Japan's rainy season — tsuyu — is almost here. According to the Japan Weather Association's second forecast, released May 21, the Kanto-Koshin region, including Tokyo, is expected to enter the rainy season in mid-June 2026, slightly later than usual. Even so, rain often starts to pick up from late May, so if you're traveling in Japan in June or July, being ready for a sudden downpour can make all the difference.
The good news: rain gear is incredibly easy and affordable to buy in Japan. You don't need to pack an umbrella or raincoat from home — you can grab what you need once you arrive. This guide breaks it down by the three best places to shop: convenience stores, 100-yen shops, and Don Quijote, with rough 2026 prices for each.
Note: All prices include tax and may vary by store, region, and season. Figures below are approximate, as of 2026.
1. Convenience Stores (Konbini): Your Go-To in a Pinch
If you get caught in the rain while you're out, nothing beats a konbini. They're everywhere, most are open 24 hours, and the umbrella rack is usually right by the entrance.
Prices for clear plastic umbrellas vary by chain. As of 2026, FamilyMart tends to be the most wallet-friendly, starting around ¥550. At 7-Eleven, you can find a 65cm plastic umbrella for ¥737, and across konbini in general — Lawson included — clear plastic umbrellas tend to land somewhere between ¥600 and ¥800.
If you'd rather have something compact, some 7-Eleven stores also carry folding umbrellas. Automatic open-and-close models usually run around ¥1,800–¥2,200, though availability depends on the region and what's in stock.
The downside is that the price per umbrella is relatively high for what you get. Japan goes through a staggering number of umbrellas every year — an estimated 120 to 130 million in total, of which roughly 80 million are disposable plastic umbrellas. Convenience stores are best when you just need one umbrella, right now.
2. 100-Yen Shops (Daiso, Seria, Can Do): The Best Value
If your goal is to spend as little as possible — or you just want simple rain gear to get you through the trip — 100-yen shops, Japan's budget variety stores, are hard to beat. Daiso and Seria have branches in major stations and shopping malls, with a surprisingly wide selection.
At Daiso, you'll find compact raincoats, rain ponchos, elastic-hem rain pants, and backpack rain covers, with prices running from ¥110 up to a few hundred yen. Some stores carry lightweight folding umbrellas for around ¥550, and there are more specialized options too, such as two-way raincoats designed to cover both you and a child in a baby carrier.
They won't hold up like serious rain gear, but for a few days of "I just don't want to get soaked," they do the job. For travelers trying to keep their luggage light, this is the first place to look.
3. Don Quijote: Selection and Tax-Free Shopping
Don Quijote, or "Donki," is a discount megastore known for its huge selection. During the rainy season, many branches set up dedicated rainy-season displays stocked with umbrellas and rain gear. Plenty of locations stay open late or around the clock, which is handy for travelers.
Donki's private-label automatic open-and-close folding umbrella, 60cm, is capped at ¥1,759 in stores. It is wind-resistant and has a UV-blocking coating. Depending on the branch, you may also come across sturdy, wind-resistant full-size umbrellas and other rainwear.
Better yet, most Don Quijote stores offer tax-free shopping. Show your passport, and qualifying purchases are duty-free. Note that Japan's tax-free system is set to switch to a refund-based model on November 1, 2026; see our guide "Japan's Tax-Free Shopping Is Changing" for details. Donki is a great stop if you want to grab rain gear and stock up on souvenirs in one go.
Which to Choose, by Situation
For city sightseeing on foot, a 100-yen poncho plus a konbini umbrella is cheap and easy. It works well as light gear for a short trip — but if it's still usable when you leave, consider passing it on to your hotel or a travel companion rather than tossing it.
For hydrangea viewing or other days when you'll be walking around in the rain, pair a sturdy folding umbrella from Donki with a rain poncho from a 100-yen shop. Pack non-slip sneakers too, since wet stone paths and slopes can be treacherous. For more on dressing for the season, see "What to Wear in Japan in June: Your Rainy Season Guide."
And if you're trying to travel light, skip packing rain gear from home and buy it here. It saves precious suitcase space.
Making the Most of a Rainy Day in Tokyo
The rainy season gets a bad rap, but it has its own quiet pleasures. Rain-soaked hydrangeas are one of the highlights of the season, and Tokyo has plenty of spots to see them. See "6 Best Hydrangea Spots in Tokyo" for ideas. Early-summer evenings also bring firefly season; see "Tokyo's Firefly Magic: 5 Places to Catch Hotaru."
On days when the rain is too heavy for outdoor sightseeing, swap your plans for a depachika, or department store food hall, crawl or a konbini sweets taste-test. Browse our other food and shopping articles for more rainy-day ideas.
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This article was translated from the original Japanese with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team. The Japanese version is authoritative.
