Typhoon season: plan without panic
You booked in typhoon months and want a plan that stays calm if the forecast turns.
Seasons and when to go
Planning around Japan's rainy season
You have only June school holidays free, and you worry the whole trip will be grey and wet.
You can travel in Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu, if you plan flexible days and an indoor backup. It falls in early summer on most of the mainland, and it brings spells of rain, not constant storms. Hokkaido is generally outside it, and Okinawa has its own, earlier season.
What is the rainy season?
Tsuyu is a stretch of wet, humid weather in early summer, roughly from June into July on much of the mainland. Start and end dates differ by region and by year, and the Japan Meteorological Agency announces them each season. We do not quote exact dates because they shift.
Expect cloud, showers and humidity, with dry breaks between. Some days are fine.
When is the rain manageable?
Rain is easier to handle when your plan has room. Mix outdoor and indoor stops each day, leave an afternoon open, and avoid booking an outdoor-only day without a fallback. A short walk in drizzle is fine. A long hike in heavy rain is not.
Rain also means fewer crowds at some sights and greener gardens. If your group enjoys museums, food halls and onsen, the season is easy.
Which regions avoid the rain?
Hokkaido is generally outside the main rainy season, so it is the usual alternative for early summer. Read summer regional alternatives and Hokkaido winter versus summer to compare. Okinawa has its season earlier, and our guide on Okinawa swimming season explains the timing.
For dates by region, see the seasonal timing data page.
What are good rain-day plan B ideas?
- Museums, aquariums and galleries.
- Department store food halls and covered shopping streets.
- Onsen and bathhouses.
- Cafes, tea houses and craft workshops.
- Underground malls and station complexes.
Our guides on Tokyo rainy-day fallbacks and the Kansai itinerary rain plan list specific choices by city.
Is it the typhoon season?
Not yet. Typhoons come later in summer and autumn, and they are a separate planning issue. Read typhoon season travel planning if your dates reach late summer. Send us your dates and we will match your days to the weather pattern.
If June or early July is your only window, send your dates and we will build rain-friendly days and a plan B for each region.
Keep planning
Hokkaido in winter or summer
You are choosing between snow and cool green fields, and want to know what each demands.
Okinawa swimming season and alternatives
You love a beach holiday, and you are wondering if Okinawa beats the islands closer to home.
Summer in Japan: easier regions
You are used to heat and expect Japanese summer to be fine, but elders and kids may disagree.
Kansai on a rainy day: what swaps in
The forecast says rain, the kids are restless and your Kansai day was all outdoors.
Rainy day fallbacks for a Tokyo trip
The forecast says rain, and you have children, grandparents and a plan that was meant to be outside.
Questions travellers ask
Is the rainy season a bad time to visit Japan?
Not necessarily. Rain comes in spells, not all day every day, and many travellers find it manageable with a good plan. Crowds are often lighter, and the greenery is lush. It suits flexible travellers more than those with a tight, outdoor-only list.
Which regions avoid the rainy season?
Hokkaido is generally outside the main rainy season, which makes it a common summer alternative. Okinawa has its rainy season earlier, so its timing differs from the mainland. Check the weather agency's announcements for the year, since start dates vary.
What should I pack for the rainy season?
A compact umbrella, a light waterproof jacket and quick-drying clothes. Bring spare socks and a small towel. Humidity is high, so choose breathable fabrics. Shoes that dry quickly are more useful than heavy boots. Convenience stores sell umbrellas if you need one.
Ready to shape your Japan trip?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you hope to see. We will reply with ideas and a tailored quote.