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Saiho-ji: Kyoto's Rainy Season Gem

The rainy season brings gray clouds and inclement weather to Kyoto each June, but all that moisture leaves Saiho-ji moss temple glimmering like an emerald!

Rainy Season 101

While June to mid-July can be a drizzly experience in much of Japan, there are a few spots that look their very best at this time of year.

Seek Shelter Under this 'Foliage Umbrella'

Rain or shine, this is the perfect umbrella for whatever the weather.

20 Japanese Words for Rain, in Art Form

How would you depict 'autumn rain' in a bottle? How about 'sudden rainfall'? Check out this design troupe's dioramas creating snapshots of 20 Japanese words for rain!

3 Earthy Things to Do in Kumamoto

Here are three great options in the Kumamoto area if you're looking to reconnect with creatures past and present, as well as the earth below!

7 Lesser-Known Art Galleries You Should See

In Japan you can find delicate scrolls, exquisite pottery and incredible kimono art along with works by Yoshitomo Nara, Henri Matisse or Pablo Picasso—you just need to know where to look!

Creating Digital Rain, One Drop at a Time

Extraordinary designer Yugo Nakamura 'makes it rain' in this unique video, a digital effort to explain where the sound of rain comes from.

Okinawa Blue Cave Snorkeling & Kayaking Tour

Enjoy the tropical waters of Okinawa on a private, guided tour!

The Portable Paternal Playgound!

This wearable prototype turns dads into jungle gyms!

Rainy Day Fun with Japanese Egg Molds

Looking for a little pick-me-up indoors activity on a rainy day? Why not add some adorable fun to your eggs!

Texan in Tochigi!

How can you not be fascinated by something called the 'Kanman-ga-Fuchi Abyss'? As our favorite Texan in Tokyo proves, Nikko has something for everyone, rain or shine!

Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo

This museum beside Izumo-taisha Grand Shrine attempts to unravel the mysteries of one of the most important religious sites in all of Japan.

Hang This Doll to Pray for Clear Skies

While many believe the tradition of making 'teru teru bozu' dolls can be traced back to a bald-headed monk, history suggests it may have begun with a small girl.

Navigating Japanese Umbrella Culture

The Japan Guy tackles an age-old philosophical question: 'What's the deal with umbrellas here in Japan?'

6 Traditional Japanese Tabletop Games

Stuck inside on a rainy day? Play these classic Japanese tabletop games while listening to the relaxing sound of the drops outside!

5 Rainy Day J-Pop Hits

If you ever thought rain's sole purpose was to ruin your day, then you might be missing the essence of life. Rain is the creative genius behind these hit J-pop tracks!

9 Ways to Talk About the Weather

Since it changes so often, the weather is actually a hot topic in Japan—no pun intended! Find out nine ways to get in on this easy conversation-starter!

100 Yen: The Japanese Arcade Experience

In a culture famous for miniaturization, arcades in Japan conversely seem to go bigger, brighter, louder and increasingly diverse—as this documentary on the history of arcade games reveals.

5 Family-Friendly Typhoon Day Activities

Check out five tried and tested family-friendly typhoon day activities, from window coloring to tabletop games and sofa forts.

Hydrophobic Brollies Make Light of Heavy Rain

Don't let a soggy umbrella get you down! With these water-resistant umbrellas, both you and your brolly will be water-drop free!

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