Japan: Tokyo Downpour Turns Ikebukuro Station Stairs Into a Waterfall.

Tokyo, Japan - August 22, 2026 A sudden and intense downpour turned stairs leading to the Yamanote Line platform at JR Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo into a waterfall-like cascade on August 22. Footage filmed by @watame940606 shows large amounts of rainwater rushing down the station stairs, with water also reaching the ticket gate area. The flooding occurred amid record short-duration rainfall across parts of central Tokyo. More than 100 millimetres of rain per hour was reported in areas including Toshima and Itabashi, overwhelming drainage systems and causing widespread urban flooding and water leaks at several locations. The dramatic scenes highlight the challenges faced by Tokyo's busy transport infrastructure during sudden bursts of extreme summer rainfall. Video Credit: @watame940606