Serenity in the Rain: Mindful Ways to Experience Japan
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has announced that the rainy season has begun across much of the country. For those visiting Japan at this time of year, we would like to share some refined, rain-friendly ways to spend your days.
◎ Zazen and Meditation at a Temple
Zazen is a traditional Zen Buddhist discipline in which one sits with an upright posture to cultivate deep mental focus. By aligning the body, regulating the breath, and concentrating solely on the act of sitting, practitioners aim to quiet the inner noise and reach a state of mental emptiness, free from distraction. This practice is said to bring a profound sense of emotional calm and an almost weightless lightness to the body.
Meditation, while similar, often differs slightly in its objective, guiding the mind to focus on a single point—such as the breath, a mantra, or a specific image. In both practices, steady breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and enhancing concentration. Personally, I find that practicing zazen or meditation on rainy days brings an even deeper sense of tranquility. I highly encourage you to experience this for yourself.
◎ Forest Bathing in the Kasuga Primeval Forest
We also highly recommend the immersive experience of forest bathing in the rain. Witness how the trees, nourished by the “blessings of the heavens,” grow lush and vibrant. Listen to raindrops tapping gently on the canopy, and breathe in the rich, distinctive scent of the damp earth. There are many aspects of the woodland that can only be truly appreciated when it rains.
In the Kasuga Primeval Forest—protected for centuries as the sacred domain of Kasuga Taisha shrine—we offer guided forest-bathing walks with a nature specialist. As you stroll slowly through these ancient, mist-draped woods, you will gain a deeper understanding of the traditional Japanese way of relating to nature.
◎ Meaningful Encounters with Artisans and Traditional Crafts
Another rainy-day pleasure is visiting artisans in their studios: observing master craftsmanship up close, and even trying your hand at certain techniques. Through unhurried conversations with these creators, you can explore Japanese culture at a much more thoughtful pace
Our agency curates a range of interactive programs that facilitate these rare encounters—connecting you with makers of traditional crafts like chasen (bamboo tea whisks) and sumi ink, master brewers of sake and soy sauce, and artisans who craft delicate Japanese sweets.
We warmly invite you to embrace and enjoy Japan’s rainy season in your own unique way.
Cover photo: Hydrangeas in full bloom at Hasedera Temple, Nara. They are currently at their peak beauty.
