Weather in Tokyo

About Tokyo

Tokyo contains multitudes. One of the world's great megacities contains immaculate gardens, 13th-century temples, and the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants on earth. Shibuya crossing, Shinjuku neon canyons, and Asakusa ancient temple all coexist within a metro ride of each other.

Country

Japan

Best months to visit

May, June

Currency

JPY

Language

Japanese

Things to do in Tokyo

Shibuya crossing Tsukiji market Senso-ji temple TeamLab digital art Ramen crawl Mt Fuji day trip

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with occasional showers.

February

10C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

April

18C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

May

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

June

26C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

July

30C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

August

31C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

September

27C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

October

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

November

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

11C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Tokyo is the most thrilling megacity on earth — twenty million people, a subway system so precise that delays are measured in seconds, and a density of extraordinary food, art, and cultural experience that makes every other capital feel underambitious. It is simultaneously hyper-modern and ancient, chaotic and orderly, overwhelming and deeply considered. You will never be bored, never eat badly, never quite understand how it all works — and will start planning your return on the flight home.

Best areas to stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku

Tokyo's most intense neighbourhood — the world's busiest railway station, the neon-lit entertainment district of Kabukichō, and the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen garden.

Shibuya

Home to the world's most famous pedestrian crossing, extraordinary youth fashion culture, and some of Tokyo's best department stores and dining.

Asakusa

Old Tokyo at its most traditional — the Buddhist Senso-ji temple complex, rickshaw rides through Nakamise shopping street, and the best view of Skytree across the Sumida River.

Harajuku & Omotesandō

The axis of Tokyo fashion — Takeshita Street's extraordinary youth subcultures, and Omotesandō's luxury boutiques housed in architect-designed buildings.

Getting to Tokyo

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Flights

Tokyo is served by two international airports — Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). British Airways and JAL operate direct flights from London Heathrow; Haneda is generally more convenient for the city centre.

⏱

From London

~12 hours direct from London

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Getting around

The Suica IC card covers all subway, JR, and bus journeys across the city; the N'EX (Narita Express) and Monorail connect airports to the city. A JR Pass covering the Shinkansen is worth it for multi-city trips.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

Cherry blossom (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November) are Tokyo's most spectacular seasons — accommodation books out months in advance. May and October offer excellent weather with fewer crowds and lower prices.

How do I get around Tokyo?

Tokyo's metro and JR train network is one of the world's most comprehensive — buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card and tap in and out anywhere. Google Maps works perfectly for navigation. The network runs roughly 5am to midnight.

How much does food cost in Tokyo?

Tokyo has a wider price range than almost any city — a Michelin-starred sushi lunch can cost ¥3,000–¥5,000 (£15–£25), while ramen, tonkatsu, and conveyor sushi are exceptional quality at £5–£10 a meal. Eating cheaply and extremely well is genuinely easy.

What is the best area to stay in Tokyo?

Shinjuku and Shibuya are most convenient for transport and nightlife; Asakusa is most atmospheric for temples and traditional Tokyo; Shimokitazawa is best for a local, bohemian experience. All areas are safe.

Is it easy to navigate Tokyo without speaking Japanese?

Extremely easy — English signage is excellent on all transport, major tourist sites have English information, and staff at hotels, convenience stores, and tourist attractions are accustomed to non-Japanese speakers.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Tokyo during cherry blossom is simply staggering — picnicking under the sakura trees in Shinjuku Gyoen with a convenience store bento and cold beer was one of the most joyful afternoons of my life. Book accommodation 6 months ahead.

Amy C. · April 2024

★★★★★

The food in Tokyo is on another level — we had a standing sushi lunch for ¥4,000 that was better than any restaurant I've been to in London. Tsukiji outer market for breakfast, ramen in Shinjuku at midnight — I gained 3kg and have zero regrets.

Richard B. · October 2023

★★★★★

May is the perfect time — warm, golden, and the Golden Week holiday crowds had dispersed. Spending an afternoon in Shimokitazawa browsing vintage shops and drinking coffee felt like discovering Tokyo's actual soul.

Naomi K. · May 2024