Seasons in Japan

Most of Japan is located in a mild and humid climate zone, except Hokkaido in a subarctic zone and Okinawa in a subtropical zone. Because of a mild and humid climate zone, Japan has four definite seasons.

Winter

Winter south of the Kanto area is basically from November until February. The northern part of Japan has long and severe winters. In the northern part of Japan, winter continues until March. The minimum temperature in Hokkaido sometimes reaches -30 degree C. and below.

Winter weather on the Pacific Ocean side and on the Japan Sea side is quite contrastive. On the Pacific Ocean side, the weather is usually fine and clear. You can often see Mt. Fuji, even from the Kanto area in winter.

On the other hand, gloomy and dark scenery can often be seen on the Japan sea side, especially from Hokuriku in Chubu and from the Tohoku area. There is a lot of snow. The accumulated snow height sometimes reaches more than 1 m. in mountain areas in Niigata prefecture.

This weather condition is caused by a stable state of high atmospheric pressure in the western regions and low atmospheric pressure in the eastern regions.

However, severe winter renders benefits to north Japan.
Snow monkeys and powder snow for skiing are good examples.

Spring

Spring starts with blooming of plum trees in February in southwest Japan. It travels from south to north. In the northern part of Japan, plum trees bloom in May.

At the end of March, cherry blossoms start to bloom in southwest Japan. Also it travels from south to north. In the northern part of Japan, plum trees and cherry trees bloom at the same time, around the end of April and/or the beginning of May.

When spring starts in March, winter pressure patterns such as "the high-pressure area to the west, and the low-pressure area to the east" become unstable.
Weather periodically changes as a cycle of three cold and clear days and four warm and rainy days. From the end of March to the beginning of April, rainy days usually continue, so called "Natane Tsuyu". Also, from the middle of June to the middle of July is the rainy season, except in Hokkaido.

From the end of April to the beginning of May, Japan celebrates what is called "Golden Week". In this week, there are a few national holidays; on April 29th, May 3rd, 4th and 5th. Many Japanese travel during this holiday period, so trains are full and highways are heavily crowded. Room rates at hotels are also increased at this time and become very expensive.

It would not be recommended for tourists from other countries to travel to Japan during this week. However, after Golden Week, fine weather continues and site seeing places are not crowded. You can also enjoy seeing beautiful rice fields. It is good season to travel in Japan.

Summer

Summer starts after rainy season finishes around the middle of July. Sunny days bigin and continue and suddenly it becomes very hot. Summer in Japan is extremely hot and humid.

The hottest areas in Japan are north of Nagoya and north of Tokyo, little distance away from the Pacific Ocean. The maximum temperature exceeds 40 degree C with high humidity.

A better way to enjoy summer in Japan is by going to mountain areas or participating in summer festivals.

Famous summer festivals are held in Tohoku at the beginning of August. They are "Nebuta" in Aomori, "Kanto" in Akita, "Hanagasa" in Yamagata and "Tanabata" in Sendai, Miyagi.

Also, firework festivals are held in almost all major cities in Japan on a weekend night in August. Spectacular views of fireworks will help you forget the hot and humid conditions.

Autumn

Autumn is from September to November. In recent years, it has still been quite warm in September. However, after one or two weeks of rain is over in September, fresh and comfortable autumn starts.

Autumn is also festival season. There are harvest festivals held throughout Japan. In the Nagoya area, parade floats are drawn or pulled within the towns. Takayama Festival is a famous one, but each town in the Nagoya area has similar festivals.

In late October, you can see Japanese pampas grass and cosmoses blooming on mowed rice fields in rural areas. Leaves put on their autumn colors. Colored leaves are very beautiful, especially in the northern part of Japan. Kyoto is also well-known for beautiful colored leaves.

In autumn, sunset becomes very beautiful. You wonft want to miss it.
Autumn in Japan is really a nice time to travel.


Sunset from ruins of Tobiyama Castle