Japan in June: between seasonal rains and lush landscapes

June marks the beginning of the rainy season in Japan, a phenomenon called “tuyu” or “rain of plums”. If the weather is damper than usual, it does not prevent you from enjoying the country in a new light: flowered temples, lively festivals and vibrant green landscapes. In addition, some areas such as Hokkaido remain relatively free from rain.

The rainy season in Japan: understanding the phenomenon

The rainy season generally begins in early June in most of the country and lasts about a month, although its duration and intensity vary according to the region.

• Okinawa: The rainy season begins in May and is reduced in June.
• Kyushu, Shikoku and Honshu: Most rainfall falls between early and late June.
• Tohoku: The rainy season begins later, often around mid-June.
• Hokkaido: This northern region is not affected by the rainy season and remains an excellent option to travel dry.

Contrary to popular ideas, it does not rain continuously. Days are often marked by alternating thinning and passing showers.

A green Japan

Far from being an inconvenience, the rainy season brings a unique and sublime atmosphere to some landscapes.

• Flooded rice fields: In June, rice plantations are flooded and create natural mirrors reflecting the sky. Regions like Niigata and the Kyoto campaign offer impressive panoramas.
• Hortensia flowersThese iconic June flowers hatch in temples and gardens across the country. Among the most famous sites are the Meigetsu-in temple in Kamakura and the Hakusan shrine in Tokyo.
• Plum trees and the beginning of harvestsThe “rain of plums” coincides with the maturity of the fruits used to produce the famous Japanese plum liquor.

What to do in Japan in rain?

Wet days are ideal for discovering the cultural richness of Japan through its traditional museums, shows and cafes.

• Attend a kabuki performance in GinzaThe Kabukiza theatre offers immersive performances, perfect for introducing this Japanese dramatic art.
• Explore Tokyo MuseumsThe Ueno district is home to several fascinating museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science, which are very popular with dinosaur lovers.
• Enjoy local gastronomy: Rain days are an excellent excuse to savour a bowl of smoking ramen, a refined kaiseki meal or discover the hidden cafes of Kyoto and Tokyo.

June Festivals in Japan

The month of June in Japan is punctuated with festivals that mix traditions, flowers and popular celebrations. Here is a selection of highlights to discover:

• Ajisai Matsuri (Shimoda, Shizuoka)More than 100,000 flowered hortensias cover the hills of Shimoda Park, with stunning views of the city and port.
• Yosayoi Soran Festival (Sapporo, Hokkaido): A dynamic festival with team dances, competitions and many food stands, mainly around Odori Park.
• Sai Taue (Kyoto, Shrine Fushimi Inari Taisha): Ritual rice plantation festival, where participants in traditional dress plant the young shoots in the sacred rice fields with the sound of ancient music.
• Izawanomiya Rice Planting Festival (Mie, Izawanomiya Shrine): Rice plantation ceremony classified as intangible cultural heritage, in a ritual and symbolic setting.
• Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival (Tokyo, Hakusan-jinja Shrine): Floral festival dedicated to hortensias, with more than 3,000 plants exhibited in the park and various events on weekends.
• Atsuta Festival (Nagoya, shrine Atsuta Jingu): One of the great festivals of the sanctuary with the impressive Kento Makiwara, bright structures carrying 365 lanterns.
• Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival (Ishikawa): Historical parade in feudal costumes, celebrating the arrival of Lord Maeda Toshiie in Kanazawa.
• Hokkaido Shrine Festival (Sapporo): Also known as Sapporo Festival, it includes a parade of Mikoshi, decorated tanks and participants in Heian era clothes.

Hokkaido: an ideal destination to escape the rain

If you want to avoid the rains of June, Hokkaido is the perfect destination. This northern region of Japan has little rain and a mild climate.

• Sapporo Festivals: In June, the city welcomed theYosayoi Soran festival, a dynamic event where dancers in colorful costumes parade in Odori Park. TheHokkaido Shrine Festival, which begins on June 14, is another highlight, with mikoshi processes and traditional shows.
• Hiking and nature preserved: Hokkaido National Parks are beautiful in June. The islands of Rishiri and Rebun, north of the main island, offer spectacular landscapes with their rare alpine flowers.
• Wildlife observationProtected areas such as Shiretoko National Park allow for the sighting of deer, bears and a wide variety of birds.

Why visit Japan in June?

Although the rainy season may slow some travellers, it reveals a soothing and authentic facet of Japan. Temples are often less frequented, the landscapes are green and some areas, such as Hokkaido, remain largely sunny. It is also an ideal time to discover Japanese art, gastronomy and cultural traditions in a new light.

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