written by
Ties Lagraauw
updated 03.04.2024
The best time to visit Tokyo is in late March to early April for cherry blossoms, with temperatures around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), perfect for outdoor exploration. If you prefer warmer weather and clear skies, opt for late May to September, when temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), ideal for festivals, though it's peak tourist season. Autumn, from late October to November, offers vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures of 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F). Each season in Tokyo reveals a distinct charm, from serene temples to lively streets, catering to every traveller's dream.
The best time to visit Tokyo is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. In spring, you'll witness the stunning cherry blossoms, with the city's parks and gardens bursting into colour.
The weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), making it ideal for exploring the city. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, with the landscape turning into a palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. The temperatures during this season are comfortable, similar to spring, offering a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Here are some highlights:
Tokyo skyline with majestic Mt. Fuji ©Shutterstock
In Tokyo, the tourism seasons break down as follows:
Runs from late March to April and November to early December. Coincides with the cherry blossom season in spring and the colourful autumn foliage period. Expect large crowds at major sights, higher prices, and the city at its most vibrant.
Runs from May, June, September, October. These months offer pleasant weather, with May and October providing mild temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. June is the start of the rainy season, which can deter some visitors, making it a quieter month to explore. September sees the end of summer's heat and the beginning of autumn's cooler days.
Runs from January to early March, July to August, late December. Winter months are colder, with occasional snow, leading to fewer tourists and lower prices, except during New Year celebrations when Tokyo is bustling with visitors and locals alike. July and August are hot and humid, marking the peak of summer with the added likelihood of rain, which tends to keep away international tourists but sees domestic travel for school holidays.
Thinking about going to Tokyo? Rear our article about the best things to do in Tokyo.
Mount Fuji in cherry blossom season ©Shutterstock
Depending on your preferences, the ideal months for a trip to Tokyo can vary. For those aiming to cut costs, visiting during January and February is typically less expensive when it comes to accommodation. In contrast, spring sees an influx of visitors due to events such as Golden Week, leading to higher prices for lodging.
Enjoy the crisp air of Tokyo's winter, when morning chills often fall below 2°C (36°F). The city is blanketed in sparse winter beauty, with bright and clear days allowing visitors to take comfort in casual strolls amid an abundance of inviting cafes. It is that serene part of time to feel that Tokyo is at peace with dry, calm weather, in which he may indulge in long, unhindered walks along its historic streets.
February in Tokyo still stays cool—with the promise of spring from one day to the next. Daytime averages gently rise and beckon you to the city's parks, which remain quiet and contemplative. The season sets up anticipation for the clean, yet it prepares soothing weather that is perfect for urban setting walks and savouring the famous food scene of Tokyo in front of the influx of springtime tourists.
Soft whispers from spring turned into a warmer day, the soft whispers from spring with this city slowly in the process of blooming. March is yet another of those pre-blossom seasons of cherry blossoms: the temperature gets milder, and you sure get a lot more daylight for your adventures. The air is fresh, and more and more hours of sunlight are cheering Tokyo into its soft, flattering light. It is, in fact, a perfect month to come and see the seasonal change and get some serious sightseeing done before the full bloom of the tourist season.
Odaiba Marine Park Tokyo, Japan © AdobeStock
In April, full Tokyo with perfect weather for taking a walk along a river embankment and having a picnic under the flowers of trees, will be a glorious show of pink and white, as cherry blossoms beautifully frame the iconic sights of the city all around. Not to mention, so will everybody else. Occasionally graced by the rainfall in the midst of your visit, it adds charm as it washes the city anew and freshens the floral air.
The temperatures are comfortable and can lure one out. Indeed, the gardens and parks of the city are more welcoming, having in place the verdant foliage. While the month is rather wet, it serves to really breathe life into the flora that form the landscapes as something full of life. It was a month for the renewal—perfect since the month provides the ideal scene for outdoor festivals and events where the city's culture blossoms under the light of spring.
In this rainy season,Tokyo sparkles against a soft drizzle that never dissipates. Probably the weather even provides the clue for either the locals or tourists to come inside. Walk around the city or visit the numerous museums, galleries, and other indoor attractions: the weather will indeed be great for being out and about. It's a very strange time to actually see the combination between modernity and tradition in the city, with the rain somehow adding almost a reflective, mystique quality to the streets and temples.
Imperial Palace in Tokyo © Shutterstock
July is the only month that is brilliant in mid-summer. It is the season of rainstorms, but this never slows down the whole city. Outgoing festivals, firework displays, and very active night markets decorate the month. Warm evenings make it perfect to lose yourself amidst the vibrancy of Tokyo's many neighbourhoods, where around every twist and turn lies another discovery—it might be a street food stall or a funky little bar.
August, when the scorching heat of the sun gives to an endless summer day with perfectly clear skies over Tokyo, it continues to be a noisy summer mecca with perfectly clear skies and sunshiny days. August offers lively festivals, sunbathing in city parks, and evening strolls along the Sumida River. The busy beaches and heatwave energy vibe of the season from the hot sun are reflected on the city's rooftop terraces, all the way to the cool breeze and views.
September brings a tender transition towards autumn. City still remaining warm but cooling off already, so it is the right time for outdoor sightseeing, not meeting the summertime crowd. This is a season of comfortable warmth with decreasing rain and is perfect to enjoy the hustle and bustle of one of the world's greatest street life cities—Tokyo, with the first stirrings of their autumn onrush.
If you have some spare days, make sure to check out these day trips from Tokyo.
The world-famous Asakura temple in Tokyo ©Shutterstock
October is the heart of autumn in Tokyo, with the city slowly donning its fall colours. The air was crisp, the sky clear—fine weather to find the man-made architectural wonders and gardens just beginning to come to life with their own reds, yellows, and oranges of history. Truly, it is a photographer's dream, a foodie's paradise, and a wanderer's delight with the temperate weather paving the way for countless discoveries.
November's cool air and vibrant foliage make Tokyo a picturesque autumn canvas. The area around Meiji Shrine or a walk along the moat of Chidorigafuchi is just perfect for leisurely walks with all trees in brilliant colours. The city cultural calendar is alive with events that provide a peek into rich traditions and a contemporary arts scene. With mild temperatures and a calm ambiance, November calls in to enjoy the quieter, more reflective side of Tokyo.
December wraps Tokyo in a festive mood, with winter illuminations casting a magical glow over the city. The air is cold and through the festive decorations, it gives warmth to the chilly days. The festivals come, as the Christmas market and New Year, which gives Japan a great combination of Western traditions and Japan. Despite the cold, sunny clear days and active city life make it a great end to your year's travel.
Tokyo Meiji Shrine
The rainy season in Tokyo, starts in early June and lasts through mid-July. It provides a wholly different perspective on the city awash in the effusive life brought about by the rains. During this period, known to locals as "tsuyu," Tokyo transforms. What is usually a city bursting with vibrant energy takes on a humid, verdant charm. This change brings a refreshing twist to the city's everyday brilliance, inviting a newfound appreciation for its dynamic atmosphere.
The rain, quite hard at times, lays a peaceful light over the city of Tokyo. Neon lights of Shibuya and Shinjuku seem to glitter in front of wet streets, like magic watercolour.
Besides that, museums, galleries, shopping arcades, themed cafés and other free things to do, will provide you with the possibility of getting deep into Japanese culture and innovations, regardless of the weather.
For anyone ready to embrace the rain, Tokyo in the rainy season can be quieter, but no less interesting. It provides you with the possibility of looking at and enjoying the countless wonders of this city in another rhythm.
Shibuya crossing, Tokyo © Shutterstock
Experiencing the cherry blossom season, also known as the Sakura season, in Tokyo is truly a sight for sore eyes. This magical period takes place from late March to early April, and the city transforms into a beautiful seascape of pink and white cherry blossoms. Some places offer spectacular views of Mount Fuji.
Among these locations renowned for their breathtaking displays are:
During this season, the Japanese engage in ‘Hanami’, a traditional pastime of appreciating the transient beauty of cherry blossoms. Whether it’s a picnic under the blooming cherry trees or a leisurely stroll in the park, Hanami offers a unique way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Ueno Park where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom © AdobeStock
Golden Week in Japan is a festive time that clusters four national holidays within the final days of April and the start of May. It prompts a surge in travel within Japan as many locals enjoy a couple of days off.
Keep in mind that several businesses in Tokyo may be closed during this time, which could affect your visit. It’s essential to plan ahead and arrange your accommodation before leaving.
The draw of experiencing Tokyo amidst the festivities of Golden Week can be quite appealing despite possible business closures. The city becomes alive with excitement and hosts an array of activities such as:
Bear in mind that due to the holiday buzz increasing traveller presence at hotspots might lead them to be very busy while also potentially driving up costs associated with flights and hotels stays. Thus anyone aiming for a day trip out to Tokoyo during the golden week would do well by securing travel bookings far ahead of time!
Typically, the most budget-friendly time to visit Tokyo falls between January and March, as this period offers excellent opportunities for reduced-cost flights and accommodations. It’s wise to avoid travelling right at the start of January due to the elevated prices associated with holiday festivities.
Here’s to making your trip more economical – you might even save enough yen for an extra sushi roll or two!
The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the country is at its most vibrant, with cherry blossoms and colourful leaves. Just be ready for lots of other tourists too.
Undoubtedly, Tokyo experiences its peak heat during August, as average temperatures hit highs of around 31°C (88°F) and don’t often dip below 24°C (75°F). This is the time of year when humidity reaches its maximum in the city – so brace yourself for an intense combination of warmth and moisture!
You can confidently leave your winter attire at home. There’s no use for them in this season.
Prepare yourself for the enchantment of Tokyo’s cherry blossom season, which typically occurs from the last week of March through to the first week of April.
Make sure not to miss this breathtaking natural spectacle!
During Tokyo’s winter, the cold can be quite biting, as temperatures often fall below 2 degrees Celsius. Given that this chill is accompanied by dry air, one has the opportunity to wander and discover the city without being transformed into a frosty snowman.
Continue your exploration of Japan with our practical tips on what you need to know before travelling to the country.
written by
Ties Lagraauw
updated 03.04.2024
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