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When Is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo? The Definitive Guide – The Tokyo Tourist

When Is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo? The Definitive Guide

Written by Patrick in The Tokyo Tourist


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You have no doubt in your mind that you want to visit Tokyo. The question becomes, when? Surely there are better times of the year than others, right? You wouldn’t mind traveling in the off-season to save some money, but what’s the weather like then?

The best time to visit Tokyo is during spring and early fall, but you can also go anytime and have a blast. Depending on the types of events you want to see (New Year’s or cherry blossom festivals, for example) and your tolerance for humidity (it gets quite hot and rainy during the summer), you should plan your trip differently.

In this extensive guide, I will go month by month, filling you in on all the details about life in Tokyo. You’ll learn what the weather is like as well as can’t miss events that occur every month. Let’s get started!

The Best Times to Visit Tokyo Month by Month

January

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to finally see Tokyo firsthand, then perhaps you will opt to plan your trip to Japan in January. If you’re still feeling the financial squeeze post-holidays, then I recommend you check out my post on how much money you’d spend daily in Tokyo. It includes super-cheap spending options that might suit you better.

Average Weather

Winter is just getting started in the United States by January. The temperatures in Tokyo aren’t all that different. The average low is 35 degrees Fahrenheit while the average high is 50 degrees. It rains about three days a month. The rest of the time, you could get snow, just like back at home. Unlike the US, these snow events don’t turn into blizzards. In fact, you’re lucky if the snow even sticks.

Make sure you pack your winter coat, sweaters, and thick pants. Don’t forget your gloves, scarf, hat, or earmuffs. You can wear snow boots if you want, but you won’t really need them. Shoes with good traction are a definite must, though.

Expected Events

  1. Shogatsu: Shogatsu is Japanese New Year. It’s been a tradition in the country from 1873 onward. Like American New Year’s, shogatsu occurs on January 1st. Don’t be surprised if a lot of businesses shutter their doors through January 3rd to celebrate. To get in on the shogatsu fun, head to Senso-ji Temple, the Yasukuni-jinja Shrine, or the Meiji-jingu Shrine, as they’re hotspots for celebration.
  2. Furusato Matsuri Tokyo: The Tokyo Dome will play host to the Furusato Matsuri Tokyo festival from January 10th through the 19th, 2020. This food market also features live performances.
  3. Daikoku Matsuri 2020: From January 25th to the 26th, 2020, there’s the Daikoku Matsuri 2020 festival. Worship at a shrine or watch a Shinto dancer dress as a God of Fortune (one of seven) named Daikokuten.
  4. Shimokitazawa Tengu Festival 2020: The tengu might not be real, but it’ll feel like it on January 31st through February 2nd during the Shimokitazawa Tengu Festival. There’s plenty of shopping opportunities and even a parade!
  5. Furusato Matsuri Tokyo 2020: The Tokyo Dome hosts the Furusato Matsuri Tokyo 2020 show from January 10th through the19th. It’s a festival dedicated to beer and breweries.  Sounds like a cool time!

February

While lots of people go on vacations to tropical locales in February to escape the winter blues, you’d rather spend your month in Tokyo. You’re hoping it will be a little bit less packed because it’s considered more of the “off-season.”

Average Weather

By February, winter is still going strong in Japan, although the temperatures will begin warming up more than they would in many parts of the US. The average low temperature is 36 degrees and the average high is 51 degrees, so it’s quite balmy for February. It will rain about five days of the month. Snow can still fall as well.  

Expected Events

  1. Imperial Palace Address: Typically taking place on February 2nd, the Imperial Palace Address is huge a piece of history in Tokyo. The Emperor will make a New Year’s address. Try to see it for yourself if you can!
  2. Setsubun Mamemaki: The Setsubun Mamemaki is also known as the Bean Throwing Festival. It’ll occur on February 3rd at the Zojoji Temple. It’s supposed to be a commemorating of the beginning of spring and the end of winter.
  3. World Valentine Festival: Did you think you could avoid Valentine’s Day in Japan? Not so fast. Yoyogi Park is the home of the World Valentine Festival all month long. With lots of music, drinks, and food, you’ll be feeling the love in no time.
  4. Chinese Spring Festival: For 15 days, participate and celebrate at the Chinese Spring Festival. Head to Yokohama’s Chinatown or Chukagai. You’ll see dragon and lion dances, enjoy music, and maybe even light some firecrackers.
  5. Lantern Festival: If you’re looking for yet more fun during the Chinese Spring Festival, the Lantern Festival is on the 15th day in Yokohama Chinatown. The party doesn’t have to stop!

March

Right before spring really gets underway, March is another good month to plan your trip to Tokyo. You have the freedom to skip the lines and the crowds. Do keep in mind that the later it gets into the month, the warmer the temps will be and thus the more tourists that may show up.

Average Weather

With winter just about over, March is pretty average in terms of temperatures. The lows are about 41 degrees and the highs 56 degrees. That’s not all that different from what you’re used to back in the US, then. It will rain more often though, about eight days. You don’t have to worry about snow anymore.

Some days in March can be unseasonably warm, much like what you’re used to back home. To that end, it’s ideal if you bring a mix of clothes. You should still have some sweaters and coats, but also pack a light jacket and some t-shirts.

Expected Events

  1. Hanami: Oh yes, cherry blossom season begins early in Tokyo. Get to Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi Park, or Ueno Park early to get your best views of the beautiful cherry blossoms. If you miss out the pretty pink flowers this month, April is another good month to check out the festivals.
  2. Golden Dragon Dance – On March 18th, 2020, the Golden Dragon Dance will take place at Senso-ji Temple. Also known as the Kinryu no Mai, you can see mystical golden dragon costumes commandeered by single-file groups of people. It’s certainly something!
  3. AnimeJapan: Anime lovers, rejoice! You may plan your trip to Tokyo in March just to coincide with AnimeJapan. In 2020, this giant convention will take place on March 21st. Make sure you have a really awesome cosplay ready.
  4. Tokyo Anime Award Festival: Another great event for anime fans is the Tokyo Anime Award Festival from March 13th through the 16th, 2020. While a winner for best show will be declared, this is just a cool chance to see a lot of unique and impressive anime.
  5. Spring Love Harukaze Music Festival 2020: Nope, music festivals aren’t just for the states. Yoyogi Park’s Spring Love Harukaze Music Festival is free to attend. You can browse stalls of beer, food, organic coffee, and arts and crafts or spend your time at one of two stages. The event takes place from March 28th to the 29th, 2020.

April

Now that spring has all but sprung, you’ve entered one of the two busiest seasons of the year in Tokyo. In fact, the spring may be even more crowded than the summer for two reasons. First, there’s the cherry blossom festivals in March and April. Second, there’s a lot of rain coming in the summer that you won’t get (as much of) during spring.  

Average Weather

Okay, so what kind of weather should you expect in Tokyo during April? It’s starting to feel like spring, alright, with the average low temperature lingering around 50 degrees and the average high a comfortable and warm 66 degrees. April showers still bring May flowers in Tokyo, with about nine days of rain expected.

You can leave the winter coats at home unless you get cold easily. You do definitely want a hoodie or sweater, as it’s still quite chilly at night. Otherwise, for all your daytime adventures, layer up! This way, should you get warm, you can take off some layers.

Expected Events

  1. Hanami: Yes, cherry blossom season is still running wild, at least until the middle of the month. That’s typically when the viewing festivals will end, so make sure you can get to see one before that. All the same parks that I talked about before would still be the places to be.
  2. Kurayami Matsuri: If you’re around until the end of the month, on April 30th, 2020, you can check out the Kurayami Matsuri or Darkness Festival. A long-running Kanto area tradition, the festival runs until May 6th. Make sure you get to Okunitama Shrine to check it out.
  3. Tokyo Pride Parade: Pride is a worldwide thing, or at least it should be. Show yours at the Tokyo Pride Parade, which starts April 28th, 2020 at Yoyogi Park. Over 60 events will occur over the entire week, so there’s no shortage of activities.
  4. Asakusa Kannon-ura Ichiyo Sakura Festival: On April 13th, 2020, make sure you plan for the Asakusa Kannon-ura Ichiyo Sakura Festival. There, you can see the Oiran Dochu procession, which includes costumes and dress that date back to the Edo period.
  5. Earth Day Tokyo 2020: Start off the month of April with Earth Day Tokyo. This too is at Yoyogi Park. You can learn more about charities and organizations trying to change our world and maybe even donate to a few.

May

As the last month of spring, you can still expect Tokyo to be packed in May. Sure, the cherry blossom festivals are over, but the weather is great. You should see it for yourself, even if it does get busy.

Average Weather

You couldn’t ask for more perfect weather than what you’ll get in Tokyo during May. The lowest temperatures are 59 degrees on average, with the high about 74 degrees. It rains only eight days of the month, give or take. That means plenty of days of abundant sunshine.

Just like when packing for April, bring a jacket for the days or nights where it’s a little cool. Otherwise, t-shirts, dresses, and even shorts will suffice for this beautiful month.

Expected Events

  1. Sanja Matsuri: From May 17th to the 19th, 2020, Sanja Matsuri will roll through Tokyo once again. While many of the festivals I’ve talked about so far are very opulent and stunning, none can outsize this one. More than 100 floats will flood the Senso-ji Temple during the festival.
  2. The Okinawa Festival: Get into a summery mood at the Okinawa Festival at Yoyogi Park (where else?) from May 18th through the 19th, 2020. This music festival features Okinawan tunes with a beachy feel that will have you vibing for hours.
  3. Satsuki Festival: If you’re ever attended azalea festivals stateside, this is like the Japanese equivalent. Beginning on May 29th and running through June 3rd, 2020, the Satsuki Festival at Ueno Park lets you drink in some of the loveliest azaleas and other flowers you’ve ever seen.
  4. Spring Oedo Beer Festival 2020: The name says it all here. At Cinecity Square from May 13th through the 17th, 2020, you can visit Kabukicho to sample more than 200 craft beer varieties.
  5. Laos Festival: Get a taste for a different culture during your stay in Tokyo at the Laos Festival on May 25th, 2020 at Yoyogi Park. There’s lots of music, drinks, and food to go around.

June

The temperatures have begun creeping up in Tokyo by June, but the summer heat is not yet at its worst. While yes, you will have to contend with plenty of tourists, you’re not fighting the summer rains, at least not for the first bit of the month. Plan your outdoor activities this month!

Average Weather

June brings with it comfortable weather in Tokyo. The lows are about 66 degrees while the average highs are 78 degrees. Like I said before, you will have to plan for rain as June gets further and further underway, with about 11 days of it throughout the month. That makes June one of the rainiest months of the entire year in Tokyo.

All your usual summer garb is fine to wear. That said, do make sure you bring a pair of sneakers instead of flip-flops or sandals for the wet weather.

Expected Events

  1. Sanno Matsuri: If you are going to be in Tokyo during June 2020, make sure you schedule time for the Sanno Matsuri festival. This occurs only every two years, so you won’t get another chance to go for a while. As a beloved festival (it’s among the top three in the city), up to 500 people are in the Grand Parade alone.
  2. Japan Media Arts Festival: For a change of pace, check out the Japan Media Arts Festival all month long. This event takes place at the National Museum of Emerging Science Innovation, which I’d say is worth seeing in its own right. The festival will feature animation, manga, entertainment, and art media, so have at it!
  3. Taiwan Festival Tokyo 2020: Another monthlong event is the Taiwan Festival Tokyo 2020 at Ueno Park. Taste all the Taiwanese food you could ever want here, including both savory and sweet dishes. You’ll want to keep coming back all month!
  4. Koto Fireworks Festival: Keep a slot open in your itinerary on June 6th, 2020 for the Koto Fireworks Festival. Hosted at the Arakawa Sunamachi Riverside Park, you’ll see 4,000 fireworks that will leave you dazzled.
  5. Fussa Firefly Festival: If you don’t mind venturing outside of Tokyo by about an hour, there’s the Fussa Firefly Festival in Hotaru for the whole month. This takes place after dark so you can witness the wealth of fireflies (there are about 500 at the festival). Plan for an early arrival at Hotaru Park, as this is one popular event.

July

The rainy season continues strong into July, as does the heat. Not only are you dealing with high temperatures this month, but lots of humidity as well. It is a rainy month, after all! Due to the weather, the tourists may thin out somewhat. Tokyo is certainly a better pick in July than an overcrowded beach.

Average Weather

As I said, you’re still into the rainy season, with about 10 days of rain expected. That’s one day less than June, but it’s still enough to put a damper on some outdoor plans. Make sure you have backups for whatever you have on your itinerary.

The temperatures won’t dip any lower than 73 degrees, which is nice and comfortable. The average high temps are 85 degrees, but it can feel much hotter with the humidity. If you’ve ever lived through a sweltering US summer, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Expected Events

  1. Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival: If you’re more used to seeing fireworks in July, the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival begins on July 20th through the 21st, 2020. Yoyogi Park will be filled to the brim with people trying to catch the spectacle of fireworks. Besides the show, you can also see live capoeira, dances, and music.
  2. Handmade in Japan Festival 2020: If you’re a purveyor of all things handmade, then you absolutely cannot miss the Handmade in Japan Festival 2020. Here is one of the biggest showcases of handmade goods, many of which are for sale.
  3. Mitama Matsuri: While you think of honoring the dead more around late October or early November, in Japan, this takes place in July. That’s when the Mitama Matsuri event occurs at Yasukuni Shrine, from July 13th to the 16th, 2020. This honorary event, for war veterans above all else, is something you will certainly want to see.
  4. Marine Lantern Festival: As if you need an excuse to venture out to Odaiba Seaside Park in the middle of July, that’s when the Marine Lantern Festival happens. It will be held on July 15th, 2020. The sight of all those lit lanterns at night will fill your heart with wonder!
  5. Katsushika Fireworks Festival: If you’re missing Independence Day and don’t want to wait until the end of July to see some fireworks, the Katsushika Fireworks Festival has them on July 7th, 2020. Just head out to Shibamata Baseball Field B early to grab a spot!

August

Summer is about over, but it’s going to get hot before it ends completely. The high temperatures might dissuade you from wanting to go to Tokyo in August, but I’d implore you to reconsider. It’s less jam-packed than you’d expect. Plus, you get fewer days of rain than you’ve had in months.

Average Weather

What kind of weather will you have in Tokyo during August? Like I said, far fewer days of rain, only eight spread across the month on average. The lowest the temperatures will dip is 75 degrees, which doesn’t give you much relief. Worse yet is the temps can skyrocket to 88 degrees, so maybe try to limit outdoor activities if you can.

Expected Events

  1. Edogawa Fireworks Festival: One of your last chances to see some fireworks for the summer is at the Edogawa Fireworks Festival on August 3rd, 2020. It’s a great way to cap off the season!
  2. Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori Festival: From August 23rd through the 24th, 2020 at Hibiya Park is the Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori Festival. With roots dating back to 2003, this is one great opportunity to experience authentic Bon Odori dancing in person. Plus, it’s held near Hibiya Park’s fountain, so it has a great backdrop.
  3. Comiket: Do you love comics? Then you must attend Comiket from August 9th to the 12th, 2020 at Tokyo Big Sight. First, Tokyo Big Sight is an amazing piece of architecture. Even if you don’t care so much about that, the sheer number of comics available will leave your jaw on the floor. Many of these are self-produced.
  4. Tokyo Koenji Awa-odori: I hope you’re in the mood to dance, because you certainly will if you go to the Tokyo Koenji Awa-odori. This festival, from August 24th to the 25th, 2020, features three hours of dancing and then plenty more excitement on Koenji’s city streets.
  5. Nepal Festival 2020: Immerse yourself in Nepalese culture without leaving Japan at the Nepal Festival 2020. This takes place from August 22nd through the 23rd. You’ll witness performances, browse shopping stalls, and eat lots and lots of food. The event takes place at the Komazawa Olympic Park Athletic Stadium.

September

Your US summer just ended, but you’re thinking of starting autumn with a trip to Tokyo. Anticipate lots of humidity and heat at first, with September ending with cooler temps. That humidity will keep people away, as will the record rains you should expect.

Average Weather

Like back in the US, the temperatures begin dropping in September. The average high in Tokyo is 81 degrees and the average low 69 degrees. You should toss a few pairs of pants and maybe a jacket in your luggage in case it gets chilly. Otherwise, summer garb should be okay.

As I said before, it’s going to rain. A lot. On average, Tokyo gets 12 days of rain in September. That’s more than even June, the start of the rainy season. It’s kind of a bummer, but hey, it means less tourists on the streets, so it’s not all bad.

Expected Events

  1. Tokyo Harvest Fair: Beginning in September 2020 is the Tokyo Harvest Fair at Komazawa Olympic Park. It lasts only three days, but you’ll fill your belly during that time, as you can find more than 100 dishes to try. They’re all Japanese, so if you’ve ever wanted to taste authentic cuisine all in one place, this is the event for you.
  2. Daradara Festival: While it’s not quite as endless as it proclaims (the festival runs from September 11th to the 21st, 2020), the Daradara Festival is still a cool event to see. It happens at Shiba Daijingu, so if you’re already passing through Shiba Park, you might as well stay a while.
  3. Nikkan Festival: Hibiya Park will be the home of the 2020 Nikkan Festival. Also known as the Japan-Korea Exchange Festival, the goal here is to unite those two parts of the world. There’s lots of culture to drink in during the event as well. History buffs won’t want to miss it!
  4. Senzoku-ike Autumn Festival: Ring in the start of the fall at the Senzoku-ike Autumn Festival. This park in Northern Ota Ward (near Senzoku-ike Station) will host the fall fest on September 8th, 2020.
  5. Namaste India 2020: Yet another festival that lets you take in another culture while still in Japan is Namaste India 2020 at Yoyogi Park. As a fusion of Indian and Japanese culture, the food is great, the atmosphere is better, and you’re sure to have a fantastic time.

October

With plenty of sun and some lingering warmth, if you’re considering going to Tokyo in October, I’d say it’s a great time for your trip. Your eyes can savor the fall foliage as you walk about the city without breaking a sweat.

Average Weather

It’s a very comfy, cozy type of environment in Tokyo when October arrives. By day, the temperatures are 71 degrees as a high. As the month progresses, temps can linger in the high 50s. With only eight days of rain across the month, the weather won’t plague your plans.

You want to dress for in-between weather, so have t-shirts ready but longer sleeves for the cooler days that will inevitably arrive.

Expected Events

  1. Yokohama Oktoberfest: At the Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama, celebrate Germany at the Yokohama Oktoberfest from October 4th through the 20th, 2020. Live oom-pah bands will play as you sample oversized soft pretzels and beer in steins bigger than your head.
  2. Tokyo Coffee Festival: If coffee fuels your every waking moment, then you’ll naturally gravitate towards the Tokyo Coffee Festival from October 19th to the 20th, 2020. Located at the United Nations University, you can devour not only Japanese coffees, but those from other locations worldwide.  
  3. Tsukuba Ramen Festival: Can’t get enough of ramen? You’ll have more noodles than you can shake a stick at when you pop into the Tsukuba Ramen Festival. This tasty two-day event from October 12th to the 14th, 2020 will take place at the Kenkyugakuen Eki Mae Park.
  4. Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony: Relax with some tea at the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony, held at the Hama-rikyu Gardens and the Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum. You’ll be a master of Japanese tea ceremonies by the time you leave for the day. The event runs from October 5th through the 20th, 2020.
  5. Kawasaki Halloween Parade: Get into the Halloween spirit even if you’re in Japan at the Kawasaki Halloween Parade. This spooky event does Halloween in a big way. You’re going to want to make sure you’re at Kawasaki Station on October 27th, 2020 to witness all the spooks for yourself!

November

As the weather in the US becomes colder and colder, you may feel the itch for another getaway. In Tokyo during November, the streets aren’t crowded, so you do have your pick of activities. Oh, and if you couldn’t make it here in October, you’ll get to witness the jaw-dropping colors of the leaves as they fall.

Average Weather

November isn’t as cold as it is back in the States, with temps lingering at 62 degrees as an average high and 49 degrees as a typical low. It rains only about six days of the month, which means you get cool temperatures and sunny skies in which to do your exploring of Tokyo. Sounds perfect to me!

Expected Events

  1. Tokyo Comic Con: Forget New York Comic Con or even San Francisco Comic Con. Tokyo Comic Con is where it’s at, baby! This huge convention at Makuhari Messe will take place from November 22nd through the 24th, 2019. It’s two days of endless geekery!
  2. Autumn leaf-viewing festivals: Towards the middle of November until the 30th, leaf-viewing festivals take place across Tokyo. Some of the more beloved spots include Ueno Park and Koishikawa Korakuen. Like with the cherry blossoms, get there early to nab the best spot!
  3. Mt. Takao Momiji Festival: For most of November (the 2nd through the 30th, 2019), Mt. Takao will be the site of the Momiji Festival. With cheerleading performances, ocarian concerts, goods for sale, and food and drink, it’s a good way to spend a November day in Tokyo.
  4. Fiesta de Espana: Yet another awesome event at Yoyogi Park is Fiesta de Espana, held from November 23rd to the 24th, 2019. You can get your fill of tapas, churros, paella, and other Spanish eats as well as do shopping for authentic Spanish goods. The main stage also has plenty of entertainment, including live musical performances.
  5. Tokyo International Film Festival: For more than 30 years, the Tokyo International Food Film Festival has been a November staple. This year, it will run through November 5th. Get to Roppongi Hills to see some one-of-a-kind Japanese films.

December

Your last opportunity to travel to Tokyo for the year is in December. Japan doesn’t go as crazy for Christmas as we do here in the US, although there are still events. Also, expect lots of businesses to shut down ahead of the shogatsu from December 29th onward.

Average Weather

Temperatures don’t get frigid in Tokyo during December, but they are some of the coldest of the year (beaten only by January). The highs are 54 degrees and the lows about 39 degrees on average. You also get the least amount of rain of the year, only about three days. That said, you do have to prepare for snow.

Like in January, snow doesn’t stick, but you’ll still want to make sure you have shoes that won’t leave you slipping and sliding.

Expected Events

  1. Nishiarai Daishi Temple – End of the Year Festival: Wrap up 2019 in one of the best ways possible at this year-end festival at Nishiarai Daishi Temple. The event takes place on December 21st, 2019. If you want to stock up on dishes and items said to bring you luck, you can get ‘em here.
  2. Winter Comiket: Comiket is back for winter, and this time with more cosplay! Hosted from December 29th through the 31st, 2019 once again at Tokyo Big Sight, if you missed Comiket earlier in the year, don’t make the same mistake twice!
  3. Tokyo Christmas Market: Prepare for a very happy holiday at Hibiya Park’s Tokyo Christmas Market. Held from December 14th through the Christmas holiday on the 25th, 2019, many who have gone to the market have called it one of the most extravagant of its kind in all of Japan.
  4. Japanese New Year Food Tour: Educate yourself on all the foods enjoyed at shogatsu during the Japanese New Year Food Tour in Shibuya. This tour begins on December 27th and runs through January 3rd.
  5. World Christmas Festival 2019: Over in Yoyogi Park, the very short World Christmas Festival 2019 runs from December 21st through the 22nd, 2019. Sure, you could shop for Christmas wares, or you could also check out the samba and belly dancing. It’s an experience for sure!

Conclusion

When choosing when to plan your trip to Tokyo, early spring and autumn are two of the most preferred times. As you can see, though, there’s lots of fun to be had in Tokyo no matter what time of year you visit. Sure, the weather can be a deterrent, as can the big crowds, but there’s no other place on earth like Tokyo. No matter when you visit, you’ll definitely enjoy it!

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