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Rainy Season in Japan: Regional Breakdown and Travel Tips
The rainy season In Japan starts in early or late June, depending on the region. Use this rainy season area guide to figure out the best timing for your trip.
The Rainy Season in Japan - When Does It Start?
If you’re traveling somewhere, you’ll want to know what the weather is like. One thing to note about travel in Japan is tsuyu, the rainy season.
The rainy season spans from May through July, and there will be many cloudy, rainy days during this time. The timing of tsuyu varies by region, usually with Okinawa in early May, and Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in early June.
Continue reading to see when the rainy season begins and ends in the area you're visiting. We will start from the south, where tsuyu comes and goes earliest, so use this as a reference when you travel to Japan. If it’s rainy, you may not be able to see the scenery you were hoping for, or outdoor events may be canceled, so make sure to incorporate this into your travel plans.
Note that Hokkaido and the Ogasawara Islands do not experience a rainy season.
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Okinawa: First Half of May
Okinawa is known for its beach resort areas.
Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture in Japan, experiences the rainy season the earliest. While it has quite charming beaches, don’t forget your rain gear if you plan to visit during May or June.
Usual timing: Starts around May 9, ends around June 23
Kagoshima (Southern Kyushu): Late May
Kagoshima’s symbol, Sakurajima
Kagoshima, on the southern tip of Kyushu, is rich with nature and also known as an onsen resort area. The rainy front coming from Okinawa splashes down in late May.
Usual timing: Starts around May 31, ends around July 14
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Fukuoka (Northern Kyushu): First Half of June
Fukuoka’s Famous Nakasu Yatai Street
Fukuoka, a popular sightseeing destination in Kyushu, is visited by the rainy season in the first half of June. Some of its famous yatai street stalls may close during heavy rain.
Usual timing: Starts around June 5, ends around July 19
Hiroshima (Chugoku Area): First Half of June
The Genbaku Dome relays the tragedy of the victims of nuclear weapons to the present
Hiroshima and Fukuoka, along with most of western Japan, get their rainy seasons around early June.
Usual timing: Starts around June 7, ends around July 21
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Kyoto (Kinki Area): First Half of June
You can get an unbroken view of the Kyoto cityscape from Kiyomizudera
The ancient capital of Kyoto can be difficult to explore in the rain, which comes in June, but the rain-drenched temples and shrines have their own unique majesty.
Usual timing: Starts around June 7, ends around July 21
Nagoya (Tokai Area): First Half of June
Nagoya Castle and its famous shachihoko
In Nagoya, we recommend checking out indoor attractions like Nagoya Castle and the Tokugawa Art Museum during the rainy season.
Usual timing: Starts around June 8, ends around July 21
Tokyo (Kanto/Koshin'etsu): First Half of June
Sensoji Temple
Tokyo has many exciting things to do during rainy season, like checking out the hydrangeas and buying goods to handle the rain.
Usual timing: Starts around June 8, ends around July 21
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Kanazawa (Hokuriku Area): Mid-June
The Tsuzumi Gate in front of Kanazawa Station
Kanazawa and the surrounding areas get a late start to the rainy season.
Usual timing: Starts around June 12, ends around July 24
Sendai (Southern Tohoku): Mid-June
Sendai’s hero, Date Masamune
Sendai and Kanazawa have the same rainy season schedule. Once the rain is over, it will be time for the Sendai Tanabata Festival.
Usual timing: Starts around June 12, ends around July 25
Aomori (Northern Tohoku): Mid-June
The Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of Japan’s Three Great Festivals
Once rainy season in Aomori finishes, it will soon be time for one of the famous Aomori Nebuta Festival.
Usual timing: Starts around June 14, ends around July 28
How to Enjoy Japan's Rainy Season
The weather in June might be mostly cloudy and it might rain a lot but this shouldn't stop you to enjoy your trip to Japan.
How about buying a nice Japanese umbrella and go to a hydrangea festival? The hydrangeas bloom during the rainy season, gracing the gardens and parks with their vivid blue and purple colors.
There are several hydrangea festivals held in Tokyo or other major cities, with Kamakura being an especially destination for those who wish to relish these flowers.
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The rainy season is the best time to visit museums and galleries, but also covered arcade shopping streets (shotengai) where you can sample delicious local food.
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For other tips on how to enjoy the rainy season please refer to the article below.
Rainy Season in Japan by Region
Weather can ruin the best-laid plans. If you absolutely want to only travel on sunny days, you might want to avoid coming during the rainy season.
Reference: Japan Meteorological Agency
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旅行が好きです!取材を通して、自分自身、日本の魅力を発見していきたいです!