Japan’s Climate

Japan’s Climate

Japan has a diverse climate because it stretches over a long distance from north to south and is influenced by both the Pacific Ocean and the Asian continent. It generally experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

• Hokkaido (North) – Hokkaido has a humid continental climate with long, cold, and snowy winters, and cool, dry summers.
• Honshu (Central) – The climate varies. The Sea of Japan side gets heavy snowfall in winter due to cold winds from Siberia, while the Pacific side is drier in winter and hot and humid in summer.
• Shikoku and Kyushu (Southwest) – These areas have a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
• Okinawa and the southern islands – These islands have a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season in early summer.

Japan also experiences monsoons and a rainy season called tsuyu in early summer, as well as typhoons mainly between August and October.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, has a climate that is very different from the rest of the country. It experiences four distinct seasons with cooler temperatures year-round. Winters, from December to February, are long, cold, and snowy, making Hokkaido famous for its ski resorts and snow festivals. Spring arrives later than in other parts of Japan, with cherry blossoms blooming in May. Summers are mild and pleasant, without the intense heat and humidity found in Tokyo or Osaka, which makes it a popular escape from the summer heat. Autumn brings crisp air and stunning foliage across the mountains and countryside. Overall, Hokkaido’s climate is characterized by snowy winters, cool summers, and beautiful seasonal changes.

Honshu

Honshu, Japan’s main island, has a diverse climate that changes by region and season. In general, it has four distinct seasons. Spring is mild and famous for cherry blossoms, while summer is hot and humid, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Autumn is cooler, with comfortable weather and beautiful autumn leaves. Winter varies greatly: the Sea of Japan side and northern areas, like Tohoku, receive heavy snow, while the Pacific side, including Tokyo, has cold but relatively dry weather. This variety of climates makes Honshu enjoyable year-round, offering different experiences depending on the season and region.

Shikoku and Kyushu

Shikoku has a mild climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are relatively warm compared to northern Japan. The Seto Inland Sea side is known for its sunny and dry weather, whereas the southern Pacific side receives more rainfall. Typhoons can affect the region in late summer and early autumn.

Kyushu is the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands (excluding Okinawa) and generally has a warmer, subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, and the rainy season in June and July brings heavy rainfall. Winters are mild, especially in the south, though northern Kyushu can be chilly. Kyushu is also famous for its hot springs and volcanic landscapes, which are influenced by its climate and geography.

Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. Winters are mild, rarely dropping below 15°C (59°F), making it a popular winter getaway. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F). The rainy season lasts from May to June, bringing heavy showers, while typhoons may occur from summer to early autumn. Despite this, Okinawa is famous for its beautiful beaches, clear blue seas, and long sunny periods, making it ideal for swimming, diving, and other outdoor activities almost year-round.