Japan, Asia

Tokyo in January

The clearest skies of the year and the best odds of seeing Mount Fuji from the city. January 1 to 3 is a major holiday: many restaurants and shops close while shrines overflow.

Quiet valueCold, dry, and sunny, highs near 50F (10C)

Tokyo skyline, Japan — TokyoPhoto: David Kernan, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

January is a quiet, good-value month to visit Tokyo. The clearest skies of the year and the best odds of seeing Mount Fuji from the city. January 1 to 3 is a major holiday: many restaurants and shops close while shrines overflow.

Weather: Cold, dry, and sunny, highs near 50F (10C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What January is like in Tokyo

January in Tokyo is cold, dry and sunny, with highs near 50F (10C) and the clearest skies of the year. It is your best shot at seeing Mount Fuji from the city. January 1 to 3 is the big New Year holiday: many restaurants, shops and some museums close while shrines overflow with first visits. After that, crowds and prices stay moderate.

It suits couples, food lovers and budget travelers who like crisp days and do not need warm weather. Families will find it easy, with fewer crowds than spring. If you want blossoms or fall color, pick late March or November instead, and skip the first days of January if you want restaurants open.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Tokyo this month.

Clear Fuji views

The dry winter air gives the best odds of seeing Mount Fuji from city viewpoints and from Hakone on a day trip.

New Year shrine visits

In the first days of January, shrines like Meiji Jingu fill with families making their first visit of the year. It is crowded but fascinating.

Winter hot springs in Hakone

A soak in an outdoor bath with cold air on your face is one of Japan's great winter pleasures, and Hakone is an easy trip on a rail pass.

What to pack for January

A warm coat and a light down layer
Gloves, hat and scarf for bright but cold days
Lip balm and moisturizer for the dry air
Slip-on shoes for temples and restaurants where you remove them

Our timing tip

Arrive after January 3 if you want every restaurant and shop open, and save shrine visits for early morning.

Book Tokyo for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Tokyo
Opens a hotel search for Tokyo in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Tokyo
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Tokyo
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Tokyo for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Tokyo

Full guide

Senso-ji and Asakusa

Tokyo's oldest temple. Go before 8am to see the lantern gate and Nakamise lane without the crowds; by midday it is a river of people.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

The famous scramble is best at dusk. Shibuya Sky's open-air deck sells out; book the sunset slot days ahead.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Meiji Jingu

A genuine forest in the middle of the city. Early morning is serene, and you may catch a traditional wedding procession on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tsukiji Outer Market

The wholesale auction moved to Toyosu, but the outer market's food stalls remain a world-class breakfast. Go hungry, before 9am.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

teamLab Planets

The immersive digital art museum lives up to the hype. Timed tickets sell out weeks ahead in peak seasons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shinjuku after dark

Omoide Yokocho's lantern-lit yakitori alleys and Golden Gai's tiny bars. Some bars are regulars-only; look for English menus as the welcome sign.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Do headline temples and markets before 8am. Tokyo sights open early, tour groups do not, and the difference at Senso-ji or Tsukiji is night and day.
For cherry blossoms, skip midday at Ueno and go at first light, or pick quieter spots like the Kanda River or Aoyama Cemetery over the Instagram rivers.
Never plan intercity travel during Golden Week or Obon without reserved seats booked as far ahead as the system allows.
Book timed-entry attractions (Shibuya Sky, teamLab, Ghibli Museum) the moment your dates firm up; they cap capacity and simply sell out.

Know before you go

December 29 through January 3: the New Year holiday closes many restaurants, shops, and some museums, while shrines see their biggest crowds of the year for first visits (hatsumode).
Golden Week (late April to early May) closes nothing, but sells out everything: treat trains and hotels like concert tickets.
Many museums close on Mondays, and when a Monday is a national holiday they close Tuesday instead. Check the specific museum before building a day around it.
Typhoon season (roughly August through early October) occasionally halts trains and flights for a day. Build one flexible day into any September itinerary.