| Japan has four distinct seasons and enjoys a | | | | as most days are clear and warm, and the famous |
| relatively mild and temperate climate, with the | | | | Fall colors that make an appearance are beautiful to |
| exception of Hokkaido to the north, and the | | | | behold. Despite the cold temperatures winter in |
| subtropical area of Okinawa to the south. Each | | | | Tokyo and it's outlined regions can also be considered |
| season has its own characteristics, with the highest | | | | a relatively pleasant time of year, as most days are |
| precipitation in most areas falling during the rainy | | | | clear and brisk, with rain or snow falling only |
| season, which runs approximately from mid June to | | | | occasionally. It's also an excellent season to visit one |
| the end of July. June is the official start of the rainy | | | | of the numerous onsens located throughout the |
| season, with conditions gradually becoming more | | | | Japanese countryside that accommodate the winter |
| humid and rainy in the steamy month of July when | | | | crowd. There are few greater pleasures than sipping |
| temperatures can soar into the high 90's daily with | | | | sake in a hot spring bath situated among white |
| almost 100% humidity. | | | | covered hills as snow gently falls around you. |
| For those who plan to travel to Japan in the summer, | | | | For those who enjoy various winter sports, the |
| an extended visit to Hokkaido in the north which is | | | | northern regions of Honshu island such as Nagano and |
| mercifully spared a rainy season is a welcome break | | | | Hakuba which receive heavy snow fall are also |
| from the heat of Honshu and the other major islands. | | | | popular destinations for skiers and snowboarders. If |
| Many Japanese living in the Tokyo area also take | | | | you'd like to take a break from the cold you might |
| weekend getaways to the nearby mountains of | | | | consider a week or two in Japan's southern most |
| Chubu or Tohoku to escape the relentless heat. In | | | | island of Okinawa, where winter temperatures are |
| addition to the rain and sweltering temperatures of | | | | comparable to those found in Hawaii. Spring has been |
| summer, the months of August and early September | | | | toted as being the best time of year to be in Japan |
| are also considered typhoon season, when high | | | | by most travel guide books, and for good reason. |
| pressure systems formed in the tropical areas of the | | | | The temperatures are warm but not hot, and rainfall |
| western pacific ocean occasionally strike Japan's | | | | is sparse, with only occasional showers falling in late |
| southern regions, inflicting torrential rain and strong | | | | evening. The first week of April also brings with it the |
| wind. | | | | famous cherry blossom season that is one of the |
| The arrival of Autumn in late September usually | | | | most magical times of year in Japan, with many |
| brings drier conditions and a drop in temperatures. In | | | | cherry blossom viewing events and festivals taking |
| addition to Spring , the months of October and | | | | place throughout the country. |
| November are possibly the best time to visit Japan, | | | | |