Japan has a varied climate due to the shape of the country, which stretches over 3,500 kilometers from the north to the south. Therefore, northern Japan has a subarctic climate while the southern part is subtropical. But most of Japan has a temperate climate whith four distinct seasons. Another characteristic of the Japanese climate is the difference between the area along the Sea of Japan and that on the Pacific Ocean side which is caused by mountain ranges located between the two regions. In winter, the mountains block the cold, wet wind blowing from the northwest, which causes heavy snow to fall on the Japan Sea side and sends cold, dry air to the Pacific side, Onthe other hand, ins summer, the southeasterly wind makes the Pacific side hot and humid.
