It’s raining, it’s pouring, from early in the morning~
So it’s best to be prepared as we wait for more sunny days to come! Whether you’re a tourist visiting Japan or an expat living here long-term, here is your ultimate guide to surviving Japan’s rainy season and actually enjoying it.
As someone who LOVES the rain, even I have to admit that the Japanese rainy season gives me a run for my money every year haha. Japan’s rainy season, also known as 梅雨 (tsuyu), usually runs from early June to mid-July, although it varies by region. During this time, you can expect constant showers, high humidity, and the occasional heavy thunderstorm.
If you’re living in Japan, especially in humid cities like Osaka, Tokyo, or Kyoto, you’ll definitely want to prepare your home, wardrobe, and mindset for the long, damp weeks ahead.
You know what comes with a damp home? Yup, that’s right—mildew and mold! Japan’s rainy season is notorious for triggering humidity-related issues, especially in older apartments with poor ventilation. And if you’re an expat in Japan, you probably already know the struggle of drying laundry indoors during this time.
Oh, and let’s not forget about bugs trying to escape the rain. Rainy season truly tests your patience—but with the right tools, you’ll survive (and thrive)!
Keep your home fresh and clean with these highly rated anti-mold products available across Japan:
Drying clothes indoors in Japan is a whole challenge, but these items make it easier. The last one is for those who are really over the rain and wet clothes and just want to dry their clothes ASAP 😉
Mosquitoes/Insects
Humidity and rain bring out the bugs. Protect your space with:
If you’re like me, you’re wondering: Where can I find affordable, stylish, and functional clothing for the rainy season in Japan? Here are my top picks for clothing stores and online shops:
Hands down one of the best spots for affordable waterproof clothing. I was just telling my friend about WORKMAN—they sell a wide range of athletic wear, work gear, and water-resistant shoes. Perfect for people on a budget who still want quality rain gear!
UNIQLO is a lifesaver. Their BLOCKTECH jackets, dry-tech tees, and pocketable parkas are perfect for rainy days. They also carry more Western sizes, making them great for expats.
I have no doubt that you’ll be able to find very trendy and easy-to-style clothes that are perfect for rainy days here
When in doubt, Amazon it out. I feel like the clothing section on Amazon doesn’t get enough credit. You can find some decently priced raincoats, shirts, and rain boots there. While I was thinking more trendy when it comes to casual clothing style, it would be a pretty good idea to invest in actual rain gear, such as rainboots and a raincoat.
These keywords will help you out when you search on Amazon:
We’ve all struggled with umbrellas during the rainy season in Japan. Either they’re flimsy, don’t fully cover us, or snap at the first gust of wind. If you’re looking for durable umbrellas, here are a few worth checking out:
Having a strong, wind-resistant umbrella is a game-changer during tsuyu season, trust me.
It may not be all sunshine, but it doesn’t mean it has to be gloomy. Just because it’s gloomy outside doesn’t mean your day has to be! Rainy days are perfect for cozying up and enjoying indoor activities.
You can check out my other article on Creative Activities in Osaka 101 if you’re in the Kansai area. But here are a few more rainy-day ideas to make your days a little brighter:
As someone who genuinely loves the sound of rain tapping against the window, I try to use this season to recharge creatively and indulge in comfort food. It’s the perfect excuse to eat warm noodles, drink hot tea, and focus on self-care.
I hope this guide helps you survive (and maybe even fall in love with) the rainy season in Japan. Whether you’re bundling up in cute waterproof gear, redecorating your home to fight off mold, or curling up with a good book, remember: this too shall pass in just a few more weeks.
Until then, stay dry, stay cozy, and make the most of this uniquely Japanese season.
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