If you haven't been to Japan before, one of the things you may notice is that the seasonal variations are very pronounced. In the winter, cold dry air masses from Siberia move down to Japan and meet the warmer moister Pacific air. The result is heavy snowfall on the western side of the Japan alps. Snowfall on the eastern coast is much less, and the main determinants of climate become elevation or distance from the sea. For example the city of Kyoto is freezing cold in winter and extremely humid in summer due to the city's location in a natural basin where breezes do not blow freely. If a student is planning to travel to mountain locations and cities with particularly severe micro-climates please ensure that you advise them to prepare a range of clothing. For example please note that Tokyo's average winter temperature is colder than Reykjavik in Iceland - they will feel cold if they visit there during the winter.

In Okazaki, winter is usually milder with only occasional snow, though it can be cold. If a student comes from a warm climate please ensure that they either bring good warm clothing or budget for purchases in Japan. Summers in Okazaki are hot and humid though less so than Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. If the student is from a temperate or cold climate they will feel the heat. Light loose cotton clothing, shorts and suitable footwear are required.