Best time to visit Tokyo
In Tokyo, temperatures can reach 20 °C. It is mainly the flowering period of the famous Japanese cherry trees, celebrated by all the inhabitants. For your trip to Japan, spring, particularly the months of April / May, is the recommended period.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the most visited cities in Asia. To fully enjoy your trip, it will be preferable to leave during the months when the climatic conditions are the most favorable.
Note that the city of Tokyo is subject to a humid subtropical climate. Thus, during the period between April and November, the weather in Tokyo is pleasant, but it will be necessary to be prepared for having rainy episodes from time to time. But what about winter?
Visiting Tokyo can be an exciting and enriching experience, as the city offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip to Tokyo:
1. Explore Different Districts:
- Tokyo is made up of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character. Explore areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Asakusa, and Akihabara to experience the variety of Tokyo’s culture and lifestyle.
2. Visit Iconic Landmarks:
- Explore iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and Meiji Shrine. These sites offer a mix of traditional and modern architectural beauty.
3. Experience Traditional Culture:
- Spend time in Asakusa to visit the historic Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Attend a traditional tea ceremony or catch a glimpse of sumo wrestling for a taste of traditional Japanese culture.
4. Enjoy Cherry Blossom Season:
- If visiting in spring (usually late March to early April), don’t miss the cherry blossoms. Ueno Park and Chidorigafuchi are popular spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics.
5. Shopping Extravaganza:
- Explore shopping districts like Harajuku for trendy fashion, Ginza for luxury brands, and Akihabara for electronics and anime-related goods.
6. Culinary Adventure:
- Indulge in Tokyo’s diverse food scene. Try sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, enjoy street food in Takeshita Street (Harajuku), and experience a traditional kaiseki meal.
7. Visit a Robot Restaurant:
- Experience Tokyo’s quirky side with a visit to a robot restaurant in Shinjuku. It offers a unique blend of neon lights, robots, and entertainment.
8. Relax in Parks and Gardens:
- Take a break in parks like Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, and Shinjuku Gyoen. These green spaces offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
9. Explore Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea:
- If you’re a fan of theme parks, consider a visit to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea for a magical experience.
10. Use Public Transportation:
- Tokyo’s public transportation system is efficient and well-connected. Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy access to trains and buses.
11. Learn Basic Japanese Phrases:
- While many people in Tokyo speak English, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can enhance your experience and interactions.
12. Respect Local Customs:
- Respect Japanese customs and etiquette. For example, bowing is a common form of greeting, and it’s customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
13. Stay in a Ryokan:
- For a unique experience, consider staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan. These inns offer a glimpse into Japanese hospitality and customs.
14. Take Day Trips:
- Consider day trips to nearby attractions like Nikko, Hakone, or Kamakura for a change of scenery.
15. Plan According to Seasons:
- Tokyo experiences distinct seasons. Plan your visit based on your preferences, whether it’s cherry blossom season in spring, vibrant festivals in summer, or colorful autumn foliage.
Remember to check local COVID-19 guidelines and any travel restrictions before planning your visit. Tokyo has a lot to offer, so tailor your itinerary to your interests and preferences for a memorable experience.
Here are more details on the weather in Tokyo season after season to help you prepare for your trip.
1. Tokyo climate in spring
Due to its geographical configuration, Tokyo enjoys beautiful weather conditions in spring.
Spring in Tokyo is earlier than on Hokkaido Island. Thus, the atmosphere becomes milder from March, and the trees bloom. In April, one can expect temperatures ranging from around 15 to 20 ° C, above 20 ° C from May.
However, rain can occur at any time during this period. The climate in Tokyo is always quite humid, although it usually rains in small amounts.
2. Tokyo climate in summer
From June to September, the climate in Tokyo is delightful. The sun is omnipresent, and the temperatures are approximately 25 and 30 ° C.
The heat can be intense in July and August, but the atmosphere is less heavy than in Osaka or Kyoto. Indeed, the humidity is lower in Tokyo, making the air a little cooler. This period is one of the most favorable for discovering the Japanese capital and its cultural heritage.
However, you will need an umbrella when you go out. As in all seasons, light showers can occur in Tokyo.
Finally, if the period of typhoons in Japan is from May to October, they are more present in August and September. So, know that the city of Tokyo is not immune to this type of event if you travel at the end of the summer.
3. Tokyo climate in autumn
Tokyo’s climate in autumn is characterized by sunny weather and mild temperatures.
Autumn in Tokyo is a beautiful extension of summer. It is around 25 ° C in September, while it is about 20 ° C in October and nearly 15 ° C in November.
On the other hand, precipitation tends to intensify in September and October, with around seven days per month. If you are traveling during this rainy season in Japan, it will be preferable to bring waterproof clothing.
4. Tokyo climate in winter
Winter on Honshu Island generally runs from December to March. During this period, temperatures can drop below 10 ° C. However, the weather in Tokyo in winter is much better than in neighboring cities like Sendai. Precipitation is meager, and the temperature remains relatively sunny.
On the mercury side, the city of Tokyo enjoys mild winters. It is around 10 ° C in December and approximately 6 and 10 ° C in January and February.
When you know that it is between -5 and -10 ° C in Sapporo during the same period, the choice is quickly made to plan your winter holidays in Japan.
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Festivals and main events in Tokyo
Tokyo is a dynamic city where there is always something going on. Do you want to plan your trip to Japan during one of the significant annual events? Here is the list of the most critical events in Tokyo :
- January | New Year: in Tokyo, a big countdown occurs on the Tokyo Tower. The feast then lasts for three days with religious celebrations ( Hatsumôde ), reductions in stores, and the presentation of vows by the Emperor of Japan at the Imperial Palace on January 2.
- January 6 | Dezomeshiki Festival: big New Year’s parade organized by the firefighters.
- January, May, September | Sumo Tournament: Sumo tournaments are important events for the Japanese. Attending can be an excellent opportunity to discover the folklore surrounding this tradition.
- February and June | Wonder Festival: this festival takes place twice a year at Makuhari Messe, allows manufacturers of figurines and “garage kits” to unveil their next upcoming creations to the general public. It attracts thousands of people.
- March | Tokyo Marathon: It was organized for less than 20 years; this marathon is nonetheless a great event. It can be a good opportunity for athletes to discover the city initially.
- March | AnimJapan Fair: This international cartoon festival takes place every year on the island of Odaiba. For four days, it welcomes the most famous animation studios and publishing houses that present their novelties.
- March | Tokyo Motorcycle Show: This two-wheel fair shows over 150 motorcycle manufacturers the latest news. It is an event awaited internationally.
Best time to visit Tokyo
- End of March – Beginning of April | Hanami: The hanami, which means in Japanese “to look at the flowers,” is a Japanese tradition. It consists of meeting for a picnic while observing the beauty of the cherry blossoms. This event is celebrated in all of the city’s parks, especially in Ueno Park.
- 3rd weekend in May | Sanja Matsuri: This is one of the biggest Shinto festivals in Tokyo. It takes place in the Asakusa district. There are mikoshi processions, and visitors come to encourage the bearers.
- Mid-August and end of December | Comiket: This event which takes place twice a year, initially allowed Mangakas amateurs to present their creations. Today it is also a big festival of games and cosplay. This festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.
- August | Koenji Awa-Odori: This is one of the biggest dance festivals in Japan, with more than 10,000 dancers taking over the streets of Koenji. It is a free event that attracts millions of visitors.
- August | Harajuku Super Yosakoi: this festival in the Harajuku region is a big traditional dance event where one can attend many performances in the city’s streets.
- September | Tokyo Game Show: this show has been held every year since 1996 and presents all the latest video games. The best games are rewarded there during the Japan Game Awards ceremony.
- November | Iruma Air Show: free air show in Saitama on a military base exceptionally open to the public.
Crowds and tourist seasons
Our data and graphs will determine when the high tourist season is in Tokyo (and therefore when the tourist influx is highest) and when the low tourist season is.
Tokyo tourist seasons
- Meager season in Tokyo
- The months when tourist traffic is at its lowest are January and February.
- Low season in Tokyo
- The months when attendance is low are March and June.
- High season in Tokyo
- Attendance in Tokyo is high in May, July, August, and September.
- Very high season in Tokyo
- In April, October, November, and December, the tourist influx in Tokyo is at its peak.
The average price of hotels in Tokyo month by month
Overall, the cheapest month in Tokyo for a hotel room is June. So it’s a good time to go to save money! Conversely, April is statistically the highest month of the year in the hotel industry.
Average flight price to Tokyo
The price of a return flight from Paris – Tokyo is lower on average for a departure in May (555 € on average): this is the best period for travelers on a budget. On the other hand, you risk paying your plane ticket to Tokyo in Japan 184 € more expensive than leaving in August.
The average price to rent a car in Tokyo
We are hiring a car in Tokyo costs, on average, $ 48 per day. This price varies from 9 € depending on the month. Thus, in June renting a car for 24 hours costs 43 € on average, this is the best time to save money! Conversely, in April, this average price is 52 €.
What to do in Tokyo?
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a fascinating city tourism destination. Fans of cultural discoveries appreciate it as much as those passionate about hi-tech technologies or manga animations. So what to do in Tokyo according to your passions? Get inspired by our proposals for unmissable, original, and unusual activities for an unforgettable trip to Japan.
What to do in Tokyo to discover its modern side?
Characterized by its frenetic pace, the city of Tokyo attracts visitors from all walks of life and all passions. And visitors’ expectations inevitably diverge, all the more so as there are countless activities to do there. What to do in Tokyo, the modern capital? Get inspired by our selections of unmissable and unique activities in modern Tokyo.
#1. Discover the Shibuya crossroads and the shopping afternoon
To experience the frenetic pace of Tokyoites, discover the Shibuya crossroads on a Friday or Saturday evening. It is indeed the busiest pedestrian crossroads in the world. A real hive where thousands of people meet every day, this site is one of Tokyo’s must-see sites. To mingle with passers-by, always in a hurry, meet at the exit of the Shibuya train station. You can then continue your discovery by shopping in the shops of the surroundings, in Shibuya and Shinjuku.
#2. Marvel at the electronics shops in Akihabara
If computers and electronics are your favorite subjects, grab the opportunity to window shop in Akihabara. This district of electronics, computer, and video game stores is a must for geeks and apprentice geeks. However, do not be fooled by appearances because attractive windows often offer exorbitant prices. Bargains are found in one of the shops in the less bright building at first glance.
#3. Fashionable shopping in Harajuku and luxury shopping in Ginza
Like Milan, Rome, or New York, Tokyo is the world’s fashion capital. So if you are wondering what to do in Tokyo if you are passionate about fashion, there is no need to hesitate to go shopping there. Stroll through the shopping streets of Harajuku to discover its trendy and eccentric shops. Also not to be missed: Ginza and its ample modern avenues, where shops offer dizzying prices to well-heeled customers.
#4. Visit the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka
What to do in Tokyo if you are an animation lover? Visit the Ghibli museum in Mitaka, where all the animated manga film animators go first. This art museum, located in greater Tokyo, allows you to discover many works by renowned designers such as Miyazaki, Takahata, and many more.
#5. Sing loudly at Karaoke in Roppongi
What to do in Tokyo for crazy evenings? Go to Roppongi, the must-see area for partying. You’ll spoil for choice from countless private karaoke bars and nightclubs. However, expect an unusual atmosphere; young Japanese people have a fantastic way of having fun. Take advantage of your night out to discover Tokyo by night and admire the Tokyo Tower, a slightly larger replica of the Eiffel Tower.
#6. Attend a concert at the Tokyo Dome
If you wonder what to do in Tokyo, off the beaten track, do not hesitate to buy yourself a ticket to attend a concert or a sporting event at the Tokyo Dome. This attractive center, a Mecca for entertainment and leisure, also offers you the opportunity to relax and visit the LaQua spa, where the natural hot spring is drawn from a depth of 1,700 m!
There is so much to see but remember to take the time to discover the other facets of the Japanese capital.
Unmissable and unique activities in Tokyo, the traditional city
The discovery of the capital of Japan, where the new meets the old and where modernity contrasts with traditions, will not be complete without visiting the emblematic sites of traditional Japan.
#1. Relax under the cherry blossoms
If you visit Tokyo in mid-March or late March, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate Hanami, the celebration of the blossoming of sakura, the famous ornamental cherry trees. To do this, go to the southwest of Tokyo, in Nakameguro, to enjoy its rural atmosphere, transcended by the cherry trees’ exquisite white and pink flowers. This magnificent corner which exudes calm and serenity, does not lack charm either, the rest of the year, even without the cherry blossoms.
#2. Going back to Edo time at Jindai Motomachi
What to do in Tokyo if you are keen on history and culture? Go to Jindai Motomachi to discover the Japanese capital from a different perspective. This small suburban town takes visitors back to the Edo period, once given to Tokyo. Not to be missed: the Jindai Shokubutsu Koen (botanical garden) with its well-pruned trees and lush vegetation, the Jindaiji (eighth-century temple, the second oldest in the country), the tasting of a soba dish at the Matsubajaya for an atmosphere traditional and authentic.
#3. Discover the little Edo in Kawagoe
Complete your discovery of Jindai Motomachi with that of Kawagoe, nicknamed “Little Edo.” This locality, located near Tokyo, is a place of attractions for Tokyoites and Japanese people who come to revitalize themselves in the roots of their cultures. You can discover the houses dating from the 19th century on Ichiban-Gai Street and its surroundings, the Kita-in Temple or the Toki no Kane tower, two types of architecture from the Edo period.
#4. Discover the Japan of yesteryear in Yanaka and Nezu
Those passionate about cultural discoveries should not ignore Yanaka and Nezu, historic districts located a little away from the city but not lacking in interest. It is the place to visit to see what Tokyo was like before the skyscrapers characterized it.
#5. Witness Sumo Fights
The country’s most emblematic sporting event is sumo fights. Not only are they more fun than Noh theater, but they allow attendees to have an authentic experience. Key event not to be missed: the traditional parade of rikishi (professional wrestlers) before the start of hostilities until kimarite, a winning hold signifying the end of the fight, like the ippon in judo.
#6. Visiting temples in Nikkō (outside Tokyo)
To allow yourself to go to Nikko is to treat yourself to a moment of exhilaration! As long as you are keen on history and traditional Japanese architecture. Moreover, in 2 hours, the time it takes to get from Tokyo to Nikkō is next to nothing, considering the quality of the rail and road infrastructure in Japan. In this 50 hectare sanctuary, not only can you recharge your batteries in the many onsens in the region, but you can also admire the temples and historic monasteries, all listed as World Heritage by Unesco.
Unusual activities to do in Tokyo
After exploring the two facets of Tokyo, the modern city and the old Edo, take the time to have fun again through the unusual activities you can do there.
#1. Find your travel souvenirs at the Sugamo flea market
Where to go in Tokyo for good deals? Why not stroll through the flea market in the Sugamo district. You will have the opportunity to find a silk kimono, a katana (Japanese sword), manga, Maneki Neko (lucky cat, recognizable by its raised front paw), or any other symbol of Japanese culture at a low price. Make sure, however, that your visit date coincides with those of the market: every 4th, 14th, and 24th of each month.
#2. An earthquake simulator
What to do in Tokyo that is out of the ordinary? Try an earthquake simulator! Why not? You Know that Japan is infamous for its earthquakes. Learn to have the correct reflex and experience a magnitude seven earthquake on the Richter scale while you’re at it. See you at the Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center in Tokyo!
#3. A day in an amusement park
Unmissable in Japan: amusement parks are everywhere! But consider visiting one of the most unusual theme parks dedicated to manga animated films to think outside the box! You may see some of your favorite characters (Naruto, Son Goku). At Sanrio Puroland, Hello Kitty fans will be in heaven.
These are just glimpses of things to do in Tokyo. Because there is so much to do, sites to visit and cultural treasures to discover, you won’t have time to get bored, whether you plan to stay in Tokyo for two days, a week or more than 15 days.
Best time to visit Tokyo
