Japan's four seasons (shiki) are divided into three months, with each spring, summer, fall, and winter having its own characteristics. The reason why the climate differs greatly from season to season is that the country is located in the mid-latitudes and surrounded by the sea on all sides. Although there are other countries with four seasons, it is rare to find a country with such distinct differences as Japan.

This article describes the characteristics and attractions of Japan's four seasons.

■ Characteristics of the Four Seasons in Japan

The four seasons (shiki) of spring, summer, fall, and winter, which change during the year, are called the four seasons. The four seasons in Japan are characterized by differences that are easier to distinguish than in other countries. Since the climate differs depending on the season, it is possible to enjoy different scenery and food at different times of the year.

Japan's four seasons are more distinct than those of other countries.

While there are regions in other countries where the seasons change, few countries have four distinct seasons as clearly as Japan. Four seasons exist in most regions, with the exception of the equator, the North and South Poles, but in many cases, one season is long and the differences in climate are ambiguous. It is rare to find a country like Japan, where the seasons clearly change every three months and the climate varies widely.

One of the reasons for Japan's four distinct seasons is that it is an island nation, and weather and temperatures are easily influenced by the ocean currents that come in each season.

Another reason for the four distinct seasons is that the country is located in the mid-latitudes, between 24° and 45° north latitude. Basically, countries in tropical regions located at lower latitudes are characterized by year-round heat, while countries in frigid regions at higher latitudes are always cold. The difference in Japan's four seasons, which is unparalleled in other countries, is caused by the ocean currents and the fact that Japan belongs to a temperate zone in the mid-latitudes.

Climate varies greatly from region to region.

Japan is a long country, stretching approximately 2,787 km from north to south, and the four seasons vary greatly from region to region. Hokkaido, located in the north, is classified as a subarctic region and is characterized by low temperatures and humidity and much snowfall. On the other hand, Okinawa Prefecture, located in the south, is in the subtropical zone, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year and no snowfall.

Japan's climate varies greatly even from east to west. Especially in Honshu, weather and temperatures differ greatly between the Sea of Japan side and the Pacific side even during the same season.

Thus, although common features such as “hot summers” and “cold winters” exist, the four seasons in Japan are characterized by differences in weather and temperatures in different regions.

Each season has its own charm.

In Japan, which has four distinct seasons, the flowers and plants that can be seen and the sounds of insects that can be heard differ with each season. In addition, vegetables, fruits, and seafood are at their most flavorful at different times of the year, and there are delicious foods for every season.

The activities that change with the seasons are also great fun: cherry blossom viewing in spring, swimming in the sea in summer, leaf peeping in autumn, skiing in winter, and so on.

Plants, phenomena, and foods that can be seen only at certain times of the year are called seasonal customs. People look forward to seeing and tasting these seasonal delicacies in order to feel the arrival of the seasons.

■ Four Seasons of Japan -Spring -

Spring in Japan is a season of colorful flowers such as plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and violets. With its mild climate and pleasant weather, it is a season that many people look forward to. On the other hand, the weather is changeable and it is easy to get sick.

Spring Features

Spring in Japan is from March to May, and from the day of the vernal equinox around March 21, the weather gradually becomes less cold and more comfortable. However, it is important to note that high pressure and low pressure alternately cover Japan, causing strong winds and rain to blow suddenly.

Spring in Japan is also characterized by high levels of airborne pollen. Cedar and cypress trees are very abundant in Japan, and they release pollen from March to May. People who are allergic to pollen should take adequate measures.

Spring Charm

Spring in Japan is the perfect season for excursions, as the cold weather eases off and people can enjoy camping, hiking, and other activities. In late April and early May, there is a major holiday called Golden Week, which is a great time to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Spring is the season when wild vegetables such as bamboo shoots, cod sprouts, and butterbur sprouts are in season. Tempura of wild vegetables is a dish that can be enjoyed only in spring in Japan. Seafood such as clams and clams are also in season and make excellent soup or takikomi-gohan.

Spring Events

One of the most popular spring events in Japan is hanami (cherry blossom viewing). Laying out leisure sheets in a park or open space with beautiful cherry blossoms, eating a boxed lunch and drinking sake is a great way to enjoy the Japanese spring. Another popular style of hanami is to walk along a tree-lined avenue while slowly admiring the cherry blossoms.

Other events include “Momo no Sekku,” a time to display hina dolls and pray for the growth of girls, and “Tango-no Sekku,” a time to display carp streamers and helmets and pray for the growth of boys.

■ Four Seasons of Japan -Summer-

Summer in Japan is from June to August. When most people think of summer, bright blue skies, sunflowers, and morning glories probably come to mind. While the heat is intense, the charm of summer is the many events that give it a uniquely Japanese flavor.

Summer Features

In Japan, June and early July ushers in the rainy season, a period of rainy and cloudy weather. The rainy season is characterized by high humidity and dreary weather.

After the rainy season ends, the days become warmer and sunnier, and the temperature rises, ushering in full-blown summer. Summers in Japan are typically hot and humid. The reason for the high humidity is that Japan is covered by the “Pacific High” in summer, which contains a lot of water vapor.

There are large differences in temperature between regions, and it is not generally hot everywhere.

Summer Attractions

One of the most attractive features of summer is the opportunity to enjoy leisure activities at the beach or in the mountains. except for Okinawa Prefecture, where the temperature is high throughout the year, summer is the only time of year when you can comfortably swim in Japan's oceans, so in July many people gather at the beaches. While swimming in the sea, it is also recommended to enjoy meals and barbecues at beach houses.

Summer mountains are easier to climb than winter mountains, so they can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages. Even in the hot summer, you can feel cooler in the mountains. If you choose a mountain with a stream, waterfall, or ravine, you can also play in the water.

Summer Events

Summer is full of events that can help you overcome the heat in a fun way. For example, at summer festivals and fairs, you can see portable shrines and taste gourmet food from stalls. It is also a good idea to wear a yukata or jinbei to festivals. Fireworks festivals are also held in many parts of Japan on summer nights. The brilliant fireworks floating in the pitch-dark night sky are a summer tradition that allows visitors to fully appreciate the Japanese sense of beauty.

■ Four Seasons of Japan -Autumn-

Autumn in Japan is from September to November. The sun eases, the weather becomes milder, and people can enjoy outdoor sports and leisure activities. This is the time when flowers such as chrysanthemums and cosmos bloom and many delicious foods such as grapes and pears are harvested.

Autumn Features

Autumn is the season when many foods are in season. Seafood such as saury, salmon, oysters, and bonito become delicious. Chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are in season. Putting sweet chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins in your mouth will make you feel the autumn season. It is also fun to take part in a taste-testing event organized by a tourist farm and pick pears, grapes, mushrooms, and other delicacies.

Autumn Events

As autumn approaches, the humidity drops and the weather turns refreshing and pleasant. Although typhoons sometimes approach, it is basically a pleasant season with many sunny days. It becomes easier to be active outdoors and enjoy leisure activities such as sports, hiking, and camping.

However, after the autumnal equinox, usually around September 23, the temperature difference between the morning and evening and during the daytime becomes more extreme, so you need to be careful in choosing the right clothes. Prepare a parka or jacket and wear it according to the temperature.

■ Four Seasons of Japan -Winter-

In Japan, winter is from December to February. It is a cold season, but camellias, daffodils, and mountain tea flowers bloom. While there are areas with heavy snowfall, there are also areas where snow rarely falls, making it a season of great climatic differences from place to place.

Winter Features

The climate of winter in Japan varies greatly between the Sea of Japan side and the Pacific Ocean side. On the Sea of Japan side, the moisture-laden northwesterly monsoon brings snow, and it is not unusual for snow to accumulate to over 1 meter in depth. Yamagata, Akita, and Niigata prefectures in particular receive large amounts of snowfall and are called “snow country.

The Pacific Ocean side is characterized by dry winds blowing from the mountains and dry air. There are many sunny days and not much snow falls.

Winter Attraction

One of the attractions of winter is the all-white snowy landscape. Especially in Hokkaido, which is rich in nature, the fantastic snowy scenery attracts many tourists every year. In Nagano and Niigata prefectures, there are numerous ski resorts where winter sports can be enjoyed.

Onsen (hot springs) and hot-pot dishes are also an attraction of cold winters. A hot spring bath will warm your cold body and make you feel happy. Nabe dishes such as sukiyaki and oden with beef are even more delicious in the cold winter.

Winter Events

Winter events in Japan include Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.

Unlike overseas, Christmas in Japan is characterized by people having fun and excitement with friends and loved ones rather than spending the holiday with family. People eat chicken and Christmas cake, give each other gifts, and spend the time in a lively atmosphere. Illuminations are also held everywhere, so going to see them is also a part of the fun.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are the most Japanese of the year's events. On New Year's Eve, people eat New Year's soba noodles and pray for longevity, go to temples to ring the New Year's bell, and watch special TV programs with their families.

On January 1, the first day of the year, people go to shrines and temples to pray for a peaceful new year. Another traditional way to spend New Year's Day is to gather with family members to eat “osechi,” a traditional Japanese New Year's meal filled with food that brings good luck.

■ Summary

Countries other than Japan also have four seasons. However, there are few countries where the seasons change as clearly every three months as in Japan. One of the pleasures of living in Japan is to fully experience the seasons through plants, seasonal foods, and events. We encourage you to take a look at the charm and beauty of Japan's four seasons.