the Hida region in general sees less cockroaches and mosquitoes due to the colder climates, but it is still recommended to employ preventative measures against cockroaches and to use bug spray. Also, please keep these particular strategies in mind when handling certain bugs...
1. Avoid smashing centipedes or cockroaches as they can release phermones which attracts more of their ilk. Instead, you will want to employ other methods such as freezing sprays, traps, or poisonous bait.
2. If you see hairy caterpillars, especially ones congregating near pine trees, do not touch or go near them. The bristles on them can cause severe rashes and irritation. Especially if they are in close proximity, such as on your apartment balcony, shut your balcony door, close your AC unit, and get a professional extermination company hired.
3. In Japan, there is a particularly large species of hornet called oosuzumebachi (lit. "giant sparrow hornet). These hornets are aggressive and medical attention is required for even one sting. If one enters your home, create as many exits as possible and do not leave any food (esp meat) out. If one enters the staff room, leave it to a staff member with more experience to handle it.
Compared to other regions of Japan, the Hida region in general sees less cockroaches and mosquitoes due to the colder climates, but it is still recommended to employ preventative measures against cockroaches and to use bug spray. Also, please keep these particular strategies in mind when handling certain bugs...
1. Avoid smashing centipedes or cockroaches as they can release phermones which attracts more of their ilk. Instead, you will want to employ other methods such as freezing sprays, traps, or poisonous bait.
2. If you see hairy caterpillars, especially ones congregating near pine trees, do not touch or go near them. The bristles on them can cause severe rashes and irritation. Especially if they are in close proximity, such as on your apartment balcony, shut your balcony door, close your AC unit, and get a professional extermination company hired.
3. In Japan, there is a particularly large species of hornet called oosuzumebachi (lit. "giant sparrow hornet). These hornets are aggressive and medical attention is required for even one sting. If one enters your home, create as many exits as possible and do not leave any food (esp meat) out. If one enters the staff room, leave it to a staff member with more experience to handle it.
Car
Remember to change your car’s winter tires to summer tires, especially as the summer heat will wear down winter tires faster. This should be done as soon as the snow melts. If you plan to drive in the Okuhida region, please note that snow may not melt off the roads until April.
Recreation
Summer can be harsh but it is one of the most beautiful seasons in Hida. In Hida Furukawa, you can see the beautiful rice fields, and around 6-8 as it gets cooler, it makes for the most beautiful walk. Many people take walks around this time. It's also not uncommon to swim in the rivers here during the summer, but beware as it can be very cold! BBQ’s are also very popular in Hida and vegetables are dirt cheap during this time. Don`t be surprised if some teachers give you over 14 tomatoes or cucumbers in a day. Enjoy the bountiful harvests of summer!