Most people who know me are well aware of my dislike for the cold and rainy seasons. As a samugari—someone who gets cold easily—I tend to slip into a pretty negative mood on days like these (unless I’m safely tucked away somewhere warm at home).

As tsuyu creeps closer, I can’t help but feel a bit bummed trying to plan anything for June. Will it rain? Are the toll roads safe? Where did that folding umbrella disappear to?

And then there’s the real villain: wet shoes. Soggy socks. Honestly, I’m already groaning just thinking about it.

On the bright side, the rainy season isn’t all bad. Hydrangeas—or ajisai, as they’re called here—start blooming all across Japan, and they really do make the rain feel a bit more worthwhile. It’s honestly hard to resist the temptation to brave the drizzle for a few good photos.

I might try to take some this year—if I can manage the logistics of camera in one hand and umbrella in the other… or just convince my husband to handle the umbrella, which is clearly the better plan. 🙂

Taken two years ago, June 20, 2024

Here’s hoping this year’s rainy season is kind—and keeps my socks dry.