Before moving to Tokyo, a lot of interns imagine cherry blossoms, clear skies, and neon city nights. What many people don't think about is rainy season.
Known as Tsuyu in Japan, rainy season usually takes place between June and July, and while it doesn't rain every single minute of the day, you'll definitely notice the change.
The air feels heavier, umbrellas suddenly become part of your daily routine, and you quickly learn which shoes were a bad decision to bring.
Rainy season in Tokyo is also one of those experiences that slowly becomes part of everyday life.

You'll see umbrellas everywhere☔
One of the first things you notice is just how prepared everyone is.
The second it starts raining, umbrellas appear instantly. Convenience stores sell them on almost every corner, and before long, you’ll probably end up owning at least two or three yourself. You’ll also notice umbrella stands outside restaurants, offices, and stores everywhere in the city.
At first it feels unusual. Then suddenly, it becomes completely normal.

Commuting Feels Different 🚆
Tokyo trains are busy already. Add rain, and everything feels slightly more intense.
Morning commutes become more crowded, people move a little faster, and stations feel even more packed than usual.
You quickly learn small survival strategies: • Leaving slightly earlier • Avoiding shoes that get soaked easily • Keeping a small towel in your bag
It’s a tiny adjustment, but it makes daily life much easier.

The Humidity Can Surprise You 🌧️
For many interns, it’s not actually the rain that’s difficult. It’s the humidity.
Even on cloudy days, the air can feel warm and heavy. Walking just a few minutes outside can make you feel like you’ve been outside for hours.
This is usually the point where people in Tokyo start relying heavily on: • Cold drinks 🧋 • Portable fans • Air conditioning • Convenience store breaks 🏪
You adapt faster than you expect though.

Convenience Stores Become Even More Important 🏪
Rainy season somehow makes convenience stores even more useful than they already are.
Forgot an umbrella? Need a cold drink? Want somewhere dry for a few minutes?
The nearest konbini usually solves the problem. During rainy days, grabbing a snack or coffee while waiting for the rain to calm down becomes a surprisingly regular part of life.

Indoor Activities Become More Appealing 🎨
Rainy season is also when you start appreciating Tokyo’s indoor spots more. Museums, cafés, bookstores, arcades, aquariums, and shopping centers suddenly become perfect weekend plans.
It’s a different side of Tokyo compared to the busy outdoor spring season, but not necessarily a worse one. Sometimes the slower pace is actually nice.

There’s Something Relaxing About It 🌿
At first, rainy season can feel inconvenient.
But after a while, you start noticing small things: The sound of rain in quiet streets, cafés feeling more cozy, and reflections of Tokyo lights on wet roads at night.
The city feels different, a bit calmer, and a bit slower. And somehow, that becomes part of the experience too.

Final Thoughts ✨
Rainy season in Tokyo probably won’t be the highlight of your internship. But it’s one of those things that makes living in Japan feel real.
You stop feeling like a tourist and start building routines around everyday life — commuting in the rain, carrying an umbrella everywhere, finding comfort in small indoor moments.
And by the time the rainy season ends, you realize you’ve adapted without even noticing.