(Illustration by Stripes Okinawa)

Summer in Okinawa is hot, but temperature-wise, the subtropical islands are not the hottest spot in Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency says Okinawa’s temperature doesn’t often exceed 35℃ (95°F) thanks to the sea wind. On the other hand, inland prefectures such as Gunma and Saitama are familiar faces in the chart of locations with the highest temperature in the country during summer.

Natsu (summer) (Illustration by Stripes Okinawa)