Rainy Season

🌧️ Surviving Japan’s Rainy Season: What to Expect, Wear & Bring (Tokyo, Kamakura & Yokohama)

If you're planning a trip to Japan between early June and mid-July, you're likely to encounter tsuyu (梅雨), the rainy season. While the constant drizzle might sound like a damper on your trip, don’t worry—it’s still a fantastic time to visit, especially if you come prepared.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through what to expect during Japan’s rainy season, what to bring, what to wear, and where to go when the skies open up—especially in Tokyo, Kamakura, and Yokohama.

☔ What to Expect During the Rainy Season

• Frequency: Expect rain almost every day, often in the form of light showers or overnight storms. Heavy downpours may happen, but full-day washouts are rare.

• Humidity: It gets hot and sticky. Temperatures average around 22–30°C (72–86°F) with high humidity.

• Sunshine: Some days will be bright and humid with sudden rain, so always be ready for both!

• Nature: Lush greenery, glistening hydrangeas, and fewer crowds at major tourist spots make this a surprisingly scenic season.

Rainy Season in Japan is no joke. Make sure to bring rain shoes or prepare to bring an extra sock to make your trip more memorable.

🧳 What to Bring

• Compact, wind-resistant umbrella – A must-have. Many stores like Don Quijote or convenience stores sell decent ones for under ¥1,000.

• Light rain jacket or poncho – Water-resistant and breathable is best.

• Quick-drying clothes – Cotton will stick to your skin; choose moisture-wicking or fast-dry fabrics.

• Waterproof shoes or sandals – Avoid canvas sneakers; try rubber-soled shoes or sandals with good grip.

• Plastic bags – For wet umbrellas, shoes, or gear.

• Towel or small cloth – Locals often carry one to wipe off rain or sweat.

👕 What to Wear

• Loose-fitting, breathable clothing – Think linen, dri-fit, or light cotton blends.

• Umbrella or hat – If you don't love using an umbrella, a water-repellent bucket hat or hoodie can do the trick.

• Avoid heavy layers – It’s warm even when it’s raining. A light layer is all you need.

• For women: A long, flowy skirt or airy pants and a blouse work well.

• For men: Short-sleeved shirts and quick-dry pants are ideal.

Bring Waterproof shoes that will help keep your feet dry!

🌆 Where to Go: Rainy Day Spots

📍 Tokyo

• TeamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless – Immersive, indoor art experiences.

• Odaiba – Shopping, museums, and entertainment under one roof.

• Tokyo Station & Marunouchi Underground Mall – Shop and dine without getting wet.

• Round1 Amusement Center- Explore and Enjoy some indoor amusements at majority of the ROUND1 centers in japan. Play some air hockey, darts, billiards, arcades, indoor sports and more!

  

  
  

Tokyo's glowing streets during a summer downpour

📍 Kamakura

• Hasedera Temple – Famous for its blooming hydrangeas in June.

• Engaku-ji – A peaceful temple with misty, rain-washed gardens.

Colorful hydrangeas at Hasedera Temple brighten the grey skies

📍 Yokohama

• Cup Noodles Museum – Fun and indoors!

• Minato Mirai Shopping Area – Modern, open spaces and covered walkways.

• Red Brick Warehouse – Boutique shops and cafes with great rainy-day views of the bay.

Rain adds a cozy charm to Yokohama’s Red Brick district

💡 Final Tips

• Always check the weather forecast, but don’t worry too much—rain in Japan is manageable and often brief.

• Embrace the season! Rainy Japan is serene, photogenic, and full of life.

• If you don’t have space for gear in your luggage, buy what you need at a local Uniqlo or local combini like 7-11, Family Mart or Lawson!