Best Times to Visit Tokyo 2025/2026: Weather, Experiences, and Travel Tips
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Best Times to Visit Tokyo 2025/2026: Weather, Experiences, and Travel Tips

Japan Expert Written by Vicky Leng Japan Expert
Updated Jul. 11, 2025

Tokyo is a year-round city. There's really no bad time to go.

The best times to visit Tokyo are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). You'll get to experience pleasant weather and enjoy charming scenery, including spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

Whether you want to experience Tokyo's best scenery or enjoy pleasant weather without large crowds, this article can help you find the perfect times to visit. It provides insights on weather, experiences, and practical tips based on my visit.

Tokyo's Weather and Climate

Tokyo experiences four distinct seasons.

Tokyo's four seasons
  • Spring (March to May) is warm with cherry blossoms.
  • Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with highs of 35°C (95°F).
  • Autumn (September to November) is cool with the red leaf season.
  • Winter (December to February) is cold and dry, with daytime temperatures dropping to around 2°C (36°F). Sometimes experience snowfall.

The rainy season in Tokyo is from June to July. It doesn't rain every day, usually just showers.

In September, Tokyo experiences its typhoon season. Usually, the city is hit by 1-2 typhoons, each lasting for one or two days. You might encounter heavy rain and strong winds, which could force you to cancel or adjust parts of your trip. A flexible itinerary allows you to still visit the city.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?

Here is a quick overview of Tokyo's travel seasons:

when is the best time to visit Tokyo
  • Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)
  • Peak season: Late March, April, and November
  • Shoulder season: May, June, September, and October
  • Low season: December (excluding Christmas), January, and February
  • Public holidays: New Year (Jan 1 - 3), and Golden Week (Apr 29 - May 5)

Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best times to visit Tokyo. You could expect comfortable weather and beautiful scenery.

Spring in Tokyo focuses on cherry blossoms, usually blooming from late March to mid-April. It's undoubtedly a top choice for many travelers.

Tokyo's cherry blossomsTokyo's cherry blossoms

Tokyo's autumn foliage season begins in late October and peaks in November. It is another popular and beautiful time to explore the city.

Autumn foliage in Shinjuku Gyoen, TokyoAutumn foliage in Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo

Of course, these two periods are the peak seasons in Tokyo. I recommend booking your tour 3-6 months in advance for better prices and excellent private guides.

Furthermore, summer (June to August) in Tokyo is hot and humid, but filled with festivals and fireworks displays. On the other hand, winter (December to February) in Tokyo is cold and dry.

Join our Japan Tours to discover your favorite tour based on your schedule. Our experienced Japan travel advisors are here to personalize it to meet your needs, take care of every detail, and ensure you have a hassle-free journey.

Spring in Tokyo (March to May): Mild Weather and Cherry Blossom Season

Springtime is the best time to visit Tokyo. The cherry blossoms last from late March to mid-April, which is especially one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo.

This period offers pleasant weather and cherry blossoms.

Spring brings comfortable weather with more sunny days to Tokyo. Temperatures average range from 10–19°C (50–67°F). Over these three months, Tokyo sees around 10 rainy days, usually with light showers.

Tokyo Skytree with cherry blossomsTokyo Skytree with cherry blossoms

Cherry Blossoms are the biggest highlights of spring in Tokyo.

Starting from late March, they usually reach full bloom from Mar 28 to Apr 4.

When I visited Tokyo's cherry blossoms on April 3-4, I found that peak bloom time varies by 1 - 2 days in different parks. For more details and helpful tips, check out our Tokyo Cherry Blossoms, based on our firsthand experiences.

We visited Yoyogi Park in Tokyo on April 2nd, 2025We visited Yoyogi Park in Tokyo on April 3rd, 2025

Yes, cherry blossom season is the super peak season in Tokyo and throughout Japan.

You'll encounter large crowds and higher prices, but the scenery makes it all worthwhile!

To avoid the crowds, you could start your day early. Also, book your tours at least three months ahead to secure better hotel rates.

The crowds at Ueno Park on Apr 3, 2025The crowds at Ueno Park on Apr 3, 2025

Clothing tip: Dressing in layers is the best, as temperatures change greatly between day and night. A long-sleeve shirt and a light coat are perfect for warm daytime. For chilly evenings, pack a sweater or a warmer coat.

No peak season worries!

Check out our 10-Day Charming Japan Cherry Blossom Tour. Our Japan travel advisors will customize it for your exact dates, guaranteeing you the best views of cherry blossoms! Book your trip at least 3 months in advance.

Summer in Tokyo (June to August): Hot but Filled with Festival Celebrations

Are you wondering if summer (June to August) is a good time to visit Tokyo? Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

A festival ceremony in Tokyo in JuneA festival ceremony in Tokyo in June

Tokyo in summer is indeed hot and humid.

Temperatures range from 22-30°C (72-86°F), and sometimes the daily high can reach 35°C (95°F). The high humidity makes it feel even hotter. If you're used to cooler summers, you might find it uncomfortable.

As for rainfall, summer is Tokyo's rainy season. Most rain falls between June and July, mainly as showers. There are around 12 rainy days in each of these two months. Since it doesn't rain every day, it won't ruin your plans.

Our clients explored Meiji Shrine during the summer with our private guideOur clients explored Meiji Shrine during the summer with our private guide

But Tokyo offers abundant indoor experiences with air conditioning.

We'll schedule for you to enjoy indoor activities during the hottest time of day, and explore outdoors during the cooler morning hours. Popular indoor experiences include TeamLab Borderless, Pokémon Center, anime cafe, sushi-making, and more.

If you're planning a family summer vacation in Tokyo, I suggest visiting in June. It's the coolest month of summer, with smaller crowds and lower prices. Additionally, you won't sweat heavily during outdoor activities like exploring Tokyo Disneyland.

Tokyo's Robot RestaurantTokyo's Robot Restaurant

Summer is also the festive season in Tokyo!

Although you might hear negative comments about Tokyo's heat, this festive season isn't as bad as you expected. With various festival celebrations and fireworks displays, it's worth braving the heat!

Put on a yukata and join the locals in celebrating! This is a fun and engaging way to dive into Japanese culture. I highly recommend visiting the two most representative festivals: the Obon Festival and the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival.

Tokyo's fireworks displayTokyo's fireworks display
  • Obon Festival (August 13-16): Tokyo's most well-known summer celebration. You could dance the traditional Bon Odori with locals at temples or streets.
  • Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (Last Saturday of July): This is Japan's biggest and longest-running fireworks show. You'll see over 20,000 fireworks in 1-1.5 hours! But be ready for big crowds.

Clothing tip: Bring a portable umbrella for sudden showers. It also gives great shade from the sun!

Explore Our Tokyo Summer Family Tour:

Seeking a family-friendly trip for your summer vacation? Consult our top pick, the 13-Day Japan Family Vacation with Theme Parks. It includes activities that kids love and cultural experiences for adults, ensuring fun for all.

Autumn in Tokyo (September to November): Cooler with Fall Foliage

Looking for a season with perfect weather, charming scenery, and few crowds for your Tokyo trip? Try autumn (September through November)!

The cool weather and colorful fall foliage make autumn one of the best times to visit Tokyo. The average temperature is around 15–22°C (59–72°F). As time goes on, these three months will become drier.

Golden leaves at Meiji ShrineGolden leaves at Meiji Shrine

Enjoying the autumn colors is the highlight during this time in Tokyo.

Tokyo's autumn foliage begins in late October, peaking in November. Besides admiring maple leaves in Shinjuku Gyoen in the city, you could also enjoy them at nearby places like Nikko or Lake Kawaguchi.

In Nikko, you could see a perfect blend of fall colors and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Autumn foliage in  NikkoAutumn foliage in Nikko

While at Lake Kawaguchiko, you could enjoy the maple leaves against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.

Autumn foliage at Lake KawaguchiAutumn foliage at Lake Kawaguchi

However, September is the typhoon season in Tokyo.

Typhoons usually occur 1-2 times this month, bringing 1-2 days of rain. If you prefer avoiding risks, late September is a great time to visit. The probability of a typhoon occurring at this time is very small.

Clothing tip: Wearing short-sleeve shirts and light coats is perfect for September to mid-October. As the weather gets cooler from late October to November, don't forget to bring sweaters and jackets.

Our expert Japan travel advisors will create a memorable trip for you whenever you visit! Just tell us your preferences, and we'll make it happen.

Winter in Tokyo (December to February): Experience Fewer Crowds

Yes, winter (December to February) is the coldest time in Tokyo. However, it's not too cold for traveling, with temperatures ranging from about 4-11°C (40-52°F). It is also the driest time of the year, with only about 5 days of rain or snow each month.

In winter, you can even see Mount Fuji from Tokyo cityIn winter, you can even see Mount Fuji from Tokyo city

Thinking about spending Christmas and New Year in Japan with your family? Great idea!

In Tokyo during Christmas, you could enjoy festive decorations in malls and streets, visit Christmas markets, and witness light displays. We can also arrange for you to explore Tokyo Disneyland's special Christmas events.

Christmas lighting in TokyoChristmas lighting in Tokyo

For New Year's, you could join locals in praying for good luck at Meiji Shrine, savor Japanese snacks at the New Year's market, and watch the New Year's Eve fireworks.

Pray at the shrine during the New YearPray at the shrine during the New Year.

Except for Christmas and New Year, winter is the low season in Tokyo. During this time, you could enjoy fewer crowds and cheaper costs.

Additionally, you could enjoy exclusive winter experiences in Tokyo. For example, relax in an onsen with snowy scenery in Hakone, witness snow monkeys soaking in hot springs in nearby Nagano, and enjoy skiing in Nagano as well.

Snow monkeys soaking in an onsen in NaganoSnow monkeys soaking in an onsen in Nagano.

Clothing tip: To stay warm in Tokyo during winter, wear thick clothes like a down jacket, a thick coat, and gloves.

Explore Our Tokyo Winter Tour:

Check out our 8-Day Tokyo Highlights and Nagano Skiing Tour for an unforgettable winter experience. You can explore the major highlights in Tokyo and enjoy unique seasonal activities in Nagano, enhancing your trip!

Tokyo Travel Guide by Month

Here are the weather details and travel guide information for each month in Tokyo.

January February March
April May June
July August September
October November December

Let's Plan Your Tokyo Trip Now!

Our clients in Japan with our guide and carOur clients in Japan with our guide and car

Whenever you decide to visit Tokyo, our Japan travel advisors will tailor your itinerary, suggest seasonal activities based on your schedule, and answer any questions you might have.

Here are our popular Japan tours for inspiration:

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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