Summer in Japan can be overbearing with the stifling heat reaching record high temperatures year after year we thought we would share our favorite spots in Hyogo for keeping cool and ways to survive a Japanese summer.
1. The Beach
Hyogo Prefecture has some some great beaches to take a dip during the summer. The best beach in Hyogo is Takenohama in Tooyoka city along the Japan Sea coast. This secluded beach is best accessed by car.
Takenohama Beach 
Suma Beach
A little closer to Kobe you can head across to Awaji Island with the 2 best beaches there being Ohama Swimming Beach and Goshikihama. Check out the Awaji Island Map for directions.
The beaches with ease of access located near train lines are Suma Beach (JR Suma Station, Kobe), Okurakaigan Beach (JR Asagiri Station, Akashi) & Hayashisaki (Sanyo Hayashisaki-Matsuekaigan Station, Akashi). While these beaches aren’t as pristine as you might be used of, the ease of access make them a good choice for a swim.
2. The Pool
If beaches aren’t your thing, perhaps relaxing by a pool side is. From family friendly to night time pool parties here is a list of pools in Kobe and neighboring cities.
- Kobe Minato Onsen Ren – Day and Night Pool Party. This is one for the adults.
- Hotel Okura – Outside Summer Pool. Open to the public for a fee.
- Kobe Fruit & Flower Park – Pool Plaza. Great for the kids. One of the cheapest.
- Nesta Resort Kobe – Pools and Water Slides. A larger area for the whole family.
- Kobe Portopia Hotel – Outside Summer Pool. Another hotel pool open to the public for a fee.
- Reso Naruohama – All year round pool, restaurant and hot spring. Nishinomiya City (English link).
- Deka Pathos – Water Park on Rokko Island. Wave pools, paddling pools, slides and more. (English link).
- Kobe Oji Pool – 50m, 25m & kids paddling pool. Opened from July – September.
Kobe Fruit & Flower Park 
Nesta Resort 
Reso Naruohama 
Pool Party at Ren
3. The Shopping Centre
Another great way to keep cool and save on your own electricity bill is to head to a department store or shopping centre. With the air conditioners pumping all day long you can relax, enjoy a bite and do some shopping while avoiding the heat. Our top 3 shopping centres in the region are Nishinomiya Gardens, Aeon Mall Kobe South and Umie Harborland.
4. Netflix and Chill
Finally, there are some days that might be too unbearable to head outside. If you have your own air conditioner, plenty of drinks in the fridge it may be best to just stay home. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime are all accessible in Japan now at reasonable prices and have some great content to stream.
Missing something from our list? Let us know in the comments below and share your tips on how to survive a Japanese summer!