How many seasons does Japan have?

It was only last week that we had snow in Tokyo and I found this little guy:

And yet here we are this week looking at temperatures of over 16 degrees. And looking at my weather app next week we have daytime highs of 21 and lows of 7 degrees all within the span of a few days!

Clearly this is the often overlooked 5th season of Japan - Fake Spring. And after real Spring we have rainy season - the 6th season? Of course after Summer we then have typhoon season. So that makes 7 seasons? But recently I feel Autumn only lasts about a week or so. So back down to 6 seasons ... ?

Whatever. All these temperature changes sure make it difficult to know what to wear. Do I take a light jacket and freeze in the evenings? Or do I take a warmer jacket for the evening and sweat it out during the day?

AH

Beware of dry weather

One thing I was unaware of for a long time while living in Tokyo was how dry winters were over here. I often noticed how parched my hands and lips were but I usually put it down to windy weather and low temperatures. It was until I took a walk around my neighbourhood and saw how much the landscape had changed with drastically decreased water levels. We did have a day or two of snow but it's now as good as gone and we should probably watch for a continuation of drought. 

Well, those moisturizers and the recommended 2.7 litres per day actually make a lot of sense.

AP

 

 

Kinoshita Circus

Wow, what a thrilling performance. It's hard not to be impressed by the genuine talent and bravery these amazing artists and daredevils have.

Unfortunately I coulnd't take photos during the show, so you'll have make do with empty shot of the circus ring.

That ball at the back had motorcycles whizzing around it later on. Pretty thrilling stuff.

I highly recommend going to see it if you can!

AH

Wakey wakey

We've all felt it. Earlier this week temperatures in Tokyo hit -2C. I went out for a run to feel a pinch of frost and start my day with the rising sun. Out in the cold I caught a glimpse of falling petals among the plum trees whose pink blossom seemed to completely ignore the shifts in wintery weather. I’m far from calling myself an early bird but there are times and places that give you a boost of a nice cup of morning coffee. That was one of them.

 

AP

Woo-hoo! I won!

Only 580 yen, ... But never look a gift horse in the mouth! (That's a proverb by the way; look it up!)

What should I spend it on, I wonder? 

AH