This is a common question for many people before traveling, studying, or working in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan stretches from north to south and is surrounded by the sea, which causes clear differences in weather conditions across regions.
By understanding the characteristics of Japan’s climate, you can choose the most suitable time to go and prepare your clothing and luggage more effectively.

In this article, ANKOI provides an overview of Japan’s weather and analyzes the climate by region to help you better visualize and prepare for your journey.

Characteristics of Japan’s Climate

Before looking at each region in detail, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of Japan’s climate.
This helps answer the question: What is the climate like in Japan? more clearly.

What type of climate does Japan mainly have?

In general, Japan has a temperate monsoon climate, with gradual changes depending on latitude.
The further south you go, the warmer the climate becomes, showing more subtropical characteristics.
That is why, when asking what is the climate like in Japan, you will notice that the weather is not uniform across the country.

What is the climate like in Japan? A simple explanation

Based on ANKOI’s practical consulting experience, Vietnamese people often experience the biggest “temperature shock” during summer and winter, due to the large temperature difference compared to Vietnam—especially in northern regions of Japan.

What is the climate like in Japan? A simple guide to Japan’s climate characteristics

How many seasons does Japan have?

Japan has four distinct seasons, which is a key point in understanding what the climate is like throughout the year:

• Spring (March–May): Mild and pleasant, with cherry blossoms in full bloom.

• Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with a rainy season and occasional typhoons.

• Autumn (September–November): Cool and drier, famous for its beautiful autumn leaves.

• Winter (December–February): Cold, with heavy snowfall in many areas.

If you are unsure about the best time to go to Japan, ANKOI usually recommends spring or autumn.
The weather is comfortable and suitable for both travel and initial adaptation, especially if you are not yet familiar with what the climate in Japan is like in real life.

Climate Map of Japan: Why Does the Climate Vary by Region?

When looking at the climate map of Japan, you can see that the country consists of many islands stretching from north to south.
This geographical feature is the main reason why Japan’s climate varies significantly by region and helps explain what the climate like in Japan is in different areas.

Japan is commonly divided into nine main regions:

• Hokkaido

• Tohoku

• Kanto

• Chubu

• Kansai

• Chugoku

• Shikoku

• Kyushu

• Okinawa

Each region has different temperatures, rainfall levels, and humidity.
Therefore, to understand what is the climate like in Japan accurately, it is better to look at the climate by region rather than relying only on general information.

Japan’s Climate by Region (Detailed Guide)

1) Hokkaido – Coldest region with long, snowy winters

If you wonder what is the climate like in Japan in the northern areas, Hokkaido is the best example.

Located in the far north, Hokkaido is known for extremely cold winters, heavy snowfall, and long cold seasons.

• Winter: Very cold, heavy snow, icy roads

• Summer: Cool and comfortable

ANKOI advises first-time visitors to prepare proper winter clothing and anti-slip shoes.

2) Tohoku – Cold, snowy, and rich in nature

If you are exploring what is the climate like in Japan by region, Tohoku is located just south of Hokkaido and has distinctive weather conditions.
This area is also cold and snowy in winter, but the climate is generally less severe than in Hokkaido.

If you are exploring what is the climate like in Japan by region, Tohoku is located just south of Hokkaido and has distinctive weather conditions.

• Winter: Cold with snow

• Summer: Mild and pleasant

It suits those seeking a quiet lifestyle and natural surroundings.

3) Kanto (Tokyo) – Hot, humid summers and mild winters

Kanto is home to Tokyo and many major cities.When people ask what is the climate like in Japan, Tokyo is often the reference point.

Kanto (Tokyo) – Hot and humid summers, moderately cold winters, making many people wonder what is the climate like in Japan in this region

• Summer: Hot and humid

• Rainy season: Early summer

• Winter: Cold but little snow

ANKOI recommends moisture-control items and breathable clothing.

4) Chubu – Large temperature differences

If you are learning what is the climate like in Japan by region, Chubu is a particularly unique area due to its diverse geography, including coastal areas and high mountainous regions.
As a result, the weather in Chubu varies significantly from one area to another.

If you are exploring what is the climate like in Japan by region, Chubu is a particularly distinctive area due to its diverse geography.

• Plains: Generally comfortable

• Mountain areas: Cold and snowy in winter

• Temperature difference: Large day–night variation

Always check the specific city when researching Japan’s climate.

5) Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto) – Hot summers, beautiful autumns

Kansai is a well-known region home to Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
It is an extremely popular tourist destination and also an area many people explore when wondering what is the climate like in Japan by season.

It is a highly attractive tourist destination and also a region many people explore when wondering what is the climate like in Japan by season.

• Summer: Hot and humid

• Autumn: Cool, dry, and colorful

• Winter: Mild cold

ANKOI highly recommends visiting Kansai in autumn.

6) Chugoku – Mild and easy to adapt to

If you are looking into what is the climate like in Japan in less extreme regions, Chugoku is a worthwhile option to consider.
Located in western Honshu, Chugoku has a relatively stable climate and is less extreme compared to many other regions.

If you are exploring what is the climate like in Japan in less extreme areas, Chugoku is a worthwhile option to consider.

• Temperature: Not extreme

• Winter: Cold but manageable

A good choice for newcomers to Japan.

7) Shikoku – Warm with higher rainfall

If you are wondering what is the climate like in Japan in warmer regions, Shikoku is a comfortable area to consider.
As a smaller island, Shikoku generally has warmer weather compared to northern regions.

If you are wondering what is the climate like in Japan in warmer areas, Shikoku is a relatively comfortable region.

• Temperature: Generally warm

• Rainfall: High, especially during rainy season

Humidity control is important here.

8) Kyushu – Warm, rainy, and affected by typhoons

Kyushu is located in the southern part of Japan, so its climate is noticeably warmer.
If you are exploring what is the climate like in Japan in southern regions, Kyushu offers relatively mild winters but hot and humid summers.

If you are exploring what is the climate like in Japan in southern areas, Kyushu is a region with relatively comfortable weather.

• Summer: Hot and humid

• Typhoons: Seasonal impact

• Winter: Mild

ANKOI advises monitoring weather forecasts closely.

9) Okinawa – Subtropical climate year-round

Okinawa has the most distinctive climate compared to the rest of Japan.
If you are wondering what is the climate like in Japan in the southernmost region, Okinawa clearly stands out.

If you are wondering what is the climate like in Japan in the southernmost region

• Climate: Subtropical, hot and humid

• Winter: Very mild

• Feature: Possible typhoons

Ideal for beach travel, but avoid typhoon season for the best experience.

When is the best time to go to Japan? A guide based on different experiences

Depending on your purpose, you should choose a suitable time.
Below are quick suggestions from ANKOI to help you visualize What is the climate like in Japan? in each season.

• To see cherry blossoms: spring (March–April depending on the region)

• To see autumn leaves: autumn (October–November)

• To experience snow: winter (Hokkaido, Tohoku, mountainous areas)

• To adapt more easily when first arriving in Japan: spring or autumn

Overall, if you are not yet familiar with Japan’s weather and are still wondering What is the climate like in Japan?, spring and autumn are considered the safest choices.
The weather is mild and pleasant, making it convenient for transportation, study, or travel.

Packing for Japan: What to prepare for each season to avoid temperature shock

To adapt well to the weather and clearly understand What is the climate like in Japan? at different times of the year, you should prepare your luggage according to the season and region.

• Spring: light jacket, comfortable shoes

• Summer: breathable clothing, sun protection, humidity control items, compact rainwear

• Autumn: long-sleeved clothes, light jacket

• Winter: thermal wear, padded jacket, gloves, scarf, anti-slip shoes

Many people traveling to Japan for the first time often lack winter clothing or bring too many unnecessary summer items because they do not clearly understand what is the climate like in Japan in the area where they will live.
Therefore, ANKOI provides region-specific packing checklists to help you prepare just enough—avoiding waste while staying suitable for the weather.

So, what is the climate like in Japan? Japan has four distinct seasons, but the climate varies significantly by region.
Based on the climate map of Japan, you can see that northern areas are cold with heavy snowfall, while southern regions are warmer and tend toward a subtropical climate.

We hope this article has helped you better understand the characteristics of Japan’s climate, what Japan’s climate is mainly like, and choose the right time to go.

If you are planning to study in Japan and need guidance on study plans, choosing schools and majors, or preparing accurate application documents, please contact ANKOI for prompt and clear support.
ANKOI accompanies you from initial orientation to your readiness to study and settle in Japan.