# Tokyo in June: rainy season, hydrangeas and Sanno Matsuri

June is Tokyo's rainy season, and it has a reputation as the month to avoid. That is unfair: the gardens are at their greenest, hydrangeas and irises look best in a soft rain, there is a great shrine festival in central Tokyo and Pride in Yoyogi Park, and with no public holidays the city feels calmer than in spring. The list below is updated daily with the month's biggest events.

## The rainy season: what June feels like

By the Japan Meteorological Agency's long-term normals, the rainy season (tsuyu) in the Kanto region, Tokyo included, starts around June 7 and ends around July 19, though the real dates move by a week or more either way and are announced by the agency each year. It does not rain all day every day. Expect runs of grey, drizzly days, a few heavy downpours and dry, sometimes sunny breaks in between. June is one of the least sunny months of the year.

It also gets warmer. Daytime highs sit around 24°C to 28°C and nights around 17°C to 21°C, and with humidity this high, 26°C feels warmer than it sounds. Some rainy days turn cool instead, which Japanese call tsuyu-zamu. Wear light, quick-drying clothes and shoes that do not mind getting wet, keep a thin layer for strong air conditioning on trains and in shops, and carry a folding umbrella every day.

- Convenience stores sell cheap clear vinyl umbrellas if you get caught out.
- Shops and museums have umbrella stands or plastic umbrella sleeves at the door. Use them rather than carrying a dripping umbrella inside.
- Late June can be hot and muggy. Drink water even on cloudy days.

- → [Weather and events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/weather.md)
- → [What to do in Tokyo when it rains](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/rainy-day.md)

## Hydrangeas, irises and fireflies

Rain is what the June flowers want. [Hakusan Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E7%99%BD%E5%B1%B1%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA%E7%99%BD%E5%B1%B15-31-26) in Bunkyo holds the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival with around 3,000 plants, and its small Fuji mound covered in hydrangeas usually opens only during the festival. [Takahata Fudo](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%AB%98%E5%B9%A1%E4%B8%8D%E5%8B%95%E5%B0%8A%E9%87%91%E5%89%9B%E5%AF%BA%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%97%A5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E9%AB%98%E5%B9%A1733), a large temple in Hino next to [Takahatafudo Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BA%AC%E7%8E%8B%20%E9%AB%98%E5%B9%A1%E4%B8%8D%E5%8B%95%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%97%A5%E9%87%8E%E5%B8%82%E9%AB%98%E5%B9%A1139) on the Keio Line, has thousands of hydrangeas on the hill behind its halls. [Meigetsuin](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%9C%88%E9%99%A2%20%E7%A5%9E%E5%A5%88%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E9%8E%8C%E5%80%89%E5%B8%82%E5%B1%B1%E3%83%8E%E5%86%85189) in Kamakura, known as the hydrangea temple, is the famous day trip, with long queues at weekends.

Irises (hanashobu) are usually at their best in early to mid-June. [Horikiri Shobuen](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E5%A0%80%E5%88%87%E8%8F%96%E8%92%B2%E5%9C%92%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E8%91%9B%E9%A3%BE%E5%8C%BA%E5%A0%80%E5%88%872-19-1) in Katsushika, about 10 minutes on foot from [Horikirishobuen Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BA%AC%E6%88%90%20%E5%A0%80%E5%88%87%E8%8F%96%E8%92%B2%E5%9C%92%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E8%91%9B%E9%A3%BE%E5%8C%BA%E5%A0%80%E5%88%875-1-1) on the Keisei Line, is a free Edo-era garden full of old iris varieties. Inside Meiji Jingu, the paid [Inner Garden](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%98%8E%E6%B2%BB%E7%A5%9E%E5%AE%AE%E5%BE%A1%E8%8B%91%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E7%A5%9E%E5%9C%92%E7%94%BA1-1) has an iris field with more than 150 varieties, a quiet hour away from the Harajuku crowds. In the evenings from late May through June, [Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E3%83%9B%E3%83%86%E3%83%AB%E6%A4%BF%E5%B1%B1%E8%8D%98%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E4%BA%AC%E5%8C%BA%E9%96%A2%E5%8F%A32-10-8) in Bunkyo has Genji fireflies in the stream of its garden, usually at their peak in early June.

- Hydrangeas and irises look best in light rain or just after it. A grey day is a good garden day.
- Gardens stay open in rain, but festival stalls and stage events may be cancelled (雨天中止).

- → [Flower festivals in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/flowers.md)
- → [Taking photos at Tokyo events](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/photography.md)
- → [Festival day trips from Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/day-trips.md)
- → [Events in Bunkyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/bunkyo.md)
- → [Events in Katsushika](https://eventstokyo.com/en/katsushika.md)
- → [Events in Shibuya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shibuya.md)

## Sanno Matsuri, Torigoe and the summer purification

Sanno Matsuri at [Hie Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%97%A5%E6%9E%9D%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA%E6%B0%B8%E7%94%B0%E7%94%BA2-10-5), in Nagatacho next to Akasaka, runs for about ten days in June and is one of the three great festivals of Edo. In even-numbered years it is the main festival: the Jinkosai procession, around 500 people in Heian-period court dress with portable shrines, spends a whole day winding through central Tokyo, past the Imperial Palace area, Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi and Ginza. In odd-numbered years the programme is smaller, and Kanda Matsuri takes its big turn in May instead.

Early in the month, [Torigoe Shrine](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%B3%A5%E8%B6%8A%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E9%B3%A5%E8%B6%8A2-4-1) near [Kuramae Station](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E9%83%BD%E5%96%B6%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E7%B7%9A%20%E8%94%B5%E5%89%8D%E9%A7%85%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA%E8%94%B5%E5%89%8D2-3-1) in Taito ward holds its festival. Its main mikoshi is said to be the heaviest in Tokyo, at around four tonnes, and on the Sunday night it returns to the shrine surrounded by more than a hundred lit paper lanterns, which is why people call it the Torigoe night festival.

Around June 30, many shrines set up a large ring of woven grass (chinowa) for Nagoshi no Harae, a rite to clear away the bad luck of the first half of the year. Anyone can take part: bow, then walk through the ring in a figure of eight, as the sign at most shrines explains.

- Procession routes and times are published in advance. Check the map and wait at a corner rather than following the crowd.
- Mikoshi crowds surge without warning. Keep children and bags close and step back when staff ask.

- → [Matsuri in Tokyo through the year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/matsuri.md)
- → [Shrine and temple etiquette for festivals and New Year](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/shrine-etiquette.md)
- → [Events in Chiyoda](https://eventstokyo.com/en/chiyoda.md)
- → [Events in Taito](https://eventstokyo.com/en/taito.md)
- → [Matsuri & Festivals events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/matsuri.md)

## Tokyo Pride and beer in June

Since 2025, Tokyo Pride, organised by the nonprofit Tokyo Rainbow Pride, has been held in June to line up with Pride Month. The festival fills the [event plaza of Yoyogi Park](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E4%BB%A3%E3%80%85%E6%9C%A8%E5%85%AC%E5%9C%92%E3%82%A4%E3%83%99%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88%E5%BA%83%E5%A0%B4%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E7%A5%9E%E5%8D%972%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE) for a weekend, free and without tickets, and the parade loops through Shibuya and Harajuku on the Sunday. Watching from the pavement is the easiest way to take part. Ask before photographing individuals, since not everyone there is out to family or at work, and bring a rain jacket as well as water.

June is a good month for beer, too. BeerFes Tokyo, the Great Japan Beer Festival, has been held in early June at [Yebisu Garden Place](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%81%B5%E6%AF%94%E5%AF%BF%E3%82%AC%E3%83%BC%E3%83%87%E3%83%B3%E3%83%97%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A4%E3%82%B9%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA%E6%81%B5%E6%AF%94%E5%AF%BF4-20) in recent years, with dozens of Japanese craft breweries pouring tasting glasses. Rooftop beer gardens are open by now, but they usually close in rain or strong wind and often decide on the day, so check before you go.

- → [Tokyo Pride](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-pride.md)
- → [Beer gardens and beer festivals in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/beer-gardens.md)
- → [Events in Shibuya](https://eventstokyo.com/en/shibuya.md)
- → [Food & Drink events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/food-drink.md)

## Rainy-day plans and a quieter month

June is the only month of the year without a national holiday, so there are no long weekends and fewer domestic travellers than in spring or summer. Popular sights are calmer, especially on weekdays, which makes it a good month to see the places that are packed at other times.

Build each day around an indoor anchor and use the dry spells for walking. Tokyo's big museums, department store food halls (depachika), theatres, kabuki at the [Kabukiza](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=%E6%AD%8C%E8%88%9E%E4%BC%8E%E5%BA%A7%20%E6%9D%B1%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E4%B8%AD%E5%A4%AE%E5%8C%BA%E9%8A%80%E5%BA%A74-12-15) in Ginza, aquariums and the underground shopping streets around big stations all work in the rain. Event pages say 雨天中止 when something is cancelled in rain, 小雨決行 when it goes ahead in light rain, and 荒天中止 when it is called off only in a storm.

- For outdoor events, check the official page on the morning itself. Rain decisions are often posted on the day.
- Plan July early. The rainy season usually ends in the second half of July and summer festivals start right after.

- → [What to do in Tokyo when it rains](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/rainy-day.md)
- → [Museums and big exhibitions in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/museums.md)
- → [Kabuki, noh and rakugo in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/kabuki.md)
- → [Tokyo in July: Tanabata, lanterns and the first fireworks](https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-in-july.md)
- → [Art & Exhibitions events in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/art.md)
- → [This weekend in Tokyo](https://eventstokyo.com/en/this-weekend.md)

## All events, soonest first

- **[Japan Rugby League One 2026-27 Play-Off Final](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/japan-rugby-league-one-2026-27-play-off-final-7727)** — Sun, Jun 6, 2027 (JST) · Japan National Stadium (Shinjuku) · price on the official site
- **[RADIOHEAD JAPAN 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/radiohead-japan-2027)** — Tue, Jun 8, 2027 – Sun, Jun 13, 2027 (JST) · GMO Arena Saitama (Saitama) · ¥15,000〜
- **[Mrs. GREEN APPLE on "Harmony2"](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/mrs-green-apple-on-harmony2-10)** — Tue, Jun 1, 2027 19:00 – Wed, Jun 2, 2027 (JST) · K Arena Yokohama (Nishi, Yokohama) · ¥15,000〜
- **[SEKAI NO OWARI ARENA TOUR 2027](https://eventstokyo.com/en/events/sekai-no-owari-arena-tour-2027)** — Sat, Jun 19, 2027 – Sun, Jun 20, 2027 (JST) · Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium (Shibuya) · ¥12,000〜

## Questions people ask

**When is the rainy season in Tokyo?**
On average from around early June to around mid or late July, by Japan Meteorological Agency normals. The actual start and end change every year and are announced by the agency.

**Does it rain every day in June?**
No. There are runs of grey, drizzly days and some heavy rain, but also dry and sometimes sunny breaks. Carry a folding umbrella and keep plans flexible.

**Is June a good time to visit Tokyo?**
It can be. Flowers, festivals and Pride are on, there are no holidays and sights are calmer. You need rain plans and some tolerance for humidity.

**Are there public holidays in June?**
No. June is the only month in Japan without a national holiday.

**Where can I see hydrangeas in Tokyo?**
Hakusan Shrine in Bunkyo and Takahata Fudo in Hino are the classic spots in Tokyo, and Meigetsuin in Kamakura is the famous day trip. They are usually at their best in June.

**When is Tokyo Pride?**
Since 2025 it has been held in June. In recent years the festival and parade have taken place on a weekend in early June, with other events through the month.

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Tokyo Events: https://eventstokyo.com/en/guides/tokyo-in-june