Japan has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter, each with their own delightful sights and landscapes.
The Japan Meteorological Agency designates the months from March to May as spring, June to August as summer, September to November as autumn, December to February as winter.
Changes in the seasons are more pronounced in Japan because it is located in the temperate zone, but since the archipelago extends towards the north and south, some differences in climate may be observed from region to region.
Other countries aside from Japan also experience four seasons, but Japan's seasons feel especially crisp and vivid.
Japanese cuisine uses seasonal ingredients that allow dishes to express the uniqueness of each individual season.
These richness of Japanese customs related to the seasons are unlike anything found anywhere else.
Spring
【Characteristics】
Like autumn, spring in Japan boasts comfortable temperatures and you can experience Japanese seasonal tradition, hanami (flower-viewing).
【Characteristic flowers】
cherry blossoms, violets and camellias.
Summer
【Characteristics】
The hottest period of the year. Humidity is typically high relative to the ambient temperature, making it feel hot and muggy.
This is a great time to have some fun at the beach or a river.
The period from June to the middle of July is the monsoon season in Japan.
This period is characterized by continuous rainfall and damp and humid days.
Once the monsoon season ends, summer officially begins.
【Characteristic flowers】
sunflowers, morning glories.
Fall
【Characteristics】
less pronounced extremes of heat and cold compared to spring, making it a more comfortable season.
Leaves turn yellow and red, melding into a symphony of autumn color.
There are plenty of famous spots all over Japan where the autumn colors can be appreciated.
【Characteristic flowers】
chrysanthemum and cosmos.
Winter
【Characteristics】
severely cold weather; several meters of snow may typically accumulate in the northern regions close to the sea of Japan and Hokkaido.
This is a great time to enjoy skiing or snowboarding.
【Characteristic flowers】
plum blossom, narcissus.
