Spring
Cherry blossom season.
Japan is primarily known for its beautiful spring, when all cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, and the cherry blossom festival called Hanami is celebrated. In Tokyo, the peak of this season is typically between early and mid-April, although the period has been gradually shifting towards March with the globally rising temperatures.
Looking at cherry blossoms: Visit one of the many parks in Tokyo, like the Ueno Park(3) or the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (4) to experience the breathtaking cherry blossom (sakura). In addition to parks, you can also take a relaxed walk along the Megurokawa River (1) or Tamagawa River (2). Tamagawa River in particular offers you a mysterious view of the cherry blossoms at night.
Hanami parties: Join the locals at a hanami party to celebrate the cherry blossoms. A few tips:
-
Arrive at your destination early
-
If it is overcrowded, you should consider planning an alternative destination.
-
Bring a blanket, towel, or plastic sheet to sit on
-
Show consideration for others.
-
Please take your trash with you.
Sumida Park and Tokyo Skytree: Enjoy the view of the cherry blossoms at Sumida River, with the Tokyo Skytree in the background. Rent a bike and explore the Sumida River waterfront.
Summer
Sun, beaches and surfing
Summer in Tokyo is not for those who prefer cool or moderate temperatures. 35 degrees Celsius and higher, along with extremely high humidity, are the norm, and towards the end of the summer, the rainy season begins. However, for those who enjoy the beach or want to learn to surf, Tokyo has a lot to offer during the summer.
Fireworks Festivals (Hanabi Taikai):
-
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival: This festival takes place on the Sumida River and is one of the largest fireworks festivals in Tokyo. It offers spectacular fireworks and a picturesque scenery.
-
Edogawa Fireworks Festival: Located on the Edogawa River, this festival attracts many visitors in summer. The breathtaking fireworks are reflected in the river and create an impressive atmosphere.
-
Tokyo Bay Fireworks (Tokyo Wan Dai Hanabi Taikai): This festival takes place in Tokyo Bay and offers breathtaking views of the fireworks with the Tokyo skyline in the background.
Summer festivals (Matsuri):
-
Tokyo Daijingu Grand Festival: This festival takes place in June at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine and features traditional dances, processions and other cultural events.
-
Harajuku Super Yosakoi Festival: Held in August, this festival brings colorful dance groups in traditional yosakoi costumes to the streets of Harajuku.
-
Fukagawa Hachiman Festival: This historical festival takes place in August and includes processions, traditional music and dances around the Fukagawa Hachiman Shrine.
Photo Raphael Lopes/Unsplash
Relax on man-made beaches like Odaiba Beach Odaiba Seaside Park or learn to surf beaches of Kanagawa, south of Tokyo.
Autumn
All the colors of nature.
Autumn in Japan is temperate in terms of temperature, much like spring. Early autumn, in particular, is pleasantly warm, and the diverse vegetation in the city parks begins to showcase its various colors. For those who find spring too touristy or expensive, autumn offers another opportunity to enjoy beautiful nature.
Photo Jeremy Thomas /Unsplash
Looking at autumn leaves: Like spring, autumn invites you to visit parks and gardens to enjoy the impressive autumn foliage. The Meiji Shrine and the Rikugien Garden are good options.
.jpg)
Participate in fall festivals like this Tori-no-ichi fair at Asakusa Shrine. The main venue is the Otori Shrine in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. The shrine is close to Asakusa Shrine and is easily accessible via public transportation. The Tori-no-ichi Fair has a lively and festive atmosphere with stalls, food, drinks and traditional entertainment.
Winter
Museums, New Year, and winter sports.
In winter, it rarely or never snows in Tokyo. Instead, the sun shines almost daily, inviting exploration of the city. However, warm clothing is necessary as temperatures generally hover around 5 degrees Celsius. The New Year's festivities, along with subsequent visits to temple grounds, are just one example of what Tokyo has to offer during the winter.
Shrine visits for New Year: Experience the traditional New Year rituals by visiting one of Tokyo's shrines such as Meiji Shrine or Senso ji. However, expect waiting times of up to three hours! Many Japanese often just go to their local shrine. So you can also explore the shrines in the suburbs. It is less busy there.
If it's too cold or uncomfortable outside, Tokyo offers great exhibitions all year round. An absolute must-see is the Teamlab Borderless and Teamlab Planets Exhibition! In addition, there is also the VR World within the Tokyo Tower.
Winter illumination: Enjoy the spectacular winter lights in different parts of the city, such as Roppongi Hills or at TOKYO Midtown. Here you mainly meet a lot of young Japanese people who are looking for the most beautiful photo motifs. When it´s Christmastime in Japan it is common for young lovers to meet on a date at KFC. So don't be surprised if you experience long waiting times for this fast food chain.