The rainy season starts on June 10th this year. The season lasts for a month from the beginning of the season, according to the calendar.

Have you ever wondered why the Chinese characters 梅雨 (plum rain) are used to represent “tsuyu,” or rainy season in Japan? Theories vary: that it is the season when the plum fruit ripens, and that the season used to be called “baiu” using the Chinese characters 黴雨 (mold rain) but changed to use the character of plum to give a better impression.

This season has various opportunities to offer, such as preparing plum wine and visiting notable hydrangea gardens. These are pleasures unique to the rainy season for us to enjoy while appreciating the blessed rain.