Japan's 4 Seasons for Bangladeshi Students: Summer Humidity, Winter Snow and Sakura, What It Really Feels Like

I still remember my first Japanese winter. I was in Sapporo, stepped off the train, and within minutes the wind had frozen the tears on my cheeks. Coming from Dhaka, that was terrifying. Six months later, I sat under the sakura in Yoyogi Park in Tokyo and thought — this is why Japan feels different from anywhere else. If you're considering study abroad from Bangladesh, you need to know what the seasons actually do to your body and your daily life. Let me tell you honestly.

Bangladesh hot vs Japan hot — they're not the same

We know Dhaka heat. May hits 38–40°C, your shirt sticks to your back, but the air is dry. Japan's July–August is different. The temperature might read 34°C, but humidity sits at 70–80%. Stand outside and it feels like someone wrapped you in a wet blanket. That's the japan summer humidity experience — and it knocks almost every Bangladeshi student flat in the first month.

What I tell students: buy a portable hand fan by June (¥1,500–2,500 at Don Quijote), keep two sets of shirts so you can rotate laundry, and carry water everywhere. Japanese shops sell “sui-tan-to” salt candy — it helps with fatigue.

Tsuyu — the rainy season, June to July

Japan's rainy season, tsuyu, runs roughly early June to mid-July. Constant rain, damp air, laundry that won't dry. This is when homesickness hits hardest. Keep an umbrella in your bag always, and ventilate your room or you'll get mould (kabi) on the walls.

Winter: Hokkaido vs Tokyo — two different worlds

Cold starts late October. Tokyo sits around 0–10°C, but Hokkaido or Niigata can drop to -5 to -10°C. My first japan winter snow tips lesson: Japanese indoor heating is excellent, so think in layers — outer coat and inner layer separately.

• Outer coat: down jacket (¥6,000–10,000 at Uniqlo; clearance sales in late winter can drop to ¥3,000)
• Inner layers: Heattech, fleece, 2–3 pairs of socks
• Shoes: anti-slip soles — slipping on ice is genuinely common
• Hands and face: gloves, scarf, lip balm — Japanese winter air is dry and cracks your lips

One thing to remember: Japanese people keep homes warm but walk fast outdoors. Your body adapts within a few weeks.

Sakura: not just pretty — also busy

Late March to early April is peak sakura season japan students look forward to. Ueno Park in Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi, the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto — hanami (flower viewing) everywhere. But there's a trade-off: trains are packed, hotel prices nearly double, and the new semester starts, so visa, bank, and housing tasks all pile up at once.

So if you enrol in April, start house-hunting in February. And go to hanami with a senpai or colleague — Japanese people eat together during this season, and it's a real networking window.

Climate compared: Japan vs Bangladesh

Looking at japan climate vs bangladesh, Bangladesh has three broad seasons (hot, rainy, winter) while Japan has four clearly marked ones. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. October–November is my personal favourite — red maple, cool air, perfect for walking.

These seasons aren't just weather — they're part of Japanese culture. Festivals, food, clothing all shift with them. If you're thinking about higher study abroad after HSC, these experiences will teach you things your textbooks won't.

A quick word on visa and IELTS

Students often ask — is study abroad without IELTS possible? Yes, some Japanese language schools and certain universities accept JLPT N5/N4 or an interview. But for good universities, you'll need English or Japanese ability. Check our eligibility page for details.

For daily life, part-time work, and cost breakdowns, see our living in Japan guide for Bangladeshi students, the part-time jobs guide, and the cost of studying in Japan. To figure out which city suits you, the Japan cities page is a good start.

And yes — before going out in winter, do as the Japanese say: “atataka-ku shite kudasai” (dress warmly). You'll learn it your first year.

I counsel students at our Narayanganj office on Chashara, College Road — you're welcome to drop by the Narayanganj branch and ask about our study in Japan service. I'll even tell you what to pack for your first winter over a cup of tea.