Western Pacific OceanLarge land mass of Asia to the north and West (narrow Sea of Japan)Largest body of deep ocean to the east and south

Climate

It is important to remember that the arc of the main islands that make up Japan stretches from 46o north as far south as 30o north (16o is the difference between Glasgow and Southern Italy). In reality when all of the smaller islands are included Japan stretches for 25o latitude.

This in itself will lead to a variety of climates within the country.

Japan belongs to the temperate zone with four distinct seasons, but its climate varies from cool temperate in the north to subtropical in the south.

The climate is also affected by the seasonal winds that blow from the continent to the ocean in winters and vice versa in summers.

Two primary factors influence Japan's climate: a location near the Asiancontinent and the existence of major ocean currents.

HIGH PRESSURE SYTEMS form over Asian land mass

Oceans in tropics relatively warm – LOW PRESSURE

SYSTEMS

Seasonal winds in Winter months bring

cool air from the NORTH WEST

Winds pick up moisture as they pass over the still relatively warm SEA OF JAPAN

ASIAN LAND MASS warms in summer months – LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMS

Oceans in tropics now relatively cool – HIGH PRESSURE

SYSTEMS

Seasonal winds in Summer months bring

warm moist air from the South and East

Climate of Niigata

Climate of Tokyo

Peak rainfall in winter months in Niigata

Peak rainfall in summer months in Tokyo

In summer months prevailing winds from the

south and east lead to greater amounts of relief

rainfall in Tokyo

In winter months prevailing winds from the northwest lead to greater amounts of relief rainfall

in Niigata

Remember the winds may be cool and dry as they leave the Asian land mass but the quickly pick up moisture from

the warm Sea of Japan