Tokyo When To Go

April cherry blossoms and autumn colors are big draws, and the weather is at its most reliably temperate. Avoid “Golden Week” (April 29 to May 5), a succession of public holidays.

Tokyo is a year-round city, but the fewest visitors come in winter and airfares tend to plummet. Pretty much the entire nation shuts down for the New Year’s holiday (December 31 to January 3).

Many travelers – both Japanese and foreign – take to the rails and skies at this time of year. It’s a great time to travel as long as you don’t mind heat, humidity, and the possibility of getting caught in monsoon rains (June) and the occasional typhoon (September). Though more prone to rain, June and September also see lower rates on hotels and airfare than July and August.