How to stay cool in Tokyo this summer

Hiyashi chuka is a summer staple in Japan, usually found at many Japanese-style Chinese restaurants. Menya Shichisai takes this summer dish to another level with a modern take on the classic cold noodle dish. The signature hiyashi chuka is offered every summer and includes a tangy tomato-based broth, heaps of thinly sliced cucumber, bamboo shoots and handmade noodles cut to order. This year, there are a few more cold noodle dishes on the menu, including a cold dandanmen and a chilled version of the shop’s miso ramen.

Sure, you’ve tried tsukemen, soupless abura soba, and cold soba noodles. But have you ever heard of Himokawa udon? The exceptionally wide version of udon is a refreshing take on the classic chewy noodle and when served cold, it’s sure to keep you cool during the summer. Godaime Hanayama Udon in Ginza is one particular spot which specialises in this unique dish. You can order Himokawa udon in ‘zaru’ dipping style with soy sauce and sesame dips, or bukkake style with a simple sauce poured over the chilled noodles with toppings.

Kakigori shaved ice is a must-have in Japan when the warm months roll around. The best part about enjoying kakigori is anticipating all the delicious seasonal flavours. Summer often sees fresh fruit toppings like melon, plum and watermelon, while tea-flavoured kakigori is also a common favourite, featuring ice doused in matcha and hojicha syrups. Check out Azuki to Kouri for its artful creatuions featuring fresh fruit syrups, rich creams, espuma foam, jellies and other interesting ingredients added for texture.

A classic cone of soft serve ice cream (often called 'soft cream' in Japan) will help you keep your cool. While ice cream can be found in endless flavours, nothing beats the simplicity of a fresh milk-flavoured soft serve cone. Shiroichi in Shibuya serves just that – making ice cream from ‘raw’, unboiled Hokkaido milk to showcase the richness of the dairy. You can also add on organic black honey if you’re looking for something extra sweet.

Among all the latest and greatest coffee trends, nitro coffee seems to be one of the most popular. Nitro coffee is simply cold brew coffee that's been infused with nitrogen gas to give it a foamier texture. When you see it in a cup, you might think that it’s carbonated, but it is not. The nitrogen simply gives an added depth, meaning the coffee doesn’t require sugar or any additives to taste great. At Verve Coffee in Shinjuku, you can order nitro coffee on tap for a refreshing pick-me-up anytime of day.

Imagine our excitement and sigh of relief when we come across these new Coolish Frozen Sours, which are now available for purchase online. Essentially an alcoholic slushy, these refreshing icy drinks are just what we need to beat the heat. You don’t even need a cup, as you can enjoy them directly from the squeezable pack. They also come with a twist-on cap, so you can slowly sip on the drink and carry it around easily.

Recently, there’s been a growing interest in summer sake. Typically, nihonshu (as the rice wine is typically called in Japan) is mostly consumed between autumn and spring. It’s never been much of a summer drink, as its full body and sweet profile tend to be more suited for the cooler weather. But these days, there’s a wealth of different sake, including lighter and drier styles that are ideal for summer. 

If you need some guidance and recommendations, we suggest visiting Japan Sake and Shochu Information Center in Toranomon, Tokyo. Aside from being a sake information centre and bottle shop, this English-friendly venue also has a tasting bar where you can sample all sorts of nihonshu and shochu from around Japan.