The Climate In JAPAN
The climate of Japan is generally mild. However, as Japan stretches from north to south, you will experience a variety of weather depending on where and when you visit. The northern end of Japan is near Siberia and is consequently very cold and snowy in winter but has wonderfully mild but short summers. The southern end of Japan is similar in climate to Florida, so has hot and humid summers and the best time to visit is the winter! Tokyo has cold winters and warm hot summers.
We have four seasons. Please also note that we have two particular seasons in Japan: rainy season and typhoon. The rainy season is from mid-June to mid-July. The Typhoon season is mostly in September. Typhoons are major cause of delays in Japan's usually punctual transportation systems.
Spring (March, April, May)
Spring time in Japan is one of the best times for a visit. It is the blossoming of the flowering cherry, or Sakura, from late March to early April that truly signals the arrival of spring to the Japanese. You will encounter thousands of families and people gathering to party under the sakura trees to celebrate the arrival of another spring.
Summer (June, July, August)
The beginning of June is the start of the cooler rainy season. However, when it ends in late June, much of Japan is very hot with high humidity. Summer is the vacation season, when the beaches and mountain resorts are filled with crowds of people. Popular activities include hiking and climbing with the best time running generally from mid-July to mid-August. A climb up Mt. Fuji is also available from July 1 to August 31. With its long exposed seacoast, going to the beach for swimming and sea sports is another popular pastime for Japanese. If you are a sports fan, professional baseball games are regularly scheduled in many of the major cities.
Autumn (September, October, November)
Autumn in Japan is usually pleasant and beautiful with swirls of coloured leaves, in vivid hues of crimson, gold, bronze and yellow, that paints its hills and mountainsides. Autumn is the time of frequent festivals, sports and cultural functions around the country. You will enjoy clear sky and much drier air compared to the humidity of summer.
Winter (December, January, February)
Except for the northern and western parts of Japan, winter is not too severe to bear with warm sunshine and blue skies. The full range of winter sports is available, especially in central and northern Japan. The country's ski resorts are very well developed to enjoy to the maximum. In Hokkaido, the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival attracts nearly two million people with the gigantic snow and ice sculptures. Winter is also the best season to enjoy the nation's thousands of Onsen, or hot spring resorts. Often located in mountain towns, such spas are little heavens.
