I really want the most out of my semester in Japan, so I want the best time to go with the most going on. The two choices are a Fall semester from late August to mid December, or a Spring semester from late March to mid July. I looked at a chart of average temps during these periods and honestly it looks like August is the worst month when it comes to heat, and December isn’t all that cold, at least compared to the 10°F temps I experience where I’m from. I’m leaning towards a fall semester because of Halloween, possibly better scholarship opportunities since less people probably study abroad in Fall, and also the weather doesn’t seem that bad. I also looked up some of the major festivals and they all seem to take place over the summer, but I might be able to catch some of the august ones if I go in the Fall semester.
So, for the people who live in Japan, which do you think would be the best time to study abroad: fall or spring? I know there isn’t a clear cut answer, and it’s really all preference, but I’m just looking for some pros and cons to each semester. For some context, I like being outdoors and I like to party. I do prefer warmer weather but low 40°F doesn’t really bother me. This will be in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024, so hopefully the restrictions on travel are lifted by then.
Edit: looks like I should have never mentioned Halloween, my bad. The reason I’m choosing to study abroad in Japan is because I’m minoring in Japanese so I need to study abroad for the minor. All the classes I will be taking will count as gen eds and language courses, so I’m not looking at this as a study experience but rather a life/fun experience.
9 comments
You want the most out of your semester in Japan and your first reason for choosing fall is Halloween?
The Japanese academic year begins in April, so a spring semester would give you some overlap with whatever the school does for new students, if anything. If you’re lucky a late March arrival may also have you in the country in time for the cherry blossoms (the annual cherry blossom forecast is usually released in January). Those pink trees are pretty and are also a great excuse for boozy picnics in the park.
So I guess if I had to choose, I’d go spring.
Start in April, the country is beautiful, warm and it’s the same starting time as Japanese people so u can probably make Japanese friends 👍
If you have fall colors and maple where you’re from, go spring. Don’t worry about missing peak sakura in Tokyo, you can always go higher in terms of latitude or altitude to see them. There’s also a LOT of festivals during July to August, so if you can extend your stay a bit (until end of August) go for it
i like fall
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either.
Some other things to consider: Spring has tsuyu (rain season) which is almost a whole month of rain. Nice flowers but not everyone’s cup of tea. I think it’s May?
Summer is crazy hot and humid, not a good weather if you want to go hiking or similar.
Fall has fall leaves, which is similarly beautiful and popular as cherry blossom watching. Some festivals take place in fall (but yes, majority is summer).
In winter, you can go skying, there are great places all around, and imo affordable. There are also some winter festivals.
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Everybody tripping in the comments, Japan is the funnest place to celebrate Halloween because everyone lets loose and dresses up. I think its awesome to see the Japanese get loose. I’d honestly say that depending on where you live, the summer time can be brutal because of the rainy season and humid heat. Spring is great because you might be able to experience the cherry blossoms. Fall is beautiful too, and there is usually a lot of things going on. Just prepare to keep yourself warm throughout the fall when you commute etc.