The summer solstice, known as Geshi (夏至) in Japan, is more than just the longest day of the year. It’s a reminder to pause, refresh, and reconnect. While not a national holiday, this midpoint in the year inspires time-honored traditions and mindful rituals, which beautifully align with Japanese skincare values: balance, clarity, and self-care.
To mark summer solstice, we are spotlighting the season’s must-have products from ALBION skincare, including our new EXCIA BRIGHTENING Immaculate Serum Z, one of the best Japanese skincare solutions for hyperpigmentation.
Celebrating the Summer Solstice in Japan
In Japan, Geshi is welcomed with purification ceremonies and rituals to mark a fresh start. One of the most iconic is Nagoshi no Harae, where people pass through large chinowa rings made of woven grass to cleanse themselves of misfortunes.
Nature plays a large role in celebrations. In Mie Prefecture, worshippers greet the sunrise at Futami Okitama Shrine by stepping into the ocean between the sacred Meoto Iwa rocks—a symbolic act of spiritual renewal.
A modern take on summer solstice celebrations is the Candle Night that invites people in Japan to switch off their lights and enjoy two hours by candlelight. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka host public Candle Night gatherings with music, art, and community events, all bathed in candlelight. Sounds dreamy!
It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with nature, loved ones, and oneself. These traditions and rituals reflect the essence of Japanese beauty: slowing down, tuning in, and nurturing ourselves inside and out.
Refreshing Japanese Dishes to Celebrate the Summer Solstice
A few traditional Japanese dishes that help stay cool when temperatures soar:
- Hiyashi Chūka (cold ramen). A refreshing mix of chilled noodles, vegetables, and light dressing. It’s hydrating and energizing, perfect after a day in the sun.
- Sōmen (chilled thin noodles). Served ice-cold with dipping sauce, these delicate noodles are often enjoyed nagashi-style, flowing down bamboo flumes in a delightful summer ritual.
- Minazuki (“water month” sweet). This cooling, jelly-like sweet is made from steamed rice flour and topped with sweet red beans. Served cold, it symbolizes ice and cold amidst summer heat.
Want to taste Japanese summer for yourself? Stop by our ALBION Garden Café in LA for Japanese refreshments like amazake (fermented rice drink), sake-flavored sparkling water, and the best egg salad sandwiches this side of Tokyo. Come for the cool treats, stay for a Face Spa treatment or browse our store.
Summer Skincare Priorities
Summer in Japan brings high humidity, UV exposure, and the potential for heat rash—concerns which influence how Japanese skincare is formulated. Think light textures, calming ingredients, and gentle but effective brightening.
In the U.S., skincare concerns often include sun damage, chlorine irritation, A/C dryness, and occasional breakouts. That’s why J-Beauty solutions are gaining traction as the best skincare in the heat: they’re soothing, hydrating, and designed for long-term skin health.
J-Beauty’s Solutions From ALBION Skincare
Summer skin calls for weightless hydration, calming ingredients, and solutions that help with sun damage. Here’s how ALBION skincare can support your glow-up this summer, with high-performance formulas rooted in Japanese beauty science.
1. Brighten and Even with Kojic Acid
Long sunny days can leave behind dark spots and uneven tone. A tried-and-true ingredient in Japanese brightening serums, kojic acid—a natural brightening ingredient used in Japan for generations—helps address pigmentation gently and effectively.
Try EXCIA BRIGHTENING Immaculate Serum Z. This powerful kojic acid serum targets hyperpigmentation, dullness, and sun-induced discoloration without adding heaviness—ideal for humid climates. It’s one of the best Japanese skincare options for a visible skin transformation.
Looking for a potent yet gentle skin brightening treatment? This one is a must on any summer skincare list.
- Safe for sensitive skin, pregnancy, and nursing
- Compatible with exfoliants and retinoids
- Use after cleansing and essence, before moisturizers.
2. Soothe and Balance With Job’s Tears
Heat rash? Post-sun irritation? Overactive oil glands? ALBION’s legendary Skin Conditioner Essential N—a cult favorite with Japanese beauty customers for over 50 years—delivers cooling, calming, and clarifying benefits in one multitasking formula.
Powered by Kita no Hato (a variety of hatomugi or Job’s tears) and enhanced with witch hazel and menthol, it refines pores, reduces redness, and restores balance to overheated, irritated skin. It’s a must-have after a long day outdoors.
- Use as toner, essence, after-sun relief, or DIY mask
- Ideal for overheated or irritated skin
3. Hydrate Lightly with Fermented Skincare
Fermented skincare is a pillar of J-Beauty, and Flora Drip S is another iconic J-Beauty product. It offers light nourishment and hydration, powered by fermented botanical ingredients. This light-as-air essence hydrates and strengthens your skin barrier without feeling sticky or heavy. Staying radiant in heat is possible with Flora Drip!
- Gentle for daily use
- Leaves a smooth, radiant finish
- Enhances skin's natural resilience
Your Summer Gift With Purchase
From June 20 to 27, 2025, celebrate the summer’s longest day with our exclusive ALBION Garden offer:
🌞 4 x Skin Conditioner Essential N (3.0 ml)
🌞 2 x EXCIA BRIGHTENING Immaculate Serum Z (1.5 ml)
Spend $100 or more and enjoy this powerful summer duo ideal for post-sun care and daily brightening.
How to use:
- Use Skin Conditioner after cleansing and after balancing milk, if using
- Apply Immaculate Serum in the evening after toner or essence such as Skin Conditioner
Let ALBION skincare bring brightness, clarity, and balance to your season. With J-Beauty, your skin can glow as bright as the summer sun!
