Introduction
When people think of Japan, one of the first images that often comes to mind is “the land of four seasons.” For Japanese people, having four distinct seasons feels natural and obvious, but this is not a universal experience. In fact, many regions of the world, such as equatorial areas or deserts, do not have clear seasonal changes.
In Japan, the cycle of spring, summer, autumn, and winter is not only a matter of climate. It is deeply connected to social systems, cultural practices, literature, art, and the rhythm of everyday life. The blooming of cherry blossoms, the fireworks of summer festivals, the colors of autumn leaves, and the snow-covered landscapes in winter. All of these are tied to specific customs, school schedules, and even the fiscal year.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Japan’s four seasons. We will first examine why Japan has four seasons, then look at the general features of each season, and finally explore cultural aspects such as the school and fiscal year system, the Japanese calendar, traditional literature, and regional differences. We will also reflect on how climate change is reshaping the seasons today.
Chapter 1: Why Japan Has Four Seasons
To understand Japan’s four seasons, we need to look at geography and climate. Japan stretches about 3,000 kilometers from north to south, covering a wide range of latitudes. It is also a mountainous country, which creates many microclimates. As a result, Japan contains everything from subarctic winters in Hokkaido to subtropical weather in Okinawa.
Geography and Climate
Japan lies in the path of the East Asian monsoon system.
- In summer, warm, humid air masses from the Pacific Ocean bring hot, sticky weather and heavy rainfall, including the rainy season known as tsuyu and frequent typhoons.
- In winter, the Siberian high-pressure system pushes cold air across the Sea of Japan. When this air picks up moisture over the sea and hits the mountains, it releases heavy snow on the western side of Japan. Meanwhile, the Pacific side often experiences clear, dry winter days.
Other climate phenomena also shape the seasons: the “plum rains” of early summer, sudden downpours called yūdachi in summer evenings, and the föhn effect, where warm dry winds blow down from mountains.
Regional Diversity
Although Japan is often described as having four distinct seasons, the experience differs greatly depending on where you live.
- In Hokkaido, winters are long and snowy, and summers are short but pleasantly cool.
- In Okinawa, winters are mild, and people sometimes describe the year as divided more into a “rainy season” and a “dry season.”
- The Japan Sea coast is famous for heavy snowfall, while the Pacific side has dry, sunny winters.
The cherry blossom front (sakura zensen) is a famous symbol of this regional difference. Starting in Kyushu in late March, cherry blossoms bloom northward, reaching Hokkaido in May. In autumn, the “autumn foliage front” (kōyō zensen) moves in the opposite direction, from the north to the south.
Climate Change
In recent decades, Japan’s seasonal rhythm has been shifting. Cherry blossoms now bloom earlier than in the past, sometimes reaching full bloom in mid-March in Tokyo. The number of days classified as “extremely hot” (mōsho-bi) has increased, and summers feel longer. Some people say spring and autumn are shrinking, while summer is expanding.
Urban heat islands amplify this effect, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. Snowfall patterns have also become less predictable, with some regions experiencing extreme snow events while others have unusually mild winters.
The idea of “four seasons” still exists, but its boundaries are becoming blurred in the modern era.
Chapter 2: Overview of the Four Seasons
In Japan, people always list the seasons in the same order: spring, summer, autumn, winter. Each season has its own approximate time frame, climate characteristics, celebrations, food culture, and imagery. Below is a general introduction before we move to more cultural aspects.
To explore Seasonal Festivals in detail—see our full article.
Spring (March–May)
Climate and Atmosphere
Spring is the season when snow melts, temperatures rise, and plants begin to bloom. In Tokyo, the average temperature rises from about 9°C in March to nearly 20°C in May. Sudden chilly days, known as “flower cold,” are also common.
Events and Customs
- Graduation ceremonies (March)
- Entrance ceremonies for schools and companies (April)
- Cherry blossom viewing (hanami)
- The Golden Week holiday in late April and early May
- Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri, March 3) and Children’s Day (May 5)
Food and Symbols
Strawberries, bamboo shoots, and seasonal vegetables. Flowers such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and rapeseed. Unfortunately, pollen allergies (kafunshō) also mark the season for many.
To explore spring in detail—see our full article.
Summer (June–August)
Climate and Atmosphere
The rainy season (tsuyu) begins in June, followed by hot and humid weather. In July and August, daily highs often exceed 30°C, with sweltering nights. Typhoons are also frequent.
Events and Customs
- Tanabata (Star Festival, July 7)
- Doyo no Ushi no Hi (special day for eating eel)
- Obon (Buddhist festival honoring ancestors, mid-August)
- Summer festivals, fireworks displays, and Bon dances
- The national high school baseball tournament (Koshien)
Food and Symbols
Watermelon, shaved ice, cold noodles (sōmen), edamame. Sunflowers, morning glories, cicadas, and the sound of wind chimes.
To explore summer in detail—see our full article.
Autumn (September–November)
Climate and Atmosphere
After the typhoon season ends, skies clear, humidity drops, and crisp days arrive. The difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures brings brilliant autumn foliage.
Events and Customs
- Respect for the Aged Day
- Autumn Equinox Day (Shūbun no Hi)
- Shichi-Go-San (children’s festival on November 15)
- Culture Day (November 3)
Food and Symbols
New rice, chestnuts, persimmons, mushrooms, and Pacific saury. Autumn leaves, harvest moons, and expressions such as “autumn of reading” or “autumn of appetite.”
To explore autumn in detail—see our full article.
Winter (December–February)
Climate and Atmosphere
A strong Siberian high-pressure system dominates. The Japan Sea side receives heavy snowfall, while the Pacific side experiences dry, sunny days. Temperatures frequently fall below freezing in northern Japan.
Events and Customs
- Christmas (a secular celebration in Japan)
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s (Oshōgatsu)
- First shrine visit of the year (Hatsumōde)
- Entrance exam season for students
- Setsubun (bean-throwing festival in early February)
Food and Symbols
Hot pot dishes, mandarins eaten while sitting under a heated table (kotatsu), daikon radishes, and Chinese cabbages. Snow festivals in Hokkaido and winter sports like skiing.
To explore winter in detail—see our full article.
Chapter 3: Years and Fiscal Years in Japan
Japan’s time structure is shaped not only by natural seasons but also by social systems. One unique feature is the fiscal year starting in April.
Western Calendar and Japanese Era Names
Japan uses two systems in parallel: the Western calendar (2025, 2026, etc.) and era names (nengō) such as Heisei, Showa, and the current Reiwa. Official documents, newspapers, and even driver’s licenses often use era years, while international communication relies on the Western calendar.
Why April?
Japan’s fiscal year system was standardized in 1886 (Meiji 19), when the government decided to begin in April and end in March. Before that, different start months—July or October—had been tried. The April start was chosen partly to align with the agricultural cycle (rice planting and taxation schedules).
Schools and Companies
Because the fiscal year starts in April, schools also align their entrance and graduation ceremonies with this schedule. Universities, companies, and government offices concentrate hiring and personnel changes in April. As a result, April symbolizes “a fresh start” in Japanese life.
Dual Rhythms
Japan thus has two overlapping cycles: the new calendar year beginning in January, and the fiscal/school year beginning in April. This double rhythm shapes Japanese society’s sense of time in a unique way.
Chapter 4: Why Seasons Are Listed from Spring
In Japanese, when people list the four seasons, the order is always “spring, summer, autumn, winter.” This reflects not only the natural cycle but also the cultural rhythm of starting school and work in April.
Weather forecasts, advertisements, and tourism campaigns follow this order. Literature and proverbs also reinforce it, such as:
- “Spring sleep, unaware of dawn” (Shunmin akatsuki o oboezu)
- “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” (adopted into Japanese expressions as well)
Chapter 5: Traditional Calendars—Twenty-Four Solar Terms and Seventy-Two Micro-Seasons
The Twenty-Four Solar Terms (Nijūshi sekki)
This ancient system divides the year according to the sun’s movement, marking events like Risshun (the start of spring) or Tōji (winter solstice). Farmers traditionally used these terms as guides.
The Seventy-Two Micro-Seasons (Shichijūni kō)
An even finer system divides the year into periods of about five days each, with poetic names such as “East wind melts the ice” or “First frogs sing.” These express the subtle transitions of nature.
Old Calendar and New Calendar
In 1872, Japan adopted the Gregorian calendar, moving away from the lunar-solar calendar. As a result, traditional events like Tanabata shifted away from their original seasonal timing.
Literature and Seasonal Words
In haiku and other poetry, “season words” (kigo) are essential. Cherry blossoms, fireflies, autumn leaves, and snow are all deeply embedded in the Japanese language.
Chapter 6: Regional Differences
Because Japan is so long from north to south, seasonal experiences vary greatly.
- Hokkaido: Long winters, short summers, famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival and lavender fields in Furano.
- Okinawa: Subtropical, with warm winters and unique traditions based on the lunar calendar.
- Japan Sea vs. Pacific side: Heavy snow versus dry winters.
- Seasonal fronts: Cherry blossom and autumn foliage move across the country over weeks.
- Local festivals: Aomori’s Nebuta Festival, Kyoto’s Gion Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival, and more.
Chapter 7: Seasonal Rhythms in Daily Life
Changing Clothes (Koromogae)
Schools and companies traditionally switch uniforms in June and October. Modern variations include “Cool Biz” in summer and “Warm Biz” in winter to save energy.
Seasonal Foods
The Japanese concept of shun (food in season) shapes eating habits. Spring vegetables, summer melons, autumn mushrooms and fish, and winter root vegetables are all celebrated.
To explore Seasonal Foods in detail—see our full article.
Housing and Comfort
Japanese houses adapt to the seasons: sliding doors for ventilation in summer, thick insulation and humidifiers in winter.
Seasonal Business
Seasonal sales drive the economy: New Year’s lucky bags (fukubukuro), Valentine’s Day chocolates, Mother’s Day, summer bonuses, and year-end shopping.
Chapter 8: Seasons in Language, Literature, and Art
From the Manyōshū (8th century poetry collection) to modern novels, Japanese literature constantly references seasonal changes.
- Classical works: The Pillow Book (Makura no Sōshi), The Tale of Genji, and countless haiku.
- Modern literature: Authors like Natsume Sōseki and Miyazawa Kenji emphasize seasonal moods.
- Art and design: Kimono patterns, ceramics, and paintings often feature cherry blossoms, maple leaves, or snow.
- Pop culture: Anime openings, J-pop songs, and TV dramas frequently revolve around seasonal imagery.
Chapter 9: The Future of Japan’s Four Seasons
Climate Change
Japan’s seasonal cycle is being disrupted. Cherry blossoms bloom earlier, summers are hotter, and extreme weather events like torrential rains and typhoons are more frequent.
Safety and Health
Heatstroke, pollen allergies, typhoon damage, and snow-related accidents are seasonal risks. Public campaigns promote awareness and preparation.
Sustainable Enjoyment of the Seasons
Adapting to climate change means finding new ways to enjoy the seasons responsibly—celebrating local seasonal foods, reducing long-distance travel, and preserving natural landscapes.
Conclusion
Japan’s four seasons are more than changes in weather. They are deeply woven into culture, traditions, and everyday life. From cherry blossoms in spring to New Year’s in winter, the rhythm of the seasons shapes how people live, study, work, and celebrate.
At the same time, climate change reminds us that these rhythms are not eternal. They are living, changing, and fragile. Recognizing and cherishing the seasons, while adapting to new realities, will be essential for future generations.
In upcoming articles, we will explore each season in detail—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—covering festivals, foods, and experiences unique to each. For now, consider: Which season of Japan speaks most deeply to you?