What to do on a Rainy Day in Tokyo?

Oh no, it’s raining in Tokyo! Tokyo averages around 109 rainy days each year, emphasizing the need for indoor activities. No one likes a rainy day while they’re on vacation and it may seem like everything you want to do in Tokyo is outdoors, but there are plenty of fun indoor options for those not-so-nice weather days! Here are three of the best things to do in Tokyo when it’s raining.

Understanding Tokyo’s Rainy Season

When is the rainy season in Tokyo?

Tokyo’s rainy season, known as “tsuyu,” typically spans from mid-June to late July. During this period, the city experiences a significant uptick in rainfall, with most days being overcast and humid. While it might seem like it will put a damper on your travel plans, this season also brings a unique charm to the city, with lush greenery amid the scorching summer heat.

How often does it rain in Tokyo?

During the rainy season, Tokyo receives a substantial amount of rainfall, averaging around 70 inches annually. In the summer months, you can expect rain on about 12-15 days each month. This frequent precipitation means it’s wise to have a list of indoor activities ready to go, ensuring you can still enjoy your time in the city without getting drenched.

What is the wettest month in Tokyo?

July takes the crown as the wettest month in Tokyo, with an average of 7+ inches of rainfall. This is largely due to the East Asian monsoon season, which brings warm, moist air from the Pacific Ocean. While the heavy rains might seem like a challenge, they also provide the perfect excuse to explore Tokyo’s myriad of indoor attractions and cultural experiences.

The Unko (aka Poop) Museum

Don’t worry, Tokyo’s Poop Museum is more kawaii (cute) than gross! This selfie-lovers paradise features colorful potties, rainbow-colored piles of pooh, neon signs, and more toilet-related silliness! It’s a somewhat ridiculous way to pass an hour but for around $10 you’ll stay dry and get some scroll-stopping shots to share on your Instagram feed! The Unko Museum is located inside the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza shopping mall, which is another fun way to pass the time! Be sure to check out the Unicorn Gundam outside, which changes form four times a day.

teamLab Planets

teamLab Planets is a full-body interactive museum and one of Tokyo’s most popular indoor attractions. You’ll walk through water (be sure to wear shorts or pants you can pull up to your knees and if you’re wearing a dress it’s a good idea to wear shorts underneath because there are some reflective areas), become one with growing flowers, bounce around on squishy surfaces and so much more in these unique exhibits that are changed by the presence of people. It’s typically best to purchase tickets in advance for teamLab, but I was able to score last-minute tickets on a rainy day in Tokyo with no problem!

Art Aquarium Museum

Located in Ginza, Art Aquarium Museum is not your typical aquarium! Goldfish swim through tanks in various shapes, lit with ever-changing colorful lights. It’s peaceful and meditative and the fish are the only ones that will get wet at this exhibit! Its location inside the Mitsukoshi Department store means you’ve got indoor access to a food hall and shopping as well! This was one of my favorite things to do on a rainy day in Tokyo.

For more art-related indoor activities, visit the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi, which features exhibitions showcasing contemporary art from Asia and around the world.

. Tokyo boasts a variety of onsen facilities, from traditional public baths to luxurious resorts. Popular spots like Otemba Hot Spring, Spa LaQua, and Niwa no Yu offer a range of amenities including saunas, massages, and serene Japanese gardens. Immersing yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters is not only relaxing but also a quintessential Japanese experience that rejuvenates both body and mind. So, on your next rainy day in Tokyo, why not indulge in the soothing embrace of a hot spring?

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