3 Fun Ways To Enjoy The Rainy Season In Japan

Around the start of June, tsuyu, or the rainy season, begins in Japan. While the dates and strength of this near month of rainy days varies from year to year, one thing remains constant: the humidity.

Dressing for the weather is very important during this season, while the nights and early mornings may be very cool, the days can get quite muggy and, on days without rain, can reach temperatures around the 30 degree Celsius mark. If you are planning a trip to Japan for this time, make sure to pack appropriately for the weather!

From: Celebrating The Flower Of Tsuyu: Hydrangeas At Their Peak In Kamakura

The Japanese have mixed feelings about tsuyu: some love the rainy weather and the many gorgeous flowers that it brings, while others feel stressed out by the problems that the rainy weather causes. If you'd like to learn more about the way tsuyu is received in Japan, take a look at Love It Or Leave It: Tsuyu, Japan's Annual Rainy Season.

There are some good points to this season that no one can deny. Here are three fun ways to enjoy tsuyu for yourself!

1. Try Some Seasonal Sweets

From: Rainy Season Sweets To Brighten Your Spirits

As with every season in Japan, there are specific seasonal dishes or treats inspired by the weather to enjoy. While spring has cherry blossoms and wisteria to inspire it, tsuyu is the season of the hydrangea, and everywhere you go, you are sure to find items and dishes inspired by these beautiful blue and purple flowers.

These confectionaries, called jonamagashi in Japanese, are available in most traditional Japanese sweet shops, department stores, and in some supermarkets as well. Take a look and see if you can spot a treat inspired by the season for yourself!

2. Pass the Time Outdoors in Style

From: Wagasa: The Essential Item For Rainy Season

While you can find clear plastic umbrellas practically everywhere in Japan, there is another type of umbrella that is far more deserving of attention during the rainy season. Wagasa are traditional umbrellas made from bamboo, wood and a special type of treated paper called karakami. These umbrellas are not only sturdy, but come in beautiful colors and patterns, which are made all the more elegant by the rain.

You can find these umbrellas sold in traditional areas such as Kyoto and at stores in Asakusa too. Why not find the wagasa that best suits you and head off to enjoy the hydrangeas?

3. Make Your Own Sun Summoner

From: Teruteru Bozu: Summon The Sun With A Smile!

Once you've tasted the sweets, seen the hydrangeas, and enjoyed your new wagasa, what else is there to do during the rainy season? Well, if you're hoping for some sunny weather to sightsee in, you might consider making your own teruteru bozu. A teruteru bozu is a small doll meant to represent a monk that, when hung up in the window or from the eaves of the house, is said to pray for good weather for the next day.

If you'd like to learn how to make a simple one using everyday household items for yourself, please check out Teruteru Bozu: Summon The Sun With A Smile!.

In Conclusion

No matter what you do, the rainy season in Japan will still make it slightly inconvenient to travel about, but with these three items to brighten your days, you're sure to enjoy tsuyu in Japan.