Beat Toyko’s Heat With These Hidden Underground Train Passages

Discover the underground train passages that even some residents don’t know about.

Picture: yama1221 / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

By Jay Andrew Allen

Coming to Japan in August? My condolences. It’s bloody hot — and not likely to get better until closer to October.

The pressing heat has everyone looking for ways to stay cool. The good news is, you can get a lot of places in Tokyo by staying indoors — even if you’re taking the train somewhere. Here’s a look at some of the Tokyo train system’s most notable underground passages — some of which remain well-kept secrets even among residents.

Sweltering heat means staying indoors

“One second, I’m returning to hell.” (Picture: metamorworks / PIXTA(ピクスタ))

Every year, it seems Japan sets new heat records. This summer is no exception. In Tokyo, it’s been a steady 35 to 36 degrees Celsius (95 to 96.8 Fahrenheit) since the start of July.

(Don’t hold me to that. It’s just my hunch, as someone living through it. Hey, it’s hot — I’m allowed to be grumpy and make up statistics.)

To keep cool, many resort to products that may or may not actually lower your body temperature. Others…