Climate

(Photo by (c)Tomoyuki.U )

Japan stretches from north to south with undulating topography and is surrounded by the sea. A variety of climates can be seen in the small island. However, most of Japan lies within a temperate zone. Therefore, changes of season are clearly distinguished. Because the Japanese are an agricultural people, they are sensitive to seasonal changes. There are 4 seasons including spring, summer, fall, and winter. Influences of the season variation and climatic changes can be seen in Japanese art, food, architecture, and custom. Therefore, it is impossible to separate Japanese culture and the seasons.

After the vernal equinox, the days get longer and the atmospheric temperature rises gradually. Bare trees during winter start to have green leaves and have blossoms. An average atmospheric temperature is about 15 degree Celsius and 59 degree Fahrenheit. Since the cherry blossom season is in spring, many people go to see the cherry blossoms at parks or mountains.

Between spring and summer, there is a rainy season. It rains most of the day during the season. Therefore, natural disasters such as water floods and a landslides occur. However, the rains are a necessary water resource for humans, animals, and plants to survive the summer because it seldom rains during summer. Afetr the rainy season, the summer sets in. The atmosphere is so warm and humid because wind from a high pressure over the Pacific Ocean blows toward Japan. The atmospheric temperature does not drop under 25 degree Celsius ( 77 degree Fahrenheit). Swimming in the sea, rivers, and lakes are popular sports during summer.

After the summer solstice, fall starts astronomically. The late summer heat is still severe in september, and the atmospheric temperature rises close to 32 degree Celsius ( 91.6 degree Fahrenheit) in September.

Typhoons hit Japan many times during the fall. Typhoons cause many natural disasters such as flood, landslide, and landslip and give damage many things like crop harvests and architecture. However, the typhoons bring much water which is necessary to make it through the winter, since it seldom rains during winter. The fall is the most fruitful season in the year. Therefore, many vegetables, fruits, seafood, and flowers in season are sold in stores during fall.

In winter, a seasonal wind from the Siberian high pressure causes a drop in temperature. Athough the atmospheric temperature is 2 degree Celsius (35.6 degree Fahrenheit), the temperature feels lower because of the humidity in the atmosphere. Many people in Japan experience having chilblains on their toe or hands.

Snow falls more than 2 m (6 ft) in some parts of Japan. Therefore, winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are popular.

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