Tokyo sits on the Pacific coast in a region regularly affected by typhoons, particularly from August through October, and averages around 1,530 mm (about 60 inches) of rain a year, with a secondary wet period in June and July driven by the seasonal rain front known as tsuyu. Typhoons approaching Japan can bring extremely heavy, sustained rainfall over a day or two, sometimes causing river flooding well inland in addition to coastal impacts, as seen with Typhoon Hagibis in 2019, one of the most damaging storms to hit the region in recent memory. The city’s extensive underground flood-control infrastructure, including large storage tunnels, has significantly reduced routine flooding, but the most intense typhoons can still overwhelm the system in localized areas. Because typhoon tracks and intensity can shift within hours of landfall, radar imagery is a core part of how both the public and disaster-management agencies monitor an approaching storm. The Japan Meteorological Agency operates the national weather radar network.
Learn more: Hurricane Season Radar Guide · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Tokyo right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Tokyo in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Tokyo, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo or pass by.
Is this Tokyo 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.