Kumamoto sits on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island, which typically takes the country’s earliest and most direct typhoon landfalls of the season, with a rainy season that begins earlier than the rest of Japan.
Sitting on the Shira River in central Kyushu, the city has experienced serious flooding in recent years, including the destructive July 2020 floods along the nearby Kuma River basin. Because Kyushu is often the first part of Japan a typhoon reaches, radar imagery is closely watched here in the hours before landfall, and the Japan Meteorological Agency’s regional radar network covers Kumamoto. Learn more: Hurricane Season Radar Guide · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Kumamoto right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Kumamoto in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Kumamoto, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Kumamoto rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Kumamoto?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Japan are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Kumamoto or pass by.
Is this Kumamoto rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.