Want to explore Japan during its lush, rainy season? Plan a trip to Japan in June. Japan tourism offers unique experiences during this time with fewer crowds, lower prices, and serene landscapes. June is Tsuyu, Japan’s rainy season, bringing showers that transform temples, gardens, and rice paddies into green, peaceful havens. Travellers enjoy hydrangea blooms, rice planting festivals, early summer matsuri, and authentic Japanese culture in vibrant yet quiet settings. This comprehensive guide will help you to find out why to visit Japan in June, its attractions, activities and travel tips for a successful trip.
Tsuyu, literally meaning "plum rain," is Japan's rainy season that runs from early June through mid-July 2025. It got its name due to the fact that it coincided with the ripening of plums. During Tsuyu, Japan experiences expect light showers, cloudy skies, and occasional sunny breaks called “tsuyubare,” when the air clears and the scenery looks stunning.
Japan's geography creates distinct weather patterns across regions during June 2025. Understanding these variations helps you plan your 11-day Japan itinerary strategically. Japan exprinces wet, and the humidity weather in June. This is the best time to visit Japan on a budget without the crowds of peak tourist season.
City | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall Days | Notes |
Tokyo | 25 | 19 | 11-13 | Light to moderate rain, high humidity |
Kyoto | 27 | 20 | 12-14 | Hydrangea gardens at peak bloom |
Osaka | 26 | 20 | 11-13 | Rice planting festivals |
Sapporo | 18 | 12 | 7-9 | Mild weather, low rainfall |
Hiroshima | 25 | 19 | 11-13 | Excellent temple visits |
Okinawa | 30 | 25 | 9-11 | Early beach season, occasional showers |
Hydrangea viewing rivals cherry blossom season in Japan for natural beauty, yet it attracts a fraction of the crowds. Kamakura's Hasedera Temple offers Japan’s top hydrangea display, featuring 2,500 plants across 40+ varieties with purple-to-pink-to-white gradients.
Japanese gardens transform in light rain. Moss brightens, stone paths shimmer, and raindrops create soothing sounds at Kyoto’s Ryoan-ji Temple and Tokyo’s Koishikawa Korakuen Garden.
Early summer Matsuri are cultural events that do not attract the huge crowds of July and August in Japan. They present religious culture, street foods, local games, and local festivities.
Tips: Research local festivals in your destination cities before your June travel.
Japan's mountains shine during June, with lush greenery, dramatic waterfalls, and quieter trails, offering a refreshing escape from rainy coastal cities.
Relaxing in an onsen offers serene June experiences in Japan. Hot spring waters are contrasted with cold rain, which helps in calming the senses. Hakone has private outdoor ryokan baths and themed pools, and Kurokawa Onsen features outdoor rock-carved baths in forested mountains.
Tips: Wash yourself thoroughly before entering baths, keep towels out of the water, and respect a quiet contemplative atmosphere.
June brings specific seasonal ingredients that Japanese cuisine celebrates with special dishes. Unagi (freshwater eel), Ayu (sweetfish), Hatsu-gatsuo (first bonito), cold noodles like hiyashi chuka and somen are the must-try dishes in Japan in June.
Cultural activities within the indoor facilities are particularly attractive during the weather in June. Traditional Japanese performances showcase Kabuki, geisha dances, Taiko drumming, and outdoor Takigi Noh, offering traditional Japanese arts in intimate, atmospheric settings.
Festival | Approx. Date | Location | Note |
Atsuta Matsuri | June 5 | Atsuta Shrine, Nagoya | Major Shinto celebration marking early summer |
Yosakoi Soran Festival | Early June | Sapporo, Hokkaido | Modern dance festival, accurate timing |
Hydrangea Festivals | Throughout June | Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto | seasonal events |
Takigi Noh | Early–mid June | Kyoto (Heian Shrine) | Outdoor torchlight Noh performances |
Rice Planting Festivals | Early June | Rural regions, esp. Kyoto & Nara | seasonal occurrence |
Tokyo is heavily prepared to get rain with underground shopping, arcades and transport. The amusement parks, shrines and the Imperial Palace East Gardens are the best hydrangea spots in Tokyo in June.
The temples and gardens of Kyoto are in full blast in June. Its walkways are covered and mostly used during rainy weather. Tofuku-ji's moss gardens glow green, and Arashiyama bamboo groves offer natural rain shelters and stunning photo spots.
Hokkaido largely escapes Japan's rainy season, making it one of the ideal destinations to visit in Japan in June for travellers wanting to avoid Tsuyu. June weather in Hokkaido remains mild and comfortable with less humidity than the southern regions.
Okinawa transitions out of the rainy season by mid-June, though early June still sees occasional showers. It has a subtropical climate, which implies hotter weather and a high beach season. The culture of Ryukyu is very different from the mainland practices.
Expense Category | Budget Range (INR) |
Accommodation (per night) | ₹7,000 - ₹15,000 |
Food (per day) | ₹2,000 - ₹3,500 |
Transportation (per day) | ₹1,500 - ₹3,000 |
Attractions & Activities | ₹600 - ₹1,500 |
Shopping & Souvenirs | ₹700 - ₹2,000 |
Accommodation prices drop 20-30% compared to the cherry blossom season (March-April) and autumn foliage season (October-November). Flight prices to Japan in June 2025 remain moderate, neither peak summer rates nor winter bargain prices.
June challenges the conventional wisdom about ideal Japan travel timing. The rain complicates logistics and requires flexibility. But these minor inconveniences pale against June's substantial advantages. The country's infrastructure handles the rainy season effortlessly. Trains run on time, attractions remain open, and life continues with typical Japanese efficiency. For travellers seeking value, Japan in June is the best travel month. From the lush green landscapes to the dramatic weather, you’ll be able to experience it all in June. Experience this unique season with our thoughtfully curated Japan tour packages that embrace the magic of June travel.
Yes, June is a good time to visit Japan with low prices and low crowds, and it can be used with individuals capable of withstanding the occasional rainfall.
June rainfall varies by region but typically brings rain on 15-20% of days in most of Japan. However, "rainy day" doesn't mean all-day downpours—expect intermittent showers, brief heavy rain, and overcast conditions rather than continuous precipitation.
The best places to visit in Japan in June are Tokyo, Kyoto, Kamakura, Hakone, Hokkaido, and Okinawa for gardens, hydrangeas, onsens, mild weather, and beaches.
Yes, major festivals in Japan in June include Hydrangea Festivals, Rice Planting Festivals, Sanno Matsuri, and Takigi Noh Performances.
Yes, June is far less expensive than high season. The cost of accommodation is 20-30% cheaper in comparison to the cherry-blossom season (March-April), Golden Week (late April-early May), and the foliage season during the fall (October-November).