Best time to visit Tokyo

Timing is everything here. Skip the first week (Golden Week) to dodge the domestic crush and peak pricing. After May 5th, the city truly exhales. Asakusa's streets throb with Sanja Matsuri drums, but Shinjuku Gyoen's pathways feel spacious and green. You get the festival energy without the cherry blossom elbow battles.

You're experiencing Tokyo at its most photogenic and most frenzied. The Meguro River disappears beneath a canopy of blossoms while packed crowds shuffle along the narrow banks, phones raised. Rain threatens constantly as tarps cover the picnickers in Yoyogi Park by late afternoon. Book that kaiseki restaurant near Roppongi now or settle for convenience store bento beneath the petals.

You're witnessing Tokyo's second peak season. The ginkgo-lined avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien turns nuclear yellow while maple trees at Rikugien Garden blaze scarlet against the pond. The illuminations start early, with Midtown's LED installations drawing crowds to Roppongi by dusk. Book that tempura spot near Asakusa now, because the city knows exactly what it's worth this month.

You're gambling on bloom timing. Ueno Park's trees might explode into pink clouds or stay stubbornly budded depending on when you arrive. Rain jackets become essential gear as sudden showers drench the picnic tarps lining Sumida River. The city shifts into festival mode early, with izakayas in Shibuya filling by sunset and convenience stores stocking seasonal sakura snacks.

The first week belongs to New Year's shrine pilgrims and holiday pricing. Wait until after Jan 4th, and the city empties out while hotel rates crash to their annual lows. The air is sharp and dry: perfect for seeing Mt. Fuji from the skyscrapers. Commuters wear heavy wool, but the sunny afternoons make outdoor walking surprisingly pleasant.

The cold bites hard after sunset. You'll see your breath as you navigate the illuminated streets of Roppongi Hills, where brilliant LED lights transform the district into a glowing winter wonderland. Tokyo Midtown's installations pack the outdoor plazas while winter Comiket fans camp overnight outside Big Sight despite the freezing temperatures. The city buzzes with year-end energy even as the thermometer drops.

You're chasing color that hasn't fully arrived. Rikugien Garden shows hints of red and gold, but Yoyogi Park's ginkgo trees remain stubbornly green. Rain falls frequently enough to pack that umbrella daily, and the humidity hasn't completely released its grip. Halloween weekend turns Shibuya into organized chaos, with police cordoning off sections near the famous crossing as costumed crowds pour in.

You're trading comfort for access. The rainy season keeps Senso-ji Temple's courtyard nearly empty at dawn, but your clothes will stick to your back by the time you reach the covered shopping streets in Asakusa. Hydrangeas bloom in saturated purples along the pathways at Hakusan Shrine while rain drums on your umbrella. Indoor attractions like teamLab become the refuge.

The cold hasn't released its grip, but the skies stay remarkably clear. You'll watch commuters huddle in heated train cars while bright winter sun illuminates the platforms. Yushima Tenmangu's plum trees start showing pink against the blue sky, and priests at neighborhood shrines toss roasted beans to crowds during Setsubun. The crisp air keeps most tourists away from Ueno Park's pathways.

The city transitions slowly. You'll still sweat through your shirt walking from Shibuya Station to Yoyogi Park, but the intensity backs off as the month progresses. Tokyo Game Show draws international gaming crowds to Makuhari while sumo fans pack Ryogoku's stadium. Rain remains a constant threat, with typhoons occasionally shutting down train lines and flooding Sumida River pathways.

You'll question your timing when stepping outside Shinjuku Station feels like entering a steam room. The heat is genuinely oppressive. Locals duck into convenience stores for relief while you navigate Harajuku's empty backstreets. But Sumida River's fireworks show remains spectacular, and the lanterns at Yasukuni Shrine glow beautifully in the humid evening air. Pace yourself or retreat to indoor attractions.

You're here for Comiket or you've made a miscalculation. The heat pounds down on Odaiba's convention center while thousands of fans queue before dawn for limited merchandise. The city empties of casual tourists but fills with locals attending neighborhood summer festivals. Sensoji Temple stays surprisingly accessible at midday when the temperature drives most people indoors near Asakusa.