Seasons in Japan

What Japan’s seasons are really like — cherry blossoms and hanami in spring, hay fever season, Golden Week, and the rhythms that shape daily life throughout the year.

Japan's Golden Week: What It Is and Why the Country Grinds to a Halt

TL;DR — Golden Week (GW) is a cluster of national holidays concentrated in late April and early May. Many people combine paid leave to create a long stretch of time off, while tourist spots and transport links see some of the heaviest congestion of the entire year. What Is Golden Week? Golden Week is just around the corner. For foreigners living in Japan, or anyone planning a trip here around this time of year, I wanted to share what “Golden Week (GW)” actually means — and give you a real sense of what Japan is like during this period. ...

Why ENT Clinics in Japan Are Packed Every Spring — And What Visitors Should Know

TL;DR — ENT clinics in Japan get overwhelmingly crowded every spring because hay fever is remarkably widespread here — driven by cedar and cypress pollen from late February through April. Worth knowing before you visit. The Never-Ending Itchy Eyes and Runny Nose Late February through early April is the worst time of year for me. Yes. It’s hay fever season. I get so desperate I want to detach my eyes and nose and rinse them under a tap — not that that’s actually possible. ...

What Is Hanami? Japan's Cherry Blossom Party Tradition Explained

TL;DR — Hanami (花見) is the Japanese tradition of gathering under cherry blossoms to eat, drink, and enjoy the blooms together. It’s a beloved spring ritual — especially popular at universities in April — and a wonderful way to connect with people. The Cherry Blossom Season Japan is right in the middle of cherry blossom season. Here in Kanto, where I live, the flowers are starting to fall and the trees are turning to leafy green. ...