My very own front-row seat to enjoying Japan's shifting seasons.

I’ve learned that the weather in Japan does not care about my plans.

If I wake up and see sunshine, I don’t celebrate. I become suspicious.

Because in Japan, sunshine can be a trap.

I’ll leave the hotel thinking, “What a beautiful day! Perfect for walking around.”

Twenty minutes later, the sky becomes dark, the wind starts attacking me personally, and suddenly I’m standing under a tiny umbrella wondering where I went wrong.

And honestly? I love it.

I like looking at Japan’s weather as part of the adventure.

Rain makes the streets shiny and the city lights look like they’re starring in a movie. A cold day makes a warm bowl of ramen taste like a five-star meal.

And when the sun finally comes out after a rainy day, everyone seems happier—including me.

The best part is that I’ve stopped trying to predict the weather.

Now I just look outside, take a deep breath, and ask myself:

“Okay… what kind of weather are we dealing with today?”

Japan’s weather usually answers:

“Surprise.”