Japan rainy season travel guide: what to expect & why you should go anyway
- japansophy
- Apr 19
- 10 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
If you've booked a Japan trip for late spring / early summer, you might be worried about hitting the rainy season in Japan and what that will mean for your holiday. Here's our guide to the best things to do in Japan's rainy season - called "tsuyu" or "baiyu" in Japanese - what to pack and why it won't be a total washout.
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*Any prices quoted below are as of April 2026 and are subject to change. Check opening hours of attractions and museums beforehand to save yourself disappointment.
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Japan rainy season 2026: approximate dates by region
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.
Japan rainy season weather: what you can really expect
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 than at other times of the year, it's usually not continuous, torrential downpours every single day. Last year in Tokyo, for example, it rained on around half of the days in June. The year before that, there were around 23 rainy days in June. But even wet days, it doesn't have to rain all 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 the 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. Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto can feel like a big, warm, damp hug.
Japan rainy season packing list: the essentials
A little thoughtful packing goes a long way in making your rainy season trip comfortable and stylish!
Lightweight rain gear: Your biggest enemy will be the humid heat, rather than the rain itself so if you're bringing waterproofs, make sure they are light and breathable. A super-light rain-jacket or poncho that you can fold up and throw in your day bag is great, because you're going to want to peel off between showers. Don't worry too much about bringing an umbrella from home unless you've already got a nice lightweight than you really like. In the first place, most hotels will have umbrellas that you can borrow for the day. Secondly, Japanese umbrellas are really cute and cheap, so you might like to buy one as a practical souvenir. Lastly, Japanese tend to prefer the long umbrellas (i.e. not the fold-up telescopic kind) and the umbrella "condom" machines at the entrances to shops, museums, etc. to stop your umbrella dripping all over the floor won't work for the fold-up kind.
Quick-drying clothes: Possibly the best tip we can give you: bring only clothes that will dry quickly and easily. Leave your jeans at home. You will not have the space in your little hotel room, nor the ventilation, to get wet clothes dried quickly and they will be damp for days. Larger hotels might have laundry facilities with dryers but from experience we can say that these are barely fit for purpose. One pair of jeans will be thumping around listlessly in there for hours, with you pumping 500 yen coins into it every 20 mins.
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. If you don't have waterproof shoes or don't want the extra weight in your suitcase, at least make sure you have a change of footwear and bring a pair of quick-drying trainers. As we mentioned above, it will take ages to get leather or heavier sports shoes dried out in your room and nobody wants to be pulling on wet shoes the next morning again.
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 (don't forget, you have to carry your passport around with you).
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.
A light cardigan or scarf that you can carry around with you is a good idea because most shops, restaurants and trains will already have the air-conditioning on in June and the difference in temperature between these air-conditioned spaces and the outside heat and humidity could give your the chills, especially if you're a wee bit damp.
Is Japan worth visiting during rainy season? Pros & cons
Every travel season has its pros and cons, and tsuyu is no different. Let’s weigh them up!
The upsides
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.
Hello, hydrangeas! (ajisai season): This is perhaps the biggest natural highlight of the rainy season. 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. Do a day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura's Meigetsuin and Hasedera temples or visit Mimurotoji temple in Kyoto, for example.
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. See our suggestions below.
The downsides
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. Pack easy-care clothes that will dry easily.
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!).
Best things to do during Japan's rainy season
Especially when you're travelling with kids or if you find the damp heat of June in Japan challenging, it's a good idea to have a list of indoor activities up your sleeve for those days when the rain just won't let up or you crave a break from the humidity. Here are a few general ideas and some of our top picks in the main tourist centres:
Cafés: You can hardly open social media these days without being hit in the face by Japanese café culture. But for good reason. While some of these places are unnecessarily hyped (and the last thing you want is to be standing queueing in the rain to get in), Japanese coffee shops and cafés are endlessly varied and very cool. Some specialise in a particular drink or dish, others are themed - manga or anime, regional, or hobby themed - and some, the absolute gems, are retro-style "kissaten", where you can steep yourself in Tokyo City Pop and 80s-style ice-cream sundaes.
Museums: Japan is home to some of the best museums in the world and you could easily spend every day of your trip exploring a different one, no matter which city you're in. Check out our guide to Tokyo's best museums for a starting point. There are plenty of great museums for children too, from the "Poo Museum" in Odaiba to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Onsens: You might associate onsens with the winter months but the big cities offer onsen "experiences" these days that include yukata hire, lunch, various types of onsen, relaxation zones, manga libraries and even overnight stays. Try the Manyo club in Tokyo, Yokohama or Kobe, for example, or Solaniwa in Osaka.
Indoor entertainment: Especially in the cities, there is no end of indoor entertainment for both kids and adults. Some of these indoor amusement parks are even open 24 hours a day. Entertainment ranges from sports such as bowling or sumo football (football in an inflatable sumo suit), retro-style arcade games, the latest virtual reality experiences and indoor roller coasters. Try Tokyo Red Tower or Joypolis in Tokyo, or VS Park or Round 1 in Osaka.
Aquariums: You'll find smaller aquariums throughout Japan - an island nation after all - but Osaka's Kaiyukan and the Churaumi aquarium in Okinawa are world class. In Tokyo, too, kids will love the dolphinarium in Aqua Park Shinagawa, the penguin pool in the Sumida aquarium and the Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro.
TeamLab museums: TeamLab Planets and TeamLab Borderless in Tokyo will keep the entire family entertained for hours. Now, a new TeamLab experience in Kyoto - Biovortex - offers an escape on a hot and humid day in Kansai, too. Take a look at our post on TeamLab Planets to get an idea of what you can expect.
Japan rainy season FAQ
What are the rainiest months in Japan?
Depending on where you are in Japan, the rainy season lasts for around 4 weeks from the end of May to around early July, so June is one of the rainiest months in Japan. May can be pretty wet too, but in terms of volume, September is probably the winner. This is more because Japan gets hit by the odd typhoon in September, rather than a large number of wet days.
Is it worth going to Japan in the rainy season?
We've set out the pros and cons above and visiting Japan during the rainy season has its charms. You might even snag a bargain, since a lot of tourists avoid visiting Japan at this time of year. If you can't avoid travelling to Japan in June, it's definitely still worth going. You'll just need to plan a little more carefully.
Does it rain every day during the rainy season in Japan?
No, not at all. If you're going to be in Japan for more than a day or two in June, you're definitely going to see some rain, but it won't rain every day and it won't rain all day every day. Just be aware that it can be very humid, so even when it's not raining, it can feel damp.
Can I avoid the rainy season in Japan?
Not even Japan's top meteorologists can forecast that the rainy season is going to start on a particular day and last a certain number of days. There are some very complex continental and Pacific weather patterns in play and these have become even harder to track and predict in recent years because of global warming. It's often a question of "you know when you're in it". Only Hokkaido is relatively untouched by the rainy season, so if you're determined to avoid it, you could centre your trip on Japan's northern island. Remember, though, that there is no time of the year in Japan when you can be guaranteed a trip free of rain and clouds and you can experience a drenched-to-the-underwear downpour in any season.
When is Japan's rainy season?
The rainy season generally starts in the second half of May in the south and the end of May in Honshu (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto...). It lasts for around 4-5 weeks, so you can say with some certainty that June is the peak rainy season month.
How bad is rainy season in Japan?
Rainy season in Japan isn't a total washout. It doesn't rain every day and it might not rain all day, so you'll definitely get the chance to do plenty of sightseeing. The worst thing is the humidity, because June (peak rainy season month) can also be very hot, so even a short shower in the morning can turn the cities into a huge steam bath. It can also put a damper on some outdoor activities such as hiking and in the worst cases can also disrupt local transport (because of landslides). But if you plan accordingly, there's no reason you won't still have a great trip.
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