Published 2nd Mar. 2026
Written by Holly Catton
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A multifaceted metropolis, Tokyo caters to everyone – and every season. While it's become synonymous with cherry blossoms in recent (Instagrammable) years, it has far more to offer than merely a springtime sojourn. Painted in shades of red throughout autumn, blanketed in snow in winter, and heavy with heat and humidity in summer; this urban titan yields to the full influence of every season. Whether you want to part from the herd to witness snowy wonderlands or brave the crowds to capture the fleeting floral blooms, you can experience it all right here. The only hitch? Knowing what happens when. Thankfully, we’ve whittled things down to the candid point, so you can focus on figuring out the best time to visit Tokyo...
Starting (shamelessly) with our candidate for the best time to visit Tokyo: December. Chilly and chill, this is the low season. While the city is never truly quiet – it's a major metropolis after all – it does see a slight dip in tourism during this period. This means you can wander around the festive landscapes with more ease. Draped in dazzling New Year’s light illuminations, the city never looks more magical than in December. And, sure, the cuisine is impeccable year-round, but what can beat the warming slurp of a fragrant bowl of ramen on a cold winter’s day?
Winter in Tokyo also offers clear views of Mount Fuji – which, we must say, looks especially dapper under a good dusting of snow. Since Tokyo is the perfect launchpad for other activities, it’s also worth noting that this is the best time (unsurprisingly) for winter sports. Japan didn’t gain the moniker ‘Japow’ for nothing. Its legendary ski terrain starts forming in December, making this the prime time for trips to nearby ski resorts. While you're out of the city, we highly recommend a detour to Shuzenji for its picturesque onsen baths. Modernity with a tinge of traditional comforts – now that’s a healthy balance.
Image by Olivier Romano
Coming directly after Tokyo’s busiest season, May is a month of celebration – or, at least, of the winding down of celebrations. Golden Week (which is rather confusingly not a week but a sequence of four national holidays) lasts until early May, allowing you to catch the tail end of festivities if you fancy making your bookings far in advance. If you’re not so keen on exercising extreme foresight, visit the city in mid-to-late May. The crowds aren’t quite as intense, and the schedule is still satisfyingly packed. Sanja Matsuri, one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals, usually takes place on the third weekend of the month, honouring the founders of Sensoji Temple with boisterous processions and ornate shrines.
Another great thing about Tokyo in May is the weather. Due to the city’s subtropical climate, its summers are marked by extreme heat and cloying humidity – not very enticing, if you ask us. So, beat the heat (literally) and race to the city before summer sets in. With temperatures between 10-25°C, it’s the perfect time for exploring wisteria-strewn parks and sampling some of the nation’s world-renowned beers in open-air settings. Pretty idyllic if you ask us.
Image by Olivier Romano
While September kicks off with a typhoon risk, the rest of the month is blissfully mild. By the second week, the temperamental weather gives way to clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making this the best time to visit Tokyo for outdoor sightseeing. Grab your camera and head to Senso-ji Temple or the Meji-Jingu shrine, where you can capture the vibrant architecture of the city’s oldest sites in all their glory. If things take a turn for the wet (weather is an unpredictable beast), there are also plenty of ways to experience Tokyo under shelter. A personal favourite of ours is the teamLabs Planets exhibition, where you can immerse yourself in a digitally rendered natural landscape. Talk about futuristic.
Later on in the month, the city gets a seasonal makeover. While Tokyo may be famous for basking in pastures pink, its autumnal palette is equally worthy of recognition. From September to December, locals observe koyo – a tradition of gathering to view the crimson colours of changing foliage. Head to Mount Takao, a short journey from the centre, for the best spot to capture these auburn accents. With panoramic views, you’ll be spoilt for choice when preparing to take that perfect shot of Tokyo in transition.
Image by Olivier Romano
Sitting on the cusp of Tokyo’s peak season, March sees the city in full bloom. If you’ve ever thought about a trip to Tokyo in spring (or if you’ve been paying attention to this list), you’ll be familiar with cherry blossom season, a mania-filled stint spanning the first two weeks of April where locals and tourists gather in honour of hanami (flower viewing). But have you heard of its equally beautiful precursor? In early March, plum blossoms are in full bloom throughout the city, lining its streets and parks with a slightly darker shade of pink. If you’re keen to snap a shot of Tokyo sprinkled with pink, but not willing to tackle its busiest season, then this is the perfect time to do so.
Since March is colder (with average temperatures ranging from 4-13°C), it’s also an excellent time for lengthy excursions and variety-packed days. Wait for the city to warm up with an indoor activity like ramen tasting or a manga workshop, then spend the high point of the day strolling around Tokyo’s outdoor attractions before dipping into a museum when the afternoon chill arrives. Mori Art Museum and the Tokyo National Gallery are among the best. Just make sure you flee the city by mid-March – to say it becomes busy is an understatement.
Image by taketan / Fotolia
Header image by Olivier Romano
Whether you’re a family seeking Tokyo’s futuristic museums or a couple wishing to relax in Hokkaido’s onsens, we’ve got you covered. Our consultants have first-hand experience of living in Japan, so we know the secret spots off the beaten track (and how to reach them). Train travel is the best and most efficient way to explore the country, and wherever you visit, getting to grips with Japan’s diverse culture is a must. We work with guides who provide in-depth experiences on the history of Samurai or Geisha culture, and we have hand-picked traditional ryokan properties to rest your head in.
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