Rainy season in Japan
- japansophy
- Aug 14
- 6 min read
Don't let a little drizzle dampen your dreams: embracing Japan's rainy season!
So, you're dreaming of that incredible Japan trip – cherry blossoms, golden autumn leaves, or perhaps vibrant summer festivals. But then you do a quick search and discover something called "rainy season." Gulp. Immediately, images of constant downpours, soggy clothes, and general travel misery might pop into your head. But fear not! For while Japan definitely has its rainy period, it's not the trip-ruiner you might imagine. In fact, travelling during this time can offer some wonderfully unique (and surprisingly delightful!) experiences.
Think of it less as a washout and more as a charming, atmospheric interlude that brings a special kind of beauty and often, a little less chaos. With a few clever packing tricks and a flexible mindset, you'll find that Japan's rainy season – known as tsuyu (梅雨), or "plum rain" – is just another fascinating facet of this incredible country. So, grab your imaginary umbrella, and let's splash into what to expect!
When is rainy season in Japan?
Japan's rainy season isn't a single, fixed date across the entire archipelago, but rather a wave that rolls up the country. It generally kicks off in the southern regions and gradually makes its way north.
Okinawa and the Amami Islands in the far south are usually the first to enter tsuyu, often as early as mid-May, finishing up by late June.
The main islands of Honshu (where Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are), Shikoku, and Kyushu typically experience their rainy season from early June to mid-July. This is the prime time for "plum rain."
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, is a bit of an outlier and often skips the traditional rainy season altogether, experiencing only general summer rainfall. Lucky them!
The duration varies slightly year to year, but generally, it lasts about four to six weeks in any given region.
What to expect during rainy season in Japan
Okay, so "rainy season" sounds like a perpetual deluge, right? Well, that's often a misconception that puts people off. While it certainly rains more, it's usually not continuous, torrential downpours every single day.
Rain Patterns: You'll likely experience periods of light drizzle, intermittent showers, and sometimes a heavier downpour for a few hours (know as "guerilla rain" in Japan). There will also be plenty of dry days mixed in, where the sun might even peek out, especially in between rain fronts. Think of it more as a consistently damp period rather than a perpetual storm.
Temperatures and Humidity: Here's the kicker: it's not just wet, it's humid. Even on dry days, the air can feel thick and sticky. Temperatures during tsuyu range from warm to hot, typically hovering around 20-25°C (68-77°F) in June, climbing towards 25-30°C (77-86°F) by July in major cities. The combination of heat and humidity is what often feels most noticeable. This means those lovely breezes are welcome, but sometimes they feel more like a warm, damp hug!
What to pack for a rainy season trip to Japan
A little thoughtful packing goes a long way in making your rainy season trip comfortable and stylish!
Lightweight Rain Gear: Forget bulky, heavy raincoats. Opt for a packable, waterproof (not just water-resistant!) jacket that you can easily stuff into your daypack. A good quality travel umbrella is also a must-have – you'll see everyone in Japan carrying one, and convenience stores sell the iconic clear plastic ones if you're caught out.
Quick-Drying Clothes: Say goodbye to denim. Embrace fabrics that dry quickly like synthetics, merino wool, or lightweight cotton blends. Layers are always good, allowing you to adapt to temperature changes between indoors (air-conditioned!) and outdoors (humid!).
Waterproof Footwear: This is non-negotiable! Invest in comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots that can handle puddles without turning your socks into soggy sponges. Sandals might seem appealing for the heat, but wet feet in sandals for hours can lead to blisters. Leave your fancy suede shoes at home!
Small Towel/Handkerchiefs: A small, quick-drying towel or a few handkerchiefs (you'll see locals carrying them) can be surprisingly useful for drying hands, wiping down surfaces, or dabbing away humidity-induced sheen.
Waterproof Bag Covers/Dry Bags: Protect your electronics! A waterproof cover for your backpack or a small dry bag for your phone, camera, and important documents is a smart move.
Portable Fan: If you struggle with humidity, a small battery-operated portable fan can be a real game-changer for keeping cool while out and about.
Advantages and disadvantages of travelling during rainy season in Japan
Every travel season has its pros and cons, and tsuyu is no different. Let’s weigh them up!
The Upsides (Splashing Through the Positives!)
Fewer Crowds: This is a big one! Since many tourists avoid the rainy season, popular attractions, temples, and even transportation can be noticeably less crowded. You'll find it easier to get that perfect photo without a hundred people in the background, and navigating busy areas will be a breeze. This means less waiting and more exploring!
Potentially Cheaper Prices: Lower demand often translates to lower prices for flights and accommodation. If you're travelling on a budget, the rainy season can offer some fantastic deals, allowing you to splurge a little more on that delicious Japanese food or some unique souvenirs.
Hydrangeas bring colour to the rainy season in Japan Hello, Hydrangeas! (Ajisai Season): This is perhaps the biggest natural highlight of Tsuyu. Japan's famous ajisai (hydrangeas) bloom in a riot of blues, purples, and pinks during the rainy season. Temples and gardens often become incredibly vibrant, offering stunning photo opportunities that are unique to this time of year. There's something truly magical about colourful hydrangeas glistening with raindrops.
Lush Greenery and Beautiful Gardens: The constant rain transforms Japan into an incredibly verdant landscape. Gardens, forests, and mountainous areas become intensely green and lush, often appearing even more vibrant and serene in the misty, post-rain atmosphere. It lends a unique, almost ethereal beauty to places like bamboo groves and moss gardens.
Unique Atmosphere: There's a certain melancholic beauty to Japan during the rain. The soft light, the quiet patter of drops, and the steam rising from the streets can create a wonderfully atmospheric experience, especially in traditional areas like Kyoto. It's a different kind of beauty than the vibrant sunshine, offering a more reflective and contemplative side of Japan.
More Indoor Delights: With the occasional rain, it's the perfect excuse to dive into Japan's incredible indoor attractions: world-class museums, huge shopping malls (especially the fascinating department store food halls!), vibrant arcades, quirky themed cafes, and, of course, relaxing in an onsen (hot spring) while it drizzles outside.
The Downsides (A Few Puddles to Watch Out For)
High Humidity (The Sticky Factor): As mentioned, the humidity can be intense. Even on dry days, the air can feel heavy, and you might find yourself feeling sticky. This can be uncomfortable for those not used to tropical humidity.
Drying Clothes is a Challenge: If your clothes get soaked (or even just damp from the humidity), getting them to dry in a hotel room can be an exercise in patience. Japanese hotel rooms can be small, and air circulation might be limited. Look for hotels with laundry facilities or nearby coin laundromats!
Photography Can Be Tricky: While a misty, rainy scene can be incredibly atmospheric, constant grey skies or heavy rain can make capturing those bright, iconic Japanese shots a bit more challenging. You might need to be patient for breaks in the weather or focus on indoor photography.
Limited Outdoor Activities: Hiking trails might be muddy or closed due to landslide risk. Beach activities are definitely out. If your itinerary was heavily reliant on outdoor adventures, you might need to adjust.
Slippery Surfaces: Wet streets, particularly stone paths at temples or train station floors, can become quite slippery. Good, grippy footwear is essential.
Typhoon Overlap (Late Season): While the peak typhoon season is usually July-September, the end of tsuyu can sometimes overlap with the early stages of typhoon activity. This means there's a very slight chance of encountering a more severe storm as the season transitions. (But remember, Japan is extremely prepared for these!).
Lush greenery is an upside to the rainy season in Japan
Don't Rain on Your Own Parade!
So, should you avoid Japan during its rainy season? Absolutely not! While it comes with its own unique set of challenges (mainly humidity and the need for good rain gear), it also offers fantastic advantages like fewer crowds, potentially better deals, and the breathtaking beauty of ajisai flowers.
Think of it as simply another layer of the incredibly diverse and fascinating experience that is Japan. Embrace the occasional shower, pack smart, and you'll find that the rainy season opens up new perspectives and creates unique memories that sun-drenched trips might miss.
Have you been to Japan during the rainy season? Share your tips with us in the comments.
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