June is the rainy season in most of Japan. It can rain for many days, and the air is humid. The rain also brings bright hydrangea and green hills. A June trip works well if you plan for wet weather, and if you enjoy quiet temples and slow walks. Kamakura is a good day trip for hydrangea in June.
What the rainy season is like
The rainy season is called tsuyu in Japanese. It brings steady rain rather than storms. Some days are dry, and some are wet from morning to night.
- The air feels warm and sticky.
- Clothes take longer to dry.
- Streets can be slippery, especially on stone steps.
- Trains and sights keep running in most rain.
The rain is a part of the season. Accept it, and plan around it.
Pack for wet days
A light, quick-dry layer is more useful than a heavy coat. Bring these items:
- a compact umbrella that you can use on a train
- a waterproof jacket
- shoes with good grip for wet stone
- a plastic bag for wet clothes or the umbrella
Choose shoes that dry quickly. Leather can stay wet for days.
Check first: Check the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) for the start and end of the rainy season in your region, and check the forecast each morning. Dates change each year.
Hydrangea in Kamakura
Kamakura is a short train ride from Tokyo. In June, hydrangea blooms in several temple gardens. Hase-dera is a popular place to see them. The temple grounds climb a hill, and the flowers line the paths.
Visit in the morning, because the paths are less crowded. Use the umbrella on the steps, and hold the railing when the stones are wet.
The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in is a short walk from the station. It stands in the open, so take a light rain layer on wet days.
Plan a rainy-day route
A rainy-day plan helps you enjoy the trip.
- Start early, when the paths are quiet and the light is soft.
- Book a museum or a covered shop for the wettest hours.
- Eat lunch indoors, and rest before the afternoon.
- Keep the walk short, and choose one main sight for the day.
Kamakura also has a coast. On a dry hour, a walk along the shore is a good change of pace.
Other June options
June is a good time for quiet temples in Kyoto and Tokyo, because the crowds are smaller than in spring and autumn. The rain can make the moss gardens and the green hills look deeper and richer.
For longer trips, pick one city and stay there. A base in Tokyo lets you visit Kamakura in one day, and you can go back to the hotel when the rain grows heavy.
Keep the trip flexible
Plan your outdoor days in the dry spells. Keep the indoor days for the wet ones. A flexible plan saves money on tickets you cannot use. Choose tickets that you can move or refund, if the offer allows it.
Who this month suits
June suits travellers who do not mind some rain. Couples often enjoy the quiet temples and the slow pace. Solo travellers can take their time, walk at their own speed and change the plan without a group to manage.
June is less suited to a packed schedule of outdoor sights. If you need many days of sun, choose a different month.
Leave a flexible day in the trip. If the rain is steady, you can stay in a cafe, visit a museum or take a long rest.
Check the temple's own notices before you go. Some gardens change their opening times or their paths in wet weather, and the official page is the best source for those changes.
What to do next
Use the planner to set your June days. Read the Kamakura page to see the areas and day plans, or check the Tokyo city page for the base.
