Are Japan’s strict trash collection days getting you down this summer? Are you plugging your nose and counting down the days until the next burnables collection because your garbage is rotting away in the summer heat?
If you’re like me, you hate Japanese summers for a slew of reasons, one of which being all the putrid smells that come with the increased heat and humidity of the sticky summer months. You may also often rush out the door on the morning of burnables collection day and forget to take out your bag of raw and rotting garbage, leaving you to deal with the stench until the next trash collection day rolls around.
But there is a really simple solution to this problem, as well as quick tricks for dealing with other stinky situations like funky-shoe smells and unpleasant, grimy sinks. Find out how after the jump!

We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
Ministop becomes Megastop in our minds by increasing certain food volumes by up to 50 percent
McDonald’s Japan’s Gurakoro burgers, like a cup of hot soup in sandwich form, return this month!
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
The best Japanese cosplayers from day two of Winter Comiket 2018【Photos】
Many foreign tourists not picking up, paying for their orders at 100-year-old Tokyo sweets shop
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Evangelion in 11 languages! Amazon releases multi-lingual preview for final Eva anime film【Video】
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Ruru Cafe Shibuya wows customers by serving coffee and sweets on unique water tables
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Many foreign tourists not picking up, paying for their orders at 100-year-old Tokyo sweets shop
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Evangelion in 11 languages! Amazon releases multi-lingual preview for final Eva anime film【Video】
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Ruru Cafe Shibuya wows customers by serving coffee and sweets on unique water tables
Yakko Welsh Onion Tossing World Championships held in Kochi Prefecture
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Totoro Tummy Blanket gives you the belly warmth of Ghibli’s cuddliest character【Photos】
One Piece Tamagotchis let you raise Chopper and other adorable virtual pirate pets【Video】
The top 10 famous men that Japanese women wish would make love to them【Survey】
Does Shinjuku’s unusual golden lion statue really roar when you ‘feed’ it money? We find out
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away