This year the rainy season was delayed and we had a nice, sunny month of June with very few days of rain.
The Japanese rainy season, Tsuyu, is usually quite different from the rainy season of other Asian countries. Although the sky is often gloomy and there are certainly some rainy days, there isn’t usually an intense pouring rain. Instead, there’s more of a misty, humid atmosphere that gives mystical vibes to Japanese temples and seasonal displays of nature.
For those afraid of the rainy season, Hokkaido is not affected by tsuyu and the green season (May to October) is an amazing time to explore this northern region of Japan, especially with a self-drive rental car itinerary.
Key Takeaways:
- Guide Training
June is guide training month for EXO and the hundreds of guides that we work with nationwide. We hosted multiple seminars in Tokyo and Kyoto, where our guides had the occasion to meet EXO staff, ask questions and learn about best practices to follow when guiding EXO clients.
It was a great chance to improve our relationship with both novice and veteran guides and introduce our new small group shared tours.
- Tipping in Japan: The One Exception
As a general rule, tipping culture does not exist in Japan. For many years, it was seen as rude to tip hotel staff, servers, and other service workers. Japanese hospitality is built on providing top notch service without expecting any additional pay, so tips could be taken as a subtle insult.
However, times have changed and customs have shifted, leading to one occasion where tipping is suggested when merited. Tour guides are now highly appreciative of accepting cash tips, and it is a welcome way to show your thanks for an enjoyable tour.
Your guides will probably be the only people you should consider tipping on your Japanese vacation. Tipping in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and other occasions is still not expected or suggested, and can lead to confusion and awkwardness.
If you choose to tip your guide for a job well done, the amount is up to you. If possible, hand over the money in an envelope (we suggest bringing one from your hotel room or front desk).
- Osaka EXPO 2025
Due to the Osaka EXPO, all services in Osaka between April-October 2025 will be on request basis only.
Destination news
- Construction Work – The tea house at the Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo is affected by some construction, with the teahouse itself and one of the bridges being covered in scaffolding. The teahouse will be closed until July, the bridge will reopen in September.
- Hotel New Opening – Osaka is preparing to welcome more tourists for 2025 EXPO with the opening of three new hotels from this summer:
– The Osaka Station Hotel: Located on the site of the original Osaka Station of 1874, Osaka Station Hotel is an elegant property with the concept of ‘The Osaka Time’ which aims to pass on the history and culture of this area to the future.
– Canopy by Hilton: Located in the elegant district of Umeda, featuring spacious rooms and an elegant design.
– Four Season Hotel Osaka: To complement the brand’s hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto, this high-end accommodation finally arrives in Osaka, providing a picture perfect, modern take on the quintessential ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with a range of unique, immersive experiences that deliver a true sense of Japan.
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