What’s Hot in Japan?
Just might be the weather depending on the time of year you decide to travel. Last year I arrived in Tokyo on November 9th and the weather was just right. Not too hot, not too cold and with just the right amount of crispness in the air to suit my tastes. Seems like autumn had come a little early to Japan last year and I was there just in time to enjoy the fall foliage and myriad color changes (see photo at left).
Just as with just about anywhere on Earth, the weather in Japan goes through seasonal changes and it’s important to understand what the climate might be like while you are there. There’s nothing worse than packing for the wrong season!!! Since I will be traveling this year in August, let’s start with Summer!!! (we’ll cover other seasons in other articles).
The summer season in Japan spans June, July and August, and contains a rainy season — about 40 days in June and July — where precipitation can reach up to about 275 mm. Depending on region, the Japanese summer is generally hot and humid with the coolest temperatures prevailing in places of higher elevations, like Hokkaido.
Temperatures during the summer are generally from 12C/54F at a minimum to 33C/91F maximum. These figures are estimations based on historical data so remember, they are not written in stone. The thing to remember is that there is a lot of humidity in Japan, which often makes the weather feel warmer and heavier than it really is. Sort of like Florida.
And speaking of which, I did this little weather comparison between my local (NW Florida) area and Tokyo today on wunderground-dot-com…
This gives me a bit of an idea of what to expect and how much I can handle once I get to Japan.
As for packing for the summer season, I consulted with TokyoTopia and found some great advice. She says to pack light cotton clothing. I’m thinking white, cotton screen print tees for my son which he already has plenty of, as well as light colored cotton shorts (if I can talk him out of his jean shorts), white socks and light colored sneakers. For myself, light colored or white cotton blouses along with capris/pedal pushers, light or white socks and light colored sneakers as well.
TokyoTopia also reminds us not to forget our deodorant. Japan, especially Tokyo, contains masses of people so it’s always a good idea to try to stay as fresh as possible. I definitely plan on packing the deodorant as well as baby wipes to carry with me wherever I go, just in case I might need a quick wipe down while I’m out and about. Also, I plan on curtailing my use of perfume and/or strongly scented body sprays during my visit. My experience last year says there will be times where we are in close, even intimate, proximity to many others and in the summer heat, perfume can get a little stinky. Fresh and clean, I believe, is the best way to go.
Lastly, I’ll need to remember sunscreen and insect repellent. Wherever there is water, humidity, and hot weather, there are bound to be mosquitoes. Living in Florida has taught me this. Living in Florida has also taught me that even nationalities with darker skin tones are prone to sunburn so bring sunscreen no matter what!!! You’ll most likely be spending a lot of time walking around under the hot sun, more than what you are used to, so take every precaution. (Hmmm…I might even invest in a hat).
So, key words for summer packing: light, white, cotton, deodorant, insect repellant and sunscreen (and an umbrella during June/July). Drink plenty of water if you’re visiting during this time and be mindful of the possibility of heat related illnesses, especially if you are not used to high heat weather.
If you’re traveling during the summer as I am, enjoy and perhaps I’ll see you in Tokyo.
