Tokyo is a modern city and a major cultural center in Japan. It is known as the cultural hub for the country with its bright neon lights, delicious street food, ancient temples, and tall skyscrapers.
Therefore, there is no greater escape than Tokyo, which is why it attracts visitors from all over the world. There are more than 20 million visitors each year, making it one of the most visited city in Japan.
There are many major festivals and celebration taking place each month, making it an optimal getaway for families, solo travelers, and couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy life.
This is why we made this blog for you. We discuss what is the best time to visit Tokyo? What is the weather like? And What are the best festivals and celebrations in Tokyo? This comprehensive guide have it all.
What Is The Cheapest Month To Visit Tokyo?
The cheapest months to visit Tokyo is during January and early March. During this period, there are fewer visitors, which makes airlines and hotels much cheaper. During the off season, they are eager to welcome visitors.
There are many places to visit and explore Tokyo during winter. In this guide, we will discuss further about events and celebrations during winter season, so stick around to find out more.
What is The Best Season To Visit Tokyo?
The best season to visit Tokyo is during spring because it is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Expect to see cherry blossoms in early March and continues through May 31.
The whole city is vibrent and beautiful, which makes the city comes to life. It is feast to the eyes, making it an optimal place to explore and take some pictures.
1. Tokyo In Spring:
As already mentioned, spring is the best time to visit Tokyo. It is the time of year when the city comes to life with explosion of cherry blossom. It becomes a beautiful place to take some pictures near the river, parks, and gardens.
Furthermore, it has a comfortable weather between March and May. The temperature ranges between 5-23 degrees Celsius, which makes it bearable to enjoy the outdoors.
There are many festivals, parties and celebrations in spring, so mark your calendar for an unforgettable moment. Here are a few highlights of what you can attend:
1. Cherry Blossom Festival: the parks, river, and garden transforms into a sea of pink blossoms during this season. The best place to experience it all is at Ueno Park, where you can attend the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival. It is the biggest and most crowded festival in Japan.
2. Hanami parties: they are also related to cherry blossom, which refers to Hanami means “viewing flowers.” Therefore, you can witness some picnics, sake and viewing parties all over the countries.
3. Golden Week celebrations: there are four holidays in the golden week of Tokyo, which are Shōwa Day (April 29), Constitution Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children’s Day (May 5). Therefore, you can attend these celebrations.
Tip: During this season, there is a high tourist football, which makes an early booking for accommodation and attraction is a must.
2. Tokyo in Autumn:
I would say the second-best time to visit Tokyo is Autumn. The whole city transforms into colorful ambience, making it an optimal time to visit. The fall foliage colors of Tokyo ranges between yellow, red, and orange.
This season takes place between October and November. It has sunny days and good weather. The temperature range between 9 and 22 degrees Celsius, making it a good time to enjoy the outdoor activities.
1. Kanda Matsuri: it is one of the most famous festivals in Tokyo, which consider as culturally significant. It is one of the Shinto festivals, which means to solemn rituals with joyful celebration.
2. Meiji Shrine: the Shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920, where there is celebration each year during fall.
Tip: autumn is the second most crowded season, so you should book accommodation and attractions in advance.
3. Tokyo in Summer:
Summer is considered as the off-season, which usually is not crowded. It spans from June to September, with a temperature that can reach nearly 31 degrees Celsius.
There is also humidity along with the hot weather, which makes it undesirable season for tourist and locals. It is also the rainy season, so waterproof gear are must for outdoor activities.
Despite the heat and the rain, there are many unique events and celebrations during summer season, so attending them is something that you should do if you happen to be in Tokyo during summer:
1. Sumida River Fireworks Festival: it displays amazing pyrotechnics all over Japan. The best place to observe the firework is at Sumida Park. It happens every year at the last Saturday of July.
2. Tanabata Celebration: it is a traditional festival, taking place at the 7th of July. It means the Star Festival. They believe that Orihime and Hikoboshi are separated by the Milky Way and meet only once a year. Therefore, they celebrate their reunion.
3. Obon celebration: it is also known as the Bon festival. This annual Japanese holiday commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors. They believe that their spirits return to visit their relatives at this time.
Tip: in summer, Tokyo is less crowded and has a better deal in terms of attractions and accommodations.
4. Tokyo In Winters:
The weather in Tokyo is snowy and can reach to 2 degrees Celsius. It takes place during December to February. It considered as an off-season, which has the lowest visitors.
However, tourist and locals take advantage of winter activities, such as skiing and snowboard activities. There are many winter festivals in Tokyo, such as:
1. Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Fire Festival: it is a god worship and festival that praise god for healthy children. There is a big fire for the “unlucky” yakudoshi ages of 42, 41, 40, and 25. Years old.
2. Yamagata Sound & Light Fantasia: it is a themed celebration based on “a Forest of Light.” There is a Christmas tree that is about 7.5m tall.
3. Miyajima Oyster Festival: the festival holds place on the second Saturday and Sunday of February. It is the time of the year when oysters are the tastiest. Therefore, there offer some cheap Oyster dishes that you can taste.
Tip: winter is considered as am off-season where it sees fewer tourists, making accommodations and attractions are the cheapest.
Conclusion:
In this article, we discuss the best time to visit Tokyo and mentioned some events and festivals that take place each season.
Spring season is the busiest and most vibrant season of them all, where you can witness cherry blossom and attend some festivals.
The second-best season is fall, where you can witness foliage colors and enjoy an optimal weather. However, summer and winter are the less crowded and cheapest seasons of them all.
Whatever month or season you chose to visit, there is something for you. It does not run out of things to do in Tokyo. Therefore, you can experience the true essence of the city during each season.
We hope that you share what season and what month you visited Tokyo. We would love to hear your experience. If you have not visited yet, you should check out our blogs about the best restaurants in Tokyo, and the best hotels in Tokyo.
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