Hi, I am going to be taking a trip to the Kansai Reigon of Japan this summer (July). I will be staying in Wakayama-ken, just south of Osaka. Does anyone know what the weather is like for that area in July? Thank You!

Hot and humid...very. Maybe some rain, as July is the end of rainy season, but without doubt hot and humid. Bring light, breathable clothing.

Thanks! I hopping it would be nice and cool! but, I guess it is the same as in the U.S! Also, does anyone know the weather for August? I will be taveling there for one year my Junior year of High school. Thanks!

August...hotter and more humid still. Think Florida Everglades on the hottest and most humid day of the year.

KimJapan is right. It will be very hot and humid in July and August. Typhoons may also appear and affect your weather in August.

Wow, I picked the best time of the year to go! ^_^! I'm sorry, but I have yet another question. What are some good things to see around the wakayama-osaka area? I will not be able to see much this summer because I will only be there for about 2 weeks, but I am going for the year starting next August (2006) which I will have plenty of time to do stuff. Also, what is cool in Tokyo? ALSO! lol, does anyone have some good tips on packing for year long and short oversee's trips? And any suggestions on whether or not I should buy a digital or just stick w/ film camera. Please, all info welcomed!!! I am very excited to go! one more thing, how do you save replies?

THANKS SO MUCH!
mm1

by the way, I am sorry about the long post!

Can't anyone reply to this message? I could really use the advice. Please, anyone. Thanks so much! Expecially kimjapan! THANK YOU!

What kind of trip will you be doing this summer for two weeks? Is is a homestay, school trip, exchange, independent? You should bring a couple of light skirts and shirts that mix and match, a pair of light pants, a sun hat and sunglasses, sandals...whatever you wear at home in summer is fine in Japan.

Digital cameras, like film cameras, come in all shapes and sizes and quality. Whichever you choose, get the best your budget can afford. Do your homework and research cameras before shopping so you have an idea what you are looking for. Buy it before your trip and use it as much as possible at home for practice...it takes a while to get used to a camera.

Wakayama prefecture is located close enough to Kyoto to take a trip there for a couple of days. One day in Kyoto will not be enough,, so plan to spend at least one night. The schedule of your trip and how much has already been planned for you will play a big part in what you can do.

Get a good guidebook, or a couple of them, and read through them before your trip.

For a year stay, you'll need summer and winter clothes. Fortunately, you can buy winter coats and boots and gloves and such quite reasonably in Japan (Coats for under 5000 yen, boots for 1000 yen, gloves for 100 yen...or you can spend more of course, but inexpensive options are readily available). I'd pack a basic set of clothing for each season, and buy more if I needed them. If you will be attending a high school, in all likelihood, you'll need a uniform, which will be what you will wear for most of your waking hours anyway, so you won't need a huge selection of clothes.

Luggage with wheels is easiest for travel I've found. Get the best your budget can afford, as checked baggage is not treated with kid gloves at all...if you want to use your luggage over many trips, then quality really counts.

Tokyo is really a cool city. Anywhere you go you will find interesting I'm sure. A guidebook devoted to Tokyo might be interesting for you. A trip to a big bookstore and/or travel bookstore would be a good idea...at the very least, browse the books there. There are so many guidebooks I hesitate to recommend one...everyone has a different style and interest so best to look them all over and choose the one that suits you best (or two or three!).

You can't "save" replies, but this thread won't disappear. If you can't find it, then click on your user name and all the posts that you have contributed to will be in the list on the left and voila...this one will be there too.

Thank you so much! That was a great help! I will be staying in Japan as a foreign exchange student both the two weeks and the year trip.