What Is a Higasa (Japanese Sun Umbrella) and Why It's So Popular in Japan
A higasa (Japanese sun umbrella) is a parasol used to block strong sunlight and UV rays, and it has become an everyday essential for summer sightseeing and city walks in Japan.
Unlike a rain umbrella, it is designed mainly for sunny days.
Japan's Ministry of the Environment recommends using a sun umbrella as a heatstroke prevention measure, noting that it can lower the WBGT heat index by roughly 1 to 3 degrees Celsius.
In Japan, walking under intense summer sunlight is part of daily life.
On days with lots of outdoor sightseeing, direct sun can hit your face and upper body for long stretches at a time.
For this reason, sun umbrellas are commonly used for city walks, getting around tourist spots, and waiting outdoors.
According to a survey by Weathernews, around 33% of people in Japan now use a sun umbrella, up 10 percentage points compared with five years ago.
More men are using them too, with a usage rate of about 10%, and the higasa is increasingly seen as a practical seasonal item rather than something unusual.
Sun Umbrella vs. Rain Umbrella: What's the Difference?
A sun umbrella is designed to block sunlight and UV rays.
However, some umbrellas are made as all-weather models that work for both sun and rain.
These "seiu-kenyō" (all-weather) umbrellas have a water-repellent coating applied to a sun-blocking fabric, so they can be used on both sunny and rainy days.
Still, it can be hard to tell which is which just by looking.
If you buy one during your trip, check the product tag for "higasa senyō" (sun umbrella only) or "seiu-kenyō" (all-weather) to confirm the intended use.
When to Use a Sun Umbrella in Japan (and When to Put It Away)
Sun umbrellas are convenient, but they aren't always suitable for every situation.
To use one comfortably while traveling, it's important to consider how much space you have and how close other people are.
Best Places to Use a Sun Umbrella
- Walking on sunny roads or sidewalks
- Crossing parks or open-air facilities
- Waiting in outdoor lines (such as at theme parks or popular tourist sites)
- Walking through sun-exposed sightseeing areas (shrine approaches, castle ruins, etc.)
In these spots, as long as you have enough space around you, a sun umbrella is easy to use.
Pay attention not only to what's above your head but also to whether the edges of your umbrella are getting close to other people.
When You Should Close Your Sun Umbrella
- Crowded train stations and platforms
- Busy shopping streets and narrow sidewalks
- Near escalators and entrances
- Inside buildings (museums, galleries, temple and shrine halls, etc.)
- Packed festival venues and event sites
In crowded places, the tip and ribs of an umbrella can easily bump into other people.
To avoid injury, it's best to close it and carry it by hand when things get busy.
Sun Umbrella Etiquette in Japan: Key Tips for Travelers
The most important point of higasa etiquette is to think not only about whether you are comfortable, but whether the people around you can walk easily.
Just a little awareness can make a big difference in how you're perceived.
Don't Hold Your Umbrella Too High
Holding the umbrella too high can block the view of people behind you.
Holding it too low, on the other hand, makes it easy to hit the faces or shoulders of people you pass by.
As a guideline, position the umbrella just above your head, with the tips of the ribs slightly above your eye level.
Hold it naturally and adjust the angle based on the space around you.
Be Aware of How Wide Your Umbrella Reaches
A sun umbrella is usually wider than you might expect.
A standard long-style umbrella has a diameter of about 90 to 100 cm, and even a folding type spans roughly 80 to 90 cm.
On narrow streets or when passing other people, tilting it slightly, closing it, or holding it closer to your body can help.
Check Your Surroundings Before Stopping
If you stop suddenly, the person behind you can come too close to your umbrella.
Before taking a photo or checking your map, it's safer to step to the side of the path.
At popular photo spots, watch the flow of other tourists and consider closing your umbrella for a moment if needed.
Be Extra Careful Around Children
The tip of a sun umbrella can easily reach the face of a child, who is shorter than an adult.
In areas with many families, hold your umbrella more carefully than usual.
How to Handle a Sun Umbrella in Crowds, Trains, and Shops
While traveling, you'll move in and out of stations and stores all day, not just stay outdoors.
Knowing how to handle your higasa in each setting will make your sightseeing much smoother.
Close It at Stations and on Trains
Inside train stations, on platforms, and on trains, it's best not to walk around with your sun umbrella open.
Even at shoulder height, an open umbrella can easily hit other passengers in crowded conditions.
Once closed, point the tip downward, avoid swinging it, and keep it close to your body.
On a packed train, hold the handle and point the tip toward the floor so you don't injure the person in front of you.
Close Your Umbrella Before Entering a Shop
At convenience stores, restaurants, souvenir shops, museums, and similar places, it's customary to close your sun umbrella before going inside.
Keeping it open indoors blocks the aisle and gets in other people's way.
Many shops have umbrella stands near the entrance, where you can leave a long-style umbrella while you shop.
Folding Sun Umbrellas Are Easy to Carry While Traveling
Folding sun umbrellas are easy to slip into a bag and carry around.
On travel days when you frequently duck into stations or shops and need to fold your umbrella, the compact size is a big plus.
Many lightweight models weigh just 200 to 300 grams, so they won't tire you out even on long city walks.
They're also easy to tuck into your luggage when you don't need them, making them a great choice on busy sightseeing days.
On the other hand, be careful where you open and close them, so you don't bump into people nearby.
Tips for Using a Sun Umbrella on Rainy Days
Even if they look similar, not all sun umbrellas can handle rain.
If you want to use yours in wet weather, it's important to confirm whether it's an all-weather (seiu-kenyō) model.
Check the Label for All-Weather Use
If you're shopping in Japan during your trip, check the product tag or description.
Umbrellas labeled "seiu-kenyō" (all-weather) have a water-repellent coating and can usually handle light rain.
Using a sun-only umbrella in heavy rain can damage the fabric and reduce its UV-blocking effect, so it's often best to avoid it.
Handle Your Umbrella Carefully After It Gets Wet
When you enter a shop after it rains, water droplets can drip onto people or floors nearby.
Shaking off excess water lightly, using an umbrella bag if available, or stepping to a quieter spot to fold it can all help.
Many Japanese convenience stores, train stations, and shopping centers provide disposable umbrella bags at the entrance on rainy days, so feel free to use them.
Because sun umbrellas are mainly associated with sunny weather, people around you on rainy days will treat them just like a normal rain umbrella.
That's why it's important to handle yours with the same care as any other umbrella.
How to Choose a Sun Umbrella: Best Types for Travel in Japan
If you're buying a sun umbrella in Japan, it's worth thinking about practicality, not just style.
If you'll be carrying it around while sightseeing, the following points are helpful.
Is It Easy to Carry?
Folding types fit easily into a bag, making them ideal for trips with lots of moving around.
Long-style umbrellas are quicker to open and close, which is convenient when you need to use them right away.
Since travelers often hop on and off buses and trains, many people choose a lightweight folding type that opens and closes quickly.
Sun Only or All-Weather?
If you expect to use it often, an all-weather (seiu-kenyō) model is very practical.
Japan's summer often brings sudden afternoon showers, so having one all-weather umbrella with you provides peace of mind.
That said, always confirm the type before you buy.
Check the UV Cut and Light-Blocking Rates
A sun umbrella's performance is shown by its "UV cut rate" and "light-blocking rate."
Look for products with a UV cut rate of 99% or more and a light-blocking rate of 99% or more to better block UV rays and glare.
According to research by Japan's Ministry of the Environment, using a sun umbrella can reduce sweat by about 17% compared with wearing only a hat.
Size When Open
Very large umbrellas block more sun but can be hard to handle in crowds.
A medium size with a diameter of about 85 to 95 cm is generally easiest to use on Japanese city streets.
When traveling, balance sun protection with ease of walking.
Color and Design
Subdued colors work in almost any situation and are easy to use for casual sightseeing.
Sun umbrellas with a black inner lining are said to reduce reflected light and heat from the ground.
Bright colors or patterns, on the other hand, can be fun and fit a vacation mood.
Where to Buy a Sun Umbrella in Japan
Sun umbrellas are easy to find all over Japan.
Even if you suddenly need one, you can usually pick one up near any major tourist area.
Convenience Stores and Drugstores
During the summer season (around May to September), convenience stores and drugstores often sell sun umbrellas and all-weather umbrellas.
Prices typically range from about 1,500 to 3,000 yen, making them perfect for last-minute needs.
Department Stores and Specialty Shops
High-performance UV-cut umbrellas and traditional brand-name parasols are available at department stores and umbrella specialty shops.
Prices range from about 5,000 to 15,000 yen, with excellent quality and durability.
100-Yen Shops and Variety Stores
You can sometimes find sun umbrellas at 100-yen shops or variety stores for around 500 to 1,000 yen.
These are handy if you only need one for a short trip.
Conclusion: Use a Sun Umbrella the Right Way and Enjoy Your Trip
A higasa is a practical item that makes outings in Japan's hot season much more enjoyable.
At the same time, in places where you are close to other people, you'll need to use it with some care.
The key points to remember are closing it in crowds, watching the angle on narrow streets, and checking your surroundings before stopping.
Once you know these basics, it's easy to use a sun umbrella naturally while traveling.
If you see one in Japan, think of it not just as a seasonal accessory, but as a tool that helps people stay cool while being mindful of those around them.
With a little attention to etiquette, your summer walks in Japan will be far more comfortable.
