Things to Do in Japan during the Rainy Season
The rainy season in Japan, which hits much of the country in early June, is long, wet, and humid, making it tough to do much of anything outside. If you're planning on visiting many of Japan's famous shrines, temples, or gardens, you may not have the best time.
Luckily, there are many things to do in Japan indoors during the rainy season, so you won't be stuck at home or in your hotel if you are living in or visiting Japan this time of year. So let's look at some of the best indoor activities to do in Japan to escape the rainy season.
Hot Springs
Many hot springs in Japan have both indoor and outdoor baths, and sitting in a bath while listening to the rain can be a soothing experience. Since you're already getting wet, you won't even mind sitting in one of the outdoor baths. So during this year's rainy season, why not warm your body and soul while watching raindrops make ripples on the surface of the baths at a local hot spring?
Here are some popular hot springs you could visit around Japan.
・Kanagawa Prefecture, Ashigarashimo District: Yunessun
This onsen has some baths where swimsuits are allowed and unique baths like wine baths. There are also extensive spa and relaxation facilities, making it ideal for families.
・Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City: Yutopia Takara
This public bath offers not only hot springs and relaxation facilities but also a fitness studio and karaoke rooms. There are eight different kinds of saunas you can check out as well.
・Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City: Spa World
Spa World has many baths themed around the world's different hot springs and a large pool for children to enjoy. There are also rock saunas from eight different countries.
Indoor Escape Rooms
While perhaps not as popular as in other countries, there are many escape rooms in Tokyo. These games, which require cooperation and challenge your thinking skills, are a great chance to have fun with friends and family. Here are some popular escape rooms in Tokyo to visit on a rainy day.
・Shinjuku District: Mystery Circus
This escape room is now available in English, except for certain special events which are Japanese only. Mystery Circus uses projection mapping that changes based on the choices you make throughout the game, making it unique from other escape game options in Tokyo.
・Taito District: Nazo Bako Tokyo
If you are looking for a more Japan-themed escape room, Nazo Bako is a great choice. The puzzles incorporate popular aspects of traditional Japanese culture such as samurai, Zen, ninjas, and kabuki. Bilingual services are available, so you can try out this escape room even if you don't speak Japanese.
Aquariums
There are tons of aquariums all over Japan, making visiting an aquarium an excellent option if you are here during the rainy season. Here are some of the popular aquariums across Japan.
・Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai City: Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
This aquarium hosts the largest performances in Tohoku with dolphins, sea lions, and birds. The aquarium also holds events where you can get up close and personal with penguins and otters.
・Tokyo, Minato District: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Just 2 minutes on foot from Shinagawa Station, you can see around 20,000 sea creatures across approximately 350 species at this aquarium. The aquarium is also known for its exciting dolphin performances.
・Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City: Marine World Uminonakamichi
This aquarium was renovated and reopened back in 2017 as an aquarium that appeals to both children and adults. Each area of the aquarium is themed around the seas of Kyushu, and there are over 30,000 marine creatures to see here. It's also one of the few aquariums in Japan where you can see otters, making it a must-visit if you are in Fukuoka and love these furry creatures.
Indoor Athletics
Recently, athletic facilities targeting both adults and children have been gaining popularity in Japan. From "modern ninja" parkour experiences to unique play-all-you-want facilities, there are many options available if you want to stay active indoors during the rainy season.
Here are some popular indoor athletics facilities in Japan.
・Tokyo, Edogawa District: MISSION PARKOUR PARK TOKYO
This is one of the largest parkour facilities in Japan. Located in a renovated factory, you can train your mind and body while practicing parkour. Besides the Tokyo location, there is also one location in Hiroshima. To visit during certain times of the day, you may need to make a reservation. Be sure to check the website in advance if you want to visit this facility.
Learn more here. (Japanese only)
・Osaka Prefecture, Suita City: VS PARK LaLaport EXPOCITY
This facility has a ton of fun activities and sports you can enjoy no matter your athletic level. These activities are all based on games that are popular on YouTube and social media in Japan, so you can feel like you're taking part in a Japanese variety show. In addition to Osaka, VS PARK also has locations in Miyagi, Saitama, Aichi, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.
Don't Let the Rainy Season Get You Down!
The rainy season in Japan may stop you from doing some of what you want to do, but the rainy days don't have to stop you from having a fantastic time in Japan. There are tons of other hot springs, aquariums, and sports facilities across Japan, so take the time to find something in your area so that you can still make the most of your time during the rainy season.
