When it comes to sun protection, I’ve always been pretty good about applying sunscreen, especially on my face. It’s a non-negotiable part of my morning routine. I also make an effort to stay in the shade and avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. Protecting my skin has always been a priority for me.
However, when we visited Japan this summer, I realized that people there take sun protection to a whole new level, and now I’ll never look at it the same way again.
- Umbrellas as everyday accessories
The first thing I noticed was the abundance of umbrellas, just everywhere. Not just when it rained, but on the sunniest days too. People carried small, lightweight UV umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun as they walked through the city. At first, I thought it was just a few people, but the more I looked around, the more I realized how common it was. It made so much sense: instant shade, anytime, anywhere.
On my second day in Japan, I ended up buying one for myself, and honestly, it was the best purchase I made the entire trip. It felt so good to walk around without the sun beating directly on me, and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t started using one sooner.
- Arm covers and lightweight layers.
Even in the middle of the summer heat, people wore long sleeves, arm covers, or flowy lightweight layers. At first, I thought, how can they not be overheating? However, the fabrics were clearly lightweight, breathable, and specifically designed for sun protection. Some people wore sleeves that could be easily slipped on and off, while others chose loose layers that looked chic yet practical at the same time.
What was interesting to me was how normal it all seemed, like an everyday part of getting dressed, not an extra step. Instead of thinking of covering up as uncomfortable or inconvenient, I started to see it as smart, intentional, and actually easier than constantly reapplying sunscreen.
- Hats and visors everywhere
Wide-brim hats and bucket hats weren’t reserved for beach days or vacations. They were an everyday essential. On trains, in parks, walking around the city, people wore them constantly. It was another layer of protection on top of sunscreen, and it looked chic in a minimal, functional way. I realized I usually only think of hats as a style choice, but in Japan, they’re a daily ritual.
- Sunscreen as a non-negotiable
Of course, sunscreen is still the foundation of sun protection, and in Japan, the options were everywhere. Every drugstore I walked into had entire shelves dedicated to sunscreen, from lightweight gels to formulas made for easy reapplication.
I’ve been using Japanese and Korean sunscreens for years, so I was already familiar with their quality. But seeing so many choices in person made me want to stock up before leaving. I left with a small stash in my suitcase, and now I feel set for months.
Coming back, I realized sunscreen is just the start. Japan showed me that sun protection can be layered, practical, and even stylish. Now I find myself reaching for hats more often, buying sun sleeves for long drives, and seriously debating keeping a small umbrella in my work tote.
I used to think I was already “good enough” when it came to SPF, but Japan completely changed my perspective on it. It’s not about one product or one step, but a whole mindset of taking sun care seriously. And honestly? My skin will thank me years from now.
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