Tokyo東京

City guide

Tokyo in DecemberA good time to go

Weather: Cool · 4 to 12 °C
Rain: Dry · Dry air
Events: New Year closures
What to pack: Layers and a jacket.

Our advice: The weather suits your trip. Book early if the dates fall in a busy week. Better months for your interests: January, February, November.

The capital: huge, safe and full of choices. Many areas feel like separate cities, so pick your base with care.

Make it yours

Who travels友 Friends 恋 Couples 独 Solo 家 Families

I like

食 food 夜 nightlife 寺 temples 買 shopping遊 anime and games 山 nature 湯 onsen 芸 art and design 屋 indoor and immersive+ 5 moreShow fewer

The lists are ordered for your choices. Nothing is hidden. Clear my choices

Good fitAsakusaOld Tokyo by the river. A big temple at the front door, lower prices and early nights.because temples, shopping恋Couples独Solo家Families¥

Good fitAkihabara and KandaAnime, games and electronics, with cheap hotels and a quiet old town next door.because shopping, anime and games友Friends独Solo¥¥

Good fitIkebukuroA busy hub with department stores, anime shops and low hotel prices.because shopping, anime and games友Friends家Families独Solo¥

Good fitYokohamaA port city, 30 minutes from Tokyo. Wide views, a big Chinatown and fewer crowds.because shopping, nature恋Couples家Families¥¥

Okay fitShinjukuBig, bright and busy. The largest rail hub, with bars, food and views.because shopping友Friends恋Couples独Solo¥¥

Okay fitShibuya and HarajukuYoung, loud and trendy. Fashion, crowds and a big forest shrine nearby.because shopping友Friends恋Couples独Solo¥¥

Okay fitUenoMuseums, a big park and a cheap market street. Good rail links, including the airport.because nature家Families恋Couples独Solo¥

Okay fitTokyo Station and GinzaClean, calm and polished. Department stores, the palace gardens and the Shinkansen at the door.because shopping恋Couples独Solo家Families¥¥

Okay fitShimokitazawa and the west sideSmall streets, vintage shops, live music and cafes. A local feeling, away from the big hubs.because shopping恋Couples友Friends独Solo¥¥

Okay fitRoppongi and AzabuArt museums, late bars and international food. A polished, quiet-by-day area.恋Couples友Friends¥¥¥

Reading for this place

Seasons6 min readAutumn leaves: the timing, city by cityAutumn leaves change colour at different times in each place. Learn how to read the leaf forecast for Kyoto, Nikko and Tokyo and plan a trip with some room to spare.About this place

Seasons5 min readReading a sakura forecast before you bookCherry blossom forecasts change often. Learn the difference between first bloom and full bloom, when forecasts appear and how to book with flexible plans.About this place

Seasons5 min readWinter in the old cities: quiet streets and short daysWinter in Kyoto and Tokyo is cold, with short days and fewer crowds. Learn how to plan the shorter light, the cold and the quieter streets.About this place

Weather by season

Spring春

Mild10 to 19 °CSome rain

Summer夏

Warm21 to 29 °CSome rain

Autumn秋

Mild15 to 22 °CWet

Winter冬

Cool2 to 11 °CDry

Official climate normals (Japan Meteorological Agency), checked 2026-10-04.