Tokyo

1. Spring (March to May)

Weather Overview

• Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
• Rainfall: Moderate, with occasional showers.
• Humidity: Low to moderate.
• Key Features: Mild and pleasant weather, cherry blossoms in full bloom.

What to Expect

• Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo due to the famous cherry blossom season (sakura). The blossoms typically bloom from late March to early April, depending on the year.
• Days are warm and sunny, but evenings can still be chilly, especially in March.

Appropriate Clothing

• Light layers: A light jacket, cardigan, or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring parks and gardens.
• Umbrella or light raincoat for occasional spring showers.

Weather-Related Costs

• Utilities: Moderate heating costs in early spring, but these taper off as temperatures rise.
• Accessories: Consider purchasing a compact umbrella (available at convenience stores for around ¥500).

Tips for Visitors

• Cherry Blossom Viewing (Hanami): Popular spots include Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and along the Meguro River. Arrive early to secure a good spot for picnics.
• Festivals: Don’t miss the Sumida Park Cherry Blossom Festival or the Bunkyo Azalea Festival in late April.
• Crowds: Expect large crowds at popular sites during sakura season. Book accommodations and transportation in advance.

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2. Summer (June to August)

Weather Overview

• Temperature: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
• Rainfall: High, especially in June (tsuyu, or rainy season).
• Humidity: Very high, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature.
• Key Features: Hot, humid, and rainy in June; scorching heat in July and August.

What to Expect

• June marks the rainy season, with frequent downpours and overcast skies.
• July and August are hot and humid, with occasional typhoons.
• Summer is also festival season, with vibrant fireworks displays and traditional celebrations.

Appropriate Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the strong sun.
• Comfortable sandals or sneakers.
• A portable fan or cooling towel to combat the heat.
• A foldable umbrella or raincoat for sudden rain showers.

Weather-Related Costs

• Utilities: High air conditioning costs due to the heat and humidity.
• Accessories: Cooling products like handheld fans (¥1,000–¥2,000) and UV-blocking umbrellas (¥1,500–¥3,000).

Tips for Visitors

• Festivals: Attend the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in late July or the Koenji Awa Odori Dance Festival in August.
• Outdoor Activities: Visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid peak heat.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle. Vending machines with cold drinks are ubiquitous.
• Typhoon Season: Be prepared for potential disruptions to travel plans in late summer due to typhoons.

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3. Autumn (September to November)

Weather Overview

• Temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
• Rainfall: Moderate, with typhoons possible in early September.
• Humidity: Low to moderate.
• Key Features: Cool, crisp air and stunning autumn foliage.

What to Expect

• September can still feel like summer, but by October, the weather becomes cooler and more comfortable.
• Autumn foliage (koyo) peaks in late November, transforming parks and gardens into vibrant displays of red, orange, and yellow.

Appropriate Clothing

• Light layers: Long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring parks and temples.
• A scarf or shawl for cooler evenings.

Weather-Related Costs

• Utilities: Moderate heating costs may begin in late November.
• Accessories: Consider purchasing a light scarf or gloves if visiting in late autumn.

Tips for Visitors

• Autumn Foliage Spots: Visit Rikugien Garden, Meiji Jingu Gaien, or Mount Takao for breathtaking views.
• Seasonal Foods: Try autumn delicacies like roasted sweet potatoes (yaki-imo), chestnuts, and matsutake mushrooms.
• Festivals: Don’t miss the Tokyo Ramen Show in late October or the Shichi-Go-San celebrations in November.

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4. Winter (December to February)

Weather Overview

• Temperature: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
• Rainfall: Low, with occasional light snow.
• Humidity: Low, resulting in crisp, dry air.
• Key Features: Clear skies, chilly temperatures, and festive illuminations.

What to Expect

• Winters in Tokyo are relatively mild compared to other parts of Japan, with little snow and plenty of sunny days.
• The city is beautifully decorated with winter illuminations, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Appropriate Clothing

• Warm layers: A heavy coat, thermal innerwear, and sweaters.
• Accessories: Gloves, a scarf, and a hat to stay warm.
• Comfortable boots or shoes with good grip for icy conditions.

Weather-Related Costs

• Utilities: High heating costs, especially in January and February.
• Accessories: Heat packs (kairo) are widely available at convenience stores for ¥100–¥300.

Tips for Visitors

• Illuminations: Visit popular spots like Roppongi Hills, Omotesando, and Tokyo Midtown for dazzling light displays.
• New Year Celebrations: Experience hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) at Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji Temple.
• Snow Activities: While Tokyo rarely sees heavy snow, nearby areas like Hakone or Nikko offer winter landscapes and hot springs.

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General Tips for All Seasons

1. Weather Apps: Use apps like Yahoo Weather Japan or Tenki.jp for accurate, localized forecasts.
2. Transportation: Tokyo’s public transport is reliable year-round, but be prepared for delays during typhoons or heavy snow.
3. Packing Essentials: Always carry a reusable water bottle, compact umbrella, and comfortable shoes regardless of the season.
4. Cultural Considerations: Dress modestly when visiting temples or shrines, even in hot weather.

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Conclusion

Tokyo’s weather and seasons offer something unique for every traveler. Whether you’re admiring cherry blossoms in spring, enjoying summer festivals, marveling at autumn foliage, or soaking in winter illuminations, each season provides a distinct experience. By dressing appropriately, planning for weather-related costs, and timing your visit to coincide with seasonal events, you can make the most of your trip to this vibrant city.