On the 22nd Kanto declared the rainy season over—suddenly hot. This three-day weekend feels like a boil. El Niño is delayed until autumn, but scorching heat seems likely.
At lunch I stepped out of Palaceside Building but lacked energy for a long walk, resting in shade along the Imperial Palace moat. Palace runners remain energetic, though perhaps fewer than usual (photo above).
On the Palaceside side of Uchibori-dori, about 200 meters in front of the building,
fifty crape myrtles bloom pink, red and white. Some branches cast welcome shade; when I raised my camera, a foreign couple passed—looking rather hot (photo right).
This row is part of Tokyo's "Fureai Road Program"; Palaceside Building helps maintain it for a comfortable sidewalk.
This year's end was 16 days later than last year—felt long—but only one day behind normal. Rain was heavy through July 21.
On the 20th Chugoku-Shikoku ended; the 21st brought Kyushu north, Kinki and Tokai—yet Kanto waited until the 22nd while the week ahead looks sunny.
JMA's FAQ explains it announces end when past weather and the week ahead show change.
Note: JMA does not use the word "declaration"; media do. Official wording is "appears to have ended," with dates fixed in August–September.
With that in mind, Kanto's July 22 end is understandable.