Yes, it rains a lot in Tokyo, especially during the early summer rainy season (tsuyu) from mid-June to mid-July, and again in the fall, often linked to typhoons, with significant humidity and frequent showers, though it doesn't always rain all day. While some months like October see higher rainfall, rain is common for 8-9 months, with heavy bursts possible, so carrying a sturdy umbrella is essential, but it's generally manageable with good planning.
The rainiest months in Tokyo are typically June and September, with June marking the start of the wet tsuyu (plum rain) season from early June to mid-July, and September often seeing heavy rainfall from typhoons, though June generally has more rainy days, and September sometimes has higher rainfall totals.
The wettest place in Japan, and among the most rain-soaked destinations the world over, Yakushima is hit by at least 250mm (9.8 inches) of rain every month. In the summer typhoon season this number can triple. Annual rainfall readings reach up to 10 meters (390 inches).
There is a marked rainy season, beginning in early June and continuing for about a month. It is followed by hot, sticky weather. Five or six typhoons pass over or near Japan every year from early August to early October, sometimes resulting in significant damage.
The "Japan 5-minute rule" refers to extreme punctuality, meaning you should arrive 5-10 minutes before a scheduled time, as being exactly on time is considered late, demonstrating respect and reliability, a concept sometimes called "5-minute prior action" (５分前行動). It highlights Japanese culture's emphasis on preparedness, where trains are so precise that delays over 5 minutes get official notes, making being early a crucial part of business and social etiquette.
Yes, $5,000 is generally more than enough for a single person for a week in Japan, even covering flights from North America/Europe, allowing for comfortable mid-range travel with nice meals and experiences, but it might be tight for a couple or if you're aiming for extreme luxury or extensive shopping; budget travelers can do it for much less, while luxury travelers could easily spend more. Your biggest variables will be your flight cost, accommodation choices (business hotels, ryokans, or hostels), and dining habits (convenience stores vs. high-end sushi).
Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India. It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres (467.4 in). According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Mawsynram received 26,000 millimetres (1,023.6 in) of rainfall in 1985.
June to August is the worst time to visit Japan. It is summer and very hot, with average high temperatures around 31°C (88°F) and feels-like temperatures reaching 41°C (106°F).
Japan today faces a number of structural problems that have plagued the country for decades and are continually worsening. The most significant challenges can be divided into four main areas: demographic change, ongoing economic stagnation, record-high national debt, and acute labor shortages.
Okayama has a mild climate in comparison to most of Japan. It has the most rain-free days (less than 1mm of precipitation) of any city in Japan.
The best months to visit Tokyo are spring (late March-May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October-November) for mild weather and fall foliage, offering beautiful scenery and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing, though these are peak tourist times. April is a sweet spot for fewer crowds and pleasant warmth, while summer (June-August) is hot and humid but packed with vibrant festivals. Winter (December-February) brings festive lights and fewer tourists but chilly days, with February often being less crowded.
Pack a raincoat or poncho
When those times come, you'll be glad you have a raincoat or poncho, keeping you (mostly) dry as you continue making memories. A poncho is especially handy for those days when there's no choice but to stand in the rain for long periods of time — we're looking at you, Tokyo Disneyland.
Of the rainy days, half see only light rain, while the other half see more considerable amounts of precipitation. Due to the bad weather, the rainy season is not the most suitable season for visiting Japan compared to other times of the year, even though it can have its advantages, too.
But surprisingly the rainiest country is Colombia. As one of the region that holds the record for the highest average annual rainfall. The Chaco region it rains over 10, 000 millimeters a year. That's equivalent to a wall of water as tall as a five story building every year.
The Atacama Desert, Chile. This Envisat image was acquired over northern Chile's Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth outside of the Antarctic dry valleys. Bounded on the west by the Pacific and on the east by the Andes, the Atacama Desert only knows rainfall between two and four times a century.
Key Findings
The Atacama Desert, in the north of Chile, is said to be the driest place on earth, with places where it hasn't rained for 400 years. The desert is so dramatic that, at first sight, it appears never to have sustained any life.
1. Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Nestled in between the Red Sea and Sinai Peninsula desert, it perhaps comes as no surprise that Sharm El-Sheikh is officially the driest city break in the world.
Topping the list is Colombia, with an estimated 3,240mm of annual rainfall, thanks to its equatorial convection and geography. Next is Sao Tome and Principe, followed by Papua New Guinea in third place.
For a 2-week trip to Japan from Australia, expect to spend around AUD $4,000 to $7,000+ per person, including flights, with budget travel closer to the lower end (under $100 AUD/day) and mid-range/luxury (over $100-$250 AUD/day) pushing costs higher, depending on accommodation, dining, activities, and transport choices. A comfortable mid-range budget might target $3,800–$4,800 for all-inclusive, while just daily spending (food, local transit) could be $100–$150 AUD ($12,000–$18,000 JPY) per day.
Japanese Etiquette 101: Eleven Things to Keep in Mind Before Travelling to Japan
The cheapest months to fly to Japan are typically January, February, and March (after the New Year's rush and before cherry blossoms), and the fall months of September, October, and November (avoiding peak foliage). June can also offer deals, while avoiding peak summer (July-August) and early April (sakura season) usually saves money.