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PDF now available
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 you are planning to travel to mountain locations and cities
with particularly severe micro-climates please ensure that you bring with you a range of clothing.
For example please note that Tokyo's average winter temperature is colder than Reykjavik in
Iceland - you will feel cold if you visit there during the winter.
In Okazaki, winter is usually milder with only occasional snow, though it can be cold. If you come from a warm climate please ensure that you 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 you come from a temperate or cold climate you will feel the heat. Light loose cotton clothing, shorts and suitable footwear are required.
The average temperature in Okazaki rises and falls sharply during the course of the year. Light cotton clothing is
essential during the summer. In the winter you are advised to bring warm clothing. The summer peak
temperatures are a little lower than Tokyo and Kyoto (where the yearly seasonal change is very pronounced) - mainly due to
the sea breezes.
The Mikawa region and neighbouring Shizuoka are said to have the
most temperate climate in Japan - however all things are relative.
If you are from northern Europe or any other cold climate, then the winter will be very mild but the heat of summer may feel oppressive. The reverse applies if you are from a tropical or warm weather climate. All of our classrooms and accommodation are equipped with air-conditioning and heating to make it easier for you to concentrate on your studies.
The rainfall chart shows the average rainfall/snowfall in each month for the past 15 years. As you can see, due to the milder winter there is little snowfall in Okazaki. The wettest months tend to be in early summer (the rainy season known as "tsuyu") and again in September when typhoons are often accompanied by heavy rains. Spring and Autumn have less rain on average and this combined with the weather makes it a good time to visit. For short course students, the 'best' time to visit may be Spring or Autumn.