Whether it’s winter or monsoon in Japan, there is always something to do here. Even though the monsoon season isn’t the most ideal time to visit Japan, there are still many ways you can spend your time. So, don’t let the rain stop you from making the most of your trip to Japan. We vouch that with our list of activities, you can take full advantage of the monsoon in Japan.
Monsoon Season In Japan
Monsoon season in Japan starts at different months in the different regions of Japan, which is also dependant on the location. Okinawa’s monsoon season starts early in the month of May, while the other regions of Japan experience rainfall from early June, lasting until mid-July.
10 Ways To Enjoy The Monsoon In Japan
Here are the top things that one can indulge in to have the best time during monsoon in Japan. So, scroll down to find out the best ways to spend your time during the rainy season in Japan:
1. Explore the museums In Tokyo
If you are a history buff or like attending exclusive exhibitions by artists, then you should definitely visit the museums in Tokyo. You can spend hours admiring the beautiful works of the many talented Japanese artists such as Yayoi Kusama. The Art Aquarium which is located in Tokyo is a fusion of modern technology with traditional Japanese culture. It has a display of over 8,000 goldfish, art installations, video mapping, and trick lights to say the least, and at night, the Art Aquarium doubles as a club. Starting from 7 PM, you can sip on some exotic cocktails, enjoy live performances by bands, DJs, and also watch a geisha show.
Some of the most famous museums that you can visit in Japan during your stay are, Yebisu Beer Museum, Nezu Museum, Meguro Parasitological Museum, Samurai Museum, Yayoi Kusama Museum, Mori Art Museum, Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, which are a few places definitely worthy of a visit during your stay.
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2. Indulge in traditional Japanese activities
Calligraphy and learning to write the beautiful Japanese script are some of the oldest traditional activities offered in Japan. You can also try your hand at Ikebana, the Japanese art of arranging flowers, which is quite renowned internationally. If this isn’t up your alley, then you can also sample over 100 types of sake at Kurand or learn how to make matcha at Urasando Garden, located in Tokyo. And, the best part is that you don’t need to check the weather forecast before you plan any of these indoor activities.
3. Spend time at a Pet Cafe
If you are a pet lover, visiting a pet cafe in Japan must top your list of things to do in Japan. You can spend time here playing or simply admiring the different types of cat breeds, dogs, snakes, owls, rabbits, and even tiny hedgehogs. Tokyo is filled with the most popular and happening pet cafes in Japan, and to make things more interesting, many of the cafes are based on unique themes, so you can definitely expect to taste exclusive food items and beverages. If you want to take a couple of souvenirs back home, then you can also pick up a few goodies while you’re at it.
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4. Sing your heart out at Karaoke
Singing karaoke is one of the most popular activities which is perfect for any age group to indulge on. You can start by hitting some of the most popular karaoke spots in Japan. Make your trip even more memorable by doing things the locals do here by singing a few Japanese hits. Your trip is literally incomplete without visiting the hottest karaoke hangouts in Japan. This is a great place and way to meet new people as well.
And, if you are a bit shy, there are also a few Karaoke places with private rooms, which are the perfect places to sing your heart out with your friends and family. Karaoke-kan, Utahiroba, and Big Echo are a few karaoke places which you should definitely visit and experience the famous karaoke culture in Japan.
5. Head to beaches of Okinawa
When the mainland is experiencing rainy season, the Southern region of Japan starts to enjoy the joy of summer. This is the perfect way to beat the rainy blues and head down to the beaches of Okinawa. The baby powder sandy beaches, with beautiful blue waters all around, are most definitely the perfect getaway for you and your family to escape the rain. You can also work on your tan, meet new people and make the most out of the pocket-friendly hotel rates during June.
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6. Spend time in indoor theme parks & water parks
There are multiple indoor theme parks and water parks, which you can explore alone or with family. Some of the best indoor parks are scattered through the major cities of Japan, like the Sanrio Puroland, Namja Town, J World, Weekly Shonen Jump, and the Joypolis Legoland. These places are fully equipped with the latest games, delicious food items and entertainment areas to make you lose track of time, during the monsoon in Japan. Japan, is also filled with numerous waterparks if you are looking to enjoy your time in the water too. Yomiuri Land, Tokyo Water Adventure Summerland, Nagashima Spaland Jumbo Pool, Toshimaen Hydropolis and Spa Resort Hawaiians Water Park are few water parks where you can make the most out of your time.
7. Bathe at Onsen or Sento
What a better way to relax than to visit a spa and soak in therapeutic hot springs. You can enjoy warm baths indoors while the sky rumbles outside. No matter where you might be in Japan, there are onsen hot springs and sento bath houses everywhere. Sentos are quite similar to spa resorts, as they include saunas and baths. This is definitely a great way to ease tight muscles after you’ve been out and about exploring the sights and sounds of Japan. The onsens are a great place to also meet locals or tourists, and also share interesting ways of spending time during the monsoon season in Japan.
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8. Enjoy some retail therapy
If you really enjoy shopping or are looking for souvenirs to take home as gifts for loved ones, then you can enjoy some retail therapy at the malls in Tokyo. There is just so much to shop in Japan from stylish clothes to smart gadgets, Japan has it all. You can also pick up a few fashion tips from the local street style in Japan or visit vintage stores, thrift stores, or browse through the chic boutiques in Japan. If you are a mall junkie, don’t worry, as Japan has some of the best malls in the world. You can visit the huge shopping complexes in Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown. Ginza and Harajuku also offer the best fashion pieces in Japan.
9. Indulge in the local cuisine
Trying the local cuisine is definitely a must in Japan. It’s not so hard to enjoy a good meal anywhere in Japan. The city is filled with the most amazing food joints to try. There are many restaurants which offer all-you-can-eat and drink deals, which are also very economical and satisfying for your stomach, after a long day of indulging in multiple activities.
Some of the most popular dishes that you can try are the Nabe (hot pot), delicious ramen, soup and curry, stew and curry rice, which are exponentially better on a wet and cold day. There are also places which offer candlelit seaside dinners, while it’s pouring down outside, making your dinner even more worthwhile.
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10. Visit traditional Japanese theatres
Last but not at least, if you are looking for an authentic Japanese experience, then you can also visit famous Kabuki shows in the major cities of Japan. A theatre is an integral part of the Japanese culture and tradition. Some locations like Kabukiza also offer the English translations, so you never miss a beat. There are a variety of shows which you can attend during your stay, starting from sumo wrestling shows, geisha shows, Kabuki shows and much more. So, don’t worry, you will never run out of things to do during the monsoon in Japan.
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You will never get bored, with our list of things to do during the monsoon in Japan. So, don’t wait any longer but book a trip to experience the rainy season in Japan. Browse through TravelTriangle, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Monsoon In Japan
How much does it rain in Japan?
Japan does receive moderate rainfall on an average, during the monsoon season. The average annual rainfall that the capital city, Tokyo gets is 1530 millimetres (60.2 inches). It receives a lot of rainfall during a short period, which is the high monsoon months – late June to early July. The month of September, from the typhoon season also witnesses heavy downpours.
What months are typhoon season in Japan?
July to October is the time when typhoon season is observed in Japan. The months of August and September show the witness the most occurence of this natural phenomenon. Going by the study of Japan Meteorological Agency for the past 30 years, nearly 25 typhoons happen and 11 approach every year.
When does monsoon hit Japan?
Generally, the monsoon in Japan falls in the beginning of June and lasts upto the mid of July. Though some parts of Japan including Okinawa Islands start experiencing rainy season a month earlier itself.
What to wear in Japan during the rainy season?
If you are visiting Japan during the rainy season, the things to wear and carry must include: – Rain jacket / raincoat – Rain boots / crocs – Stole or shrug (rain lowers the temperature) – Umbrella – Waterproof bag – Waterproof cover for phone – Hand sanitizer – Towel / tissues Japan has a unique and diverse kind of rainy season. The country experiences this season from the start of June to mid July. But rains strike the islands of Okinawa a month earlier. Also, the Northmost islands of Japan – Hokkaido and Ogasawara do not get much affected by the rain. So, if you want to dress up keeping the weather in mind, the month you are visiting and the exact place you are visiting should also be considered. And during the rainy season, Japan does not receive rain everyday. So, one should wear something that can double up as a normal-day wear but makes you feel comfortable even during the rain.
