There are two wet seasons in Japan: the rainy season and the typhoon season. The rainy season (Tsuyu in Japanese) prevails in most of Japan from early June to mid-July. The heaviest rain typically hits central Japan at the end of June.
Rainfall rarely lasts a full day and the rainy season weather systems are quite predictable. So, you can still have wonderful experiences in between the rain if you prepare well with a flexible itinerary.
In this article, you'll get to know more info about the dates of the rainy season, the best places to go and the best time to visit Japan.
When is the Rainy Season in Japan?
Most of Japan, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, sees its summer rainy season peak from June to mid-July. You might feel discomfort due to the humidity when traveling in this season, but the rainfall cools temperatures down to around 26°C (79°F).
Owing to Japan's long north-south extent, Okinawa in the extreme south receives increased rainfall one month earlier, while Hokkaido in the far north is hardly affected by seasonal rainfall, with low to moderate amounts throughout the year.
Sapporo's (Hokkaido's) rainfall peaks in August/September with an amount of just around 130 mm (5 in). For a drier experience in the rainy season, Hokkaido is a wonderful escape.
The Rainy Season in JapanCheck more details about the weather in June and July. Or get to know how to plan your trip to Japan>>>
Rainy Season by Area with Average Dates
| Japan Region | Average Start Date | Average End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Okinawa | May 8 | June 23 |
| Southern Kyushu (Kagoshima, Kumamoto) | May 29 | July 13 |
| Shikoku (Matsuyama) | June 4 | July 17 |
| Kansai (Kyoto, Nara, Osaka) | June 6 | July 19 |
| Kanto (Tokyo, Hakone, Tochigi) | June 8 | July 20 |
| Northern Tohoku (Akita) | June 12 | July 27 |
When is the Typhoon Season in Japan?
Japan has a typhoon season, which mainly peaks from late August to September.
In Japan, you're likely to experience light rains during the rainy season, but you could expect downpours during the typhoon season! Typhoon rain is typically concentrated to a day or two at a time. Japan gets zero-to-two typhoons per month from July through to October.
Japan's typhoon season actually brings more rain on average than its monsoon-influenced "rainy season" in more northern places like Tokyo and Sapporo. Typhoons are also a feature in Okinawa, but are less felt in the more-sheltered Kyoto area.
Continues to read weather details on Japan's typhoon season
Is It OK to Visit Japan in Its Rainy Season?
Though Japan's rainy season doesn't have such favorable weather for traveling, lower crowding and costs are its benefits.
Away from the crowds, you could enjoy this low-season time to check out Japan's normally-crowded attractions.
Since the rainy season is generally considered the off-season, you could perfectly take advantage of the lowest-priced flights and hotels.
For families with school-age children, the summer holiday period is the best time for overseas travel to Japan. In that case, June would be the best choice for you. Besides the above-mentioned benefits, you can also enjoy the coolest weather during the summer months (June to August).
To make your trip more relaxed and stress-free, contact us for a private tour with a well-organized and flexible itinerary that copes well with the rainy season. Check our exclusive 17-day private Japan summer family trip>>>
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5 Best Places to Visit in Japan in the Rainy Season
Traveling during Japan's rainy season, you could seek out drier places to go, like Hokkaido. Or you could visit cities with abundant indoor activities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone. Shirakawa-go actually becomes appealing with rainfall!
1. Hokkaido: Great for Outdoor Activities
Sunny days in HokkaidoEscaping from the wet areas of Japan, you could enjoy relatively mild and sunny days in Hokkaido's summer, with temperatures averaging 22°C (72°F).
You may enjoy scenic biking around the countryside, hiking in the lush-green mountains or national parks, and even going on a whale-watching tour.
Check the hand-picked itinerary of a classic summer trip in Hokkaido>>>
2. Tokyo: Heaven for Indoor Activities
Being a more-northerly city of Japan, the summer rainfall comes to Tokyo more gently than in other coastal cities. Thus, your rainy-season trip would be less affected in Tokyo.
Characterized by diversity, you would have abundant indoor options for discovering Tokyo culture, away from rain and humid heat. For families with kids, anime (e.g. Pokemon), samurai, and food tours are good ways to get your kids involved in the trip.
If you're a (retired) couple, you might be enthralled by Tokyo's art galleries and museums. Taking a cooking class together could also be beneficial to enhance intimacy.
Learn more family-friendly activities in How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Japan>>>
3. Kyoto: Soak in Cultural Experiences
Known for its cultural experiences, Kyoto is still quite visitable during the rainy season.
Rainfall can make your trip more atmospheric: listen to the pitter-patter of rain as you partake in a tea ceremony with a geisha or taste an elaborate kaiseki feast...
With few crowds, you could slow down and appreciate Kyoto's iconic temples and shrines in peace. The rainy season is the best time to admire Kyoto's gardens when they're full of lush greenery.
Learn more excursions beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka from 3-Week Japan Itineraries >>>
4. Hokane: Relax in a Ryokan with Hot Springs
Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) with hot springs offer a great indoor getaway during the rainy season's inclement weather. After several days' travelling, what could be more relaxing than soaking in a hot spring?
Beyond the ryokans, world-class art museums are not to be missed in Hakone. With various art museum themes, you could choose what you're interested in seeing — from paintings to arts and crafts. If weather permits (there are non-rainy days in the rainy season), you might have a chance to see a clear view of Mt. Fuji from Hakone.
5. Shirakawa-go: Enjoy Idyllic Rural Scenery
Unique Traditional Hourses in Shirakawa-goHidden in Japan's mountainous interior, Shirakawa-go is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses (traditional Japanese farmhouses with long thatched roofs).
You may feel particularly awe-inspired when looking at the quaint rural dwellings surrounded by lush-green rice fields and colorful summer blooms. Staying in a traditional farmhouse offers more contact with locals.
Your trip would not be spoiled by rainfall… On the contrary: the winding mist following a downpour makes Shirakawa-go still more attractive!
Best Times to Visit Japan for Dry Weather
For a dry and comfortable experience, the best time to visit Japan is spring (March to May), followed by late autumn (October to November).
During these months, you can experience less rainfall and mild temperatures without worrying about getting caught in a downpour.
With the pleasant weather, you could indulge yourself in the breathtaking cherry blossom of spring or vibrant autumn colors.
If you are willing to bear some cold weather (around 10°C (50°F)), winter (December to February) is actually the driest time in most areas of Japan. It's a good time to go to Sapporo or the Japanese Alps for appealing winter sports and snow scenes.
Get more ideas about best times to visit Japan>>>
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