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Japan through the seasons
Cherry blossom in Ueno Park, Tokyo
Ask any Japanese person to tell you a few facts
about their country and they will invariably
mention the dramatic contrasts of their four
seasons. There really is something very special
about the changing of these, especially for those
of us used to Britain’s less distinct ones. Japan is
resplendent throughout the year, proudly
showing off the changes in each passing season
like a peacock fanning its feathers. Although
each season has its draws, it is spring and the
ephemeral cherry blossom that brings visitors
flooding to Japan every year.
Young girls in kimono during spring festival
Rice farmer, Tohoku
Spring
There is a phrase in Japanese, sakura zensen,
meaning cherry blossom front, which describes
the blossom’s movement from the tip of the
Okinawa in early February all the way to the
most northerly cape of Hokkaido by the end of
May. The peak viewing time in Kyoto and Tokyo
is from the end of March through to the middle
of April. To spend a lazy afternoon wandering
through Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Kyoto’s
Maruyama Park is to truly understand just how
much, and why, the Japanese love this delicate
and transient flower. Spring temperatures range
from the decidedly chilly to warm and pleasant,
with showers common throughout March
and into April.
Summer
In the summer months of June, July and August,
the air becomes stickier and heavy and the
temperatures move steadily towards the upper
twenties. Japan’s rainy season typically occurs in
late June and July on the mainland and with it
comes humidity of more than 80 percent, with
temperatures nudging 40C on some days.
Although not typically one of the most popular
seasons for travel to Japan, there is something
exotic about the Japanese summer months.
This really feels like the Far East as one would
expect it; the constant chirping of cicadas, the
croaking of frogs from lush green paddy fields,
and glorious sunshine. It is possible to escape
the heat and humidity by heading for Japan’s
mountains or coast, so you need not melt in
the cities.
Summer also brings with it a host of colourful
local festivals, particularly in the cooler Tohoku
region. The festivals are superb occasions to be
a part of, passing in a whirl of dancing, music
and beautiful traditional costumes.
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