Climate Kansai
Although the climate in Japan is generally temperate, it is difficult to give an exact profile, as the country stretches like an arc for almost 2,200 kilometres, from north-east to south-west. Between the island of Hokkaido in the north, Honshu in the centre and Okinawa in the south, diversification is the right word. The same goes for Kansai. The ten prefectures are located in the heart of Honshu, with several sea fronts (the Sea of Japan to the north, the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean to the south), high reliefs or plains, which receive winds from Siberia. The climate in the Kansai region is very diverse. One thing is certain, the region enjoys four distinct seasons that also influence the different climates of the ten prefectures. The climate will be very different in winter, whether you are on the island of Awaji or in Tottori Prefecture, as well as in summer and the rainy season.
The great diversity
Six main climatic zones make up the entire archipelago. Between the two extremes, Hokkaido and Okinawa, the difference is obvious. The first has a subarctic climate, while the second enjoys an ideal situation in the subtropical zone. In other words, the flowering of their respective cherry trees is very different. For Kansai, the extremes, even if they are less extreme, also exist. The prefectures of Tottori, Kyoto (the north) and Fukui, which are located on the Sea of Japan coast (Hokuriku and Sanin), will experience snowfall in winter and higher precipitation throughout the year. The Seto Inland Sea rim, which includes the prefectures of Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto, Shiga and Nara, enjoys a mild climate with low precipitation. The summer can be very hot and stifling, especially in Kyoto, due to the topography of the area. The southeast of Shikoku, with Tokushima, and the south of the Kii Peninsula, with Wakayama and Mie, enjoy a subtropical climate, with mild temperatures that can quickly rise in the summer. Rainfall is heavy in June and September during the rainy season. Fukui Prefecture has the best record for unstable weather. A saying is even famous there: "Forgetting your bento is a disadvantage; forgetting your umbrella is a disaster! "Winter also brings its share of beautiful activities. Many prefectures offer travellers the chance to put on skis and taste Japanese powder, starting with Mount Daisen in Tottori and Shiga Prefecture. It is even possible to enjoy the winter sports atmosphere at Mount Rokko near Kobe, this time with artificial snow.
The rainy and typhoon seasons
Although the term monsoon is more widely used throughout Asia, the term "monsoon" is used in Japan to refer to the rainy season. Here it is called tsuyu and this period generally lasts for six weeks, between June and mid-July. It's a period that can be scary, just look at the price of airplane tickets which are going down most of the time. While the rain is heavy, the humidity level soars and the atmosphere is damp, but the showers are also interspersed with lulls. It's a risk to take, but it's not extreme conditions either, especially if you decide to stay in urban centres or flat areas. With a bit of luck, you may get a year that is milder than others, with few continuous showers. Carry the famous clear plastic umbrellas that are plentiful in Japanese mini-markets during these rainy months. The Japanese summer also sees the phenomenon of typhoons (the equivalent of tropical cyclones or hurricanes). They hit Japan frequently between August and October, with a peak in early September. Precipitation is abundant and winds are strong. This phenomenon is not taken lightly in Japan, and each year, especially in rural areas, there is a high loss of life and damage to property. In addition to the typhoon itself, floods, landslides and mudslides can be deadly. The Meteorological Agency announces, a few days in advance, the route of the typhoons. If you are on holiday in Japan at that time, stay in your hotel or rental accommodation with some provisions. If your goal is to travel through the nature of Kansai, this season is surely to be avoided.
