Experiences – Life – Inspiration 🇨🇭🇯🇵

If you’ve been feeling the air getting heavier and noticing more cloudy, rainy days than usual, you’re not imagining things. Japan’s rainy season, known as tsuyu (梅雨), has started earlier than usual in 2025, with southern Japan officially entering tsuyu on May 16, the earliest start on record since 1951.

Why Does the Rainy Season Happen?

The rainy season is caused by the baiu front, a moving boundary of warm, moist air from the south meeting cooler air from the north. This clash creates long periods of rain and high humidity that typically begin in Okinawa or southern Japan in May and move north toward central and eastern Japan in June.

However, this year the seasonal front advanced unusually early, with southern Kyushu entering the rainy season even before Okinawa, which rarely happens. This shift is linked to atmospheric pressure changes over the Pacific that pushed moist air north earlier than expected.

Will the Rainy Season End Earlier Too?

While it might seem logical that an early start means an early finish, that’s not necessarily the case. Japan’s Meteorological Agency declares the start and end of the rainy season based on actual weather patterns, not preset dates.

Early starts have, in some years, led to longer or more intense rainy seasons, meaning it could still end around the usual time in July or even extend longer, depending on the season’s development.

What About Hokkaido?

One exception is Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, which does not experience a rainy season like the rest of the country.

The baiu front typically stalls before reaching Hokkaido, thanks to its cooler, drier climate. This makes Hokkaido an ideal destination during tsuyu for travelers seeking clearer skies and lower humidity.

A Hidden Gift for Creators: Nature in Its Most Vibrant Form

While the rainy season might seem like a drawback for travelers, photographers and videographers often look forward to this time of year. Why? Because Japan’s landscapes come alive in a way that feels almost magical:

• Plant life appears more vivid, with deep, rich greens brought out by the moisture and soft, diffused light from overcast skies.
• Red-painted bridges, which are often found near temples, shrines, and gardens, stand out more vibrantly against the lush green surroundings and darkened wet surfaces.
• The natural contrast between damp surfaces and foliage gives everything a more saturated, intense appearance, making scenes feel richer and more cinematic.
• The soft light on rainy or cloudy days reduces harsh shadows, giving photos and videos a beautiful, balanced exposure that’s hard to achieve under direct sunlight.

So while it may be wetter and more humid, this season offers incredible visual rewards for those who step out with a camera or simply take the time to observe the world around them.

Tips for Visiting Japan During the Rainy Season

If you’re planning to visit Japan in late May, June, or early July, here are a few tips to help you enjoy your trip:

• Pack light rain gear, such as a travel umbrella or rain jacket.
• Expect high humidity in most regions, except for Hokkaido.
• Be flexible with your schedule, as heavy rain can occasionally affect travel plans.
• Explore Japan’s seasonal beauty, including hydrangea (ajisai) gardens and misty, green landscapes.
• Take advantage of the photographic potential, with nature showing its colors more vividly than at any other time of the year.
• Consider Hokkaido if you prefer clearer, drier weather.

The rainy season is part of Japan’s natural rhythm. It nourishes the land, fills the rivers, and transforms familiar places into lush, living postcards. Whether you’re visiting as a traveler, content creator, or nature lover, there’s something special to experience—even in the rain.

Share Your Rainy Season Experience

Have you experienced Japan’s rainy season before? Or are you planning your first trip during tsuyu?

I’d love to hear about your plans, questions, or personal tips in the comments below. Feel free to share your rainy season stories, your favorite places to visit during this time, or any creative projects you’ve captured in Japan’s lush, vibrant landscapes.