Japan is a country where the changing seasons are celebrated, from the blooming cherry blossoms in spring to the fiery bursts of autumn leaves. Being able to talk about the weather and describe seasonal conditions is a useful skill for anyone learning Japanese, and it makes everyday conversation much more natural. So, how do you say spring, summer, fall, and winter in Japanese?
In Japan, the four seasons are together called 春夏秋冬 (shunkashuutou). Each season has its own weather, vibes, and traditions, so learning about them might help you enjoy Japan all year round!
In this guide, we will explore Japan’s four main seasons — spring, summer, autumn, and winter — as well as some of the unique “microseasons” the Japanese recognize. You’ll also learn useful vocabulary for each season, so you can describe the weather, nature, and seasonal events like a local.
What is Season in Japanese?
In Japan, the word for season is 季節 (kisetsu), which combines 季 (ki) meaning “season” or “period” and 節 (setsu) meaning “section” or “period.” When talking specifically about the four seasons, the term 春夏秋冬 (shunkashuutou) is used. This expression literally strings together the kanji for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, but they are read using their onyomi (Chinese-derived) readings rather than their native Japanese (kunyomi) readings.
While kisetsu refers to a season in general, shunkashuutou emphasizes the complete cycle of all four seasons and the changes they bring throughout the year.
We’ve created a separate blog about how to describe the weather and seasonal conditions in Japanese, but here are a few key vocabulary words you might want to know!
| Japanese | Furigana | Romaji | English Meaning |
| 旬 | しゅん | Shun | Peak season |
| 季節感 | きせつかん | Kisetsukan | Sense of the season |
| 梅雨 | つゆ / ばいう | Tsuyu/baiu | Rainy season |
You might notice the word 旬 (shun). If you’ve ever been to a fancy restaurant and seen a menu item labeled “seasonal appetizer,” you might come across this word in Japanese restaurants as well. It literally means “season” in the sense of something being at its peak or best time.
この魚は今が旬です。
Kono sakana wa ima ga shun desu.
This fish is in season now.
How to Say Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter in Japanese
Spring (春)
- Furigana: はる
- Reading: Haru
Arguably the most famous season in Japan, spring, or 春 (haru), brings cherry blossoms and pleasant, crisp weather as the country warms after the long, cold winter. In many ways, spring in Japan symbolizes new beginnings. April, for example, marks the start of a new fiscal year for many companies and the beginning of the school term, as well as the time when many graduation ceremonies take place.
Spring generally lasts from late March to May with temperatures ranging from 4 to 18 °C. One of the most famous activities during spring is cherry blossom viewing, called 花見 (hanami). The sakura blossoms peak over a roughly two-week period, first in warmer regions like Okinawa, then in areas like Kyushu, gradually moving north to regions like Hokkaido. You will find people bring picnic mats and gather in public parks to enjoy the blossoms, food, and company of friends and family.
Check out some basic spring-related vocabulary!
| Kanji | Furigana | Romaji | English Meaning |
| 春 | はる | haru | Spring |
| 桜 | さくら | sakura | Cherry blossom |
| 花吹雪 | はなふくび | hanafukubi | “Flower blizzard” |
| 花見 | はなみ | hanami | Cherry blossom viewing |
| 新学期 | しんがっき | shingakki | New school term |
| 新年度 | しんねんど | shinnendo | New fiscal year |
| 卒業 | そつぎょう | sotsugyou | Graduation |
| 入学 | にゅうがく | nyuugaku | School entrance / enrollment |
| 春風 | はるかぜ | harukaze | Spring breeze |
| 花粉症 | かふんしょう | kafunshou | Hay fever / pollen allergy |
| 若葉 | わかば | wakaba | Fresh young leaves |
Summer (夏)
- Furigana:なつ
- Reading: Natsu
Summer, or 夏 (natsu), in Japan is a vibrant season of lively festivals, or 夏祭り (natsu matsuri), trips to the beach, and お盆 (Obon), Japan’s traditional holiday honoring ancestors.
Famous summer festivals in Tokyo include the 神田祭 (Kanda Matsuri), but you can also find other regional matsuri across Japan. During this time, people often wear yukata, a lighter, more breathable version of the kimono, while strolling through festival streets, sampling Japanese street food like yakisoba (stir-fried noodles), and enjoying treats like chocolate-covered bananas.
Summer in Japan falls between June to mid-September, with temperatures falling within a range of 21 to 32 °C. The season is typically hot and humid, so it’s important to stay cool and hydrated. There is even a special Japanese word for this intensity, called 蒸し暑い (mushiatsui), which literally means “steaming hot.” The buzzing of male cicadas, or 蝉 (semi), is often associated with the sounds of summer.
Let’s check out other related summer Japanese vocabulary too!
| Kanji | Furigana | Romaji | English Meaning |
| 夏 | なつ | natsu | Summer |
| 暑い | あつい | atsui | Hot (weather) |
| 蒸し暑い | むしあつい | mushiatsui | Hot and humid |
| 蝉 | せみ | semi | Cicada |
| 花火 | はなび | hanabi | Fireworks |
| 夏祭り | なつまつり | natsu matsuri | Summer festival |
| 浴衣 | ゆかた | yukata | Yukata |
| 海 | うみ | umi | Sea/beach |
| かき氷 | かきごおり | kakigouri | Shaved ice dessert |
| 日焼け | ひやけ | hiyake | Sunburn |
| 扇風機 | せんぷうき | senpuuki | Electric fan |
| 冷たい飲み物 | つめたいのみもの | tsumetai nomimono | Cold drink |
Autumn (秋)
- Furigana: あき
- Reading: Aki
Autumn, or 秋 (aki), in Japan falls within the months of mid-November to early December, and this is the season when you get to see the trees turn vivid hues of red, orange, and yellow. If spring in Japan is famous for sakura (cherry blossoms), then autumn is celebrated for 紅葉 (momiji), or autumn leaves.
During this time, the unbearable heat and humidity of the Japanese summer finally give way to cooler, more comfortable weather, making autumn one of the most pleasant seasons in Japan. In Tokyo, the average weather ranges from 15 – 22°C.
The act of viewing autumn leaves is called 紅葉狩り (momijigari). When planning a trip to Japan, it’s good to remember that the autumn foliage, which attracts thousands of travelers every year, comes in two waves: the red hues of maple leaves and the bright yellow of ginkgo trees.
You can check out our detailed guide on Japanese autumn vocabulary, but here’s a quick overview of some basic words.
| Kanji | Furigana | Romaji | English Meaning |
| 秋 | あき | aki | Autumn |
| 紅葉 | もみじ | momiji | Autumn leaves |
| 紅葉狩り | もみじがり | momijigari | Autumn leaf viewing |
| 銀杏 | いちょう | Ginkgo tree/leaves | Ginkgo tree / leaves |
| 秋風 | あきかぜ | akikaze | Autumn breeze |
Winter (冬)
- Furigana: ふゆ
- Reading: Fuyu
Winter, or 冬 (fuyu), in Japan, generally lasts from December to February with temperatures ranging from -1 to 7 °C (varies in different parts of Japan). Winter is the time of the year when you get to see pools of snow or 雪 (yuki).
Some parts of Japan don’t see much snow. Winter in Tokyo is generally mild, and while it can get cold, snow is relatively rare compared to northern regions. If you want guaranteed snowfall, areas like Hokkaido or mountainous regions such as Nagano are much more reliable. (Check out our guide on the best winter towns in Japan for that!)
Some areas of Japan are particularly famous for their high-quality snow, often described as powder-like and smooth, making them ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Regions like Hokkaido, Niigata, and Nagano receive heavy, dry snowfall in winter, creating perfect conditions for winter sports. Resorts in these areas attract skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.
Beyond snow, winter in Japan offers a perfect escape from city life. Instead of staying in Tokyo, consider day trips to Niseko or Hokkaido to enjoy scenic mountain views, relaxing hot springs (onsen), and cozy accommodations.
| Kanji | Furigana | Romaji | English Meaning |
| 冬 | ふゆ | fuyu | Winter |
| 雪 | ゆき | yuki | Snow |
| 吹雪 | ふぶき | fubuki | Blizzard |
| 寒い | さむい | samui | Cold (weather) |
| 氷 | こおり | koori | Ice |
| 暖房 | だんぼう | danbou | Heater / Heating |
| 雪だるま | ゆきだるま | yukidaruma | Snowman |
Japan’s “Other Seasons”: Tsuyu
While Japan officially has four seasons — 春 (haru), 夏 (natsu), 秋 (aki), 冬 (fuyu) — it also has a microseason called tsuyu (梅雨), the rainy season. It typically occurs in early summer, usually from early June to mid-July, depending on the region. This period is marked by continuous rain and high humidity, which can make the weather feel hotter than it actually is. People often carry umbrellas during this time, as sudden bursts of rain and heavy downpours are common, sometimes followed by clear skies as if nothing happened. Some coastal areas may also experience typhoons later in the season.
While the rainy season can be gloomy, it is also when hydrangeas (紫陽花, ajisai) bloom beautifully across Japan.
Talking About Seasons in Japan
Now that you’ve learned the basics and know how to say spring, summer, fall, and winter in Japanese, it’s time to put them into practice! Let’s go through some common phrases and questions you’ll often hear talking about the seasons in Japan.
今は春ですね。桜の花が咲き始めて、とてもきれいです。
Ima wa haru desu ne. Sakura no hana ga saki hajimete, totemo kirei desu.
It’s spring now. The cherry blossoms are starting to bloom, and it’s very beautiful.
春は暖かいです。
Haru wa atatakai desu.
Spring is warm.
桜が咲き始めました。
Sakura ga saki hajimemashita.
The cherry blossoms have started to bloom.
梅雨の季節は湿気が多く、毎日雨が降り続くので、外出する時は傘が欠かせません。
Tsuyu no kisetsu wa shikke ga ōku, mainichi ame ga furitsuzuku node, gaishutsu suru toki wa kasa ga kakasemasen.
During the rainy season, the humidity is high and it rains every day, so you can’t go out without an umbrella.
暑い！日焼け止めを塗ってください。
Atsui! Hiyakedome o nutte kudasai.
It’s hot! Wear sunblock to avoid sunburn!
秋の紅葉はとてもきれいです。
Aki no kouyou wa totemo kirei desu.
The autumn leaves are very beautiful.
冬は北海道や長野で雪がたくさん降ります。
Fuyu wa Hokkaidō ya Nagano de yuki ga takusan furimasu.
In winter, a lot of snow falls in Hokkaido and Nagano.
Conclusion: Learn to Talk About the Season (and Beyond!) in Japanese with Lessons at Coto Academy
Now that you’ve learned the basics of talking about the season in Japanese, why stop there? There are plenty of other essential skills to master, like introducing yourself or discussing a specific topic in conversation.
If you want to build confidence and start speaking Japanese, consider joining conversation-focused Japanese lessons at Coto Academy. As a top-rated school with campuses in Tokyo and Yokohama, we offer fun and flexible lessons designed around practical, everyday conversation. You’ll learn Japanese that you can use immediately outside the classroom.
We offer intensive Japanese courses as well as part-time options, so whether you want to immerse yourself fully or fit lessons into a busy schedule, there’s something for you. Start your journey to speaking Japanese confidently today!
Why join Coto Academy?
- Over 60+ different Japanese classes over 18 levels
- Small classroom of only up to 8 students for personalized support
- Professional, native Japanese teachers
- Trusted by 15,000 students from 50 different countries!
Ready to get started? Fill out the form below to contact us!
FAQ
What are the four seasons in Japanese?
There are four seasons in Japanese: 春 (はる, haru) is spring, 夏 (なつ, natsu) is summer, 秋 (あき, aki) is autumn, and 冬 (ふゆ, fuyu) is winter.
How many seasons does Japan have?
Japan has four seasons. Spring is called 春 (haru), summer is 夏 (natsu), autumn is 秋 (aki), and winter is 冬 (fuyu).
What is “season” in Japanese?
The word for season in Japanese is 季節 (きせつ, kisetsu).
What is spring in Japanese?
Spring in Japanese is 春 (はる, haru). It is typically from March to May, and it is famous for cherry blossoms (桜, さくら, sakura) blooming.