When to go to Tokyo.
Are you deciding between two weeks? Start with the month. Each page covers what the season usually feels like and which base makes sense.
Choose your month
Twelve short reads, one per month — no invented forecasts.
- 01Winter
January
Winter is cooler and generally clear, and some districts feel noticeably quieter once the holidays wind down. Year-end illuminations keep the popular shopping areas bright and busy, so book those nights early. Many shops and museums close for a few days around New Year, so check before you plan those days.
Month guide - 02Winter
February
Winter is cooler and generally clear, and some districts feel noticeably quieter once the holidays wind down. Year-end illuminations keep the popular shopping areas bright and busy, so book those nights early. Many shops and museums close for a few days around New Year, so check before you plan those days.
Month guide - 03Spring
March
Cherry blossom season draws the biggest crowds and tends to push up prices, especially around the most famous parks. Days are generally mild and good for walking, though spring weather can change quickly. Book well ahead if flowers are the reason for the trip.
Month guide - 04Spring
April
Cherry blossom season draws the biggest crowds and tends to push up prices, especially around the most famous parks. Days are generally mild and good for walking, though spring weather can change quickly. Book well ahead if flowers are the reason for the trip.
Month guide - 05Spring
May
Cherry blossom season draws the biggest crowds and tends to push up prices, especially around the most famous parks. Days are generally mild and good for walking, though spring weather can change quickly. Book well ahead if flowers are the reason for the trip.
Month guide - 06Summer
June
The rainy season (tsuyu) usually falls around early summer, so keep indoor plans in reserve and pack for damp days. After it passes, the heat and humidity can be draining, and festival season plus school holidays add to the crowds. Early mornings and evenings tend to be the kindest hours for walking.
Month guide - 07Summer
July
The rainy season (tsuyu) usually falls around early summer, so keep indoor plans in reserve and pack for damp days. After it passes, the heat and humidity can be draining, and festival season plus school holidays add to the crowds. Early mornings and evenings tend to be the kindest hours for walking.
Month guide - 08Summer
August
The rainy season (tsuyu) usually falls around early summer, so keep indoor plans in reserve and pack for damp days. After it passes, the heat and humidity can be draining, and festival season plus school holidays add to the crowds. Early mornings and evenings tend to be the kindest hours for walking.
Month guide - 09Autumn
September
Early autumn can still feel like summer, then the heat usually eases into the most comfortable walking weather of the year. Autumn colours draw crowds later in the season, especially at the best-known gardens and temples. Book ahead for foliage weekends and keep some flexibility for wet days.
Month guide - 10Autumn
October
Early autumn can still feel like summer, then the heat usually eases into the most comfortable walking weather of the year. Autumn colours draw crowds later in the season, especially at the best-known gardens and temples. Book ahead for foliage weekends and keep some flexibility for wet days.
Month guide - 11Autumn
November
Early autumn can still feel like summer, then the heat usually eases into the most comfortable walking weather of the year. Autumn colours draw crowds later in the season, especially at the best-known gardens and temples. Book ahead for foliage weekends and keep some flexibility for wet days.
Month guide - 12Winter
December
Winter is cooler and generally clear, and some districts feel noticeably quieter once the holidays wind down. Year-end illuminations keep the popular shopping areas bright and busy, so book those nights early. Many shops and museums close for a few days around New Year, so check before you plan those days.
Month guide
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