Tokyo is a city of many faces, and visitors can choose from a multitude of things to do in this hectic town of more than 12 million people. Places to visit in Tokyo that offer insight into Japanese culture and traditions include the Sumo Museum, tea houses, Kabuki theaters, and Zazen temples, where guests can learn the ancient meditation technique. But Tokyo tourism isn't all about the past. Today's visitors can also see Odaiba, a futuristic city on Tokyo Bay that includes amusement parks, shopping malls, impressive architecture, and artificial sunsets. And shopaholics will have their work cut out for them with department stores, 100 yen shops, and shopping centers such as Sunshine City, which is made up of four buildings, including one of the tallest skyscrapers in Tokyo. Flights to Tokyo land at Narita International Airport, which is connected to the city by rail and bus.

Tokyo is becoming a year-round destination. The most popular time to go is summer, when families are on vacation. The least popular time to visit is during the colder winter months, but many discounts are offered in hopes of boosting tourism. Spring is a pleasant time because of comfortable weather and cherry blossoms, as is fall for foliage.

high season: lateMarch to early-May, July to August, lateDecember to early-January
low season: mid-January to February
shoulder season: earlyMarch to mid--March, September to mid--December, mid-May to June

Weather Information

Tokyo experiences four seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with top temperatures averaging in the high 70s to the high 80s. The rainy season occurs in June and July, with a chance of typhoons. Winters are chilly, with a chance of snow and high temperatures falling into the 40s and low 50s. Spring and fall can be pleasant, with high temperatures in the 60s and 70s.

Crowd Information

Tokyo is a highly crowded city, which sees an increase in visitors during the summer months and major holidays and events such as New Year's holiday from December 29 though January 3, the cherry blossom season during the last week in March through the second week in April, Golden Week during the last week in April through the first week in May, the Obon holiday in mid-August, and fall foliage from the third week in October through the third week in November.

Closure Information

Most hotels, shops, and attractions remain open throughout the year, except some may close for the New Year's holiday. For instance, many museums close from December 29 through January 3, and some amusement parks close from December 29 through January 1.

When to Save

The least expensive time to visit is during the low season, when special deals, discounts, and promotions are offered. Airfare is most expensive during the summer high season, especially around the week surrounding Obon. The Japanese New Year and Golden Week are expensive times for both airfare and hotel. Hotel prices remain high for the cherry blossom season and fall foliage, but airfare is typically less expensive during these times.

Information provided by the Japan National Tourist Organization