Rainy days in Tokyo don’t mean boring days. In fact, the city comes alive in new ways—with cozy cafes, creative workshops, and vibrant indoor experiences perfect for dodging the drizzle. Whether you’re exploring solo or with friends or family, these 10 things to do on a rainy day in Tokyo will turn gray skies into memorable moments
10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Tokyo
1. Explore Tokyo’s Museum Scene
Whether it’s the iconic Ueno museum district or niche spots like the Tobacco & Salt Museum, Meguro Parasite Museum, or the Button Museum, Tokyo’s collection of museums are as varied as they are fascinating—and most importantly, dry!
2. Take a Soak at a Local Sento
Rainy days are perfect for indulging in a hot bath at a public sento. The gentle sound of rain on the roof adds to the tranquility. Many local bathhouses have retro charm and neighborhood vibes you can’t find in big spas.
3. Duck Into a Arcade or Game Center
Game centers are Tokyo institutions. Spend an hour or two at a claw machine, try your hand at rhythm games, or beat your travel buddy in air hockey at arcades like Taito Station or GiGO.
4. Visit a Kissaten or Retro Café
These Showa-era coffee shops are the definition of cozy: think wood-paneled interiors, nostalgic menu items like Vienna coffee, Neapolitan pasta, and melon soda. Great spots to sit, snack, and watch the rain fall.
5. Catch a Film in a Neighborhood Theater
Rainy days are made for matinees. Visit smaller theaters like Uplink Kichijoji, Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro, or Eurospace in Shibuya to watch indie films, anime re-releases, or international cinema.
6. Shop Under Covered Shotengai Arcades
Skip the umbrellas and wander covered shopping streets like Nakano Broadway and Kichijoji Sunroad. These arcades are lined with retro finds, rare toys, and fun local eats.
7. Join a Cultural Workshop
Rain is the perfect excuse to go hands-on indoors. Try a 1-hour session at BUB Activity Center Asakusa or visit the Edo Kiriko Cooperative Showroom in East Tokyo to see traditional glass cutting in action.
8. Browse the Food Wonderland of Depachika
Tokyo’s high-end department store food basements (depachika) are dreamy. From luxurious bento to seasonal sweets, they’re gourmet treasure troves. Start at Takashimaya Nihombashi, Ginza Six, or Shibuya Tokyu Foodshow.
9. Stop by the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center is more than a help desk. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, it offers free travel guides, seasonal exhibits, and a top-floor observation deck and café with sweeping views of Nakamise Street and Senso-ji.
10. Wander a Bookstore or Manga Café
From towering Kinokuniya and Tsutaya branches to quirky indie shops like Cow Books or Village Vanguard, Tokyo’s bookstores are cozy havens for browsing on rainy days. Want to stay even longer? Try a manga café, where you can read, nap, or sip coffee for hours.
Review: 10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Tokyo
- Take a Soak at a Local Sento
- Duck Into a Retro Arcade or Game Center
- Visit a Kissaten or Old-Style Café
- Catch a Film in a Neighborhood Theater
- Shop Under Covered Shotengai Arcades
- Explore Tokyo’s Museum Scene
- Join a Cultural Workshop
- Browse the Food Wonderland of Depachika
- Stop by the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
- Wander a Bookstore or Manga Café
Don’t wait for the rain to stop—embrace it! Tokyo has endless indoor adventures that let you experience the city’s creative and cultural side.
Planning your Tokyo adventure?
Browse more travel tips, local guides, and family-friendly advice on our blog. And if you’re still looking for the perfect place to stay, check out our highly rated Airbnbs, Aoto Kachofugetsu and Ukiyoan Takasago in Katsushika, Tokyo—where culture, comfort, and convenience come together.
