The 4 seasons of Japan ❀

What is your favourite season in your country? For me, I used to like summer, but summers have become so hot, it is just not the same anymore... so, where I am, I started to love autumn instead. Back in the day, autumn used to be cold, and people know how I hate the cold lol One reason why I used to love summer. But nowadays, with climate change, our autumns have become warmer. But the unusual warmth is set to hurt the colourful leaves on the trees, so maybe one day, autumn will lose its colourfulness... 

However, in Japan though, I've always loved spring. Autumn in Japan is also nice, with the momiji (autumn leaves), but nothing equals the sakura (cherry blossoms), am I right?

Japan has four seasons, like most countries, although depending on where you are, you can experience differences in these seasons. In Hokkaido, the northern region, you can ski in January, whereas in Okinawa, you can swim in the ocean in January. Spring is the most popular season, because of the sakura. Autumn is probably the nicest, with its perfect temperature and colourful mountains. Winter is cold, summer is hot and humid. But every season offers plenty of things to do in Japan and each offers some breathtaking sceneries.

Here are things you can do in Japan throughout the year!

1. 春 Spring (the season of the sakura) 

As mentioned, spring is probably the most popular season in Japan, both for locals and tourists. This is when the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in bloom. What is more magical than walking in a park, surrounded by pink and white flowers, with petals flying around you as you walk? 

Spring is like rebirth in Japan. This is when things start anew. In April, students start a new year at school. 

Sakura trees, however, have a very limited lifespan. They last usually two weeks. You need to plan accordingly if you want to catch a glimpse of them. Sakura usually start to be in bloom in March. Obviously, if you are visiting the south where it is warmer, they can start to bloom as early as end of February. In the Tokyo region, you will usually see them in full bloom by end of March, beginning of April. April is typically the rush season for tourists in Japan, because of the sakura. And finally, if you are visiting the north, Hokkaido, you can expect to see sakura in full bloom as late as May.

In spring, you can do hanami (flower watching). This is a popular activity people do when the sakura start to bloom. You will see a lot of people eating in parks, enjoying the view of the sakura's petals. 

Even though sakura are the star of spring season, there are also many other things you can do during spring in Japan. Since the temperature starts to warm up, you can enjoy a hike on Mount Fuji. 

Strawberry picking is also popular with strawberry farms opening their doors to the public between January and May.

There are also some festivals happening during spring time.

2. 夏 Summer (the season of festivals)

Summer in Japan is usually busy because of festivals. But it is also the hottest and most humid season. You can also expect heavy amount of rain in June. If you don't mind the heat, you will enjoy summer as there are plenty of festivals happening during this time. And of course, summer is the season for flowers, and Japan has numerous breathtaking places to discover, like the wisteria garden in Kitakyushu.

Japan is also home to a lot of sunflower gardens. Furano and Biei, in Hokkaido, also offers amazing flower gardens, like the rainbow fields in Furano.

For festivals, the biggest one is undoubtedly the Gion Matsuri, taking place in July in Kyoto. During festivals, you can enjoy several entertainment, delicious street food, and even rent a yukata.

3. 秋 Autumn (the season of colours)

I think autumn is the most comfortable season in Japan. It isn't too cold, nor too hot, and rain is minimal. And you can enjoy the momiji, Japanese autumn colours. Again, momiji, like the sakura, will start to peak depending where you are. In the north, leaves change colours earlier, whereas in the south, they start to change colours later in the year. You can definitely catch the peak of it anywhere between late September to early December, with November being the month for momiji in the central region.

Although Japanese enjoy onsen (hot springs) all year round, they are particularly enjoyable in autumn, because of the coolness of the temperature and of course, the magnificent view it can offer while you relax in the hot water. Visiting temples during momiji can also be magical. 

Of course, during autumn, there is Halloween, and people like to celebrate on the streets, wearing different costumes. Shibuya was a popular spot to celebrate Halloween. There is also hiking that can be really nice during autumn because of the colours.

During the cool weather, you can also enjoy some matcha, a traditional Japanese tea, to warm yourself up. Kyoto has some of the best matcha tea!

4. 冬 Winter (the season of wonders)

Did you know? Japan is actually the country that receives the most amount of snow per year. It isn't even Russia, nor Canada... but Japan! Probably because of its mountains? Which makes it a paradise for people who love skiing. 

Winter can offer a variety of activities as well. If you go to Hokkaido's capital, Sapporo, you can have the opportunity to see the Snow Festival. During this festival, you can see many cool snow and ice sculptures, like this one of the Osaka castle!

In Nagano, you can visit the monkey onsen park. In this park, many monkeys relax in natural onsen, warming themselves up. 

Of course, during winter, there is Christmas and New Year, which can be the celebrations of the year. In late November, towns and cities start to be decorated for Christmas, and it is a really nice time to go to Universal Studios Japan. Christmas is celebrated a bit differently in Japan. Christmas is more of a couple celebration than a family one. Many couples will reserve to eat at restaurants. But one specific restaurant will be the busiest restaurant in all of Japan during Christmas... can you guess which one?

Yes, KFC! KFC is so popular in Japan for Christmas. I don't really know why, but all I can say is that KFC tastes better in Japan than in Canada... nobody will change my mind on that!

If you really don't like winter, like myself, but you still want to enjoy Japan during the less busy time, Okinawa could be your spot. Okinawa is a small island way south of Japan, completely detached from the main islands. I've never been to Okinawa unfortunately, but I heard its culture can be very different, and really interesting to learn about. Okinawaians also have their own language, somewhat like the Ainu in the north, but unfortunately, like a lot of Native languages, the Okinawaian language is expected to disappear.

Which season did you appreciate in Japan? If you've never been to Japan but are planning too, which season would interest you?