Japan’s rainy season usually lasts from late May to around July, but there’s no need to let the rain stop you from making the most of your trip! In fact, Japan offers many unique and memorable experiences that are even more magical when it’s raining.
In this guide, we introduce the top activities by region and theme, perfect for enjoying the 2025 rainy season. You’ll also find plenty of tips to make your rainy-day journey through Japan unforgettable, including personalized recommendations for adventures that won’t be spoiled by the weather.
Important Tips for Enjoying Rainy Season Activities
To make the most of your rainy season activities, it’s a good idea to check a few important things in advance, such as the weather forecast and what to wear. By preparing ahead, you can stay comfortable and enjoy your time even on rainy days.
Check for Weather-Related Cancellations or Changes
Outdoor activities may be cancelled due to rain or wind. For example, shower climbing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) may be called off even with slight increases in water levels, for safety reasons. To avoid surprises, it’s a good idea to check in advance what criteria the organizer uses to make these decisions and how to contact them.
Check Cancellation and Refund Policies in Advance
Because sudden cancellations can happen unexpectedly during the rainy season, it’s important to check the cancellation and refund policies before making a reservation. In some cases, you may only be eligible for a partial refund or a schedule change. To avoid any surprises, be sure to read the policies carefully.
Dress Smart for Rainy Days and Pack the Essentials
Wearing comfortable, water-resistant clothing and packing the right items will make it much easier to get around on rainy days. Think water-repellent outerwear, quick-drying layers, a waterproof bag, and extra socks — all incredibly useful. A little preparation goes a long way! And don’t forget a lightweight folding umbrella — it’s perfect to keep in your bag for extra peace of mind when sudden rain hits.
When Does Japan’s Rainy Season Start in 2025?
The timing of the rainy season in Japan can vary significantly depending on the region. To plan your trip smoothly, be sure to check the start and end dates of the rainy season for the specific area you’re visiting.
| area | Estimated date of the beginning of the rainy season | Expected end of rainy season |
| Hokkaido (northernmost of the four main islands of Japan) | N/A (no rainy season) | na |
| northern Tohoku (northernmost six prefectures of Honshu) | Around June 15 | Around July 28 |
| south-northeast | Around June 12 | Around July 24 |
| region west of Tokyo on Japan Sea side of Japan | Around June 11 | Around July 23 |
| Kanto Koshin | Around June 7 | Around July 19 |
| East Sea (controversial name for the Sea of Japan proposed by Korea) | Around June 6 | Around July 19 |
| Kinki (region around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara) | Around June 6 | Around July 19 |
| China | Around June 6 | Around July 19 |
| Shikoku (smallest of the four main islands of Japan) | Around June 5 | Around July 17 |
| northern Kyushu | Around June 4 | Around July 19 |
| southern Kyushu | Around May 16 | Around July 15 |
| Okinawa (prefecture) | Around May 22 | Around June 21 |
*The actual timing may vary slightly each year.
(Source: Japan Meteorological Agency )
Recommended Indoor Spots for Rainy Days
Even during the rainy season, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy. Especially in urban areas, you can be confident that there are facilities where you can spend the whole day having fun, no matter the weather.
Tokyo｜TeamLabo
TeamLab Planets and TeamLab Borderless are interactive museums that combine digital art with immersive spatial presentations. Both places focus on the importance of actually experiencing the artwork, rather than just viewing it. These facilities are perfect for foreign visitors who want to enjoy Tokyo’s cutting-edge art regardless of the weather.
TeamLab Planets
TeamLab Planets is located in Toyosu.
TeamLab Planets is located in Toyosu.
Here, you can walk through water and be surrounded by real flowers, experiencing art with your whole body. Many areas allow visitors to take off their shoes and go barefoot, enhancing the immersive feeling. The stunning combination of water, light, and sound creates a fantastical space that feels like stepping into another world. Visitors themselves become part of the art, and the ever-changing installations offer new discoveries every time you visit.
Especially on rainy days, TeamLab Planets is the perfect place to fully immerse yourself in art without worrying about the weather outside.
Facility Details
Name: teamLab Planets TOKYO (teamLab Planets TOKYO) DMM
Address: teamLab Planets TOKYO 6-1-16 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0061
Access: 1 minute walk from Shin Toyosu Station exit on the Yurikamome Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Waterfront Line
5 minute walk from Toyosu Ichiba Station exit on the Yurikamome Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Waterfront Line
10 minute walk from Toyosu Station exit 7 on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
Dates: 2018.7.07(Sat) – End of 2027
Hours: 9:00 – 22:00
＊Last admission is 1 hour before closing
＊You may have to wait 30-60 minutes for admission.
Living Art Store & Sketch Factory and Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo have different opening hours.
Closed: 6/12(Thu.), 7/10(Thu.)
Tickets: Adults ¥3,800- *Prices subject to change, see official website for details
Junior high and high school students ¥2,800
Children (4-12) ¥1,500
Children under 3 free
Disabled discount ¥1,900- *Prices subject to change, see official website for details
Official Site
Team Lab Borderless
TeamLab Borderless is located in Azabudai Hills.
This museum has no map, based on the concept of “art without boundaries.” With no walls separating the rooms, the art moves freely, influencing and sometimes blending with other works. Visitors are free to explore the vast space and experience an ever-changing world of art through light, sound, and interaction.
The indoor setting makes it the perfect place to lose track of time and immerse yourself in art, even on rainy days.
Facility Details
Name: teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM
Mori Building Digital Art Museum: Epson TeamLab Borderless
Address: Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B B1
5-9 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside
TEL: 03-6230-9666
Access: 2 minute walk from Kamiyacho Station (Exit 5) on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
7 minute walk from Roppongi-itchome Station (Exit 4) on Tokyo Metro Namboku Line
Duration: Friday, 2024.2.09 – Permanent
Hours: 9:00 – 21:00
*Close at 17:00 on Tuesday, 5/27 and Tuesday, 7/8 (last admission at 16:00)
*Open at 8:00 from Tuesday, 7/1
*Last admission 1 hour before closing
*EN TEA HOUSE opens 30 minutes after opening, last order 30 minutes before closing
Closed: 5/20 (Tue), 6/17 (Tue), 7/15 (Tue)
Tickets: Adults ¥3,600- *Prices subject to change, see official website for details
Junior high and high school students ¥2,800
Children (4-12) ¥1,500
Children under 3 free
Discount for the disabled ¥1,900- *Prices subject to change, see official website for details
Official Site
Sanrio Puroland, Tokyo
Sanrio Puroland is located in Tama City.
Here, you can enjoy the “kawaii” world of Sanrio anytime, regardless of the weather. Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and many other beloved Sanrio characters await you.
The park is filled with spectacular parades, musical shows, and fun attractions featuring these characters! You can also enjoy meet-and-greet events, shop for limited-edition goods, and savor a wide variety of food with cute character motifs. For Sanrio fans, this truly is a dream come true!
Sanrio Puroland is perfect not only for Sanrio fans and lovers of all things cute but also for anyone looking to have a bright and fun day, even on a rainy day.
Facility Details
Name: Sanrio Puroland
Address: 1-31 Ochiai, Tama City, Tokyo 206-8588
Access: 7-minute walk from the central ticket gate of Keio Tama Center Station on the Keio Line
7-minute walk from the west ticket gate of Odakyu Tama Center Station on the Odakyu Line
7-minute walk from the south exit of Tama Center Station on the Tama Monorail
Hours: 8:30 – 18:00
*Opening hours vary by day. Please see the official website for details.
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays may be closed (not every week)
*Closed days vary by month. Please see the official website for details.
Tickets: Adults (18-64) ¥3,900 – ¥5,900
Children (3-17) and Seniors (65+) ¥2,800 – ¥4,800
Children under 2 free
*Prices vary depending on the date of visit
*Afternoon Passport and Annual Passport with special offers also available
Official Site
Kyoto｜Ninja Experience Cafe
The Ninja Cafe in Kyoto is a unique concept café where you can experience the mysterious world of Japanese ninjas. Even on rainy days, you can enjoy traditional Japanese culture indoors.
Staff dressed as ninjas welcome guests and offer hands-on experiences such as shuriken throwing and blowgun shooting. You can enjoy your meal in a space filled with secret ninja tricks and decorations. Traditional Japanese dishes and drinks are also served, making you feel as if you are visiting a real ninja hideout.
With activities suitable for all ages, from children to adults, the Ninja Cafe is a perfect place to create exciting memories—even if rain disrupts your sightseeing plans!
Facility Details
Name: Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion Branch
Address: Shinsei Building 6F, 398-3 Hashimoto-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0083, Japan
TEL: 070-8913-6073
Access: 6 min. walk from “Gionshijo” station on Kyoto Electric Railway Keihan Main Line
6 min. walk from “Sanjo Keihan” station on Subway Tozai Line
8 min. walk from “Kyoto Kawaramachi” station on Hankyu Kyoto Main Line
Business hours: 10:00 – 21:00
Closed: irregular holidays, please check reservation site for details
Official website
Enjoy Outdoor Activities Even on Rainy Days!
Just because it’s the rainy season doesn’t mean you have to give up on outdoor experiences. Many activities actually become more enjoyable in the rain, and there are plenty of places where the rainy atmosphere itself is part of the charm.
Shower Climbing (Okutama)
Shower climbing in Okutama, set in Tokyo’s rich natural environment, is an adventure best experienced during the rainy season. This activity involves walking along streams and climbing up small waterfalls, offering an exciting outdoor experience for both adults and children. As you navigate the mountain streams, you’ll sometimes wade through water and other times scale small waterfalls.
You might wonder, “Going into the water on a rainy day?” But don’t worry—getting wet is part of the fun! In fact, the rain-swollen streams become more dynamic and thrilling. Expert guides accompany you throughout the activity, and safe equipment is available for rent, so even beginners can participate with confidence.
Enjoy an unforgettable adventure in Okutama, easily accessible as a day trip from central Tokyo, while immersing yourself in the stunning beauty of Japan’s valleys. This is a special experience that can only be enjoyed thanks to the rain.
Kamakura｜SUP (Stand Up Paddle)
In the scenic ancient capital of Kamakura, visitors can enjoy ocean activities even during the rainy season. One highly recommended activity is SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), where you stand on a board and paddle to move freely across the water.
You might wonder, “Is it safe to play in the ocean on a rainy day?” The sight of raindrops falling and bouncing off the water’s surface is truly spectacular. Additionally, the scenery in the moist air after rain creates a unique and beautiful atmosphere different from sunny days. During the rainy season, the waves are often relatively calm, making it easier for beginners to try SUP.
Why not enjoy walking on the water while admiring Kamakura’s stunning coastline and, depending on the weather, the distant view of Enoshima Island? Wearing a wetsuit means you won’t have to worry about the cold, making it a wonderful way to create lasting memories—even on a rainy day.
Kyoto｜Hydrangea viewing
During the rainy season in Kyoto, we invite you to experience hydrangea viewing—a quintessential rainy season tradition in Japan. The sight of hydrangeas glistening with raindrops is a hallmark of the season, brightly decorating Kyoto and captivating visitors.
Kyoto is home to many temples and gardens renowned for their beautiful hydrangeas. The flowers blooming in the gentle rain resemble living paintings. Especially in the gardens of famous temples, you can appreciate the traditional Japanese beauty of moss-covered grounds and vibrant hydrangea blossoms.
Even on rainy days, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll under an umbrella, soaking in the unique atmosphere that Kyoto offers regardless of the weather. We also recommend bringing a camera to capture the stunning hydrangeas adorned with raindrops. We hope you will experience the serene and beautiful scenery of Kyoto that can only be found during the rain.
Japanese Cultural Experiences to Enjoy with the Sound of Rain
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to relax and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Why not enjoy a deep and memorable experience in a peaceful, quiet setting?
Motenas Japan introduces four unique “Rainy Season x Japanese Culture Experiences” specially designed for foreign visitors.
These special experiences, available only during the rainy season, will leave a lasting impression on your trip to Japan and offer a truly personalized and memorable journey just for you!
Healing Tea Ceremony Experience Accompanied by the Sound of Rain
For those wishing to deeply experience traditional Japanese culture, the rainy season is the perfect time to enjoy a tea ceremony. On rainy days, the gentle sound of rain falling in a quiet tearoom becomes a soothing background melody, creating a special atmosphere that helps calm the mind and deepen concentration.
The tea ceremony is a comprehensive art that emphasizes not only the etiquette of preparing tea but also the spirit of hospitality and the appreciation of seasonal changes. Experienced instructors will guide you through the process of making and drinking tea, as well as the proper etiquette, so even beginners can participate comfortably.
Seasonal flowers are beautifully arranged in the tearoom, and seasonal Japanese sweets are served to reflect the essence of the rainy season.
Spending time listening to the rain, savoring hot green tea, and appreciating the graceful Japanese manners and serene atmosphere is a truly sensory experience. It is a luxurious way to immerse yourself in Japan’s spiritual traditions, regardless of the weather.
Sake Experience on a Yakatabune
During the rainy season, you can still enjoy a sake experience aboard a yakatabune, a uniquely Japanese covered boat where you can savor delicious food and drinks while admiring the view from the water.
Even on rainy days, the interior of the houseboat remains cozy and inviting. The rain-soaked cityscape outside the windows, combined with the light reflecting on the water, creates a magical and serene atmosphere. On board, you can sample various types of sake paired with dishes made from fresh, seasonal Japanese ingredients—truly a celebration of sake and cuisine.
Some tours also include expert guidance on how to select and taste sake, making it easy for even beginners to appreciate Japan’s rich sake culture.
Spending time on a gently rocking boat while tasting traditional Japanese food and sake is a truly special experience. We invite you to take this opportunity to enjoy an emotional water cruise and savor the depth of sake, all accompanied by the soothing sound of rain.
Japanese cooking classes by top chefs
Since it’s a rainy day, why not take the opportunity to deeply experience Japanese food culture? A cooking class with a top Japanese chef offers a perfect blend of knowledge and hands-on experience, and can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
You will learn firsthand the techniques of professionals—from the fundamentals of traditional Japanese cuisine to authentic recipes you can recreate at home. Working with fresh Japanese ingredients and mastering the art of making dashi (Japanese soup stock) and subtle seasoning is more than just cooking; it’s a valuable chance to deepen your understanding of Japanese food culture.
Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of tasting your own creations, but many classes are also available in English, allowing you to participate without language barriers. Even on rainy days when sightseeing might be difficult, you can spend quality time indoors and create wonderful memories of your trip.
And when you prepare Japanese dishes for your family and friends using the recipes you learned, it becomes a truly special souvenir from your journey.
Kabuki viewing in a Japanese garden that looks beautiful in the rain
Since it’s a rainy day, why not take the opportunity to deeply experience Japanese food culture? A cooking class with a top Japanese chef offers a perfect blend of knowledge and hands-on experience, and can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
You will learn firsthand the techniques of professionals—from the fundamentals of traditional Japanese cuisine to authentic recipes you can recreate at home. Working with fresh Japanese ingredients and mastering the art of making dashi (Japanese soup stock) and subtle seasoning is more than just cooking; it’s a valuable chance to deepen your understanding of Japanese food culture.
Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of tasting your own creations, but many classes are also available in English, allowing you to participate without language barriers. Even on rainy days when sightseeing might be difficult, you can spend quality time indoors and create wonderful memories of your trip.
And when you prepare Japanese dishes for your family and friends using the recipes you learned, it becomes a truly special souvenir from your journey.
Traveling during the rainy season can be most enjoyable and comfortable when supported by tailor-made services designed to meet your needs.
The rainy season is a time when schedule changes often occur due to unstable weather. At such times, we recommend “tailor-made travel plans” that allow for flexible combinations!
With a flexible itinerary that blends indoor and outdoor experiences and can be adjusted according to the weather, you won’t need to worry about sudden rain. Choosing a plan with reliable support will give you peace of mind when showing foreign guests around.
Rather than avoiding the rain, embrace it as a unique “attraction” of your trip. This is the key to enjoying Japan even more during the rainy season. Experiencing rainy Japan will surely become an unforgettable part of your journey.
Motenas Japan offers custom projects that combine the “rainy season” with “Japanese culture.”
We can also arrange interpreters and assist with venue consultations. Please feel free to contact us if you wish to enjoy a one-of-a-kind “Japanese cultural experience during the rainy season” or if you want to entertain foreign guests with something truly special.
関西大学を卒業後、新卒でJTBに入社し、インバウンド事業に従事。結婚後は夫の仕事の都合でオーストラリアに移住し、現地で幼児教育のディプロマを取得。現在は幼稚園に勤務する傍ら、ライターとしても活動中。
