The weather forecast says the weather is unstable for the next few days. Today, we had rain on and off. In the morning, we had quite strong rain for a while.
Japan is quite humid and we often have rain. Sometimes, it is quite strong so it is better to carry umbrellas with you.
Borrow from the Hotel
Most of the hotels have umbrella for guests to use. However, they may be limited in number, so if the weather is not looking good, it’s better to ask early. Please ask at either reception or bell desk.
Buy plastic umbrella from Conbini
Conbini have plastic unbrellas. If you are out and started to rain suddenly, you can buy one at conbini. They are arouond 700 yen. The quality is pretty good and unless it is really windy, you can probably use it the whole time you are in Japan. You may also buy an umbrella from 100 yen shops in advance. (Even at 100 yen shops, they usually cost more than 100 yen.) The quality may not be as good as ones in conbini.
Umbrella rentals
In case of Tokyo, other option is Umbrella rental. It is called ”i-kasa”（pronounced ai-kasa; same sound as sharing umbrella）You download an App. You will find the map using the app. (mostly at stations and some conbini, stores and restaurants.) The rental fee is 140 yen for 24 hours. It is capped at 560 yen/month. You can return in different spot. And within first 24 hours, you can rent and return multiple times (if you return to i-kasa spot, you don’t have to carry umbrella when it stopped raining.) This eliminates the need to buy umbrellas, but sometimes if there is a sudden downpour and all umbrellas are rented out, or there are no i-kasa stands at the area you are at. They also have some in Osaka but not too many.
After Downloadin the App “i-kasa”
To Register
1) Select your login method (LINE, Google, Apple)
2) Select a plan (Pay as you go or monthly subscription)
3) Register your payment method (for overseas visitor,credit card)
To Rent
1)Tap “Rent (light blue)
2) Select an area (Tokyo is top left) and look for the spot(stand)
3) Read the QR code on the spot.
4)T ake out the umbrella and start renting.
To Return
1)Tap “Return”. (Navy blue)
2) Select an area (Tokyo is top left)
3) Read the QR code on the spot.
4) Fold the umbrella and return it.
For details, please read note 【English version】How to use Aikasa｜アイカサ公式情報室！ (note.com) note that price has changed since this note was made.
Buy umbrellas as sourvenir
As it rains quite often in Japan, we have good selections of umbrellas. Maybe you can take one home. Especially foldable unbrellas are quite good. Some are really light and actually lighter than smartphones. (Few times, I forget I had one in my bag and bought a new one.) Some can be used as umbrella or parasol (to protect against heat and UV radiation). If you go to shops like Hands and Loft, you can find many different variety. If you go to Department stores, you can find designer umbrellas (like Ralph Lauren, Charles Jourdan, Lanvin, Celine, Versace, Christian Dior, Aquascutum and etc)
What to do with unbrella when you go inside buildings
When you go inside sightseeing spots, shops, or hotels, the facility ask you to put your unbrella in a plastic bag. You will find plastic bags stand at the door. They ask you to do so because floors can be slippery and dangerous. You will often find new type that you just need to put your unbrella in and it will be automatically put the unbrella in plastic bag.
Sometimes, you may find unbrella stand (such as in conbini) Sometimes, you may find unbrella stand with lock. (either small key or set pin number to lock) Many museum ask you to leave your umbrella in umbrella stand before entering.
Recently, in order to reduce plastic bags, you see a device so you can shake the umbrella to remove drips before you enter a building.f
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