Japan has four very distinct seasons, but there is another season that Japan experiences between spring and summer. Tsuyu, is the name of the rainy season that comes during June. Due to the seasonal rain front that crosses Japan from east to west, the whole country experiences two weeks of bad weather. However, like they always seem to do, Japanese people have succeeded in discovering the aesthetics of tsuyu.

The beautiful blue and purple hydrangeas that bloom during the rainy season, has become a symbol of tsuyu. The flowers start blooming in many places across Japan, and their bright colors levitate the dreariness of the rain. Another custom that Japanese people do in order to reduce the dull feeling of bad weather, is to hang up a teru-teru-bōzu. These are small simple dolls made with tissue papers. The dolls are said to help make the rain stop, so you might see shops or homes with a teru-teru-bōzu hanging by the window. Frogs and snails become active during this season, so they have also become symbols of tsuyu. If you search images for the Japanese rainy season, you will probably find hydrangeas, teru-teru-bōzu, frogs, and snails.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas

With heavy rain pouring down every day, tsuyu becomes a time to enjoy the indoors. I personally like to watch the rain and the rich greenery from inside a quiet café, drinking a hot beverage while I am on my phone or reading a book.