Tokyo is an amazing city that offers unique experiences throughout the year. However, some times are definitely better than others for visiting Japan’s vibrant capital. Here is an overview of the worst times to visit Tokyo and why you may want to plan your trip for other periods instead.
July and August – The Hot and Humid Summer
July and August tend to be the worst months for visiting Tokyo if you hope to avoid extreme heat and humidity.
Average high temperatures in Tokyo reach over 30°C (86°F) in July and August. Combine that with humidity levels of 60-80% or more, and it feels incredibly muggy being outdoors.
Additionally, summer is the rainy season in Japan, so thunderstorms are a regular occurrence. The rain can put a damper on outdoor activities. Although with proper rain gear, you can still find things to do.
In summer, locals try to avoid the heat by fleeing to air-conditioned spaces. With packed public transportation and indoor tourist areas, it can feel suffocating and crowded navigating Tokyo in July and August.
If possible, you may want to postpone your Tokyo travels to cooler times with less chance of extreme heat or rain.
Golden Week (Late April to Early May) – Peak Domestic Travel
Golden Week refers to a cluster of Japanese national holidays that typically fall in late April and early May (from April 29 to May 5). With holidays like Constitution Memorial Day and Greenery Day all nearly back-to-back, Japanese workers and students tend to take several days off.
As a result, Golden Week sees a gigantic influx of domestic tourists flocking to popular destinations like Tokyo. Airfares, hotels, and travel services can be more expensive and difficult to book during this period.
If you visit Tokyo during Golden Week, expect extraordinarily huge crowds at famous sites. For example, over one million people visit Shibuya Crossing each day of the weeklong holidays.
Additionally, some businesses and attractions close for several days during Golden Week, which could affect your plans. Unless you want an extremely busy and hectic stay, avoid Golden Week for Tokyo.
New Years (End of December and Start of January) – Festive Yet Crowded
New Years is celebrated widely across Japan. In Tokyo, however, it can be one of the most crowded and expensive times to visit.
From December 28 to January 3, Tokyo is filled with Japanese traveling for family visits and other New Years plans. To ring in the new year, millions gather at popular shrines and temples like Meiji Shrine and Sensō-ji Temple for Hatsumōde—the first shrine visit of the year.
Travel, accommodations, and attractions in Tokyo are all more expensive around New Year’s. Some restaurants also limit hours or close entirely during the final week of December.
If crowded travel conditions and limited dining options do not appeal to you, then avoid coming to Tokyo over New Years.
Early April – Cherry Blossom Crowds
Each spring, the fleeting yet stunning cherry blossom season arrives across Tokyo. parks and gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park get dressed up in millions of pale pink sakura blooms. From late March to early April, enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a beloved activity in the city.
However, the serene sakura season also brings extremely large tourist crowds. During peak times, it can feel shoulder-to-shoulder trying to catch a glimpse of cherry blossoms or snap photos.
The high demand also leads to costly hotels. And since the cherry blossom period is brief, inclement weather like rainstorms can completely ruin viewing plans for part of your trip. Unless you plan for the largest crowds and highest prices, avoid Tokyo in early April for cherry blossom season.
Travel Alternatives for Avoiding Tokyo’s Worst Times
If visiting Tokyo during these periods does not appeal to you, thankfully you have other options.
Spring (mid-March to early April) before the cherry blossoms peak is lovely in Tokyo. Temperatures are starting to warm and sunshine feels abundant.
Autumn months of October and November offer moderate temperatures, scenic fall foliage, and fewer tourists overall.
December—before the New Years holidays—is also a great time to experience Tokyo’s lively Christmas celebrations and seasonal festivals.
Considering travel plans for these alternative periods will help you avoid the worst times to visit Tokyo. While tourism is highly seasonal in Japan’s capital, planning a strategic trip around peak holiday weeks can vastly improve your experiences.