Tips for Surviving Japan’s Rainy Season with Kids

Whether a first time or veteran mom, surviving rainy season in Japan can be a challenge with public transport and strollers. Below are some great tips and product recommendations to make your life a bit easier. Just remember, it will stop raining soon. Check our Japan protection guides on mosquitos, sunscreen and heat.

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Tips for surviving Japan’s rainy season with kids

I remember my first rainy season with an infant – bouts of torrential downpour, rain that hit me from the side, muggy conditions, getting soaked – needless to say it wasn`t a pleasant experience. Although the rainy season has been light in recent years, and note it doesn`t rain constantly – there are breaks here and there, it`s always good to be prepared.

Japan`s rainy season (Tsuyu) usually starts in June and last till the end of July.

Tips:

Going to the supermarket with kids in the rain is not a pleasant experience. Carrying bags of groceries home with your kids in sudden downpour is awful. Look into online shopping (it makes life much easier) or ask your local supermarket for same day grocery delivery; or order from Online Organic food delivery services. If you prefer to physically select your goods some Organic Food stores in Tokyo will deliver your items to your home.
Get a haircut. Japan`s rainy season and summers are muggy. The less hair you and your kids have the better.
Japan rainy season = Mold. The best way to prevent mold is air circulation. After showers and baths open the windows, put on fans and wipe down surfaces. There are also many products on the market from sprays to prevent and kill mold, to charcoal filled containers which work well to soak up moisture.
Invest in a good dehumidifier. Amazon.co.jp has a great selection of dehumidifiers.
Always carry an umbrella. If you don`t have one with you duck into the nearest convenient store and pick up their 100 yen – 500 yen clear, plastic umbrellas. They`re actually pretty good!
If you do get caught in downpour duck into a covered area and wait it out. It “usually” only lasts a few minutes.
Invest in tall rain boots. The Hunter brand is popular with expats. You can find them at any department store or on amazon.co.jp rain boots.
The rainy season also means hot, muggy weather. If you can, take a quick, cool shower when you get home. It removes the icky feeling and will also wake you up.
Use Dr. Bronners peppermint soap for summer showers. It keeps you cool and relaxed post shower. Bottles can be found at Tomod`s pharmacy, amazon.co.jp or at Costco.
Carry Mosquito patches and repellant for your kids. Those pesky and incredibly large mosquitos are already out and about!
Keep your kids cool on those hot summer days with stroller gel packs.
I keep bottles of infant ion water around the house in case my kids catch a stomach bug, and when they`re looking dehydrated. Adults drink Aquarius/Pocari Sweat to replenish the ions/electrolytes lost during those super hot summer months. They can be found at any local convenient store. Infant ion water can be found at most pharmacies.
Have an extra set of clothes and a plastic bag for your kids. The plastic bag is to carry soaked clothing.
Carry a small, light towel or two. Handy for those days you get caught in sudden downpour.
Always carry sun screen and hats for both you and your kids.
Lastly, my kids hate being cooped up indoors. Take your kids to one of our recommended Tokyo Indoor Playcenters or Top Restaurants with Play Areas for baby and kids.

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