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✓ Updated February 2026

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When is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo, Japan?

Tokyo, Japan travel destination - scenic view of Sunrise Serenity at Tsukiji Outer Market during ideal visiting season
Image: Skyscrapers of Shinjuku 2009 January.jpg viaWikimedia Commons

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Quick Answer:

For a truly majestic experience in Tokyo, aim for the vibrant bloom of spring (March to May) or the crisp, clear air of autumn (September to November). In spring, witness the city draped in the soft pink of cherry blossoms, a breathtaking spectacle that fills the parks with a gentle, celebratory mood. As autumn arrives, the leaves turn to fiery hues, painting the urban landscape with majestic color and offering comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring bustling markets and serene gardens alike.

Airport Code

HND

Coordinates

35.69°, 139.69°

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Top Things to Do

Sunrise Serenity at Tsukiji Outer Market

While the inner wholesale market has moved, the Tsukiji Outer Market still buzzes with life before dawn. Arrive around 5 AM to witness vendors setting up, sample incredibly fresh street food like tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), and enjoy a sushi breakfast at one of the tiny, bustling stalls before the crowds descend.

Ghibli Museum's Whimsical World

Step into the enchanting universe of Studio Ghibli at this whimsical museum in Mitaka. It's a place where imagination reigns supreme, with hand-drawn animation displays, a rooftop garden featuring a robot soldier, and a charming short film exclusive to the museum. Tickets are notoriously hard to get, so book months in advance.

Yanaka Ginza's Nostalgic Charm

Wander down Yanaka Ginza, a charming shopping street that feels like a step back in time. Here, you'll find traditional craft shops, local snack vendors selling senbei (rice crackers) and menchi katsu (minced meat cutlet), and a slower pace of life that offers a delightful contrast to Tokyo's modern hustle.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden's Diverse Landscapes

Escape the urban sprawl in Shinjuku Gyoen, a sprawling oasis boasting three distinct garden styles: English Landscape, French Formal, and traditional Japanese. It's the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, a picnic, or simply to admire the seasonal beauty, especially during cherry blossom season or when the autumn leaves turn.

See all 8 things to do →

💡 Travel Tip: For the best value on hotels during this season, check current rates on Trip.com.

Essential Travel Tips

transport

Get a Suica or Pasmo card immediately upon arrival. These rechargeable IC cards are your golden ticket for almost all public transport (trains, subways, buses) and can even be used at many convenience stores and vending machines, saving you the hassle of buying individual tickets.

food

Don't shy away from the basement food halls (depachika) in department stores like Isetan or Takashimaya. They offer an incredible array of high-quality prepared foods, bentos, and sweets, often at a discount an hour or two before closing time.

culture

Master the art of the 'konbini' (convenience store) run. Places like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are lifesavers for cheap and surprisingly delicious snacks, drinks, ATMs, and even basic toiletries. Grab a 'onigiri' (rice ball) for a quick, filling snack.

money

Carry some cash, even though cards are becoming more accepted. Many smaller restaurants, temples, and local shops still prefer or only accept cash, so having ¥10,000-¥20,000 on hand is a good idea. Look for ATMs at post offices or 7-Eleven stores for the best exchange rates.

packing

Pack light and be prepared to do laundry. Most hotel rooms are small, and you'll be doing a lot of walking and navigating crowded trains. Coin laundromats are common and efficient, so you won't need to bring your entire wardrobe.

safety

Tokyo is incredibly safe, but always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like Shibuya Crossing. The biggest 'danger' you'll face is probably getting lost, so having a portable Wi-Fi device or a local SIM card with data is highly recommended.

💡 Travel Tip: If you're planning your trip, it's worth checking flight prices on Trip.com before you decide.

Weather Details

Jan
4 days
Feb
5 days
Mar
8 days
Apr
9 days
May
10 days
Jun
11 days
Jul
10 days
Aug
11 days
Sep
12 days
Oct
10 days
Nov
7 days
Dec
4 days

Monthly Weather Data Table

MonthHigh (°C)Low (°C)High (°F)Low (°F)Rainfall (mm)Rain DaysDaylight (h)
Jan10°C2°C50°F36°F50mm
4 days
10h
Feb10°C2°C50°F36°F75mm
5 days
11h
Mar13°C5°C55°F41°F100mm
8 days
12h
Apr19°C10°C66°F50°F125mm
9 days
13h
May23°C15°C73°F59°F150mm
10 days
14h
Jun26°C19°C79°F66°F175mm
11 days
14h
Jul30°C23°C86°F73°F150mm
10 days
13h
Aug31°C24°C88°F75°F175mm
11 days
13h
Sep27°C20°C81°F68°F200mm
12 days
12h
Oct21°C14°C70°F57°F150mm
10 days
11h
Nov16°C8°C61°F46°F100mm
7 days
10h
Dec12°C4°C54°F39°F50mm
4 days
10h

Tokyo, Japan Month by Month: Complete Guide

Planning your trip to Tokyo, Japan? Here's what to expect each month:

Jan in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

10°C°C / 50°F°F

4 days rainy days • 50mmmm

What to Expect

Winter season with cooler temperatures. Fewer tourists but some attractions may have limited hours.

Crowd Level

🟢 Low - Quiet season, easy to find accommodation

Quick Tip: Jan offers a quieter experience with fewer tourists.

Feb in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

10°C°C / 50°F°F

5 days rainy days • 75mmmm

What to Expect

Late winter, beginning to warm up. Good for budget travelers seeking lower prices.

Crowd Level

🟢 Low - Quiet season, easy to find accommodation

Quick Tip: Feb offers a quieter experience with fewer tourists.

Mar in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

13°C°C / 55°F°F

8 days rainy days • 100mmmm

What to Expect

Spring begins, mild weather. Shoulder season with moderate crowds.

Crowd Level

🟢 Low - Quiet season, easy to find accommodation

Quick Tip: Mar offers a quieter experience with fewer tourists.

Apr in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

19°C°C / 66°F°F

9 days rainy days • 125mmmm

What to Expect

Spring in full bloom. Pleasant temperatures and growing tourist activity.

Crowd Level

🟡 Moderate - Comfortable crowds, good availability

Quick Tip: Apr sees significant rainfall. Bring waterproof gear.

May in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

23°C°C / 73°F°F

10 days rainy days • 150mmmm

What to Expect

Late spring, excellent weather. One of the best times to visit for most travelers.

Crowd Level

🟡 Moderate - Comfortable crowds, good availability

Quick Tip: May sees significant rainfall. Bring waterproof gear.

Jun in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

26°C°C / 79°F°F

11 days rainy days • 175mmmm

What to Expect

Early summer, warm and sunny. Peak season begins, book accommodations early.

Crowd Level

🔴 High - Peak tourist season, book early

Quick Tip: Jun sees significant rainfall. Bring waterproof gear.

Jul in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

30°C°C / 86°F°F

10 days rainy days • 150mmmm

What to Expect

Peak summer season. Hot weather and highest tourist crowds. Most expensive time.

Crowd Level

🔴 High - Peak tourist season, book early

Quick Tip: Jul sees significant rainfall. Bring waterproof gear.

Aug in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

31°C°C / 88°F°F

11 days rainy days • 175mmmm

What to Expect

Peak summer continues. Very crowded but great weather for outdoor activities.

Crowd Level

🔴 High - Peak tourist season, book early

Quick Tip: Aug can be quite hot. Stay hydrated and plan indoor activities.

Sep in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

27°C°C / 81°F°F

12 days rainy days • 200mmmm

What to Expect

Early fall, shoulder season. Weather still good, crowds decreasing. Great value.

Crowd Level

🟡 Moderate - Comfortable crowds, good availability

Quick Tip: Sep sees significant rainfall. Bring waterproof gear.

Oct in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

21°C°C / 70°F°F

10 days rainy days • 150mmmm

What to Expect

Fall season, mild temperatures. Lower crowds and good prices. Comfortable for sightseeing.

Crowd Level

🟡 Moderate - Comfortable crowds, good availability

Quick Tip: Oct sees significant rainfall. Bring waterproof gear.

Nov in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

16°C°C / 61°F°F

7 days rainy days • 100mmmm

What to Expect

Late fall, cooler weather. Off-season begins, significant discounts available.

Crowd Level

🟢 Low - Quiet season, easy to find accommodation

Quick Tip: Nov offers a quieter experience with fewer tourists.

Dec in Tokyo, Japan

Weather

12°C°C / 54°F°F

4 days rainy days • 50mmmm

What to Expect

Winter season, holiday atmosphere. Festive but can be cold. Mixed crowds.

Crowd Level

🔴 High - Peak tourist season, book early

Quick Tip: Dec offers a quieter experience with fewer tourists.

All Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan

Sunrise Serenity at Tsukiji Outer Market

food

While the inner wholesale market has moved, the Tsukiji Outer Market still buzzes with life before dawn. Arrive around 5 AM to witness vendors setting up, sample incredibly fresh street food like tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), and enjoy a sushi breakfast at one of the tiny, bustling stalls before the crowds descend.

Best time: All year

Ghibli Museum's Whimsical World

activity

Step into the enchanting universe of Studio Ghibli at this whimsical museum in Mitaka. It's a place where imagination reigns supreme, with hand-drawn animation displays, a rooftop garden featuring a robot soldier, and a charming short film exclusive to the museum. Tickets are notoriously hard to get, so book months in advance.

Best time: Spring (cherry blossoms) or Autumn (fall foliage)

Yanaka Ginza's Nostalgic Charm

shopping

Wander down Yanaka Ginza, a charming shopping street that feels like a step back in time. Here, you'll find traditional craft shops, local snack vendors selling senbei (rice crackers) and menchi katsu (minced meat cutlet), and a slower pace of life that offers a delightful contrast to Tokyo's modern hustle.

Best time: All year

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden's Diverse Landscapes

nature

Escape the urban sprawl in Shinjuku Gyoen, a sprawling oasis boasting three distinct garden styles: English Landscape, French Formal, and traditional Japanese. It's the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll, a picnic, or simply to admire the seasonal beauty, especially during cherry blossom season or when the autumn leaves turn.

Best time: March-April (cherry blossoms), November (fall foliage)

Golden Gai's Tiny Themed Bars

nightlife

As dusk settles, explore the labyrinthine alleys of Shinjuku's Golden Gai, a district packed with over 200 miniature bars, each seating only a handful of patrons. Squeeze into a unique themed bar, enjoy a local drink, and strike up conversations with fellow adventurers and locals for an unforgettable, intimate nightlife experience.

TeamLab Borderless or Planets Digital Art Museum

activity

Immerse yourself in a breathtaking world of digital art at TeamLab Borderless or Planets. These interactive museums blur the lines between art and viewer, with stunning light installations that respond to your presence, creating a truly unique and mesmerizing sensory journey.

Best time: All year

Sumo Stable Morning Practice (Chanko Nabe Lunch)

cultural

Witness the raw power and discipline of sumo wrestlers during their morning practice at a stable (heya). Many stables allow visitors to observe the intense training sessions, followed by an optional, hearty chanko nabe (sumo stew) lunch, offering a deep dive into this iconic Japanese sport and its culinary traditions.

Best time: January, May, September (tournament months, practice schedules may vary)

Omoide Yokocho's Smoky Yakitori Alleys

food

Step into Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), a narrow alleyway near Shinjuku Station filled with tiny, atmospheric yakitori joints. The air is thick with the savory smoke of grilled skewers, and the intimate setting makes it a perfect spot to savor delicious food and soak in the retro Tokyo vibe.

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GoWithGuide Tours and Experiences

Getting Around Tokyo, Japan

JR Yamanote Line

This iconic loop line is the lifeblood of Tokyo's central districts, connecting major hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, and Ueno. It's incredibly efficient for hitting most tourist hotspots without complex transfers.

Cost:¥140-¥210 per ride (depending on distance), or use a Suica/Pasmo card for seamless payment.
Tip:Get a Suica or Pasmo card immediately upon arrival. These rechargeable IC cards work on almost all trains and buses in Tokyo (and many other cities). Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM) if possible; trains can be incredibly crowded. Don't be that person blocking the doors; wait to board until passengers have exited.

Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway

A vast, interconnected network of subway lines that reach virtually every corner of the city, often complementing the JR lines. They are clean, punctual, and surprisingly easy to navigate once you get the hang of the color-coded maps.

Cost:¥180-¥310 per ride (depending on distance), also covered by Suica/Pasmo.
Tip:Download the 'Tokyo Subway Navigation' app (or Google Maps/Japan Transit Planner by Jorudan) for real-time schedules and route planning. Pay attention to the station numbers (e.g., 'G-15' for Ginza Line at Shibuya) as they are often more helpful than station names. Always stand to the left on escalators to let faster walkers pass on the right.

Limousine Bus

These airport transfer buses are a comfortable and direct way to get from Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports to major hotels and stations in Tokyo. They offer ample luggage space and are a good option if you have a lot of bags or are traveling with family.

Cost:¥3,000-¥3,500 from Narita, ¥1,300-¥1,500 from Haneda.
Tip:Book tickets online in advance or at the airport counters. Check the bus schedule carefully, as they don't run 24/7. A common mistake is assuming they're always the cheapest; for solo travelers, the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner might be comparable or faster depending on your final destination.

Taxis

While expensive, Tokyo taxis are impeccably clean, driven by professional chauffeurs, and offer door-to-door service. They are best for late-night travel when trains have stopped, or for short distances with heavy luggage.

Cost:Starting around ¥500, with metered rates increasing by distance and time. Expect ¥2,000-¥4,000 for short to medium city trips.
Tip:Most drivers don't speak much English, so have your destination written in Japanese or on a map. Doors open and close automatically – don't try to operate them yourself! Tipping is not customary and can even be considered rude.

Water Buses (Sumida River Line)

These boats offer a unique perspective of Tokyo, cruising along the Sumida River between Asakusa and Hinode Pier (near Hamarikyu Gardens and Odaiba). It's a relaxing way to see the city skyline and iconic bridges.

Cost:Around ¥800-¥1,000 per ride.
Tip:Combine this with a visit to the historic Asakusa district. Check the schedule as services can be infrequent, especially on weekdays. It's more about the experience than speed, so don't rely on it for time-sensitive travel.

Bicycle Rental

For the adventurous and those wanting to explore specific neighborhoods at their own pace, bicycle rentals are becoming more popular. Areas like Yanaka or along the Imperial Palace East Garden are pleasant to cycle through.

Cost:Varies by rental shop, typically ¥1,000-¥2,000 per day. Some community bike-sharing services exist but require Japanese residency or specific apps.
Tip:Be aware of local cycling laws – helmets are recommended, and riding on sidewalks is often prohibited. Stick to designated bike lanes or quieter streets. Navigating Tokyo traffic can be intense; this is best for leisurely exploration, not efficient commuting.

💡 Travel Tip: This season usually means better deals — check what's available on Trip.com.

Similar Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

When's the absolute best time to visit Tokyo if I want to experience both pleasant weather and fewer crowds?

Honestly, late March to early April for cherry blossoms is magical, but it's peak season. For a sweet spot, I'd aim for mid-October to mid-November. The autumn foliage is stunning, the weather is crisp and comfortable for exploring, and you'll find a noticeable dip in the tourist numbers compared to spring.

Navigating Tokyo's massive train system feels daunting. Any insider tips to make it less overwhelming?

Don't be afraid of the trains – they're incredibly efficient! My best advice is to get a Suica or Pasmo card immediately upon arrival; you can tap and go on almost all trains and buses, and even use them at convenience stores. Also, download a navigation app like Japan Transit Planner by Jorudan or Google Maps; they're lifesavers for figuring out the best routes and platform numbers.

Beyond the famous Shibuya Crossing, what's a neighborhood that truly captures Tokyo's unique blend of old and new?

You absolutely must explore Yanaka. It's one of the few areas that largely survived the bombings of WWII, so it retains a charming, old-Tokyo atmosphere with its temples, traditional shops, and a lovely cemetery. Stroll down Yanaka Ginza shopping street for local snacks and crafts – it feels like stepping back in time, a perfect contrast to the city's futuristic side.

I'm on a budget. How can I eat amazing food in Tokyo without breaking the bank?

Tokyo is a foodie paradise for all budgets! Skip the fancy restaurants for every meal and dive into the world of *depachika* (department store basement food halls) – they offer incredible bento boxes, sushi, and pastries, often at a discount towards closing. Also, don't underestimate the deliciousness and affordability of ramen shops, udon noodle houses, and convenience store *onigiri* (rice balls).

What's a common cultural faux pas I should be aware of to show respect as a visitor?

One of the most important things is to be mindful of noise levels, especially on public transport. Avoid loud phone conversations or playing music without headphones; locals are very considerate of shared spaces. Also, when visiting temples or shrines, observe the purification rituals at the water basins if you feel comfortable, and always be respectful of ongoing prayers.

Are there any unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences you'd recommend for a second-time visitor?

For something truly different, consider visiting the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (book tickets *months* in advance!) for a whimsical dive into animation. Or, for a more serene experience, take a day trip to the Nezu Museum in Aoyama, which boasts a stunning traditional Japanese garden hidden away from the city bustle – it's my personal sanctuary.

What is the cheapest month to visit Tokyo, Japan?

The cheapest months to visit Tokyo, Japan are typically Jun and Aug during the off-season. You can save 30-40% on hotels and flights compared to peak summer months. While weather may not be ideal, you'll enjoy fewer crowds and significant savings.

How many days do you need in Tokyo, Japan?

We recommend spending 3-5 days in Tokyo, Japan to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. This gives you time to explore the top sights, experience local culture, and take a day trip if desired. Budget travelers might do 2-3 days, while those wanting a deeper experience should plan for a week.

What should I avoid in Tokyo, Japan?

Avoid visiting Tokyo, Japan during Jun if possible, when weather conditions are less favorable. Also, be cautious of tourist traps in heavily visited areas - research attractions beforehand and consider booking skip-the-line tickets for popular sites.

Is Tokyo, Japan expensive to visit?

Tokyo, Japan can be enjoyed on various budgets. Daily costs typically range from $50-80 for budget travelers, $100-200 for mid-range visitors, and $250+ for luxury experiences. Prices are highest during peak season and lowest during off-season months. Book accommodations early to secure better rates.

What is Tokyo, Japan famous for?

Tokyo, Japan is famous for its unique attractions, rich culture, and memorable experiences. The destination is best known for its architectural landmarks, local cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere. Visit during for the best experience.

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