Tokyo Rainy Season Travel Tips | June Packing, Umbrellas & Indoor Attractions

June in Tokyo is a season when rain comes and goes. Tsuyu (梅雨), officially called "Tsuyu-ki" (the rainy season), typically begins in early June and ends in mid-July according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. During this period, the average number of rainy days is about 14-17 days, but **it rarely rains all day long**——most often the pattern is cloudy mornings, a shower in the afternoon, and clear skies by evening. For travelers, this means two things: keep your itinerary flexible and pack a good umbrella. Here are 5 tips that anyone living in Tokyo would give you.

Tip 1-2 | How to Pack Your Luggage

01｜Umbrellas｜Skip the Clear Plastic Umbrella

During the rainy season, transparent vinyl umbrellas are readily available at convenience stores for ¥600-700, but these tend to break easily and remain damp after folding. We recommend **bringing a compact folding umbrella before your arrival** (approximately 70cm in size, with a case). For longer stays or group visits, bringing a full-length umbrella is also a good option.

Both Muji and Loft carry high-quality umbrellas in the ¥1,500–3,000 price range, making it convenient to purchase locally.

02｜Shoes｜Waterproof Short Boots + 1 Pair of Slippers

During the rainy season, avoid canvas and suede shoes—they'll be ruined if they get wet. We recommend waterproof sports shoes or leather shoes paired with a pair of indoor slippers. When you return to IGO HOTEL, simply change into slippers and let your shoes air dry overnight.

We recommend bringing at least 2 pairs of stockings or cotton socks. Japanese clip-style hanging socks are available for ¥300-500 per pair and can be restocked at LAWSON and FamilyMart.

Tip 3 | Indoor Attractions Pocket List

03｜Indoor Attractions Pocket List｜5 Rainy Day Favorites

Tokyo National Museum (Ueno), teamLab Planets Tokyo (Toyosu), Shinjuku Isetan Department Store basement food hall, Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (advance reservation required), Tsutaya Bookstore Daikanyama. The first three are all accessible from Shinjuku within 30 minutes.

If you prefer to stay close by, there are several options within Shinjuku Ward: the **Shinjuku Gyoen Grand Greenhouse** (open on rainy days), **Shinjuku NEWoMan** shopping complex, and the **free observation deck on the 45th floor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building** (the rainy day views have their own special charm).

撇步 4-5｜Street Photography and Mood Adjustment

04｜Street Photography｜Rainy Day Light is Most Beautiful

Rainy Tokyo—asphalt reflections, neon signs mirrored in puddles, umbrellas in every hand—these are the elements photographers love most. **Shinjuku, Kabukicho, Shin-Okubo** in the evening rain between 18:00-20:00 is prime time.

We recommend enabling HDR when shooting with your smartphone and reducing exposure by -0.3 to -0.7 to add depth to reflections. Bring a waterproof phone case or ziplock bag to prevent rainwater from seeping into the lens.

05｜Mood Adjustment｜Slowing Down is the Right Approach for Rainy Season

Many visitors pack their Tokyo itineraries to the brim, only to feel anxious when it rains. **During the rainy season, it's better to schedule less and leave more time** to linger in cafes, bookstores, and museums.

When staying at IGO HOTEL apt-2ldk, you can pick up prepared foods from a nearby supermarket, bring them back to your room, and enjoy them with a cold beer while listening to the rain against the windows——this is the comfort of Japanese "ie-nomi" (home drinking culture).

Tokyo during the rainy season isn't a "bad time"—it's just a different rhythm. Pack an umbrella, have your indoor favorites lined up, and let yourself slow down. When the rainy season comes around next, start your Shinjuku adventure from IGO HOTEL. Even rainy days have their own beauty.