Summer in Japan

 I’m not a huge fan of summer in Fukuoka, mainly because it’s too hot and humid. If you plan to visit Japan I’d recommend visiting in the Spring or Autumn.  In August the average temperature is between 28-32 degrees Celsius, however, what makes this a little more painful is that the humidity is high, with an average of 75% - 85%. I spend as much time as possible indoors with the AC as for me this heat is uncomfortable.  In August thunder storms and typhoons are also common especially in Kyushu. There are some parts of the Summer that are interesting such as the summer festivals and the beautiful flowers and wildlife you can view.

Bugs, Insects and Animals in the Summer

Summer is also the time the bugs and insects start to increase. Most of these I actually really like to see around, for example you often see huge butterflies and dragonflies of all colours. Also the Cicadas come out in mid-July and create a nice atmosphere for the season. Fireflies are also common in the early Summer months. There are viewing spots you can visit all over Kyushu to see the fireflies.

One of my favourite creatures that are commonly seen here in the summertime are geckos. Last year I had one in my apartment, I called him Freddie. I was told by friends here that geckos are harmless and often in Japan they are called “house guardians” as they eat bugs that get into the house and scare off other insects from coming into your home.

Unfortunately there are other insects that are not so desirable.  Roaches start to appear as it gets hotter. There are some amazing pest control products you can buy to keep cockroaches out of your home so this has never been a huge problem for me. Also in Kyushu you must be very wary of the Mukade. These are very ugly centipedes that can inflict very painful bites.  Luckily I have not had any Mukade in my apartment but I have seen them outside and one turned up in my office last year which caused a minor panic in the teacher’s room. One of the scariest bugs you can find in Kyushu in the summer is the giant Japanese hornet. These are extremely dangerous as the sting can be fatal. I have luckily not come across these hornets in Japan yet.

Snakes are also around in the summer months, I have seen a couple of them swimming down the streams and rivers around my local area. Snakes are often found in rice paddies as they like to eat frogs and rodents. I’ve been advised that most of the snakes in my local area are harmless but other venomous snakes can be found in the more mountainous areas around me.

Obon and Summer Festivals

The best thing about the summer is the festivities. Obon normally takes place around the 15th of August every year and lasts 3 days. During this time most people visit their home and celebrate their ancestors. At this time of the year you will often see lanterns in the rivers which represent a guiding light for ancestor’s spirits to find their way home.

Also in summer there are normally huge fireworks displays in every city. People dress in Yukata (light summer kimono). Most people rent the Yukata for the day from specialist shops. The shop offers services such as rental and dressing of the Yukata, hairdressing, rental of accessories (footwear, bags and hair ornaments). Foreign residents and tourists are also encouraged to take part. Often shop owners will have some English to help foreign visitors. At the summer festivals there are normally lots of street food you can try. Unfortunately these festivals have been cancelled for the last 2 years due to the coronavirus. I really hope to enjoy this season again in 2022.

Flowers in the summer

The summer is a very popular time for flower viewing. Japan has many locations where you can visit flower fields. The sunflowers are the most common flowers seen in my local area. Many people gather to view the flowers and enjoy the scenery.

If the heat does not bother you too much maybe the summer is a great time to visit Japan but for me I prefer to explore Japan when it is a little cooler. If you do decide to come to Japan this time of the year keep yourself hydrated, wear strong sun protection and buy yourself a sun umbrella.