It is the rainy season in Japan right now. Called Tsuyu in Japanese, the season typically lasts 6 weeks. The idea of endless cloudy skies and lots of rain sounds daunting, but every year when we are in the middle of the rainy season I am reminded that it’s actually rather comfortable most days. In between the rain and clouds, we are treated to bright blue skies with big puffy white clouds and sunshine. The showers bring cooler air and lush landscapes. Big, colorful hydrangeas (called ajisai in Japanese) pop up everywhere. This flower is actually a native flower of Japan and has been cultivated here since ancient times.
Hydrangea 
Japanese Ajisai
Even when the forecast shows rainy days for weeks on-end, there is almost always a break in the day where the sun comes out. During this season, we appreciate the sun even more than in other times. Once the rainy season ends, heavy humidity and higher temperatures arrive. I think almost everyone enjoys Tsuyu more than Japanese summer.