The Four Seasons of Japan & How to Enjoy Them
Japan is famous for having four distinct seasons, called 四季 (shiki): spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Each season has its own unique weather, events, and traditional foods. Many people in Japan enjoy celebrating the changes of the seasons!
日本には「四季」があり、春・夏・秋・冬それぞれに気候や行事、食べ物の楽しみがあります。季節の移り変わりを大切にする文化が根付いています。
Spring (春・はる: Haru)
- 桜 (さくら / Sakura): Cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan. People enjoy 花見 (はなみ / Hanami), having picnics under the cherry trees.
- Warm weather starts. Many students begin a new school year in April.
- Seasonal Food: Strawberry sweets, bamboo shoots, and sakura mochi.
Summer (夏・なつ: Natsu)
- Hot and humid. Many お祭り (festivals) and 花火大会 (fireworks festivals).
- People wear 浴衣 (yukata, light kimono) and enjoy traditional games.
- Seasonal Food: Kakigori (shaved ice), watermelon, cold noodles (そうめん / somen).
Autumn (秋・あき: Aki)
- Leaves turn red and yellow. Many people go to the mountains to see 紅葉 (こうよう / koyo), the autumn leaves.
- Comfortable weather and many harvest festivals.
- Seasonal Food: Sweet potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms, and persimmons.
Winter (冬・ふゆ: Fuyu)
- Cold and sometimes snowy, especially in the north.
- お正月 (New Year) is the biggest holiday. People eat special foods called おせち料理 (osechi ryouri).
- Seasonal Food: Hot pot (鍋 / nabe), mochi, and mikan (Japanese mandarin orange).
Seasonal Vocabulary
| 日本語 | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 春 | haru | Spring |
| 夏 | natsu | Summer |
| 秋 | aki | Autumn (Fall) |
| 冬 | fuyu | Winter |
| 祭り | matsuri | Festival |
| 紅葉 | koyo | Autumn leaves |
Example Conversation
Talking about the seasons:
A： 日本の春はとてもきれいですね。 (Nihon no haru wa totemo kirei desu ne.)
B： はい、桜がたくさん咲きます。 (Hai, sakura ga takusan sakimasu.)
A： 秋も好きです。紅葉がきれいです。 (Aki mo suki desu. Koyo ga kirei desu.)
*Try talking about your favorite season in Japanese!
Tips for Enjoying the Seasons
- Check local event calendars for festivals and flower-viewing dates.
- Try seasonal foods and snacks at convenience stores and restaurants.
- Take lots of photos! Each season has its own beauty.
- If you visit in winter, enjoy an outdoor onsen with snow!
Conclusion
Japan’s four seasons offer so many ways to enjoy nature, culture, and food. Try to experience as many as you can!
日本の四季はとても美しく、それぞれ違った楽しみ方があります。ぜひいろいろな季節を体験してください！