Season by season
Spring (March–May)
Chidorigafuchi, the palace’s north-west moat, is one of Tokyo’s great cherry-blossom sights in late March and early April, with rowing boats under the branches. Mild weather suits the long walk between the sights.
Summer (June–August)
Hot and humid, with rain in June and early July. Ginza’s stores and Tokyo Station’s underground malls are air-conditioned refuges; do the palace gardens first thing.
Autumn (September–November)
Comfortable from October, with ginkgo-lined Marunouchi turning yellow in late November. A good season for kabuki and gallery visits.
Winter (December–February)
Crisp and clear. Marunouchi’s winter illuminations light Naka-dori avenue from November, and the palace opens to the public on 2 January for the New Year greeting.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 1°C | 60 mm | Busy |
| February | 11°C | 2°C | 57 mm | Quiet |
| March | 14°C | 5°C | 116 mm | Very busy |
| April | 19°C | 10°C | 134 mm | Very busy |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 140 mm | Very busy |
| June | 26°C | 19°C | 168 mm | Busy |
| July | 30°C | 22°C | 156 mm | Busy |
| August | 31°C | 24°C | 155 mm | Busy |
| September | 28°C | 20°C | 225 mm | Busy |
| October | 22°C | 15°C | 235 mm | Very busy |
| November | 17°C | 9°C | 96 mm | Very busy |
| December | 12°C | 4°C | 58 mm | Busy |
Temperatures are approximate long-term averages; individual years vary.
Festivals & events
- 2 January: New Year greeting at the Imperial Palace
- Late March–early April: cherry blossom at Chidorigafuchi and the palace moats
- Mid-June (even-numbered years): Sanno Matsuri procession passing through central Tokyo
- November–February: Marunouchi Illumination along Naka-dori
- All year: monthly kabuki programmes at Kabuki-za
Our advice
Plan this hub around weekdays and opening hours rather than seasons: start at Tsukiji while it is in full swing, and remember that the East Gardens are closed on Mondays and Fridays. Come back to Ginza on a weekend afternoon to stroll the car-free main street.
