Tsuyu – Rainy Season in Japan

posted by  banzaitokyo | 8 years, 5 months ago

Rainy season -Tsuyu- is approaching Japan and this season doesn’t only bring hot and humid weather, but also beautiful blooming hydrangea and the ripping of the plums. Tsuyu (??) – „plum rain“ indicates, that there is also something good about this time of the year – not only the nuisance of carrying an umbrella with you every day.

After some beautiful weeks of spring with all the nice Hanami under the cherry trees, Japanese summer can be quite disappointing.

6 weeks of rain will finally lead to incredibly hot and humid weather for the rest of the summer. Be prepared and you will survive the heat!

But what about the cloudy and gloomy weather in June? Unfortunately the rainy season is not a real refreshment before the hot summer days. Rainy season happens when cold air from the North and warm air from the South converge in the late spring and early summer.

However, the exact date of the rain season varies every year and by the location.

If you want to know, if the rainy season has already started, you should check out the funny Twitter-Account Is it Rainy Season Already? giving updates on the wet weather in Japan.

Travelling during rainy season is not a bad thing to do.

Japanese school kids still don’t have summer vacation and prices can be quite cheap. Attractions aren’t very crowded and if you don’t mind taking an umbrella with you, you can enjoy parks and temples surrounded by beautiful hydrangea blooming in all shades of blue and violet.

Although Tokyo gets more rain in September, the rainy season is associated with gloomy weather and cool humidity in the air. However, usually June’s already quite hot, therefore the humid weather can be quite exhausting when you live and work in Japan.

So what can you do, to survive the damp weather and still find some refreshment?

We got some tips for you to enjoy even this time of the year.

Know how to behave in the train! Fold up your umbrella!

1. Get your cute and fashionable rain boots at Nissen. They also have a variation of rain coats and umbrellas. Just because it is rainy doesn’t mean that you should under dress in Japan’s capital city of fashion.
2. Carry a “sweat towel” with you. It will not only help you to get rid of your sweat, but also dry your clothes and luggage a bit, if you didn’t buy a proper umbrella.
3. Don’t dehydrate! Drink a lot of water and take advantage of the vending machines located everywhere around Tokyo.
4. Get a short hair cut, wear less make up, or accept the fact, that your hair will be frizzy all the time. No spray will rescue you, but don’t worry – other people will look the same.
5. Brace yourself for mould and bugs. Hot and humid weather attracts both. Get a mosquito net, try to get rid of your garbage in time and open windows and doors on sunny days to get some fresh air into your apartment.
6. Take two showers a day or go to an Onsen or a Sento. You will need it. For sure.
7. Wear quick drying clothes. Uniqlo has a bunch of good clothes designed for the rainy season. You can find their shops all over Japan.
8. Carry extra clothes and wet wipes with you. They will help you to feel fresh and are a good companion to your “sweat towel”.
9. Use a laundromat, an air dryer, or a dehumidifier to dry your clothes and bedding if you need them right away. Hanging them outside will take longer to dry.
10. Live in Hokkaido, travel to Hokkaido or go back to your country, if you don’t have a rainy season. This can just be a temporary solution, if you really like Japan or if you are working here. But maybe you want to spend your holiday in Hokkaido. Then June will be the best season.

Stay dry!

Rain clouds approaching Japan!

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