Tokyo doesn’t have a bad season so much as four very different versions of the city. What changes most is the weather extremes and how far in advance you need to book around two specific windows that fill up fast.
Spring: late March to early May
This is peak season, driven almost entirely by cherry blossoms. Bloom timing shifts year to year, usually landing somewhere in late March to early April in Tokyo, and hotel rates climb accordingly for a two to three week window around it. Outside of the blossom peak, April and early May still offer mild, comfortable weather with smaller crowds.
Summer: June to August
June brings the rainy season, humid and wet for several weeks. July and August that follow are hot and heavily humid, which catches a lot of visitors off guard. This is the lowest-demand stretch of the warmer months, so it’s often the cheapest time to fly if you can handle the heat.
Fall: late September to November
The second peak season, centered on autumn foliage in November. Weather is comfortable and dry through most of this stretch, similar in appeal to spring but with red and gold leaves instead of blossoms. Prices rise again as November approaches, though not usually as sharply as the cherry blossom peak.
Winter: December to early March
Cold but dry, with clear skies far more often than not. This is the low season for tourism outside of the New Year holiday week, which makes it the best window for lower flight prices and thinner crowds at major sights like Senso-ji and the Meiji Shrine.
Getting there
Tokyo is served by Narita (NRT), further from the city center, and Haneda (HND), closer in and increasingly the preferred option for international flights. Compare flight prices to Tokyo across both airports before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo?
Typically late March through early April, though the exact dates shift each year and are hard to predict more than a couple of weeks out.
Is summer a bad time to visit Tokyo?
The heat and humidity from July through August are intense for many visitors, but it’s also the cheapest and least crowded stretch of the warmer months.
Which is better, Narita or Haneda airport?
Haneda is closer to central Tokyo and generally more convenient, while Narita still handles a large share of international long-haul flights. Compare both when searching.
What is the cheapest time of year to fly to Tokyo?
Outside of the New Year holiday week, winter (December through early March) and mid-summer (July and August) tend to bring the lowest fares.