When is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?

Weather Overview

Spring in Tokyo is a delightful season with mild temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) in March to around 20°C (68°F) in May. The air is fresh, and the city is in full bloom, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Key Events and Festivals

• Cherry Blossom Season (Hanami): Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is one of Japan’s most beloved traditions. From late March to early April, parks and gardens across Tokyo are filled with the stunning sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom. People gather under the cherry trees to have picnics, enjoy traditional foods, and celebrate with friends and family. Popular spots for hanami include Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Yoyogi Park. The sight of cherry petals floating in the air is truly magical.
• Tokyo Anime Fair: Held in mid-March at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba, the Tokyo Anime Fair is a must-visit for anime fans. It is one of the world’s largest anime conventions, featuring exhibitions from leading animation studios, merchandise sales, and cosplay events. You can meet famous voice actors, attend workshops, and get a sneak peek at upcoming anime releases.
• Sanja Matsuri: This festival, held in May at Asakusa Shrine, is one of Tokyo’s biggest and liveliest festivals. Sanja Matsuri honors the three founders of Sensoji Temple. The highlight of the festival is the procession of mikoshi (portable shrines) carried through the streets by enthusiastic participants. The festival also features traditional music, dance performances, and a lively market atmosphere.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Light layers, a warm jacket for the evenings, and comfortable walking shoes. An umbrella can also be handy for spring showers.
• Recommended Places to Visit: Ueno Zoo, Meiji Shrine, and the Tokyo Skytree. Don’t miss the seasonal gardens like Rikugien Garden, where you can see beautiful spring flowers.

Weather Overview

Summer in Tokyo is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F). The rainy season starts in mid-June and lasts until late July, bringing frequent afternoon showers.

Key Events and Festivals

• Sumida River Fireworks Festival: Held on the last Saturday of July, this is one of Japan’s oldest and biggest fireworks festivals. The sky over the Sumida River lights up with thousands of fireworks in a spectacular display. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with food stalls and traditional music.
• Tokyo Summer Festival: A month-long celebration of music from around the world, featuring performances at various venues across the city. From classical concerts to modern pop and traditional Japanese music, there’s something for everyone.
• Mitama Matsuri: Held in mid-July at Yasukuni Shrine, Mitama Matsuri is a lantern festival honoring the spirits of the dead. The shrine grounds are illuminated by over 30,000 lanterns, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. The festival includes traditional performances, food stalls, and a lively procession.

Travel Tips

• How to Stay Cool: Wear light, breathable clothes, carry a portable fan, and drink plenty of water. Consider visiting indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.
• Best Indoor Attractions: TeamLab Borderless, Tokyo National Museum, and shopping malls like Shibuya 109. These places offer air-conditioned comfort and fascinating experiences.

Weather Overview

Fall is another fantastic time to visit Tokyo. The temperatures cool down to a comfortable range of 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), and the city looks beautiful with the changing leaves.

Key Events and Festivals

• Tokyo Game Show: Held in mid-September in Chiba, this event is a paradise for video game enthusiasts. The Tokyo Game Show features the latest in gaming technology, new game releases, and opportunities to try out games before they hit the market. It’s also a great place to meet fellow gamers and industry professionals.
• Jidai Matsuri: Celebrated on November 3rd, Jidai Matsuri, or the Festival of the Ages, showcases Tokyo’s rich history through a grand parade. Participants dress in traditional costumes representing different periods in Japan’s history. The parade moves through the streets of Asakusa, providing a vibrant and educational experience.
• Chrysanthemum Festivals: Throughout October, various gardens, shrines, and temples host chrysanthemum festivals. These events celebrate the chrysanthemum, Japan’s national flower, with stunning displays and competitions. Shinjuku Gyoen and Asakusa Shrine are popular spots for these floral exhibitions.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Light layers for the day and a jacket for the cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes are a must for walking and exploring.
• Best Parks and Gardens: Rikugien Garden, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Shinjuku Gyoen. These locations are perfect for enjoying the autumn foliage.

Weather Overview

Winter in Tokyo is cool but not too cold, with temperatures ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 10°C (50°F). The weather is generally dry, with plenty of sunny days.

Key Events and Festivals

• New Year’s Celebrations: From December 29th to January 3rd, many people visit shrines for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year. Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple are popular spots where you can experience traditional ceremonies and festive foods.
• Setsubun: On February 3rd, Setsubun marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Celebrated at temples and shrines, the festival involves throwing roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune. Zojoji Temple near Tokyo Tower hosts one of the most famous Setsubun events.
• Tokyo Marathon: Held on the last Sunday in February, the Tokyo Marathon attracts runners from all over the world. The course takes participants past some of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks, and the streets are lined with cheering spectators.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Warm clothes, a good coat, and comfortable shoes for walking. Layers are key to staying comfortable both indoors and outdoors.
• Best Winter Activities: Visit the Tokyo Skytree for stunning views, explore the historic Asakusa area, and enjoy hot springs in Odaiba to warm up after a day of sightseeing.

Determining the best month to visit Tokyo depends on what you want to experience. Each season in Tokyo offers unique attractions and events that cater to different interests. Here’s a detailed look at what each month has to offer, helping you decide the best time to plan your trip.

January – New Beginnings and Winter Wonders

Weather: Cold and crisp with average highs of 9°C (48°F) and lows of 1°C (34°F). Generally dry with clear skies.

Highlights:

• New Year’s Celebrations: Experience hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year) at popular shrines like Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple. Join locals in traditional ceremonies and enjoy festive foods.
• Winter Sales: Take advantage of post-New Year sales, including the Fukubukuro (lucky bags) tradition, where shops offer bags filled with discounted items.
• Sumo New Year Basho: Watch professional sumo wrestlers compete in the January Grand Sumo Tournament held in Ryogoku.

February – Quiet and Cool

Weather: Slightly warmer with average highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F). Still mostly dry with occasional rain or snow.

Highlights:

• Setsubun: On February 3rd, participate in traditional bean-throwing ceremonies at temples and shrines to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
• Tokyo Marathon: Held on the last Sunday in February, this major event attracts runners from around the world and offers a festive atmosphere for spectators.

March – Awakening of Spring

Weather: Warming up with average highs of 13°C (56°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F). The start of cherry blossom season.

Highlights:

• Cherry Blossoms: Late March marks the beginning of cherry blossom season. Enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties in parks like Ueno, Yoyogi, and Shinjuku Gyoen.
• Tokyo Anime Fair: Held in mid-March, this event at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba is a must-visit for anime enthusiasts.

April – Full Bloom

Weather: Pleasant with average highs of 19°C (67°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). Ideal for outdoor activities.

Highlights:

• Peak Cherry Blossom Season: Early April is the peak time for cherry blossoms. Parks and gardens are filled with beautiful blooms, making it the perfect time for photography and picnics.
• Annual Spring Festival: Enjoy traditional music, dance, and food at various locations, celebrating the arrival of spring.

May – Mild and Colorful

Weather: Warm with average highs of 23°C (74°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). Pleasant and mostly dry.

Highlights:

• Sanja Matsuri: One of Tokyo’s biggest and most energetic festivals, held in Asakusa. Experience parades, traditional music, and dance performances.
• Kanda Festival: Held in mid-May in odd-numbered years, this festival features vibrant parades and mikoshi (portable shrines).

June – Start of the Rainy Season

Weather: Warm with average highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 18°C (65°F). The rainy season begins, bringing frequent afternoon showers.

Highlights:

• Hydrangea Festivals: Despite the rain, hydrangeas bloom beautifully in gardens like Hakusan Shrine and Meigetsuin Temple.
• Sanno Festival: Held in even-numbered years, this festival includes a grand parade through central Tokyo.

July – Summer Heat and Festivals

Weather: Hot and humid with average highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 22°C (72°F).

Highlights:

• Sumida River Fireworks Festival: Enjoy one of Japan’s largest fireworks displays on the last Saturday of July.
• Mitama Matsuri: A traditional lantern festival at Yasukuni Shrine, with thousands of lanterns creating a stunning visual display.

August – Peak Summer

Weather: Very hot with average highs of 31°C (88°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F). High humidity.

Highlights:

• Asakusa Samba Carnival: Experience Brazilian culture in Tokyo with vibrant samba parades in late August.
• Tokyo Pride: Celebrate LGBTQ+ pride with parades and events in Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.

September – Transition to Fall

Weather: Warm with average highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). Less humidity towards the end of the month.

Highlights:

• Tokyo Game Show: A major event for gaming enthusiasts, held in Chiba. Discover the latest in video games and technology.
• Ikebukuro Festival: Enjoy street parades, traditional music, and dance performances in the Ikebukuro area.

October – Comfortable and Colorful

Weather: Cool and pleasant with average highs of 22°C (73°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). Ideal for outdoor activities.

Highlights:

• Chrysanthemum Festivals: Admire the beautiful displays of Japan’s national flower at various locations, including Asakusa Shrine.
• Tokyo International Film Festival: Watch international films and attend screenings and events.

November – Autumn Splendor

Weather: Cool and crisp with average highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Stunning autumn foliage.

Highlights:

• Jidai Matsuri: Experience the Festival of the Ages with historical parades in Asakusa, showcasing traditional costumes and cultural heritage.
• Fall Foliage Viewing: Enjoy the vibrant autumn colors in parks and gardens like Rikugien Garden and Meiji Jingu Gaien.

December – Festive and Bright

Weather: Cold and dry with average highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). Festive atmosphere.

Highlights:

• Christmas Illuminations: Tokyo lights up with beautiful Christmas displays and illuminations in areas like Roppongi Hills and Marunouchi.
• Emperor’s Birthday: On December 23rd, celebrate the Emperor’s birthday with public events and ceremonies at the Imperial Palace.
• New Year’s Preparations: Experience traditional Japanese New Year preparations, including visiting shrines and enjoying seasonal foods.

Best Months: March, April, October, and November

• March and April: Spring is a magical time in Tokyo, with the cherry blossoms (sakura) in full bloom. This is the perfect season for outdoor activities, strolling through parks, and visiting iconic landmarks. Popular spots like Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi are adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms, creating picturesque scenery ideal for photography and relaxation.
• October and November: Fall offers mild temperatures and stunning autumn foliage. The city’s parks and gardens, such as Rikugien Garden and Koishikawa Korakuen, transform into a canvas of red, orange, and yellow leaves. This is also a great time to explore historical sites, temples, and shrines without the summer crowds.

Best Times: Spring and Fall

• Spring (March to May): This season is rich in cultural festivals and events. The cherry blossom season (Hanami) is a highlight, where locals and tourists gather in parks to celebrate the blooming sakura with picnics and parties. Another key event is the Sanja Matsuri in May, one of Tokyo’s largest Shinto festivals, featuring parades, traditional music, and dance.
• Fall (September to November): Autumn is another vibrant season for cultural experiences. The Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) in November showcases historical parades with participants dressed in costumes from various periods of Japanese history. Additionally, chrysanthemum festivals held in October celebrate Japan’s national flower with elaborate displays and competitions.