Hot summers include heavy precipitation and typhoons.As South Africans, most of us aren’t familiar with these unique Japanese ingredients. The Southwest islands and Okinawa occupy a subtropical zone with a yearly average temperature above 20 degrees and warm winters. The Seto Inland Sea area is sheltered from summer and winter seasonal winds by surrounding Chugoku and Shikoku regions, and experiences year-round mild temperatures and low levels of precipitation. The side of Japan facing the Pacific Ocean experiences a humid summer, receiving heavy precipitation due to the southeast seasonal wind, but enjoys many clear days during the dry winter. The land-locked region of central Honshu experiences a larger range of temperatures between day and night, summer and winter. The area facing the Sea of Japan accumulates heavy snow in winter due to winter seasonal winds, but warms up in the summer with long daylight hours.
The northernmost region of Japan has a subarctic climate and experiences low temperatures year-round, with especially severe cold in the winter. The climate in Japan varies greatly from north to south due to geographical features and seasonal winds, and is commonly divided into the following six climatic zones: Hokkaido (北海道) (above image by Japan Meteorological Agency website click for more information.)
This is followed by screaming cicadas (“semi” / “セミ”) and intense heat and humidity that peaks in August-watch out for mould. Summer kicks off with the dreary rainy season (“tsuyu” / “梅雨”) from June to July, during which hydrangea (“ajisai” / “アジサイ”) blossoms can be seen shrouded in mist. By May, temperatures are comfortable and vegetation has grown lush. The mild spring season brings out Japan’s beautiful cherry blossoms (“sakura” / “桜”), which are enjoyed from late March through April throughout the country. The plum blossoms (“ume” / “梅”) bloom in late February, signaling that a welcome spring is around the corner. Besides enjoying seasonal recreation and events during a year in Japan, also pay attention to the concept of “shun” (旬), which celebrates seasonal food such as fish, fruits, and vegetables, at the peak of its deliciousness. The emphasis on seasonality that permeates every aspect of Japanese culture can be traced to its nature-based Shinto religion and agrarian past. Japan predominantly occupies the temperate zone, and Japanese people take great pleasure in the transition of the four distinct seasons.
The far north and south naturally experience the extremes of hot and cold, making Hokkaido good for skiing in winter and Okinawa a popular seaside destination during the warmer months. The colorful fall leaves are spectacular and draw crowds of tourists. The arrival of autumn is marked by typhoons and heavy rain in September.
The summer starts with the rainy season in late June or early July, followed by heat and humidity through August. The welcome spring is mild and brings out Japan’s famous cherry blossoms. Japan has 4 distinct seasons starting with a cold and dry winter.
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