We are now in the middle of June, and today--as with most days this month--it's raining. Rainy season has tended to arrive a week earlier than expected, but this year's downpours have arrived three weeks earlier than last year.

Most guidebooks tend to depict Japan as being hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and not recommended as a travel destination during the rainy season.

Indeed, not only guidebooks but Japanese people themselves often describe rainy season as one of the most uncomfortable and gloomy times of year. With many questions suddenly springing to mind, I decided to have a look at the weather statistics between 2005 and 2007 on the Meteorological Agency homepage to see if the so-called "rainy season" really is the rainiest time of year in Japan. As it turns out, it is not.

Rainy Months

We often have the impression that the "rainy season" of June and July is the period when we have the most rain but, in reality, September is the month when precipitation is annually highest. Between the on-season peak of the cherry blossom period and summer break, hotel rooms amazingly drop to half-price during June and July. Another reason to recommend travel during June and July is the fact that during this period Japan's green vegetation is at its most attractive and luxurious around the archipelago.

The Best Tokyo Hotel Deals for June and July

Leave your umbrella behind: visit rainy-season-free Hokkaido!

September is also a great time to travel around Japan, as the hot, muggy days of summer make way for cooler days and more comfortable nights. The stereotypical view of September is that of a month with high levels of rain and numerous typhoons; actually, sunny days are quite numerous, enabling you to enjoy the outdoors without the discomfort of very high humidity and extreme temperatures. Moreover, as September is just before the high peak of the autumn season, hotel prices are quite low. Therefore, I also recommend September as a good time for a memorable visit to Japan.

September Hokkaido Bargains: Mt. Daisetsu

September Hokkaido Bargains: Sounkyo Hot Spring Resort

Dry Months

Interestingly, although the presumption is that August would be the month with the greatest number of sunny days, January in fact has the same number of hours of sunshine as August. Despite its cold image, January in Japan--contrary to most places in the world during winter--offers perfect blue skies and long sunny days. After the Christmas peak, with many overseas tourists coming from China and Taiwan, this quiet, off-season period of the year is a good bargain in terms of hotel prices.

Dry or Humid?

July is the month with the highest humidity, whereas January is often the driest month of the year. For those of you who may suffer from dry skin, I really recommend July! If you prefer to avoid the discomfort of sweating, the month of January is one of the driest and most comfortable to travel around Japan.

Hot & Cold Months

The great thing about Japan, once you do decide to visit, is that during any given season there are a huge range of climates and activities on offer.

Summer beaches can be enjoyed from mid-July to the end of August (and even earlier or later depending where head to between Okinawa and Hokkaido). Likewise, the best quality powder snow is usually available in January/February and can be enjoyed until mid-March.
Photo: Miyakojima, Okinawa / © OCVB