What is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?

Traveling to Tokyo is an amazing experience, no matter what time of year you go. The city is filled with incredible sites to explore, experiences to enjoy and plenty of shopping districts with tons of unique finds. As such, deciding the best time to visit Tokyo is not an easy question to answer.

Nearly every season brings something unique and exciting to Tokyo. Those looking for a summer visit can enjoy warm temperatures and festivals, while visitors in winter can take part in traditional experiences and festivals. Spring and autumn lead to beautiful seasonal changes, plenty of activities and festivals, and fantastic temperatures. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on the best time to visit Tokyo.

Spring in Tokyo

Spring in Tokyo is relatively mild with temperatures typically ranging between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius (50-68 Fahrenheit). This is the peak season for cherry blossoms and travelers should expect crowds around popular sites, especially around the annual Hanami blanket parties during the cherry blossom season (late March and April).

The highlight of the spring season in Tokyo is the cherry blossom festival which lasts about two weeks. During this time, the city’s many parks host spring festivals underneath the blooming trees. Picnics, drinking, music and dance are all part of the festivities. While it’s crowded and intense, it’s also a fantastic experience that all visitors should strive to experience at least once.

Summer in Tokyo

Summer in Tokyo is hot, humid and at times unbearable. From April to mid-July, temperatures can spike as high as 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) with humidity hovering around 70%. For this reason, this season tends to be quiet in terms of tourism to Tokyo. If you plan on journeying during summer, bring your sunscreen and get ready to sweat a lot! Just be aware that you’ll be far from alone during the annual Tanabata Festival mid-July.

Autumn In Tokyo

Autumn temperatures in Tokyo tend to range between 15-20 degrees Celsius (59-68 Fahrenheit) making this season rather popular amongst tourists. If you’re looking for clear blue skies, late September to mid-November offers travelers just that. Throughout autumn, visitors can enjoy great festivals, changing foliage and shopping opportunities as it’s becoming a popular shopping season in Tokyo.

Winter In Tokyo

The same can be said for winter in Tokyo. Temperatures range between 7-15 degrees Celsius (44-59 °F) making it a bit cold but never unpleasantly so. As the year wraps up with plenty of New Year’s festivities continuing well into January and February, Tokyo offers plenty of traditional experiences like onsen hopping and traditional cuisine tasting as well as classic wintertime activities such as skiing or snowboarding at nearby ski resorts. Also make sure to catch the annual illumination event at night during December and January at Zojoji Temple or Roppongi Hills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, all four seasons offer unique experiences for visitors to Tokyo. Depending on your preferred activities or interests, each season has something different to offer. If you’re looking for a true Japanese cultural experience accompanied by warmer temperatures with fewer crowds then Spring or Autumn will be your best bet! If you’re up for large crowds with warm temperatures then head to Tokyo during summer—just don’t forget your sunscreen!! For travelers looking for cultural events, colorful foliage and possibly snow activities then Winter could be right for you!
For detailed city breakdowns of temperatures, rainfall, humidity and festivals in Tokyo we recommend Weather Spark.

An Insider’s Guide to Visiting Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a whirlwind of a city, filled with non-stop energy, technological advances, and traditional culture. A trip to Tokyo will leave you in awe of the city’s vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and bustling locals. If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Tokyo, then this guide will help you plan the perfect trip, no matter the season.

Spring – Cherry Blossom Season

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo because of the cherry blossoms. The flowers are typically in bloom from late March to early April and transform the city into a beautiful pink and white wonderland. A few must-see spots to view the cherry blossoms are Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Ueno Park and Meguro River. Springtime in Tokyo is also the perfect time to indulge in typical Japanese food, such as ramen, sushi, and bento boxes. And for cultural experiences, there are several festivals and ceremonies, such as the Sanja Matsuri and the Shingen-ko Matsuri.

Summer – Festival Season

Tokyo’s summers are hot, humid, and full of energy. The locals celebrate the season with many summer events, such as Tanabata Matsuri, Sumida River Fireworks Festival, and the O-bon Festival. During these festivals, streets and parks are bustling with street food stalls, music performances, and fireworks. And for a taste of the beach, Odaiba’s artificial beach, with views of Tokyo Bay, is a summer must-visit.

Fall – Autumn Leaves and Artsy Interludes

Fall in Tokyo is a time where the city is painted with mellow autumn colors. The leaves start changing colors from mid-November to December. The Meiji-jingu Gaien Park, Showa Kinen Park and the Rikugien Gardens are some of the top spots to take in the foliage. Autumn in Tokyo is also perfect for getting involved in the art scene, such as visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, which houses several traditional Japanese exhibits.

Winter – Illumination Season

Winter in Tokyo is freezing cold, but the holiday season brings a different kind of warmth to the city. Tokyo is decorated with seasonal lights, and the illumination shows are a sight to behold. The Tokyo Midtown illumination and the Roppongi Hills illumination are some of the famous spots for illumination viewing. Winter in Tokyo is also a perfect time for ice skating, such as the Tokyo Skytree Rink, which offers the best views of the city.

Local Attractions

Tokyo has a plethora of landmarks and famous spots every tourist should visit. The historic Tokyo Imperial Palace, the Tokyo Skytree, the Shibuya Crossing, and the Tsukiji Fish Market are unmissable spots for tourists visiting Tokyo. For technologically-inclined visitors, a visit to the Sony Building in Ginza and Akihabara Electric Town is a must.

Dining Spots

Tokyo is known for its Michelin star restaurants, but there are also plenty of local haunts for visitors to indulge in traditional Japanese cuisine. For the famous sushi experience, try sushi at Sushi Saito (Roppongi), Sukiyabashi Jiro (Ginza), or Sushidokoro Sawada (Asakusa). For ramen lovers, Afuri Ramen, Ichiran Ramen, and Tsuta Ramen are some of the must-visit spots.

Cultural Experiences

The Japanese culture is rich with traditions, and Tokyo offers visitors many cultural experiences, such as visiting the Asakusa Temple, watching a sumo match at the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium, and dressing up in traditional kimono and taking a stroll through the streets of Kyoto.

Local History

Tokyo’s history dates back over 1,000 years, from the legendary Edo period to today’s Shogunate era. The Tokyo National Museum, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the Meiji Shrine are wonderful sites to learn about Tokyo’s rich history.

Off-The-Beaten-Path

Tokyo is bursting with world-famous spots and attractions, but it is also home to a host of hidden gems. The Nakano Broadway Shopping Center, the Yoyogi Park for a picnic and Hanami, the Shinjuku Golden Gai for a drink and conversation, and the Mori Art Museum, housed at the top of the Roppongi Hills building, are some of the best off-the-beaten-path spots to visit in Tokyo.

Tokyo has much to offer to its tourists, no matter the season. A visit to Tokyo is a life-changing experience, and one not to be missed. Get out there and explore!