Hello, and welcome!
For the very first post on this blog, I thought I’d start with something that many visitors to Japan quickly notice: the climate — especially how it compares to the U.S.
Humid summer
I lived in Michigan, in the northern part of the U.S., for about three years. If you’re familiar with Japanese geography, you can imagine it’s similar to Hokkaido in terms of latitude. Summers in Michigan can get hot — up to 86–90°F (around 30–32°C) — but it rarely feels uncomfortable because the air is dry. That dry heat makes a huge difference.
In contrast, Japanese summers are a whole different story. It’s not just about the temperature — which can reach over 35°C (95°F) these days — but the humidity. Even on days when the temperature isn’t extreme, the high humidity makes it feel much more oppressive. I imagine for people coming from drier countries, Japanese summer can feel like walking through a sauna.
Helpful items for summer traveling
If you’re planning a trip to Japan during the summer, definitely prepare for the humidity. Portable fans (like handheld or USB fans) can help, and luckily, you’ll find them at 100-yen shops and convenience stores all over Japan.
Chilly winter
Now, let’s talk about winter. Interestingly, Japan doesn’t usually get as cold as parts of the U.S., but many houses don’t have central heating. Unlike in the U.S. where the whole house is usually heated, Japanese homes often rely on room-by-room heating — like space heaters or wall-mounted air conditioners (with heating mode). So even if it’s not freezing outside, the indoors can still feel chilly, especially in the morning or at night. However, still we can prepare for the chilly temp by waring some warm gears – like Heattech.
Seasonal transitions
Another difference I noticed is how seasonal transitions feel in Japan. Japan is famous for its four seasons — spring, summer, autumn, and winter — and each season brings its own beauty. But these years, spring and autumn feel shorter, and the transitions can be sudden. One week it’s winter, and the next it feels like midsummer.
Still, spring and autumn remain the most comfortable and scenic seasons to visit. I used to live in Kyoto — now I’m in Nagoya — and in Kyoto, cherry blossom season in spring and autumn leaves in fall are especially popular with tourists. The scenery during these times is breathtaking, and the atmosphere feels like something out of a postcard.
Summary
To sum up, Japan’s climate can feel quite intense — not necessarily because of extreme temperatures, but due to the humidity in summer and lack of central heating in winter. Knowing what to expect can really help make your stay more comfortable.
I hope this post gives you a better sense of what living (or traveling) in Japan feels like. In upcoming posts, I’ll be sharing more everyday observations from life here — stay with me!