Update-date: Jun 05 2024
Many assume that they should avoid Japan during the rainy season. But even if your holiday is full of wet days, Tokyo is packed with indoor attractions like museums and theme parks ensuring enjoyment no matter the weather. This article introduces some recommended rainy day Tokyo destinations together with restaurants for a meal in between!
What Is Japan’s Rainy Season?
Japan's rainy season is characterized by frequent cloudy and rainy days, generally spanning late May to early or mid-July, depending on the region of Japan. In Tokyo and the rest of the Kanto region, the rainy season typically commences from early June and concludes around mid-July.
In June, Tokyo sees average maximum and minimum temperatures of 25.3°C and 17.2°C, with significant temperature changes throughout the day.
Short sleeves are fine for the hot and humid daytime, but mornings, evenings, and cooler spells may require long sleeves. Having a cardigan or another easily removable outer layer is a smart idea.
In June, Tokyo sees average maximum and minimum temperatures of 25.3°C and 17.2°C, with significant temperature changes throughout the day.
Short sleeves are fine for the hot and humid daytime, but mornings, evenings, and cooler spells may require long sleeves. Having a cardigan or another easily removable outer layer is a smart idea.
July ramps up to a full summer climate, with an average temperature of 25.9°C and a maximum of 30°C. Given the frequent hot and sunny days, it's vital to guard against heatstroke. Wear a hat, stay hydrated, and consider a parasol while out sightseeing.
Enjoy Tokyo Sightseeing Even on Rainy Days!
Many travelers feel let down when they arrive to find Tokyo bleak and rainy. However, Tokyo is a city well-equipped for inclement weather! Here are three spots in Tokyo where you can have a blast even on wet days.
Tokyo Skytree Town
Tokyo Skytree Town encompasses the Tokyo Skytree, towering over Tokyo at 634 meters, and Tokyo Solamachi, a sprawling shopping complex. The closest train stations are Tokyo Skytree Station and Oshiage Station.
First, ascend the Tokyo Skytree for a breathtaking panoramic view of Tokyo!
The Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck is 350 meters above ground, and it has a 360-degree glass-walled observatory providing an exhilarating lookout over the city, stretching out up to 70 km in the distance. The glass floor on Floor 340 ramps up the adrenaline as you gaze down from a height of 340 meters.
100 meters higher is the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria, a tube-shaped glass corridor that brings you to the highest floor at 451.2 meters on a thrilling walk through the air!
First, ascend the Tokyo Skytree for a breathtaking panoramic view of Tokyo!
The Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck is 350 meters above ground, and it has a 360-degree glass-walled observatory providing an exhilarating lookout over the city, stretching out up to 70 km in the distance. The glass floor on Floor 340 ramps up the adrenaline as you gaze down from a height of 340 meters.
100 meters higher is the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria, a tube-shaped glass corridor that brings you to the highest floor at 451.2 meters on a thrilling walk through the air!
After soaking in the magnificent views, visitors can shop at Tokyo Solamachi, which houses over 300 stores selling an extensive array of goods and services.
From fashion and knick-knacks to cozy cafes and gourmet restaurants, Tokyo Solamachi caters to diverse tastes. For Japanese items, head to Japan Souvenir on the 4th floor of the East Yard.
Here, you’ll find stores specializing in Japanese hair ornaments, chopsticks, and other traditional crafts, alongside popular character merchandise, gacha games, and intricate plastic food samples.
There are English, Chinese, and Korean-speaking information staff, and multi-language floor guides, ensuring smooth shopping even for non-Japanese speakers!
From fashion and knick-knacks to cozy cafes and gourmet restaurants, Tokyo Solamachi caters to diverse tastes. For Japanese items, head to Japan Souvenir on the 4th floor of the East Yard.
Here, you’ll find stores specializing in Japanese hair ornaments, chopsticks, and other traditional crafts, alongside popular character merchandise, gacha games, and intricate plastic food samples.
There are English, Chinese, and Korean-speaking information staff, and multi-language floor guides, ensuring smooth shopping even for non-Japanese speakers!
Sunshine City
Sunshine City is a bustling commercial complex housing an aquarium, observation deck, shopping mall, theme park, restaurants, and hotel situated near Ikebukuro Station and Higashi-Ikebukuro Station.
Opened in 2023, the newest attraction at Sunshine City is the Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou-Park! This observatory presents 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo from 251 meters above sea level, and is enveloped in lush greenery and artificial grass to evoke a refreshing park-like vibe despite being indoors.
Opened in 2023, the newest attraction at Sunshine City is the Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou-Park! This observatory presents 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo from 251 meters above sea level, and is enveloped in lush greenery and artificial grass to evoke a refreshing park-like vibe despite being indoors.
Also, don't miss Penguins in the Sky at the aquarium! Tucked between high-rise buildings, this outdoor space has a transparent tank surrounded by palm trees that creates the illusion of penguins flying through the sky when viewed from below.
Sunshine City has three international tourist information centers accredited by the Japan National Tourism Organization. They provide valuable insight on Ikebukuro sightseeing, and can help with any issues or questions.
Odaiba
Odaiba boasts so many indoor attractions, it’s worth dedicating at least two days of your Tokyo itinerary to!
Newly opened in March 2024 is Immersive Fort Tokyo, an interactive theater where visitors can become part of captivating storylines. It's linked directly to Aomi Station, making it a breeze to reach.
Stories include the spellbinding world of Grimms' Hansel and Gretel, the historical backdrop of a 200-year-old Japanese brothel, and the intriguing mysteries of Sherlock Holmes (some age restrictions apply).
Brace yourselfーsome narratives are so intense they may elicit screams! For stories where language plays a crucial role, English translation devices are available for rent, and select stories are offered in multiple languages. Be sure to check the official website for details.
So, when visiting Tokyo, don’t miss the chance to become part of exciting stories at Immersive Fort Tokyo, the likes of which are usually only seen in movies, anime, and video games!
Newly opened in March 2024 is Immersive Fort Tokyo, an interactive theater where visitors can become part of captivating storylines. It's linked directly to Aomi Station, making it a breeze to reach.
Stories include the spellbinding world of Grimms' Hansel and Gretel, the historical backdrop of a 200-year-old Japanese brothel, and the intriguing mysteries of Sherlock Holmes (some age restrictions apply).
Brace yourselfーsome narratives are so intense they may elicit screams! For stories where language plays a crucial role, English translation devices are available for rent, and select stories are offered in multiple languages. Be sure to check the official website for details.
So, when visiting Tokyo, don’t miss the chance to become part of exciting stories at Immersive Fort Tokyo, the likes of which are usually only seen in movies, anime, and video games!
A 15-minute walk from Immersive Fort Tokyo is DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, which boasts 135 stores and indoor sports facilities. Nearby is Tokyo Joypolis, which has over 20 indoor attractions like exhilarating rollercoasters and VR experiences.
Afterwards, cap off an action-packed day by marveling at breathtaking views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower at night.
Afterwards, cap off an action-packed day by marveling at breathtaking views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower at night.
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
Once you’ve had your fill of indoor fun, treat yourself to a delectable meal at a local restaurant! Here are some recommended dining spots in the Odaiba and Ikebukuro areas.
The Grill on 30th (Daiba / Dining Bar)
Sat high above Tokyo Bay, [The Grill on 30th] serves sophisticated grilled dishes with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients arranged like paint on a canvas.
For dinner, indulge in the [Chef's Selection] (20,000 JPY), a culinary journey based on French techniques. Each season is themed around a single Japanese prefecture, filling six courses from appetizers to desserts with regional specialties.
Dishes can also be paired with a selection of wines meticulously curated by the sommelier.
For dinner, indulge in the [Chef's Selection] (20,000 JPY), a culinary journey based on French techniques. Each season is themed around a single Japanese prefecture, filling six courses from appetizers to desserts with regional specialties.
Dishes can also be paired with a selection of wines meticulously curated by the sommelier.
Situated on the 30th floor of the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba hotel, the restaurant offers not only breathtaking views but also a serene ambiance as the sky transitions from dusk to dark.
Its chic interior radiates luxury, promising an elegant dining experience.
Its chic interior radiates luxury, promising an elegant dining experience.
The Grill on 30th
Open: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm / Dinner 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm (last order 8:00 pm) / Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (last order 2:30 pm) / Other 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: ■ Temporary holidays Mondays and Tuesdays (excluding holidays)
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Daiba Station on the New Transit Yurikamome Line. Or an 8-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line.
Address: 30F, 2-6-1, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: ■ Temporary holidays Mondays and Tuesdays (excluding holidays)
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Daiba Station on the New Transit Yurikamome Line. Or an 8-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line.
Address: 30F, 2-6-1, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation
Honey and Cheese BEEHOUSE Ikebukuro (Ikebukuro / Izakaya)
[Honey and Cheese BEEHOUSE Ikebukuro] is a charming restaurant that merges the delightful flavor of honey with Italian cuisine to create inventive dishes unseen elsewhere. The artful arrangements of each dish are practically begging to be photographed!
The [Standard Course] (Lunch: 2,000 JPY, Dinner: 3,000 JPY) is a fantastic deal, containing 8 dishes with 2 hours all-you-can-drink. The highlight is the [Ribeye Steak With Roasted Garlic Sauce], alongside unique recipes like [Italian Salami Carpaccio With Honey Mayonnaise Sauce] and [Honey Cheese Potatoes].
The [Standard Course] (Lunch: 2,000 JPY, Dinner: 3,000 JPY) is a fantastic deal, containing 8 dishes with 2 hours all-you-can-drink. The highlight is the [Ribeye Steak With Roasted Garlic Sauce], alongside unique recipes like [Italian Salami Carpaccio With Honey Mayonnaise Sauce] and [Honey Cheese Potatoes].
The cozy forest-themed interior has warm tones and a welcoming atmosphere. There are both spacious tables and designer seats for smaller gatherings, catering to all comforts.
For special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, this restaurant goes the extra mile by serving a whole cake in a charming treasure box, adding a touch of surprise to celebrations.
For special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, this restaurant goes the extra mile by serving a whole cake in a charming treasure box, adding a touch of surprise to celebrations.
Honey and Cheese BEEHOUSE Ikebukuro
Open: [Sunday,Saturday,Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 4:55 pm (last order 4:00 pm)[Weekday,Day Before Holidays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (last order 2:30 pm)Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (last order 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,800 JPY / [Lunch] 1,280 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station on the JR and Tokyo Metro lines.
Address: 8F, FLC Building, 1-22-2, Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,800 JPY / [Lunch] 1,280 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station on the JR and Tokyo Metro lines.
Address: 8F, FLC Building, 1-22-2, Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details
With a wealth of indoor attractions, Tokyo promises a satisfying trip even during Japan’s rainy season. So, if it rains on your Tokyo holiday, be sure to explore the spots and restaurants highlighted in this article!
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
