Japan's Four Seasons for Bangladeshi Students: Sakura, Rain, Humidity and Snow

I still remember the first time I stepped out of Nishi-Ogikubo station in Tokyo. It was the first week of April. Sakura trees lined both sides of the street, petals drifting down like pink snow. Two days later, I walked past the same trees near my hostel's supermarket and they were already full of green leaves. The season had changed in four days. In Bangladesh we think of seasons as rain or sun. In Japan, a season changes how the whole country lives.

I've watched many Bangladeshi students arrive here thinking only about classes. But in reality, the first three months are mostly about adjusting to the weather. So here's what I usually tell students over tea — written down.

Sakura season (March–April): beautiful, but short

Sakura in Japan isn't just about photos. Offices, schools, parks — everyone does hanami. Classmates sit under the trees with bento boxes; some bring non-alcoholic drinks. If you're a new student, joining one of these gatherings is how you make friends. Japanese people usually take time to open up, but at hanami the ice melts fast.

Things to remember

• Sakura lasts only about two weeks. In Tokyo, usually late March to early April.
• Hotels, trains and popular spots get very crowded.
• If you have allergies, carry a mask and glasses.

Right after sakura comes Golden Week — a week of holidays. If you plan to fly home, book tickets early.

Tsuyu rainy season: not Bangladesh rain

From early June to mid-July, Japan has tsuyu — the rainy season. Unlike Bangladesh's monsoon, there's less thunder and more steady, grey drizzle that can last for days.

How it differs from Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, rain means heat and humidity. In tsuyu, temperatures stay around 20–25°C, but you can't leave the house without an umbrella, dry clothes and shoe covers. One day my roommate went out without an umbrella and came back with a fever.

• Buy a proper umbrella — the 100-yen ones flip inside out in the wind. A 3,000–5,000 yen umbrella lasts a year or two.
• Old newspaper and baking soda help dry shoes.
• Mould (カビ) can grow indoors — use a dehumidifier or open windows.

If you're doing a part-time job during tsuyu, treat an umbrella and dry socks as mandatory.

Summer: 35°C, but 80% humidity

This is where Bangladeshi students get the biggest shock. Dhaka's 35°C and Tokyo's 35°C are not the same. Japan's summer humidity hits 70–80%, so sweat doesn't evaporate and your body can't cool down. In July 2018, Kyoto crossed 40°C.

Japan summer humidity tips

• Avoid outdoor work between 10am and 4pm.
• Carry a water bottle — vending machines sell water for 100–150 yen.
• Air conditioning is almost essential, but it pushes up your electricity bill.
• Drink electrolyte drinks (OS-1, Pocari Sweat) regularly.

Honestly, many first-year students feel borderline heatstroke during their first Japanese summer. Don't push yourself — rest indoors.

Autumn: the most comfortable season

Late September to November is my favourite time. Temperatures sit between 15–25°C and the sky is clear. Japanese people call it the season for sports. Many universities hold cultural festivals (学園祭).

It's the best time for studying and travelling. But be careful — evenings get cold suddenly, so keep a light jacket.

Winter: snow and heating costs

December to February is winter. Tokyo usually stays between 0–10°C, but Hokkaido and Niigata get heavy snow. For many Bangladeshi students, seeing snow for the first time is unforgettable.

But this is also where the biggest financial shock hits — Japan winter heating cost. Japanese homes usually don't have central heating. You rely on kerosene heaters, air conditioners or a kotatsu.

• Kerosene heater: 15,000–30,000 yen to buy, 3,000–6,000 yen per month for fuel.
• Air conditioner heating: electricity bill can rise by 5,000–10,000 yen in winter.
• Winter clothes: Uniqlo Heattech or fleece jackets are cheap and good.

I usually tell students to keep the room at 18–20°C, not hotter. And if your room isn't well insulated, seal the gaps around doors and windows.

Japan weather vs Bangladesh

In Bangladesh we recognise three seasons — hot, rainy and winter. Japan has four clear seasons. Japanese winters are much drier than ours, and summers feel different because of the humidity.

The first year is an adjustment, but your body adapts gradually.

Cost and preparation

When you calculate the cost of studying abroad, you have to include visa, tuition, and living costs. In Japan, monthly living costs can range from 80,000 to 150,000 yen depending on the city (numbers shift with time, so confirm current figures yourself). On a student visa you can work part-time up to 28 hours a week, which helps cover expenses. If you get a scholarship abroad, the pressure drops a lot.

For more detail, see our guides: living in Japan guide, part-time jobs guide, cost of studying in Japan, and Japan cities.

One last thing — Japan's four seasons teach you patience, not just weather. Sakura passes quickly, but spring always returns after winter. If you prepare well, these four seasons will become the best experience of your life.

I counsel students at Inochi Global Education Institute's Narayanganj (Chashara, College Road) office. If you have questions about studying in Japan, you can book a study in Japan consultation or just drop by our Narayanganj office. We'll talk over tea.