Explore Tokyo by season—spring cherry blossoms, summer fireworks, autumn foliage, and winter festivities. Here’s your go-to guide for Tokyo travel, month by month.
Things to do in Tokyo in Spring (March–May): Cherry Blossoms, Festivals, and Seasonal Foods
Cherry Blossoms at Meguro River (Nakameguro)
The iconic cherry blossom tunnel along Nakameguro’s river path is a must-see from late March to early April. Pack a picnic and enjoy seasonal treats like sakura mochi on the riverside.
Sakura Viewing at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
One of Tokyo’s largest parks, Shinjuku Gyoen offers expansive cherry fields and spacious lawns—ideal for family picnics and hanami gatherings.
Strawberry Picking in Tokyo
Yes, Tokyo is a concrete jungle—but surprisingly, you can pick fresh strawberries nearby. It’s a fun spring outing ideal for families and couples.
Best Summer Activities in Tokyo (June–August): Fireworks, Festivals, and More
Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival (late July)
One of Tokyo’s oldest and largest summer events. Happens annually on the last Saturday of July, drawing nearly a million people to the banks of the Sumida River
Official site: https://www.sumidagawa-hanabi.com/
Summer festival (Natsu matsuri) in Tokyo and around
| Month | Festival Highlights |
|---|---|
| July | Sumida River Fireworks, Mitama Matsuri, Narita Gion (Chiba) |
| Late July | Tsukiji Bon Odori, Sumidagawa Lantern Festival |
| August | Kagurazaka Awa Odori, Shinjuku Eisa, Fukagawa Matsuri, Koenji Awa Odori, Yosakoi |
| Late August | Roppongi Hills Bon-Odori, more community events like wind chime festivals (Saitama) |
Mitama Matsuri (Yasukuni Shrine Lantern Festival)
Yasukuni Shrine becomes a lantern-lit wonderland with over 30,000 glowing lanterns lighting the path.
Kagurazaka Awa Odori Festival
Shinjuku’s Kagurazaka street comes alive with traditional Awa Odori dancers and vibrant summer crowds.
Shinjuku Eisa Festival
On July, this Okinawan-style dance festival electrifies central Tokyo with energetic beats and colorful performances.
Tsukiji Bon Odori Festival
Late July–early August, near the famous fish market—enjoy traditional Bon dance and taiko drumming beneath lanterns at Tsukiji Honganji Temple.
Fukagawa Hachiman Festival
Mid-August, one of Edo’s “three great festivals.” Features 53 mikoshi (portable shrines) and a lively water-splash procession.
Koenji Awa Odori Festival
Late August, Kōenji erupts with traditional dance—12,000 performers across two days and over a million spectators. High-energy, big tradition.
Harajuku Omotesando Super Yosakoi Festival
In august, vibrant yosakoi dance performances take over Harajuku and Omotesando—over 100 teams in stunning costumes.
Roppongi Hills Bon-Odori
Late August, held at Roppongi Hills Arena. Unique Bon dancing, illuminated by city lights and original Ondo music.
Summer Event – Fireworks Festival in Tokyo
It’s been very hot these years, some fireworks festival get scheduled in fall. But still some in summer.
- Katsushika
- Sumidagawa
- Hachioji
- Tachikawa
- Itabashi
- Edogawa
- Akishima
Things to do in Tokyo in Fall (September, October, November)
Otsukimi (Moon Viewing) Events
Celebrate the mid-autumn moon with traditional Otsukimi observances—many shrines and parks host seasonal gatherings featuring dango and chrysanthemum decorations. You will find Otsukimi Dango at Wagashi shop and grocery store.
Autumn Fireworks (Chofu in September, Setagaya in October)
Some firework festivals move into early fall. For example, Chofu holds its show in late September—unique to Tokyo’s seasonal calendar.
Tamagawa Fireworks Festival held each October, this artistic display lights up both sides of the Tama River. It’s a beautiful way to end summer.
Official site: https://www.tamagawa-hanabi.com/
I’ve been going to Setagaya Tamagawa Fireworks since I was little, and that’s one of my most favorite fireworks festivals!
Autumn Foliage at Rikugien Garden
It’s nice to enjoy the autumn beauty at a Japanese garden. My favorite is Rikugien garden in Tokyo. Famous for its stone bridge and illuminated maples, Rikugien is a favorite autumn destination.
https://travelxgirl.com/en/japan/tokyo/rikugien-garden_guide.html
Ginkgo Tree Avenue in Gaienmae
The Ginkgo Tree Avenue in Gaienmae, Tokyo is one of the most famous autumn spots in the city. Every late November to early December, the street turns golden yellow, attracting photographers and tourists alike
Things to Do in Winter (December, January, February): Lights, Markets & Traditions
Holiday Illumination in Tokyo
Tokyo lights up every December with dazzling winter illuminations. Popular spots include Omotesando, Marunouchi, and Roppongi.
https://travelxgirl.com/en/japan/tokyo/christmas-lights-in-tokyo.html
Boroichi Flea Market (Setagaya)
Boro Ichi Flea Market is a flea market that has a very long history. It happens on the same date every single year, December 15th, 16th, January 15th, and 16th. This market offers over 700 stalls selling crafts, antiques, and street foods.
https://travelxgirl.com/en/japan/tokyo/boroichi-flea-market-guide_setagaya.html
Oshogatsu (New Year in Japanese Tradition)
Traditional Japanese New Year rituals—visiting shrines, eating osechi, and watching first sunrises—are heartfelt experiences unique to Japan.
Setsubun – February
February brings Setsubun, where beans are thrown to chase demons. You will find Eho Maki Roll which you will eat the roll while facing a specific direction that changes every year.
Valentine’s Day in Japan
Valentine’s Day, celebrated in a special Japanese style with women gifting chocolates to men. There are many cute sweet boxes and gifts during this season.
Tokyo Trip : Seasonal Planning Tips
Spring is perfect for hanami and fresh fruit. Summer brings festivals and fireworks—arrive early! Autumn showcases nature’s colors, while winter fills the city with light and tradition. Bookmark official links and check weather updates in advance.
Tokyo offers a lot of things to do throughout year. Enjoy each season/month spending here in Tokyo!
