Job Discussion Forums

[JPrufrock]

I will be arriving in Japan in June. What to expect? What's the weather like that time of year? How do you feel about June in Japan?

[dove]

June is the rainy season in most of Japan. It is damp, humid, hot but sometimes cool. You need to have an umbrella handy at all times. You also need to be vigilant against mold and mildew. If you leave your wet shoes in your entrance way, there is a good chance mildew will start growing on them. If you have a futon, get that thing off the floor when you aren't sleeping on it--hang it over a chair or a door and on a sunny day, make sure you hang it out (but don't leave your house with your futon outside; a down pour could hit anytime).
Most people hate the rainy season, but in some ways I like it--it's kind of an excuse to stay inside and just chill-out. Also, it's really green, and there are hydrangeas everywhere. If you don't mind the rain, it can be a good time to travel. It's not a very crowded time (except for gardens famous for hydrangea); school is still in session in Japan. Make the best of it!

[Glenski]

Where are you going? There is no rainy season here in Hokkaido, and if you are here in June, you will see the beginnings of buds greening up. Yes, spring comes that late.

[rai]

Like Glenski said, ya gotta tell us where you're going: The climate of Japan roughly mirrors the east coast of America, from cool up north to sweaty and nasty down south. Osaka in the summertime feels like a sauna. IF there is a breeze, it isn't refreshing but rather feels like a wave breaking over you. Ugh.

[Apsara]

What Dove said about not leaving the futon on the floor through rainy season- I had no idea mould could grow so fast! I don't mind the rainy season even if it is pretty gloomy- at least it's warm. Some rainy season hardly deserve the name either.

The greenery just grows at an incredible pace too- last year the empty lots near my apartment grew weeds taller than me from nothing in about a month.