Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Japan has two weather patterns visitors should know about: the early-summer rainy season (tsuyu or baiu) and the late-summer and autumn typhoon season. Neither should stop you travelling, but both are worth planning around.
Rainy season (tsuyu)
A band of persistent rain moves north through Japan in early summer. Typical (average) timing:
| Region | Typical start | Typical end |
|---|---|---|
| Okinawa | Early–mid May | Late June |
| Kyushu, Shikoku, Kansai, Tokyo area | Early June | Mid–late July |
| Tohoku | Mid June | Late July |
| Hokkaido | No official rainy season | |
Dates vary each year; the Japan Meteorological Agency announces preliminary start and end dates. It doesn't rain all day every day — expect grey, humid days with showers and occasional heavy downpours.
Upsides of rainy season
- Hydrangeas bloom, especially beautiful in Kamakura and Hakone.
- Moss gardens in Kyoto look their greenest.
- Fewer tourists than spring, and lower prices in some places.
Typhoon season
Typhoons (tropical cyclones) can affect Japan from roughly June to October, with August and September the peak months. Okinawa and Kyushu are hit most often, but typhoons regularly reach Kansai, Tokyo and beyond.
What happens during a typhoon
- Flights and ferries are cancelled; Shinkansen and local trains may be suspended — sometimes with "planned suspensions" announced a day in advance.
- Shops and attractions may close early.
- Typhoons usually pass within a day or two, but disruption can ripple for a few days.
How to plan
- Build flexible days into your itinerary, especially around flights and remote islands.
- Book refundable or changeable accommodation and transport where possible.
- Check travel insurance covers weather disruption.
- Install Safety tips, the Japan Tourism Agency's free alert app for visitors, and follow the JMA website and NHK World-Japan for warnings.
- If a typhoon hits, stay indoors, keep your phone charged and follow official instructions. See our safety guide.
Summer heat
After rainy season ends, July and August are very hot and humid in most of Japan. Heatstroke alerts are common; drink water, rest in air-conditioned spaces and plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings. See our best time to visit Japan.
Frequently asked questions
When is rainy season in Japan?
For most of mainland Japan (including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka), rainy season usually runs from early June to mid or late July. Okinawa's starts and ends about a month earlier; Hokkaido has no official rainy season.
When is typhoon season in Japan?
Typhoons can affect Japan from about June to October, with August and September the peak months.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: