- Japan’s four seasons: what temperatures to expect in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities
- The rainy season (梅雨 / tsuyu): when it happens and how to survive it
- Typhoon season: what to do when one hits
- What to pack (and buy) for each season
- How the seasons affect daily life for foreigners
Japan has four distinct seasons. Spring (March–May) is mild with cherry blossoms. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid, with a rainy season in June–July. Autumn (September–November) is comfortable with fall foliage. Winter (December–February) is cold but manageable in Tokyo; Hokkaido and the Japan Sea coast get heavy snow. Typhoon season runs July–October.
Japan’s seasons are dramatic and well-defined — one of the aspects of the country that many foreigners come to love. But each season also has practical implications for daily life, housing, clothing, and travel. Here’s what to expect throughout the year.
Spring (March – May)
Temperature range (Tokyo): 8°C – 22°C Temperature range (Osaka): 9°C – 23°C Temperature range (Sapporo): 1°C – 16°C
Spring is the most iconic Japan season. Cherry blossoms (桜 / sakura) bloom from late March in Kyushu and Tokyo, progressing north through April. Parks fill with hanami (flower-viewing) parties.
Key features
- Cherry blossoms: Late March to mid-April in Tokyo; track the bloom forecast at 気象庁 (Japan Meteorological Corporation) or Weathernews
- Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク): Late April to early May — a cluster of national holidays. Travel prices spike; trains and attractions are crowded
- Temperature variation: Morning can be 8–10°C; afternoons 18–22°C. Layering is essential
- Pollen season (花粉症): Cedar and cypress pollen peak February–May. Foreigners who never had hay fever sometimes develop it in Japan. Masks, antihistamines (available at any pharmacy), and nasal rinses help
What to wear
Light layers — a sweater or light jacket in the morning, t-shirt weather by afternoon. A light rain jacket is useful.
Rainy Season — Tsuyu (梅雨) — June to mid-July
Temperature range (Tokyo): 20°C – 30°C Humidity: Very high — 70–85%
The tsuyu (rainy season) is not non-stop rain. It’s more accurately described as: gray skies, frequent showers, high humidity, and occasional all-day downpours. The feeling is oppressive rather than cold.
Key features
- Duration: Around June 8–20 (varies by year) through mid-July in most of Honshu
- Humidity: The defining characteristic. Everything feels damp. Laundry won’t dry outside. Mold (カビ / kabi) becomes an issue in apartments
- Umbrella culture: Everyone carries an umbrella. Vinyl convenience-store umbrellas are sold everywhere for ¥300–500
- Mold prevention: Run a dehumidifier (除湿機). Most Japanese apartments don’t have dryers — buy one or use coin laundry
Survival tips
- Buy a good folding umbrella (折り畳み傘) rather than repeatedly buying cheap ones
- Run your air conditioner in “dry mode” (除湿) to reduce humidity
- Ventilate closets — mold grows on clothes, shoes, and bags in enclosed spaces
- Hokkaido does not have a proper rainy season — one reason many people prefer living there
Summer (July – August)
Temperature range (Tokyo): 25°C – 35°C Temperature range (Okinawa): 28°C – 33°C Humidity: High
Japanese summer is hot and humid — more so than many foreigners expect. Tokyo regularly hits 35°C+ with 70%+ humidity in July and August. The combination is physically demanding.
Key features
- Heat island effect: Tokyo and Osaka are several degrees hotter than surrounding rural areas due to urban density and pavement
- Air conditioning: Japanese buildings blast AC in shops and trains — carry a light layer for indoor-outdoor transitions
- Obon (お盆): Mid-August holiday period. Families travel to hometowns; roads and trains are crowded; some small businesses close temporarily
- Outdoor festivals (祭り): Summer is festival season — fireworks (花火大会), Bon Odori dancing, street food stalls (屋台)
- Sun protection: Japan’s UV index is high in summer. Foreigners often underestimate this. Sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, and hats are standard
Heat safety
Heat stroke (熱中症 / netchuushou) is a serious risk, especially for elderly residents and children. If you feel dizzy or stop sweating despite the heat, get into air conditioning immediately, drink water, and seek medical attention. In severe cases, call 119 (emergency).
What to wear
Lightweight, breathable fabrics. Japanese summers have created a culture of ice towels, portable fans, UV-protective sleeves, and cooling spray — all available at convenience stores and pharmacies.
Typhoon Season (July – October)
Typhoons (台風 / taifuu) form in the Pacific and track northwest, often hitting the Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa), Kyushu, and occasionally the main islands of Honshu.
Key facts
- Peak months: August–September
- Frequency: Japan sees 5–10 significant typhoons per year affecting inhabited areas
- Impact: Heavy rain, strong winds, train cancellations, school and office closures
- Typhoon holidays: Many companies and schools close on the day of a typhoon. Check your employer’s policy
What to do when a typhoon is coming
- Check the forecast: Japan Meteorological Agency (jma.go.jp) and apps like Yahoo! 天気 provide real-time tracking
- Stock water and food: Stores empty quickly before a typhoon. Keep a few days’ supply
- Secure outdoor items: Potted plants, bicycles, and anything outside should be brought inside or secured
- Don’t commute unless necessary: Many train services are suspended the morning of a typhoon. Plan to work from home if possible
- If caught outside: Avoid underpasses (flood risk) and tall structures during high winds
Typhoon alerts
- 暴風警報 (Storm warning): High winds expected
- 大雨警報 (Heavy rain warning): Flooding and landslide risk
- 避難指示 (Evacuation order): Leave the area immediately
Download the Safety tips for foreign residents app from Japan Tourism Agency — it sends multilingual earthquake and typhoon alerts.
Autumn (September – November)
Temperature range (Tokyo): 15°C – 26°C Temperature range (Kyoto): 13°C – 25°C
Autumn is considered the most comfortable season in Japan. Temperatures drop to pleasant levels, humidity falls, and fall foliage (紅葉 / koyo) turns mountains and parks red and gold.
Key features
- Koyo (紅葉): Fall foliage peaks October–November in northern Japan (Hokkaido in September–October, Tokyo in late November, Kyoto in mid-November)
- Silver Week (シルバーウィーク): A cluster of September holidays — less crowded than Golden Week but still busy for travel
- Food season: Autumn is matsutake mushroom season, sweet potato season, and rice harvest season — many regional specialties appear
- Comfortable temperature: The most liveable time of year in most of Japan
What to wear
Light sweater or jacket. Mornings and evenings cool significantly in October–November. A medium-weight coat is needed by November in Tokyo; heavier in Sendai and north.
Winter (December – February)
Temperature range (Tokyo): 3°C – 12°C Temperature range (Sapporo): -10°C – 0°C Temperature range (Okinawa): 15°C – 21°C
Japan’s winter varies dramatically by region.
Tokyo and Kanto
Cold but rarely below -5°C. Snow is possible 1–5 times per year. However, Tokyo apartments are typically poorly insulated compared to cold-climate standards — thin walls, single-glazed windows, no central heating. You will be cold at home unless you run a space heater (エアコン or kerosene heater).
Hokkaido and Japan Sea coast
Hokkaido winters are genuinely severe — Sapporo gets 500cm+ of snowfall annually. The upside: buildings in Hokkaido are very well insulated, with double-glazed windows and proper central heating. Paradoxically, you’re warmer inside a Sapporo apartment than a Tokyo one.
Japan Sea coast (Niigata, Kanazawa, Akita): Gets massive snowfall from Siberian air crossing the Sea of Japan. Not as cold as Hokkaido but heavier snow accumulation.
Key features
- New Year (正月 / shoogatsu): Japan’s most important holiday. Most businesses close December 31 – January 3. Prepare food in advance — many shops and restaurants close
- Kotatsu (こたつ): A heated low table with a blanket — the definitive winter furniture item. Essential if your apartment has inadequate heating
- Fuyuzemi (冬晴れ / winter clarity): Tokyo winters are often surprisingly sunny and clear — many winter days have deep blue skies even when cold
- Kansen winter: Norovirus and influenza peak January–February. Masks are standard; hand washing is universal
What to wear
A proper winter coat, warm layers, and boots. Japanese fashion-forward winter wear (thin coats that look good but provide minimal warmth) will leave you cold — buy appropriate outerwear.
Season-by-Season Summary for Foreigners
| Season | Months | Tokyo Temp | Key Challenge | Key Joy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–May | 8–22°C | Pollen, crowds | Cherry blossoms, mild weather |
| Rainy | June–mid July | 20–30°C | Humidity, mold | Rain jacket culture |
| Summer | July–August | 25–35°C | Heat, humidity | Festivals, fireworks |
| Typhoon | Aug–Oct | 20–32°C | Storm disruptions | Dramatic weather |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | 13–26°C | Crowds at koyo spots | Fall foliage, best weather |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | 3–12°C | Poor insulation in apartments | Clear skies, New Year |
Japan Weather Apps and Resources
- Yahoo! 天気 (Yahoo Weather Japan): Best real-time rain radar. Tap the map to see rainfall approaching
- 気象庁 (Japan Meteorological Agency): jma.go.jp — official source for typhoon tracks and warnings
- Safety tips app: Multilingual earthquake and disaster alerts — download before you need it
- NHK World: English-language typhoon and emergency coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Japan’s best season for foreigners? Autumn (October–November) is the most comfortable — mild temperatures, low humidity, beautiful foliage, and fewer major tourist crowds than spring. Spring is more famous but more crowded.
How bad is the rainy season in Japan? It’s not continuous rain — it’s 3–5 weeks of high humidity with frequent gray days and showers. The humidity is more wearing than the rain itself. Buy a dehumidifier and a good umbrella.
Does it snow in Tokyo? Occasionally — Tokyo sees snow 1–5 times per winter, typically January–February. Snowfall is usually light (5–15cm). The city is not equipped for snow: some train disruptions, few people with proper winter boots. It can be treacherous on bicycle.