Woah, May has flown by and now it’s June.

As May swiftly gives way to June, anticipation fills the air in both the United States and Japan. In the States, June is synonymous with weddings and outdoor gatherings. But my memories transport me to Japan, where June signals the onset of Tsuyu, a unique and often challenging rainy season that marks the transition from spring to summer.

Memories of Tsuyu

Recalling my time living in Japan, memories of Tsuyu flood back vividly. I remember the relentless rain and the heavy humidity that seemed to cling to everything. Stepping outside, I often found my clothes weighed down by the moisture in the air, especially on an overcast day when the rain hadn’t fallen yet. My high school used to be on a sizable hill, and I remember loathing walking up it during Tsuyu because the water would get inside my loafers no matter how careful I was. Tsuyu was undeniably a sticky, hot mess, yet it possessed a charm and cultural significance that made it special.

The greenery that lines the streets and serves as the backdrop for the city in the form of mountains is always lush and vibrant during Tsuyu. The flowers bloom beautifully, and the rivers and streams roar with the added moisture. The air, thick with the scent of wet earth and blooming flowers, carried a certain freshness that was both invigorating and calming. It’s not all negative during this wet month of June.

Weather Forecasts and Tsuyu

In Japan, weather forecasts do more than predict daily weather. They provide an estimated weather pattern overall, such as predicting the full bloom of cherry blossoms in different areas of Japan. (I wrote about that back in April if you would like a light read!) During June, meteorologists predict the start and end of the rainy season, giving us a glimpse of the wet days ahead.

Last year, the Kanto region, which is where I am from, went into Tsuyu on June 7th. It is reported that this year, it is about a week late. We can expect it to get rainy on around June 15th. Be in mind when planning a trip to Japan around June!

Traditions Amidst the Rain

Amidst the dampness and humidity of Tsuyu, traditional Japanese customs and sights emerge to offer solace and respite. Wind chimes, known as fūrin, echo through the rain-soaked air, providing a soothing melody that cools the soul.

I always enjoyed sitting at the engawa of our house, listening to the fūrin and the gentle rain sounds. An engawa is a traditional Japanese wooden veranda or porch that runs along the outside of a house, providing a place to sit and enjoy the garden views while being sheltered from the rain. You can experience this for yourself with YouTube clips, such as this one. On days when we hope for sunshine, we might make a teruteru-bōzu, a traditional handmade doll believed to bring good weather.

Yukata: Embracing the Heat

To combat the oppressive heat, we often wear a yukata, a thin, kimono-like garment historically worn as bathrobes. Made with natural fibers, yukatas offer a semblance of relief during the sticky summer months. They are commonly seen during festivals and fireworks shows, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Slipping into a yukata after a long sticky day felt like a ritual, a way to embrace the season’s challenges with grace and tradition.

The Beauty of Hydrangeas

Another highlight of the rainy season is the beautiful blooms of hydrangeas. On rare sunny days, many, including myself, enjoy visiting places like Toukei-ji in Kamakura to see these flowers. Another location famous for hydrangeas is the Meigetsu-in, also in Kamakura.

Often planted in temples and shrines, hydrangeas create a picturesque scene, especially when paired with traditional attire like yukata. The blues and purples of the blooms make it feel cooler, offering a visual respite from the heat. Walking through a temple garden, surrounded by hydrangeas in full bloom, felt like stepping into a serene, otherworldly realm.

A Global Celebration of Seasons

As summer approaches in Western New York, let’s take a moment to appreciate the diversity of seasonal experiences around the world. While June may bring weddings and sunny days in some parts of the United States, in Japan, it marks the onset of Tsuyu, the rainy season. Despite the sticky discomfort, Tsuyu offers a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in traditional customs, like wearing yukata and admiring the vibrant hydrangea blooms.

By sharing our favorite seasonal moments and traditions, we not only celebrate the beauty of nature but also embrace the rich tapestry of cultures that make our world so fascinating. So, whether it’s enjoying the scent of rain-soaked earth or relishing in the warmth of a summer festival, let’s cherish these moments and find joy in the diversity of our environment.

What are your favorite seasonal traditions? Share them in the comments below, and let’s continue celebrating the wonders of nature together.