Whether you’re flying into Haneda or Narita Airport, Tokyo is likely the first stop on your Japan itinerary. Undeniably one of the most exciting cities in the world with something to do for everyone, it can be overwhelming trying to fit it all in one trip. Luckily, we have a 3-day Tokyo itinerary if you’d like to leave the planning to someone else.
Another important concern when planning your trip is deciding the best time to visit Tokyo. The seasons here can greatly affect your travel plans if you’re not familiar with them. Well, we’re here to help with by giving you a few ideas for each season, ensuring you’ll get the most out of your time in Tokyo, no matter when you arrive!
Spring in Tokyo
1. Cherry blossoms
You’ll likely see some cherry blossoms no matter where you are in Tokyo, but if you want to make an event out of it, there are plenty of places to enjoy the sakura blooms. Our suggestion? Do as the Japanese do and bring picnic supplies, even if it’s just onigiri rice balls and sake from the nearest konbini.
Here are a few places for optimal cherry blossom sightings: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Aoyama Cemetery and Sumida River, just to name a few.
Find out more: Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
2. Tokyo bike tour
As the weather warms up in Japan, why not take advantage and explore Tokyo by bike? Cycle through the retro streets of Shibamata on this private Tokyo bike tour, taking in the sights at Shibamata Taishakuten Buddhist temple and Mizumoto Park, the biggest waterfront park in Tokyo with pristine gardens and diverse wildlife.
To fuel your half-day adventure, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (dietary accommodations available) and finish up with a coffee break at a local cafe. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome.
Summer in Tokyo
1. Summer festivals
Sanno Matsuri
One of the three grand historical festivals of Edo, Sanno Matsuri spans ten days during the second week of June. The event includes traditional music, dance performances and symbolic rituals, such as crossing through a large straw ring to purify yourself.
The highlight? An impressive 9-hour procession on June 8 from Hie Shrine, passing through Yasukuni Shrine and Tokyo Imperial Palace along the way.
Mitami Matsuri
Moving into Obon season in July, Mitami Matsuri celebrates with a mikoshi parade, gagaku classical music and kappore dance during the day.
At night, Yasakuni Shrine’s golden lanterns are lit up, providing a glowing backdrop for the awa-odori dance and colorful nebuta float that comes alive at night.
Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odori Festival
The largest Bon festival in Tokyo is the Marunouchi Ondo Bon Odors Festival, taking place in Hibiya Park from August 23 to August 24.
It’s not a requirement to wear summer yukata, but for the full experience, we recommend grabbing yourself a yukata and an uchiwa, or paddle-shaped hand fan, before participating in the dance to the catchy son Marunouchi Ondo.
Don’t be afraid to get out there and have some fun with the locals!
2. Cool down with summer foods
Beat the summer heat by eating cooling foods such as kakigori shaved ice, watermelon, or mizu shingen mochi if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.
If you’re hungry for a more substantial dish, we recommend getting nagashi somen, zaru soba or udon, hiyashi chuka, or reishabu, the summer version of shabu-shabu. Don’t forget to order hiyayakko simmered tofu and goya, or bitter melon, as a side dish.
Want to score some more classic Japanese summer foods? Hit up your local summer festival for foods that will make you forget all about the humidity.
Find out more: Best Japanese Summer Foods
3. Tsuyu rainy season
The rainy season from the beginning of June to mid-July offers a reprieve from the summer heat, but you’ll need to plan around the weather if you’re coming to Japan during this time.
One of our favorite tips for Japan’s rainy season is to use the rain as an excuse to spend some cozy time indoors, going cafe-hopping, warming up with a bowl of ramen or joining indoor cooking classes and crafting workshops.
Want to brave the rain? Grab an umbrella and rain boots before hitting the sights with fewer crowds. You can even try a rotenburo, or an outdoor bath — there’s nothing more peaceful than watching the rain come down while you soak in the warm water.
Find out more: Indoor Activities for Japan's Rainy Season
Fall in Tokyo
1. Find the best fall foliage
Spending fall in Japan? This is certainly one of the contenders for the best time to visit Japan, and Tokyo is at the heart of it all.
Starting at the end of October and in full bloom throughout November, fall foliage is in abundance throughout the city of Tokyo. The best places to visit? Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Hamarikyu Gardens and Meiji-jingu Gaien, as a few examples.
Want to venture outside the city? Be sure to check out Mt. Takao, Hikawa Valley in Okutama, and Hakone for even more brilliant fall colors!
Find out more: Fall in Tokyo: Experience Autumn Colors and Fall Foliage
2. Try seasonal foods
If there’s anything Japan excels in, it’s seasonal foods, and fall is no exception. Feast on luxurious matsutake mushrooms, sanma fish, kuri (chestnuts), ginkgo nuts, Japanese grapes (especially Kyoho and Shine Muscat), kaki (persimmon), nabe hot pot, oden, and so much more.
Want to try all these ingredients? Find an izakaya bar or traditional Japanese restaurant with a seasonal menu, typically depicted with the fall kanji (秋) or 季節限定 (kisetsu gentei) for seasonal-only dishes or menus.
Find out more: Must-Try Fall Foods in Japan
Winter in Tokyo
1. Winter illuminations
Winter in Japan means seeing cities light up for the season, and Tokyo during this time is nothing short of magical.
For must-see winter illuminations, head to Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, Azabudai Hills, Omotesando, Yebisu Garden Place, and the gigantic LED-lit exhibitions of Yomiuriland amusement park.
Find out more: Winter in Tokyo
2. Christmas Markets
Want to feel like you’re in Europe in the middle of Japan? Spend Christmas in Japan. Visit Tokyo’s German-inspired Christmas Markets for lodge-style booths, handmade crafts and delicious food, including mulled wine, churros and bratwurst.
Meiji Jingu Gaien’s annual Tokyo Christmas Market is backed by the German Tourism Association and the German Embassy, which explains the massive crowds it brings, especially on Christmas Eve. Use the extra time spent walking around to snack on sausages, rich hot cocoa, mulled wine and freshly baked soft pretzels.
For a more scenic option, consider Yokohama Red Brick Christmas Market, framed by red-bricked architecture, a three-story-tall Christmas tree, and stalls offering stollen, German beer and, of course, bratwurst.
Other recommendations include Roppongi Hills Christmas Market, Tokyo Dome City Christmas Market, Ark Hills Christmas Marche and Yebisu Garden Place Christmas Market.
Alternatively, swap the Christmas markets for a luxurious Christmas dinner in Tokyo. It’s what Santa would want.
Find out more: Christmas in Japan: Traditions & Things to Do
3. Winter sports
Take advantage of the cooler weather by partaking in some winter sports. Want to stick around Tokyo? Try out ice skating at Midtown Ice Rink, Rooftop Star Skating Rink and the Snoopy Ice Arena, to name a few. Or, for an ice-skating rink that's open year-round, hit the ice of Meiji Jingu Ice Skating Rink. Note that gloves are required at most skating rinks but are available for purchase.
If you’re willing to travel a little further to hit the slopes, we recommend Kagura Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture, Karuizawa Prince Hotel Snow Resort in Nagano or Fujiten Snow Resort near Mt. Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture.
Those with kids tagging along who just want to go tubing or play in the snow can try Sagamiko Resort Pleasure Forest in Kanagawa or Minami Kogen Resort in Gunma.
For more ideas of how to spend winter in Tokyo, check out our Tokyo Winter Itinerary.
Find out more: Best Things To Do in Winter in Japan
Need more help planning out your Japan trip? Read through the best time to visit Japan and see a few more of the best things to do in Tokyo.