One of the things I love about Japan is the incredible variety of climates.
In my Hawaiian home, we get some kind of rain in the morning or evening, the wind tastes strong, and a typhoon comes through every once in a while, but the temperature is almost heaven year-round. I was 12 years old when I realized how every day weather can be such an exciting experience!
My first inkling of the wonder of the weather was peering out of the milky Victorian glass of our Edinburgh home on a frigid December afternoon to experience love at first sight with the first huge flakes of snow winding lazily across the city. They looked like so many sweet pieces of comforting cotton.
Now in Japan, I experience a pang of anticipation every morning when I look out the sliding glass windows next to my bed in Yokohama for the first time. I’m never completely sure what I’m going to find. Crows often caw above and there might be a hint of wind rustling the Kaede maple tree that grows against the house… but you really never know. We experience kind and dangerous weather. But Japan, excuse the pun, has mastered the art of weathering.
First things first… look out the window and feel the humidity in the air and watch the clouds. If it’s gray and you feel the wet suppleness on your skin, chances are it’s going to rain. This alone will discourage any conscientious clothes lover from resisting doing a load first thing and hanging clothes out to dry. Yes, most Japanese wash in cold water and don’t use dryers. I used to scoff at it until I got used to the smell of sunshine on my clothes and now I only use my dryer for emergencies. As we would say in Japan… much more Eco!
Second, turn on the tube. With countless photos, on-site reports, lots of big thermometers, and predictions from around the country, each channel will carry some news about today’s weather and what to expect. The percentages of rainfall, if you should take an umbrella, when you could do the laundry, how the clothes will dry… it’s all there. There can often be some warnings for heavy rain or wind, so if something seems urgent on TV, be sure to check with your concierge/colleague or friend before leaving the hotel or home. For earthquakes, you will hear a bunch of phones ringing with your urgent alarm mode app just before one happens. Don’t worry though, everyone is in this together and everyone will help each other no matter what.
I remember all the morning surf reports in Hawaii for all the surfers on the island and I can’t help but think that much of the weather frenzy here stems from Japan being an island nation with a huge fishing industry. Also, with all the fault lines we sit on, the position is in the Pacific (Japan basically blocks greater Asia as the wind and storms come from the ocean), it is mountainous and has only 3 percent of the total land developed (most of Japan is mountains… did you know?), we’re abuzz with exciting weather. Hurrah!
Have fun with time in Japan!
Just for your information, the unpredictable and dynamic weather caused Japan to develop countless weather related items. You may want to pick up a few of these during your stay.
Here are my favourites:
Retractable Umbrella/Sunshade: I actually use these in Hawaii to reduce UV rays and in Japan, they are so small and light you can keep one quietly tucked inside a bag of almost any size. I used to think that the Japanese had a small umbrella surgically inserted into their arms because as soon as a drop fell, Tokyo immediately turned into a sea of umbrellas. Now I know the truth and now I keep my own secret umbrella hidden in my bag like everyone else.
Also, feel free to ask at the train station if a shower is coming and you don’t have one. Umbrellas are the MOST popular “wasuremono” or forgotten item in Japan, so almost every station will give you one for free if they have them in stock.
Rain Boots: I never thought you could get so many styles, colors, and styles in rain boots. Rain shoes/boots in Japan are great, you can wear them in the office and on client visits without any problem. Definitely choose a pair to show off to your friends with muddy shoes at home.
Japanese Tenugui Towels: Carry a Japanese Tenugui towel in your bag and you can wipe raindrops and snowflakes off your clothes and umbrellas before getting on crowded buses and trains. Keeping clothes cool and dry when it rains or snows is an art and you will see that your Japanese friends are very careful with their bag, umbrella, shoes, bag, etc.
It’s not cool to let your dripping drops bother the floor or other passengers. Yes, each and every person follows extensive water etiquette and voila, Japan’s clean, efficient and smooth public transportation becomes flawless for everyone!
As a side note, don’t forget that normally on-time trains, buses, etc. can be delayed due to high winds, rain, snow, etc. If you see clouds above or hear the wind whipping, give yourself a little more time to move.