Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Tokyo?
I’m a local Japanese living in Kanagawa, just next to Tokyo, and Tokyo is part of my everyday life. I often spend my weekends and holidays exploring different areas of the city, enjoying seasonal events, and discovering hidden spots.
Each season in Tokyo offers something unique — cherry blossoms in spring, exciting festivals in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and beautiful illuminations in winter. But when is the perfect time for you to visit?
In this article, I’ll share local tips from someone who lives in the Tokyo metropolitan area and regularly experiences the city throughout the year. Let’s find the best time for your Tokyo trip!
Introduction: When is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?
Tokyo is a fascinating city you can visit all year round. However, depending on the season, your experience can vary greatly in terms of weather, crowds, and activities. In this guide, I will break down the best times to visit Tokyo, month by month, to help you plan your perfect trip!
Quick Answer: Best Time to Visit Tokyo at a Glance
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Mild 10～20℃ (50～68℉) | Very crowded | Sakura season🌸 |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Hot & Humid 30℃～ (86℉～) | Moderate | Fireworks, Festivals🎆 |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Pleasant 15～25℃ (59～77℉) | Less crowded | Fall foliage🍁 |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Cold & dry ～10℃ (～50℉) | Least crowded | Illuminations🎄 |
Visiting Tokyo by Season
3.1 Spring (March to May): Cherry Blossom Season
Spring is Tokyo’s most famous season. From late March to early April, parks like Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Gardrn are covered in beautiful cherry blossoms. It’s the busiest time, so booking hotels in advance is essential.
3.2 Summer (June to August): Festivals and Fireworks
Tokyo summers are VERY HOT and HUMID, but full of exciting festivals like Sumida River Fireworks and Oku Asakusa Bon Odori. If you can handle the heat, you can enjoy local cultural experiences and summer street foods. You can’t swim in the ocean in Tokyo, so please be aware of that!🏊♂️
3.3 Autumn (September to November): Fall Colors
Autumn in Tokyo offers cool, comfortable weather and gorgeous fall foliage. Parks and temples like Meiji Shrine Outer Garden and Hibiya Park turn into a colorful landscape, and crowds are generally smaller than in spring.
3.4 Winter (December to February): Illuminations and Low Tourist Season
Winter is the quietest season in Tokyo. The weather is dry and cold, but you can enjoy beautiful winter illuminations around Shibuya and Marunouchi. Plus, flights and hotels are often cheaper.
Cheapest Time to Visit Tokyo
January and February are usually the cheapest months to visit Tokyo. Flights and hotels are more affordable, and major attractions are less crowded. However, you should pack warm clothes as it can be quite cold — it even snows once every few years.
Conclusion: When Should You Visit Tokyo?
If you love cherry blossoms, visit in late March or early April.
Summer is not only hot in temperature but also very humid, so be prepared for the intense heat.
If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, January and February are great choices. Each season has something special to offer, so there’s really no bad time to visit Tokyo!
If you have any questions about Japan or if there’s something specific you’d like to know more about, feel free to leave a comment! I’d love to reply directly or even create a new post to cover your request in detail! 🤔
