You dream of a travel to Japan for your next vacation ? But there you are, you have heard of of a rainy season in Japan and have no concrete information on it… When does it take place? Will it ruin your trip? Is it too dangerous to leave? Here are all our advice and the crucial information to prepare your stay during this time of year in Japan.
The climate in Japan: what are the specificities?
Japan is an archipelago of more than 3000 islands and islets which occupies a large latitude territory. It is therefore easy to understand that there is not a single climate in this country, but rather marked differences from one region to another.
Thus, we distinguish three major regions for the climate in Japan:
- very cold in winter and relatively dry in the northern mountains
- a temperate climate in central Japan
- a tropical and humid climate on the southern islands
In addition, Japan is experiencing a period marked by significant rainfall. There rainy season in Japan occurs in summer and affects almost the entire territory. It should also be noted that the proximity to the sea makes the relatively humid climate of Japan. Thus, even outside this period, it is not not uncommon to experience a few showers during his journey.
However, the rainy season in Japan is very marked and precise. Let’s take a closer look at what it’s all about.
The rainy season in Japan: when is it?
In the Land of the Rising Sun, the rainy season is divided into two periods.
We first find Tsuyu, a period which extends from June 15 to July 15. At the start of summer, the climate suddenly deteriorates and there are heavy showers as well as the presence of winds. For information, June is the rainiest month in southern Japan. However, this rain is also essential for the rice cultivation and therefore impatiently awaited in rural areas.
Furthermore, Tsuyu touches the territory from May on the island of Okinawa and ends at the end of June. Likewise, the rainy season generally begins at the end of May on the island of Kyushu.
Then, from from August to October, we find again intense rains over a large part of Japan. This period is called Akisame. In Tokyo and Sapporo, on the island of Hokkaido, October is the month the rainiest of the year.
You will have understood, this period affects Japan especially in summer. Thus, the rainy season in Japan is generally accompanied by strong heat, of a high humidity level. This is why, even beyond the showers, it is a period often little appreciated by travelers.
However, don’t cancel your trip just yet. It is a period which also has benefits (in terms of prices in particular) and which is not not as horrible as you think.
Indeed, during the rainy season in Japan, you should already know that the rains are not continuous. Instead, there are heavy showers which generally occur late evening or night. They only last a few minutes or even a few hours. Between two showers, the sun returns easily and you will be able to fully enjoy your trip.
A widespread idea in Japan evokes that it generally rains every other day during the rainy season. On the other hand, the rains can be torrential and affect the country several days in a row during typhoons.
Finally, some regions of Japan are spared by the rainy season. We find for example:
- The island of Hokkaido
- The Ogasawara Archipelago
- Northern Honshu Island
Risks during the rainy season in Japan
If you are only faced with rain, a trip to Japan is entirely possible during this period. But often it is the risk of typhoon which distresses travelers.
Typhoons are intense tropical depressions which form in the Pacific Ocean and which gain intensity along their path. In practice, these events are accompanied by torrential rain (sometimes almost 200 mm of rain in 24 hours) and storms with strong winds which can exceed 200 km/h. This leads to large waves, floods and even landslides. There is generally several injured each year And significant material damage.
In Japan, the typhoon period is between July and October. More rarely, a typhoon can occur end of June at the beginning of Tsuyu. According to the local meteorological agency, there are approximately 26 typhoons per year in Japan, including 3 which directly reach the archipelago.
Furthermore, typhoons mainly occur in the south of the country. The tourist regions of Osaka and Kyoto, surrounded by a mountain rangeare more protected than the south of the archipelago.
However, even if they are demonized in the West, typhoons pass without damage most of the time. Besides, the Japanese are not not particularly worried by these phenomena. Most of the infrastructure being very modern on site, you do not have any significant risk in traveling during this period. In fact, large cities are little reached and damage is lesss. Additionally, Japan is certainly one of the countries most prepared to manage these risks. However, if you are traveling during the rainy season in Japan, consider taking a look at the weather forecast on their official website.
All Japanese are accustomed to typhoons And their lives can therefore continue during this period without problem. You just have to take example on them during your stay.
Travel during the rainy season in Japan: What to do? What to take?
As you will have understood from this information, the rainy season in Japan is not a period to absolutely avoid for a trip. Some will even say that it has something quite poetic about it. There we can admire the rice fields that are filling, discover the blue hydrangeas (Ajisai) which will be in flower during this period. There is therefore a way to live a great experience despite the climate.
On the other hand, to prepare your trip during the rainy season in Japan, it will be better opt for an umbrella that fits easily into your bag. You can also opt for a large umbrella that is more wind resistant. You will see that large transparent umbrellas are the favorite of the Japanese. You can get one in any store during this period.
And if walking around with your umbrella in hand doesn’t mean anything to you, don’t panic. In Japan, everything will be organized for you. Stores and public places always have a small waterproof bag in which to slide it or a box at the entrance to place it and freely go about your business.
As for clothing, remember that the rainy season in Japan takes place in summer. This is a time when it is muggy and hot. Therefore, choose to bring light clothing, in fluid materials as well as a good pair of sneakers to be able to be protected from puddles. Also take a sweater for the cooler evenings.
You now know everything you need to know about the rainy season in Japan and the risks associated with this period. This time, all you have to do is prepare your famous transparent umbrella and take off for this beautiful destination.
