Best Time to Visit Tokyo: Fall for Foliage, Spring for Blossoms

The short answer: go in autumn if you can

October is one of the best times of year to visit Tokyo, with traditional festivals, art and cultural soirees, and culinary-focused events. By mid-October the air turns dry and mild, making it a comfortable time for walking. November brings beautiful autumn foliage, and by night the illuminated leaves create a dreamlike spectacle.^⁠[5],[10]

Spring is the other strong choice. Spring is one of the best times to visit Tokyo because of the pleasant weather, and cherry blossoms are at their best in April. The catch: spring is the most popular time of year to visit Japan, so book and organize your accommodation well in advance.^⁠[5],[8]

Spring: cherry blossoms, festivals, and the biggest crowds

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo bloom in the short window from late March to early April. In early April, cherry blossom festivals are held in many areas, and crowds come out to enjoy hanami (flower viewing). Many parks and gardens light up their cherry trees at night so visitors can enjoy illuminated cherry blossoms, called yozakura.^⁠[5],[8]

Early spring in Tokyo is still chilly, so bring a coat or fleece to keep out the cold. By May, most days are comfortably warm enough to spend in short sleeves. Bring layers to stay cool when warm and sunny and warm if a chill comes through.^⁠[3]

Spring is a busy season for events at shrines and temples, including traditional ceremonies designated as Intangible Cultural Properties of Tokyo. The three-day Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa in May draws approximately 1.8 million visitors. Many big-name Tokyo events, such as the May sumo tournament, take place in spring.^⁠[5],[8]

Watch for Golden Week: travel and accommodation prices can rise sharply during the Golden Week holiday period in late April and early May. Be prepared for the occasional rainy or hot day even though spring weather is generally mild.^⁠[8]

• Stroll under cherry blossoms at Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat or join hanami at Yoyogi Park or Inokashira Park.^⁠[8]
• See colorful tulips fill Showa Kinen Park from late March through April.^⁠[8]
• Catch azaleas blanket Nezu-jinja Shrine in mid- to late April, and wisteria bloom at Kameido Tenjin Shrine from mid-April to early May.^⁠[8]
• Watch yabusame, or horseback archery, in Asakusa in April.^⁠[8]
• On Greenery or Arbor Day (May 4), entry fees are waived in many of the city's parks and gardens, including Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Rikugien Gardens, and Hama-rikyu Gardens.^⁠[5]

Summer: hot, humid, and full of fireworks

Tokyo's summer generally lasts from June to August and tends to be hot and humid. June to mid-July is a wet and humid time, with humidity often staying above 80%. A breathable rain jacket is a good idea for the rainy season, but a heavy coat will make the humidity feel more oppressive.^⁠[3],[9]

Summer temperatures can rise above 35 C (95℉), so keep hydrated and well-rested. Temperatures seldom drop below 25 C (77℉) even after sunset, so expect long, hot summer nights. Heat stroke is a real risk, so drink plenty of water, replenish sodium and get out of the sun before feeling feverish or lightheaded.^⁠[3]

August sees Tokyo at its hottest, with fireworks, traditional obon dances, multicolored tanabata lantern events, and the height of official water park and beach season. In July, the night sky is illuminated by fireworks at displays like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival, held on the last Saturday in July and known as Tokyo's oldest fireworks festival.^⁠[5],[9]

Typhoon season begins in August in Tokyo and can affect traffic and public transport. Keep an eye on weather reports and be prepared to evacuate to a safe area during typhoons.^⁠[3]

• In June, Tokyo's many beer gardens officially open, from the beer garden atop Mt. Takao to the elegant surrounds of Meiji Kinenkan. Most offer all-you-can eat and drink packages.^⁠[5],[9]
• Cool off at Kasai Marine Park, which allows you to swim in seawater at certain times of the year and has BBQ facilities. Note that you cannot actually swim at Odaiba Beach.^⁠[9]
• Some of Tokyo's islands can be reached within 2 hours by high-speed ferries; Oshima is one of the closest. Niijima is famous for its white sand beaches.^⁠[9]
• Traditional Japanese fans such as uchiwa or sensu are often given out for free near stations and stores.^⁠[9]

Autumn: the best all-round season

Autumn in Tokyo runs from September through November. Early September is still hot and humid, but by mid-October the air turns dry and mild, making it a comfortable time for walking. Heat exceeding 30 C (86℉) can linger into September, and typhoons can disrupt travel and outdoor events.^⁠[3],[10]

Around late October, leaves start to turn from green to vibrant red, yellow and orange in the Okutama area, then spread throughout the rest of Tokyo. In mid-November, leaves turn enchanting shades of red and yellow, and Tokyo's parks and gardens attract hordes of visitors in search of the perfect autumn scene.^⁠[3],[10]

Autumn is described as one of the best seasons to experience art events in Tokyo, with comfortable temperatures and generally pleasant weather. October is one of the best times of year to visit Tokyo, with traditional festivals, art and cultural soirees, and culinary-focused events.^⁠[5],[11]

• See the autumn leaves at Rikugien Gardens, best from late November to early December.^⁠[10]
• For additional Edo-period views, head to Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, Ninomaru Garden (at the Imperial Palace), or the Hama-rikyu Gardens.^⁠[10]
• Icho Namiki in Meiji Jingu Gaien is lined with hundreds of massive, yellow ginkgo trees and makes a perfect photo spot.^⁠[10]
• Some of the best trails and views for autumn colors can be found at Mt. Takao, Mt. Mitake, and Akigawa Valley.^⁠[10]
• At Lake Okutama, see the autumn colors of the surrounding mountains reflected in the lake's surface.^⁠[10]

Winter: quiet streets, light displays, and lower prices

In Tokyo winter the temperature rarely drops below 0 but tends to remain between one and ten degrees. Winter days are short, with twilight around 16:30. Pack sweaters, a coat such as a wool coat or light down jacket, and gloves, scarves and a winter hat.^⁠[3]

Heavier winter wear will probably not be necessary unless you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors in a more rural part of Okutama or western Tokyo. If you want warmth, the Ogasawara Islands remain above 15 degrees even in the coldest months.^⁠[3]

Tokyo lights up with illuminations in December, a signature winter sight. Illumination light-ups are listed among Tokyo's autumn and winter events. In January you can experience hatsumode, your first visit to a temple or shrine in the new year, which takes place over 2-3 days around January 1.^{⁠[1],[2],[5]}

In February you can take part in bean-throwing at the Setsubun Mamemaki Festival at Zojoji Temple. Plum blossoms are in full bloom in February and plum festivals take place across the city. Sumo tournaments are listed among Tokyo's spring, autumn and winter events.^{⁠[1],[2],[5]}

Events worth planning a trip around

Tokyo hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, from traditional festivals and seasonal celebrations to cultural performances, exhibitions, and local community events. The official calendar page offers regularly updated listings of events across Tokyo, so you can explore upcoming events and plan your visit around what's happening in Japan's capital.^⁠[5]

• ARTE TOKYO (Tokyo International Arts and Culture Festival), Tokyo's first city-wide international arts and culture festival, runs from October 10 to December 31, 2026, centered on the Waterfront Area, Hibiya Marunouchi Area, and Yoyogi Shibuya Area. Enjoy large-scale public artworks, the new ARTE TOKYO CIRCUS, and a special nighttime art project at Hama-rikyu Gardens.^⁠[11]
• The 39th Tokyo International Film Festival will be held from Oct.26,2026 to Nov.4,2026, during the last week of October in Hibiya, Yurakucho, Ginza, and Marunouchi. Filmmakers, actors, and industry figures from across the globe gather at the venue and mingle with the audience.^⁠[1],[11]
• Art Week Tokyo will be held Nov 4, 2026 - Nov 8, 2026.^⁠[1]
• The Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2026 will be held at two venues, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and Hama-rikyu Gardens.^⁠[1]
• Asakusa Geisha Ozashiki Odori Autumn 2026 runs from Oct. 3, 2026 to Nov. 14, 2026 at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. Ozashiki Odori is a traditional performing art which originated in the Edo period, characterized by graceful, refined movements performed to the accompaniment of shamisen and taiko drums. Part 1 starts at 13:00 and Part 2 at 14:30.^⁠[7]
• Fukagawa Hanachozu Autumn 2026 runs from Oct. 23, 2026 to Oct. 30, 2026 near Monzen-nakacho Station. Vibrant flowers arranged in traditional water basins brighten the streets around Monzen-nakacho, with 53 participating locations and limited-edition goshuin (shrine and temple stamps) at several temples.^⁠[6]
• The Kichijoji Autumn Festival takes place on the second Saturday and Sunday in September and has been held for over 50 years. The Shinagawa Shukuba Matsuri is held annually in late September and includes a parade featuring people dressed in traditional costumes of the Edo era.^⁠[4]
• The Fukuro Matsuri in Ikebukuro has been held since 1968 and consists of two parts: the mikoshi portable shrine parade in September and the Tokyo Yosakoi dance festival in October, which features around 100 teams from all over Japan.^⁠[4]
• Tori no Ichi events are held on select days in November at various shrines in Tokyo. The most spectacular version is held at Ohtori Jinja Shrine and Chokoku-ji Temple in Asakusa, where vendors sell charms and good-luck rakes, and nearby stalls offer hearty food and souvenirs until late into the evening.^⁠[4]

Tips for the quieter months

If you visit in June, the rainy season arrives, but not all days are marked by wet weather. Convenience stores sell affordable umbrellas during the rainy season, and waterproof shoes are smart if you will do a lot of walking around Tokyo or hike or camp in the Okutama area.^⁠[3],[5]

In January and February, days are short but crowds are thinner. Hatsumode takes place over 2-3 days around January 1, and Setsubun, a Japanese tradition in which beans are thrown to bring good luck, is held at homes, temples, and shrines. Plum blossoms are in full bloom in February and plum festivals take place across the city.^⁠[5]

For a different pace, remember that a 20-minute walk takes you from Shibuya to Yoyogi Park, and Ueno Park houses many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum. From Asakusa it is a short trip to TOKYO SKYTREE for great views of the city. With 5 days, you can venture out to surrounding areas such as Mt. Takao, which offers many easy hiking trails.^⁠[2]

The official GO TOKYO site offers a guide to discovering cuisine and culture called "GO TOKYO Gourmet," and a website called 'Tokyo Night Story' showcases the charm of Tokyo's nightlife. The site also provides useful disaster and emergency information, tourist information centers, and a guide to how to have a smooth visit to Tokyo.^⁠[1]

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