August 22, 2021

Cicadas are crying, kids are zipping around on their bicycles, and everyone’s handy fans are going full blast–it’s definitely still summer! In this post, we’ll share 4 ideas on how to make the most of this season.

#1 Summer Decorations (Cost: Free~$)

Before the invention of A/C, Japanese moms kept their homes cool with summer decorations. If you’re looking for an easy DIY project, try making a paper wind chime (tutorial below). This project won’t keep you cool but it will welcome the cool summer breeze with a cheerful chime. For the more artsy, use acrylics or oil-based pens to paint your own glass wind chime. Hang your creations up near a window to catch the light.

Make at Home: DIY Paper Wind Chimes Video (Youtube)
Order on Amazon: Glass Wind Chimes (Amazon)

#2 Send a Summer Postcard (Cost: $)

If you visit a Japanese post office around this time, you’ll see a beautiful selection of postcards that double as uchiwa (fans). Yes, you can actually send in the mail! Let someone know you’re thinking about them, and help them stay cool at the same time.

#3 Water Fight (Cost: $)

This one is for the whole family. There’s nothing that feels better than an explosion of cold water in the small of your back on a hot day! Check your local 100 yen shop or home goods store for water guns ranging from super simple to super soaker.

#4 Kakigōri (Cost: $~$$)

Summer in Tokyo means fancy shaved ice. If you feel comfortable going out, try one of the shops we’ve listed below (thanks to Tokyo Cafe Channel for their review on Youtube. On the other hand, if you want to avoid crowds, pick up a shaved ice machine at a second-hand shop and make kakigōri at home. Add your favorite toppings, or experiment and create your own summer special!

1. 1. Himitsudo (in Yanaka): one of the most popular kakigōri shops in Tokyo
   2. Japanese Ice Ouca (in Ebisu): famous for their teddy bear shaped kakigōri
   3. Wa Kitchen Kanna (in Setagaya): incredibly artistic kakigōri (look for tiramisu!)

Bonus:

Lifehouse International Church is a bilingual community located here in Tokyo but accessible worldwide through our fully online Sunday services. If you’re looking for a place to connect with people and learn amazing life truths from the Bible, join us! You can watch our livestream on our home page, YouTube, or Facebook in English and Japanese. We can’t wait to meet you!

Thanks for reading! We hope you’re excited for the rest of your summer. If you want to, please use the hashtag #lifehousesummer2021 to share your experience. Have a cool day!