Tokyo · Japan
January
Cold and clear — excellent for New Year temple visits and uncrowded Shibuya.
Best match
#5 of 12 months
There are better months for Tokyo — see the full ranking below.
See when to go instead →Climate
High
9.8°C
Low
2.1°C
Rain
52mm
Sun
6.1hrs/day
30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5
How January scores in Tokyo
Weather
Average
Value
Excellent
Crowds
Excellent
Events
Above average
Atmosphere
Very good
What you gain in January
- ↑New Year (Oshōgatsu) celebrations at Meiji Shrine are a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you're willing to brave the queue
- ↑Hotels 30–40% cheaper than cherry blossom season
- ↑Low humidity makes the cold feel crisper and more manageable than European winters of the same temperature
What you sacrifice
- ↓Cold enough (2°C overnight) to make long outdoor days uncomfortable without proper layering
- ↓Some seasonal food vendors and outdoor markets closed until spring
- ↓Shorter daylight hours limit photography and exploration time
How January compares to November (best month)
| Factor | January | November ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | 4 | 8 |
| Value | 8 | 5 |
| Crowds | 8 | 4 |
January in other destinations
Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Tokyo, not across destinations. Methodology →