Also, how bad do monsoons get (Tsuyu?), and what should I bring from London to prepare? My waterproof is a British windbreaker winter coat. Too hot? Or are monsoons just cold no matter what?
You'll definitely need waterproof shoes for rainy season, though they can get really hot, so have flip flops in your bag for if you get too hot, or some kind of jelly sandals or something for if you get caught in a storm, they start suddenly and can sometimes be torrential, I never saw rain like it in London.
Buy umbrellas here in the 100 yen shop BEFORE a storm, otherwise you can get them in the convenience store for about 500 yen.
You'll need a light but waterproof rain jacket (think of what people might take to Glastonbury or something- when it's hot but also rainy). This is always a compromise- good waterproofs are too hot, cooler gear doesn't keep the moisture out so well.
The rain is generally warm, though if you get soaked and you're out in wet clothes at night it can make you get cold if the air temperature is not so warm.You can get cheap and unstylish rain gear in 100 yen shops or convenience stores here (where it is more expensive).Hope this helps.
