Rainy Season in Japan: Best Things to Do, Gym Options & Must-Have Apps
Japan's rainy season--or tsuyu--brings weeks of humid weather, sudden downpours, and a strong desire to stay indoors. But that doesn't mean you have to stay bored!
In this article, we'll explore fun indoor activities, recommend some great gyms, and introduce helpful apps to help you make the most of the season.
Things to Do in Japan During the Rainy Season
Here are some ideas to make the most of this season.
・Visit Hot Springs (Onsen)
There's nothing better than relaxing in a hot spring while the rain pours outside. Japan is known for its onsens, and many of these have indoor baths, perfect for escaping the rainy weather. That being said, enjoying a hot outdoor bath in the rain can also be a soothing experience. You'll find hot springs and bathhouses all over the country.
・Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are a fun and immersive way to spend time indoors during the rainy season. These puzzles and challenges offer a thrilling experience with friends, family, or coworkers. You can find them in major cities, offering different themes and difficulty levels.
・Explore Aquariums
Aquariums are perfect for rainy days. They provide an opportunity to see diverse marine life while staying dry.
・Indoor Athletic Centers
If you want to stay active but avoid the rain, indoor athletic centers are a great choice. Many large cities in Japan offer facilities with indoor tennis courts, swimming pools, and other fitness amenities. These venues are perfect for anyone looking to get some exercise while avoiding the damp weather.
For more detailed indoor activities and tips, check out our full article on things to do during the rainy season here.
Popular Gyms in Japan
The rainy season can throw off your outdoor exercise routine, but Japan has plenty of gym options for staying fit and dry:
・Anytime Fitness
Open 24/7 with English support at many locations, featuring a wide range of cardio and weight training equipment.
・Konami Sports Club
Offers gym equipment, swimming pools, and spa facilities, with access to branches nationwide.
・ChocoZap
A 24/7 gym with convenient locations, featuring fitness equipment, massage chairs, and even karaoke in some spots.
・Joyfit
Budget-friendly with flexible access, Joyfit offers 24/7 availability and a variety of fitness classes and equipment.
For more about gyms in Japan, check out our full article on the subject here.
Useful Apps & Services for Rainy Days in Japan
Rainy days don't have to be a pain with the right apps and services. Here are some tools that can help you stay dry and make your rainy season experience easier:
・Weather Apps with Real-Time Rain Radar
Japanese weather apps are highly accurate and can help you avoid sudden downpours. Some recommended ones include:
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) App - Reliable and official, perfect for checking rain, typhoons, and earthquake alerts.
Yahoo! Weather Japan - Includes detailed radar maps and hourly forecasts.
tenki.jp - Trusted by locals, this app provides push notifications for sudden rain or severe weather.
・Underground Passageway Maps
Major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya have complex underground passageways that connect train stations, shopping centers, and office buildings -- perfect for staying dry on rainy days. The layouts can be confusing, so here are some apps to help you navigate them.
NAVITIME or Japan Travel by NAVITIME - Offers indoor routes, so you can stay dry while moving around the city.
Tokyo Metro App - Useful for navigating Tokyo's underground station exits and connections.
Here's a tip: Many department stores and stations offer printed underground maps at their information counters. Stop by one if you'd prefer a physical map!
・Taxi & Ride-Hailing Apps
Don't want to walk in the rain? Try using a taxi or ride-hailing app to get around. Here are some of the popular apps in Japan.
GO - One of Japan's most widely used taxi apps. It offers an English interface in many cities.
Uber Japan - Uber is only available in some major cities in Japan, like Tokyo, though it may expand in the coming months or years. If you're already an Uber user, this will be the most familiar option.
DiDi - Another user-friendly taxi app, mainly used in major cities like Osaka and Kyoto.
Nonstop rainy days in Japan can be a downer, but they don't need to stop you from enjoying yourself. With all this knowledge, you'll be ready to make the most of this year's rainy season in Japan.
