Best Time to Visit Tokyo

The best time to visit Tokyo is spring, particularly from late March to early April. During this time, the weather is warm, with temperatures around 15°C, and the city is adorned with hundreds of cherry blossom trees. Their white and pink hues transform parks and streets into picturesque landscapes, making spring the perfect time for strolls, picnics, and capturing unforgettable photos.

Thanks to the mild climate and weather in Tokyo, the city remains a popular destination all year round. In autumn, millions of visitors come to admire the colourful foliage and explore the major attractions in comfortable conditions while walking.

The number of visitors drops significantly during the summer and winter months due to the more extreme weather conditions – hot, humid summers and chilly winter temperatures. However, these seasons offer a great opportunity to explore Tokyo with fewer crowds and fewer queues.

Peak Season (March to May)

Tokyo enjoys wonderful spring weather, with average temperatures of 12°C in March, 16°C in April, and 21°C in May. Spring temperatures generally range from 9°C to 23–24°C, creating mild and pleasant conditions perfect for exploring the city’s many cherry blossom sites.

Here are some of the best and most popular locations to admire the blossoms:

• Parks: Ueno Park (上野恩賜公園), Sumida Park (隅田公園), Chidorigafuchi Park (千鳥ヶ淵公園), and Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園).
• Temples: Sensō-ji Temple (浅草寺) and Ikegami Honmonji Temple (池上本門寺).
• Scenic Areas: Meguro River (目黒川).

If you are considering a spring trip to Tokyo, it’s best to avoid the period from April 29 to May 5, known as Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク). During this time, Japan celebrates several national holidays, and many Japanese take time off from work for travels and leisure.

Is Tokyo very busy during Golden Week? Absolutely. The city becomes extremely congested, with crowded public transportation, long queues for popular sites and cafés, and significantly higher prices for accommodation and services. These factors make Golden Week the worst time to visit Tokyo if you are looking for a relaxing and smooth experience.

Key Events in Spring:

• Art Fair Tokyo (March)
• Tokyo Marathon (March)

Shoulder Season (September-November)

Autumn, like spring, is an ideal time to visit Tokyo. The best time to visit Tokyo in autumn is between late September and early November, when the city is transformed by vibrant autumn foliage, creating stunning scenery. The weather in Tokyo during this period is also very pleasant, with temperatures reaching up to 27°C in September and remaining above 12°C even in November.

Best Places to See Autumn Foliage in Tokyo:

• Meiji Jingu Gaien (明治神宮外苑) – Famous for its stunning avenue of golden ginkgo trees.
• Rikugi-en Gardens (六義園) – A park with a traditional Japanese garden known for its beautifully illuminated autumn leaves.
• Mount Takao (高尾山) – A scenic hiking spot offering breathtaking views of red and orange maple leaves.

Key Events in Autumn:

• Kichijoji Autumn Festival (吉祥寺秋祭り) – Mid-September
• Fukuro Matsuri Festival (ふくろ祭り) – September, October
• Asakusa Tori-no-Ichi (浅草酉の市) – November

Low Season (Summer and Winter)

Summer in Tokyo is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31°C. Tourism decreases in the month of June and July due to heavy rains, whereas August, despite being the hottest month, attracts travellers who enjoy the warm weather and summer activities.

Winter in Tokyo is cold, but temperatures generally remain above freezing, with little to no frost. This season is regarded as the best time to visit Tokyo to avoid crowds. While the city’s permanent population of over 37 million implies that it’s never really empty, transportation and major attractions are far less busy than during peak visitor seasons.

Winter also offers excellent value for money for travellers looking for a more relaxed experience. Due to the lower influx of guests, accommodation and travel services often offer greater availability and flexibility. Among the winter months, is December a good time to visit Tokyo? Yes, it is. With temperatures ranging from 7°C to 12°C and many clear days, December provides a pleasant winter atmosphere without being too chilly.

Key Summer Events:

• Sumida River Fireworks (隅田川花火大会) – Late July
• Tokyo Kōenji Awa Odori (東京高円寺阿波おどり) – Late August

Key Winter Events:

• Christmas Illuminations – December
• National Foundation Day (建国記念の日) – February 11