Japan Climate

Climate:
The climate of central Japan is generally mild. However, since Japan is an archipelago of islands stretching some 3,000km from north to south, the weather depends greatly on where and when you will be traveling. Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido is in the sub-arctic climate zone whilst Okinawa in the south is sub-tropical.
Japan experiences a rainy season. Typically this takes place from mid-June to mid-July and is characterized by high humidity and above average rainfall. During September and early October, tropical low-pressure systems can develop into typhoons over the Pacific. Travelers should pay attention to storm warnings, particularly for coastal areas, if traveling in Japan

The four seasons:
Since Japan has four clear-cur seasons, the colors of nature change quite distinctively in each season and there are many leisure activities closely related to the season. Although most food ingredients can be obtained year round nowadays, foods also have their seasons. Autumn, when the crops are harvested, is a particularly pleasant season in Japan, and is referred to as ��autumn of appetite��. The lives of the Japanese have been deeply connected to four seasons since olden times as shown by the obligatory inclusion of a seasonal word in haiku poetry according to the rules composition.
Spring (March - May)

The plum blossom is the first sign that winter is coming to an end and spring is just around the corner. The cherry blossoms soon follow plum blossoms between the end of March and the beginning of April to bring this beautiful season to a climax. Cherry blossoms are at their best in the Tokyo area. Magnificent views of mountains, fields and gardens all blanketed in gentle pink abound in this season.
Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.
Foods: edible wide plants, bamboo shoots, new green tea
Leisure: cherry blossom viewing, shellfish gathering
Summer (June - August)

Summer in Japan begins in June with a three to four week rainy season. This is a critical time for farmers to plant rice. It becomes genuinely hot and humid from July onward and many Japanese enjoy a dip in the sea and relaxing at cool resorts in mountains. Summer is when many exciting festivals and other special events are held all over the country.
Clothing: light clothes (cardigans and other similar kinds are handy, since indoors are mostly air-conditioned.)
Foods: watermelon, somen noodles
Leisure: fireworks displays, swimming in the sea
Autumn (September - November)

Autumn always brings renewed freshness with a light breeze and cool temperature after the hot and humid summer. All forests are tinted in glorious autumn colors. Chrysanthemums produce beautiful displays with their abundance of flowers to enchant visitors to parks and gardens. Autumn is also the season for countless exhibitions, music concerts and sports tournaments in Japan.
Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.
Foods: mastutake (mushrooms), saury, new rice
Leisure: autumn tints viewing, mushroom gathering
Winter (December - February)

The temperature hardly ever drops below 0��C in the plains along the Pacific coast during winter. In fact it is very often sunny and rather dry. Central and Northern Japan, on the other hand, are highly regarded regions for winter sports because of the copious amounts of snowfall. Southern Japan is relatively pleasant and mild in winter.
Recommend clothing: overcoats, sweaters, etc.
Foods: pumpkins, apples, crabs, oysters, rice cakes
Leisure: skiing & snowboarding, year-end parties