The North - Hokkaido Island Sapporo Shiretoko Peninsula Central - Honshu Island Tokyo Osaka Toyama The South - Kyushu Island Fukuoka Nagasaki

Various climatic differences are found along the length of this archipelago. Although temperatures vary, each area experiences four seasons - spring, summer, autumn and winter. North - experiences a sub-arctic climate with warm summers and bleak winters. Central - temperatures here are milder than those further north. The west coast experiences higher rainfall than the east and significantly more snow during the winter. Temperatures are similar throughout - except for in the more mountainous regions where it tends to be slightly cooler. South - temperatures remain consistently higher throughout the year than in other parts of Japan. Summer is hot and humid and rainfall is high. Winters are mild with crisp, dry days. Carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings during summer.   The North Sapporo   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring March - May 0 - 9oC 72mm Summer June - August 14 - 23oC 87mm Autumn September - November 8 - 15oC 112mm Winter December - February -10 - -1oC 100mm Hokkaido Island This region in the far north of Japan lies in a sub-arctic zone with a climate that is also affected by the Asian Continent. Summers are warm and pleasant, whilst winters are bitterly cold. Winter temperatures remain well below zero and can drop to as low as -15C. Snow tends to cover the ground for four months every year making winter sports and activities very popular. Spring edges its way across the land in March and temperatures slowly rise. There is no specific wet season but rain can fall at any time and waterproofs are useful. Best time to visit: Either summer when the weather is warm and pleasant or during winter if planning on skiing.   Central Tokyo   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring March - May 8 - 17oC 122mm Summer June - August 20 - 28oC 143mm Autumn September - November 13 - 21oC 178mm Winter December - February -1 - 9oC 56mm Honshu Island There are slight regional variations across this expanse of land; the Pacific coast tends to have higher rainfall during the summer and the winter experiences less snowfall than the Sea of Japan/East Sea coast or the more mountainous regions in the centre. In general, rain is common at any time of the year and waterproofs are useful. The summer months can get quite hot, sticky, (especially during July and August) and crowded with tourists. Winters can be cold, with temperatures sometimes falling below average, particularly in January. Best time to visit: Both spring and autumn are mild and pleasant. Light clothing is advisable, although a few warmer layers may be necessary for night-time as temperatures can drop. If planning on skiing, December to March is best.   The South Fukuoka   Average temperature     Average rainfall   Spring March - May 8 - 18oC 116mm Summer June - August 21 - 29oC 238mm Autumn September - November 12 - 22oC 63mm Winter December - February 2 - 7oC 81mm Kyushu Island The southern area is sub-tropical and remains warmer throughout the year than other parts of Japan. The summer months are hot and humid with high rainfall. Waterproofs are advisable during this time. In winter, rainfall is low, temperatures rarely drop below average and days tend to be cool, crisp, dry and sunny. Best time to visit: Both spring and autumn are pleasantly mild and clear with relatively low rainfall.