What to do in Tokyo on a Rainy Day

During the vibrant months of June and July, visitors can expect to see Tokyo in the rainy season! Even though the rain will start to fall throughout the country, it doesn’t mean your plans have to be washed away. Tokyo offers a ton of indoor activities that are perfect for a rainy day, which means you can still explore and enjoy the city. From exploring fascinating museums and engaging in creative workshops to cozying up in charming cafes, the city’s indoor attractions are as diverse as they are captivating. So grab your umbrella and dive into the best rainy day experiences Japan’s capital has to offer!

Before checking out any other activities listed below, you should visit Tanashi Shrine to see the colorful teru teru bozu. These little cloth dolls are hung outside to bring about good weather and have been a beloved part of Japanese customs for centuries. Located just a few blocks from Tanashi Station, the shrine offers a delightful way to ward off the rain. Embrace this unique tradition and enjoy some local charm without getting too wet!

Tanashi Shrine Address: Tanashi Shrine, 3 Chome-7-4 Tanashicho, Nishitokyo, Tokyo 188-0011, Japan

Vintage Shopping in Shimokitazawa

Thrifting in Shimokitazawa is a must-do activity for vintage lovers and fashion enthusiasts visiting Tokyo. Known for its second-hand stores, Shimokitazawa offers unique clothing, accessories, and one-of-a-kind finds that reflect both retro and contemporary trends. You’ll even find a few second-hand kimono stores, perfect for those seeking a memorable souvenir. The streets are lined with all sorts of stores and cafes, making the whole thrifting experience more enjoyable. Don’t hesitate to take your umbrella into every alley to discover more thrift stores!

Here are just a few vintage stores we recommend:

Kimono Hasegawa: 2 Chome-10-15 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan

Flamingo: Japan, 〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−29−2 Ｂ１Ｆ フェニキアビル

New York Joe Exchange: 3 Chome-26-4 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan

Alaska: 2 Chome-30-10 1F 102/103 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031, Japan

Cafe Hopping

If you’re a coffee lover, cafe hopping in Tokyo is the perfect rainy-day activity for you! This adventure lets you explore the city’s diverse and charming coffee culture. From cozy, hidden gems to trendy, Instagram-worthy spots, each cafe offers a unique ambiance and menu. Indulge in artisanal coffee, delicious pastries, and delightful matcha treats that are perfect for the rainy season. You can relax with a book or simply enjoy the cozy atmosphere as you hop from one cafe to another, discovering the city along the way. We can’t guarantee that you’ll completely escape the rain, but we promise the coffee will make it worth your while!

Check out our Google list of coffee shops in the Tokyo area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fDcgbiFS7KMyTB8r7

Sunshine City

Located in the Ikebukuro district, Sunshine City offers a wide array of attractions that make it the perfect destination for indoor fun. Sunshine City includes shopping malls, restaurants, a planetarium, an aquarium, and even a theme park. Visitors can explore the Sunshine Aquarium, which features fascinating marine life exhibits or enjoy celestial shows at the Konica Minolta Planetarium. Additionally, Sunshine City is home to one of the largest gashapon (capsule toy) stores, featuring an incredible variety of collectible items. With so much to explore and enjoy, Sunshine City is a great place to spend a rainy day.

There are also events such as pop-up cafes or shops which can be found on the website!

Sunshine City: 3 Chome-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-8630, Japan

Sunshine City Website: https://sunshinecity.jp/

Museums

For more indoor adventures, look no further than Tokyo’s wide array of museums! Step into a world of tiny wonders at the Small Worlds Miniature Museum, where intricate, lifelike dioramas transport you to fantastical realms. There are events and workshops available, so check the website before heading down!

For contemporary art lovers, the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi Hills presents cutting-edge exhibitions with stunning city views as a backdrop. The Tokyo National Art Museum has a vast collection of Japanese and international art, showcasing everything from classical to contemporary works.

Finally, immerse yourself in digital landscapes with teamLab Planets, where interactive installations blur the lines between art and technology. This multi-sensory experience is like no other.

Small Worlds Miniature Museum: https://smallworlds.jp/en/

Mori Art Museum: https://www.mori.art.museum/en/

Tokyo National Art Museum: https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en

teamLab Planets: https://www.teamlab.art/e/planets/

Craft Workshops

When trapped indoors, craft workshops are the perfect opportunity to get creative and learn new skills! At Makers’ Base, you can dive into a variety of hands-on projects, from woodworking and metalworking to leather crafting and jewelry making, all guided by skilled artisans. For those interested in fashion, Betty Smith provides an active experience in denim craftsmanship, where you can design and create your own custom jeans. If you’re fascinated by the art of candy making, Amezaiku Ameshin will captivate you with its delicate and intricate candy sculptures. Here, you can watch master artisans transform molten sugar into stunning edible art and even try making your own candy creations. These workshops are a fun way to get to know more about Japan’s craft heritage!

Makers’ Base: 1 Chome-1-11 Nakane, Meguro City, Tokyo 152-0031, Japan

Makers’ Base Website: https://makers-base.com/for-personal/workshop/archive/

Betty Smith: Japan, 〒150-0021 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Ebisunishi, 2 Chome−4−7 ＮＮステーツビル 5F

Betty Smith Website: https://betty.co.jp/village/yebisukobo/

Amezaiku Ameshin: Japan, 〒111-0033 Tokyo, Taito City, Hanakawado, 2 Chome−9−1 堀ビル 1F

Amezaiku Ameshin Website: http://www.ame-shin.com/workshop/

Wrapping up your rainy day in Tokyo, it’s clear that this city offers endless indoor activities to keep you entertained and inspired. Whether you’re exploring cafes, and museums, or diving into creative craft workshops, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. No matter what you intend to do on your travels, there’s truly no reason to let the weather get in your way. So next time the rain clouds gather, embrace the opportunity to experience Tokyo from a different perspective!

If you’re interested in a culinary tour on a rainy day, our Flavors of Japan Food Tour is a perfect way to learn more about the building blocks of Japanese cuisine!

Feature photo credit: Jane Rix