Traveling During Rainy Season In Japan – A Romantic Journey

Japan is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world with four distinct seasons. Though it’s always worth visiting Japan at any time of the year, some people still feel hesitant to come here in the rainy season. What is the first thing that springs your mind when you think about Japan rainy season? Do you think it is troublesome and boring? Are you afraid that there may be not many things to do and you are going to waste your whole trip, hiding in some hostel rooms and waiting for the rain to stop? If the answer is yes, you may be surprised to know that the rainy season in Japan comes with many great things too. In today’s blog, we will give you a travel tip on Japan monsoon season and how to have the best journey during this season here. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Traveling During Rainy Season In Japan – A Romantic Journey

1. Timing Of Japanese Rainy Season?

A rainy season or a monsoon season is the time of year where rainfall lasts for several months in a country or in a region. It happens when cold air and warm air collide, resulting in high humidity and heavy rain.

Japanese rainy season (called Tsuyu or Baiyu), annually starts from May to July. However, cities from the north to the south of Japan may experience it a little bit differently. Normally, the rainy season hits the southern cities first. Then it slowly moves up to the north. In Japan, only Hokkaido and Ogasawara are not much affected by the monsoon season.

Below is the prediction for the rainy season in Japan in 2020:

Source: jrailpass.com

Read more:

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• Driving In Japan – All You Should Know

2. Weather

The weather during the rainy season in Japan is hard to predict. During this season, the weather is usually gloomy and windy with cloudy gray sky. But it does not mean that there is not a single sunny day throughout the whole period. You may feel hot when the sun shines brightly but then can easily feel chilly on a wet day.  The temperature is not significantly high but you can still feel quite uneasy with high humidity in the atmosphere. It is a perfect condition for mold to grow so you’d better watch out your personal belongings.

The temperature is not significantly high but you can still feel quite uneasy with high humidity in the atmosphere.

3. What Should You Wear During Japan Monsoon Season?

As the weather during Japan monsoon season is changeable and unpredictable, you should pack your clothes wisely for all weather possibilities.

For women, a short-sleeved shirt and a long, light skirt are a perfect combination. You surely do not want to suffer the heat of the sun and the humidity in the atmosphere in tight skinny jeans right?

For men, simple T-shirts and pants or comfortable jeans are good to go.

As the weather during Japan monsoon season is changeable and unpredictable, you should pack your clothes wisely for all weather possibilities.

Although the temperatures in June and July can reach over 30 degrees in some regions, you can still feel chilly in the early mornings and evenings. So do not forget to bring a light jacket. It could help you to avoid the sun too.

It is also highly recommended that you bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes or sandals. The sticky feeling you get while walking around in a pair of wet shoes can easily ruin your romantic trip under the rain.

4. Why should you go to Japan in the rainy season?

Since many travelers prefer to avoid the heat and humidity, traffic and tourist activity during rainy season in Japan is quite low in comparison with other times of the year. This can help you to avoid unnecessary crowds and enjoy a peaceful and romantic Japan at best. How romantic and peaceful it is to walk down the path alone, listening to the raindrops and enjoying the pleasant scent of Japanese summer. If you visit shrines and temples in Spring or summer, you may not have enough time and a quiet atmosphere to get a true feel for local culture and traditions here.

How romantic and peaceful it is to walk down the path alone, listening to the raindrops and enjoying pleasant scent of Japanese summer

Besides, there are some activities that are only available and attractive in the rain. Below are some suggestions for you.

5. How to enjoy Japan’s rainy season?

5.1. Ajisai viewing

Ajisai (hydrangeas) is one of the most beautiful flowers in Japan. The blooming season of this flower coincides with the rainy season here. Therefore, this flower symbolizes the rainy season in Japan.

When the time comes, hydrangeas bloom everywhere, even by the sides of the train tracks or the entrance of the temples. One of the magical things about this flower is the spectacular color change of its petals, from pink, blue, purple to white color depending on the pH of the soil. With raindrops on the petals, hydrangeas look even brighter and more charming than ever. So do not miss the chance to capture photos of hydrangeas on a rainy day!

There are many places throughout the country that you can easily find hydrangeas. Top 5 spots are:

• Hydrangeas festival in Toshimaen
• Hakusan Shrine
• Showa Memorial Park
• Meigetsuin Shrine
• Hydrangeas festival in Bunkyo

You can have a closer look at the beauty of blooming hydrangea in the link below:

5.2. Firefly festival

Nowadays fireflies have become so rare that not so many people have a chance to have a look at them. In many years, the government of Japan has made a strenuous effort to keep this species away from extinction.

Have you ever seen the fireflies brighten an entire sky? Have you ever immersed yourself into a sparkling world, imagined as if you were in a fairy tale? If your answer is no then you’d better book a ticket to Japan and join a firefly festival immediately!

Every year, many places in Japan hold a firefly festival which normally takes place for about 2 weeks. Firefly festivals are often held in parks where fireflies live with little wind, clean running water, and moist environments. This activity does not accept too many people to come at once so you might have to make a reservation several months before the event.

Below are the 4 best places to observe fascinating fireflies:

5.3. Visit temples and shrines

Normally, temples and shrines attract many tourists. So on sunny days, these places can be a little be noisy and crowded. If you are a quiet person, it can be a little bit tiresome to visit Japanese traditional temples and shrines. But all of these uncomfortable things will disappear when the rain comes. You can wander around, take some photos and enjoy the sound of rain falling on leaves and stones without being disturbed by other people.

Besides, in the rain, Shrines and temples become incredibly aesthetic. It is an amazing chance to immerse yourself in this peaceful atmosphere.

In the rain, Shrines and temples are incredibly aesthetic

5.4. Check out Japanese museums

If you are looking for an indoor activity, check out some Japanese museums probably is a great choice! Rainy days are perfect for a museum tour. You do not have to wander around, worrying about wetting your make up or clothes. Moreover, there are many cool and interesting museums here for you to discover. Below are some suggestions for you:

• Tokyo National Museum (Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712)
• Mori Art Museum (Address: 106-6150 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 6 Chome−10−1, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 53)
• Nezu Museum (Address: 6 Chome-5-1 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062)
• The National Art Center, Tokyo (Address: 7 Chome-22-2 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-8558)

Rainy days are perfect for a museum tour

5.5. Irises garden

Appearing from the end of May, irises are a sign of summer in Japan. In Japanese culture, irises are also considered a symbol of noble lineage and heroic temperament of men. Its leaf shapes like a sword, representing the spirit of chivalry. So on Kodomo no hi (Children’s Day), some Japanese boys are bathed with Iris leaves to wish for health.

In the rain, Irises seem to be even more beautiful and graceful. You can find this elegant flower at traditional Japanese gardens, temples and shrines. Below are some suggestions:

• Meiji Jingu Inner Garden (Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052)
• Koishikawa Korakuen Park (Address: 1-6-6 Korakuen, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
• Shobunoma Park (Address: 2-4-1 Yakana, Achida-ku, Tokyo)
• Kitayama Park (Address: Tokyo, Higashimurayama-shi, Noguchi-chou 4-50)

Conclusion

Now, we have provided you all the information to have a memorable and comfortable trip to Japan during the rainy season. Hopefully, you can have the best experiences here to share with your family and friends. If you have any concern, please feel free to share in the comment section below.