As Summer Winds Down in Osaka: Looking Forward to Autumn
As Summer Winds Down in Osaka: Looking Forward to Autumn
After months of intense heat, high humidity, festivals, fireworks and the constant hum of air conditioners, summer in Osaka is finally beginning to wind down. While late August and early September can certainly still be hot, there are small signs that autumn is on its way—and for many people living in Osaka, it's one of the most welcome changes of the year.
For newcomers to Japan, the length and intensity of an Osaka summer can come as a surprise. Temperatures regularly climb above 30°C, and the humidity can make even a short walk to the station feel like a workout. By the end of August, most residents are more than ready for cooler days!
A Great Time to Explore Osaka
As the summer heat gradually eases, September and October are excellent months to get out and discover more of Osaka.
Neighborhoods such as Namba, Daikokucho, Tennoji, Abeno and Shinsekai become much more comfortable to explore on foot. Instead of rushing from one air-conditioned building to another, you can enjoy walking through local shopping streets, parks and neighborhoods.
For people who have recently moved to Osaka for work or study, this is also a great time to become familiar with your new neighborhood. Try a small local restaurant, find your favorite supermarket, explore a nearby park or simply take a different route home from the station.
Autumn Is Just Around the Corner
One of the pleasures of living in Japan is how clearly the seasons influence everyday life. Convenience stores, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants will soon begin switching their summer products for autumn favorites.
Sweet potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms and seasonal desserts start appearing everywhere. Even when the weather still feels like summer, the shops will quickly remind you that autumn is coming!
Later in the season, Osaka and the surrounding Kansai region also offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the changing leaves. Kyoto is the obvious destination, but you don't necessarily need to travel far. Osaka Castle Park, Minoh, parks around Tennoji and many other locations provide beautiful autumn scenery.
A Popular Time for Moving to Osaka
The end of summer can also be a busy period for people relocating to Japan. New teachers, students and employees often arrive during late summer and early autumn and begin looking for somewhere convenient to live.
If you're moving to Osaka from overseas, finding accommodation before you arrive can make the transition considerably easier. At Apollo Properties Osaka, we specialize in helping foreign residents find furnished accommodation without many of the complications that can sometimes come with renting a traditional Japanese apartment.
Our properties are located in convenient areas including Namba, Daikokucho, Imamiya, Tennoji and Abeno, with easy access to public transportation, shopping, restaurants and central Osaka.
Getting Ready for the Cooler Months
If you're already living in Osaka, this is also a good opportunity to do a little seasonal housekeeping. Wash and store summer bedding when temperatures begin to drop, clean your air-conditioner filters after months of heavy use and start preparing warmer bedding for later in the autumn.
Don't pack away every T-shirt just yet, though! Osaka can remain surprisingly warm well into September.
After the long, humid summer, the arrival of cooler evenings is something to look forward to. Autumn in Kansai is comfortable, colorful and full of things to see and do.
Whether you've just arrived in Osaka or have been here for years, the end of summer is a great time to get outside, explore your neighborhood and enjoy one of Japan's nicest seasons.
Looking for a furnished, foreign-friendly apartment in Osaka?
Visit Apollo Properties Osaka at www.apollopropertiesosaka.com to see our properties and learn more about living in Osaka.