When you ask a Japanese person about the Japan weather, they will proudly tell you that Japan has four distinct seasons: a beautiful but rainy springtime where you can see the cherry blossoms open, a searing hot and sticky summer, a moderate autumn with many colors, and a cold, snowy winter.

Around the end of March, the cherry blossoms open. This is symbolic of the beginning of spring. However, the cool air of winter hangs around quite a bit longer. In the spring, some days are warm and sunny, while others are cool and overcast. The cherry blossoms open gradually across the country, with the blossoms in Hokkaido (the northernmost island) opening as late as the end of May.

Spring finally gives way to the rainy season, usually around the month of June. It rains almost every day for an entire month. Although it can be gloomy, it is followed by the first few weeks of summer.

Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, with daytime temperatures often over 30 degrees Celsius. The humid makes it feel much hotter than it actually is. If you go to Japan in the summer, be sure to take a hanky to wipe sweat off with. Everybody uses these little hankies, and they can be bought cheaply at most convenient stores. Anyone who's been in Japan during the summer can vouch that it's a good idea to carry one!

The most unpredictable weather of the whole year comes during the late summer. This is typhoon season. Usually around 27 or so of these tropical storms form off the coast of Japan and, while only a few usually hit the land, their strong winds and rain affect the weather. Some days in August and September are extremely windy and rainy as a result.

Daily temperatures gradually cool and around mid-September the autumn weather begins. The fall is particularly beautiful in Japan, as the leaves change color and fall. It is a great time of year to visit temples, shrines and parks. The days become gradually chillier, and the cool of winter sets in.

Winter in the Kanto area of Japan is cold, wet and snowy, but not nearly as severe as in Hokkaido. The first snow usually comes after the New Year, but Hokkaido may be up to its ears in white stuff as early as October! In the Kanto region, winter temperatures are usually around 5 degrees Celsius.

Although most would agree that the spring or fall are the best times to visit Japan, there is lots to do in any season.

copyright(c)2006 http://www.blogitjapan.com