What are the charms and characteristics of spring in Japan? My impressions as someone from Vietnam.

Photo: DANG HOAI VAN

I wrote the article!

Country of origin: Socialist Republic of Vietnam

DANG HOAI VAN

(Dan Hoai Van)

Hello, my name is Dang Hoai Van.
I'm from Vietnam and have been in Japan for over 10 years.

I currently live in Tokyo, but I have visited various regions in the past, including Osaka, Kyoto, Aichi, Fukushima, and Tochigi.
Each region has its own unique characteristics, and through living in Japan, I've come to feel that this country is like a second home.

This time, I'd like to share my personal experiences about "Japanese spring," which is my favorite season.

Introducing the weather and characteristics of spring in Japan.

Japan has very distinct seasons, and the scenery and atmosphere change dramatically with each season.

In spring, cherry blossoms begin to bloom all over town, allowing you to strongly feel the changes in nature.
The pale pink color of the cherry blossoms is especially beautiful, and just looking at them brings a sense of calm.

For me, spring in Japan is a season that evokes a calm and gentle impression.

Spring weather and lifestyle in Japan

Spring in Japan is from March to May.

Spring generally brings relatively pleasant temperatures, but it can still be chilly in the mornings and evenings.
You might feel cold without a light jacket, so pay a little attention to your clothing.

Also, because Japan is long from north to south, temperatures vary depending on the region.
For example, the average temperature in Tokyo in April is 14.3℃.
The average temperature in April in Okinawa Prefecture, located in the south, is 21.5℃, while the average temperature in April in Hokkaido, located in the north, is 11.7℃.
I think it's a good idea to change your clothes according to the area you're going to.

The weather is often stable, making it a pleasant season to go out.
As a result, more people are enjoying walks and trips.

Springtime trouble: Hay fever

On the other hand, spring in Japan also has its challenging aspects.
One example is hay fever.

Many people suffer from runny noses, sneezing, and itchy eyes, especially due to cedar pollen.

I also developed hay fever a few years after coming to Japan, and I can't go without medication every spring.
Even so, when I think about how much fun spring brings, I believe I can overcome my hay fever.

The charm of Japanese spring as revealed by "cherry blossom viewing" and "beginnings"

One of the most representative cultural traditions of spring in Japan is cherry blossom viewing.
Furthermore, spring in Japan is also a season of new beginnings.

The culture of cherry blossom viewing

One of the most representative cultural traditions of spring in Japan is cherry blossom viewing.

Families, friends, and colleagues gather in parks or along rivers where cherry blossoms can be seen, enjoying food and drinks while admiring the blossoms.
When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the petals fluttering in the wind create a truly magical scene, sometimes looking as if it's snowing.

This culture of enjoying the seasons while feeling close to nature is, I believe, a uniquely Japanese charm.

Spring events and new beginnings

In Japan, spring is also the season when new lives begin.
April is a time when many people take their first steps into a new chapter in their lives, with entrance ceremonies for schools and companies.

In Vietnam, the new school year starts in September, so the April entrance ceremony was a new experience for me.

I myself attended the entrance ceremony as an international student, and later, as a working adult, I experienced the company entrance ceremony.
Both events were filled with a sense of tension, and they left a lasting impression on me as events that conveyed the seriousness and unity of Japanese society.

Fascinating Japanese Spring Foods

In spring, we tend to make more dishes using seasonal ingredients.

Among them, bamboo shoots are a representative spring food, and they are soft and used in a variety of dishes.
Typical dishes include mixed rice dishes and simmered dishes.

Image: Bamboo shoot

Furthermore, traditional Japanese sweets such as "sakura mochi" (cherry blossom rice cakes) are also spring-like, and their appearance and taste evoke the feeling of the season.
Sakuramochi is a sweet treat made by wrapping pink-colored mochi (rice cake) in a cherry blossom leaf.
The mochi is filled with anko (sweet bean paste made from mashed and kneaded beans).

Image: Sakuramochi

This kind of food culture is one of the joys of spring in Japan.

Summary: Spring in Japan is a pleasant season! Enjoy the many attractions of cherry blossom viewing and delicious food.

Spring in Japan is a special season that not only showcases the beauty of nature but also evokes a sense of new encounters and beginnings.
Even after living in Japan for a long time, I feel refreshed every time spring arrives.

While it varies by region, spring in Japan is a pleasant season, neither too hot nor too cold.
You can enjoy a meal while admiring the beautiful cherry blossoms.
You can also enjoy seasonal ingredients.
Please enjoy the many charms of spring.

Although it's a short season, I think it leaves a lasting impression on the heart.

 

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