Everything You Need to Know about Rainy Season in Japan
Rainy season impacts the most areas of Japan at the end of spring and the beginning of summer. It often drizzles or cloud over, with increased rainfall as well as humidity. Kanto region, where Tokyo is, sees an average rainfall of 300mm (11.8in) or so during the rainy season, which is about the one fifth of the annual precipitation. Comparatively, Kyushu in the further south has much more rainfall in the time.It is not raining every day, but the light rains would last for hours, one day or even a few days. Hokkaido, not influenced by the rainy season relatively, is a great destination to enjoy pleasant weather in Japan during the period.
Mount Fuji View with Hydrangeas in the Rainy Season
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When is rainy season in Japan?
The rainy season comes when spring turns to summer in Japan, generally from May to July. The further south you go, the earlier the rainy season comes in Japan. It would last for around one month or one and a half months in a region. By the middle or end of July, rainy season has gone away.
Region |
The Start Time of Rainy Season |
Okinawa |
Early May or mid-May |
Kyushu |
Last days of May or early June |
Shikoku |
Early June |
Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara) & Kanto (Tokyo, Mt. Fuji) |
Early June to mid-June |
Tohoku (Akita, Miyagi...) |
Mid-June |
Can I visit Japan in the rainy season?
Although the weather is unfriendly during rainy season in Japan, it has its advantages of low cost and places less crowded, for it is in the slack season generally.It’s absolutely OK if you go for indoor activities like a museum visit during the rainy season in Japan. As for travelling outdoors, Hokkaido is a nice choice without rainy season.
June is the best time for travel in Japan during the rainy season, because the temperature is relatively pleasant in early summer. To July, it would be quite hot throughout Japan. Moreover, there are beautiful flowers such as hydrangeas blooming in June.
What to Pack & What to Wear
Rain gear is the necessity when travelling to Japan in rainy season. A convenient folded umbrella of good quality is the must. Raincoat, waterproof coat and shoes, rain boots, etc. are optional.For the muggy weather, breathable and quick-dry clothes are the best. From late May to June, sweat shirt, light pants, dress, thin jacket, etc. are suitable, while thinner clothes like T-shirt and shorts for the hotter July, especially the second half of July. You should also add a top at night. In addition, some spare socks could be prepared to change particularly when you are caught in a rain.
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Top Things to Do in Rainy Season in Japan
1. Hydrangea Viewing
Hydrangea is the most eye-catching highlight during rainy season in Japan, especially in June. You can explore some hydrangea spots when a rain stops or on a day not raining.
Best-known sites to admire hydrangeas:
Michinoku Hydrangea Garden in IwateHakusan Shrine, Bunkyo, Tokyo
Hakone Tozan Railway
Meigetsu Temple, Kamakura, Kanagawa
Fujinomori-jinjya Shrine, Kyoto
2. Indoor Amusement Parks
Indoor amusement park is great for family tours with kids. Parents can attend the rides and games, to have fun with the children together. Sega Tokyo JOYPOLIS, Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo, and LEGOLAND Japan in Nagoya are the most-visited.
3. Museums & Oceanariums
Osaka Castle Museum
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Tokyo National Museum, Ueno, Tokyo
National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Sunshine Aquarium, Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Osaka Aquarium, Kaigandori, Osaka
Osaka Museum of History, Otemae, Osaka
Osaka Castle Museum in Osaka Castle
Kyoto National Museum, Higashiyama, Kyoto
Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall
4. Hokkaido
Hokkaido is a nice destination to avoid rainy season as well as summer heat. You can enjoy hiking on the mountains or national parks, where various flowers stretch widely. Yosakoi Soran Festival at Odori Park in Sapporo is also a good chance to watch the group dance-off to the accompaniment of local folk songs in early June.Furthermore, shopping malls and theaters are also alternative on rainy days. The traditional song and dance by geishas or the kabuki opera would be a distinctive cultural experience.
Tips
When staying indoors, you could turn on the air conditioner in the dry mode.
Please watch the local weather forecast, to avoid natural disasters especially like landslide and debris flow in mountainous areas.