Climate
Iwate extends 122 kilometers from east to west and 189 kilometers from north to south. Iwate, situated in the north-east of the main island of Honshu, is a vast land of luscious greenery and a landscape that changes with the climate.
Situated in the middle latitudes, Iwate is known for its cool winters (compared to Hokkaido) and mild summers (Compared to Tokyo and Osaka). In summer, daytime temperatures reach as high as 30 degrees centigrade. Summers are often quite humid as well, especially in the months of July and August. Temperatures fall as low as minus 10 degrees centigrade in winter, but have been known to drop below even minus 15 in some areas. The Kerosene heater is your friend. Winter snowfall is heavy in some parts of the prefecture providing excellent skiing conditions on the numerous ski slopes (See Tourism and recreation section).
Foreign residents of Iwate are advised to research wintering methods very thoroughly, as these could be quite different from what one is used to at home (no central heating to name one).
Iwate has a relatively high yearly rainfall, and has a definite rainy season which starts usually around early June. The umbrella is your friend.
The people of Iwate take pride in the beauty of each of their four seasons and do so with reason. Each season is uniquely different from the other, and is well worth experiencing to its fullest. Various natural treasures lie in wait for travellers to enjoy, so make the best of this opportunity while it is available to you.