January is still a great time to visit Tokyo. While it doesn't snow much, if at all, in the metropolis, it is still chilly. But what better time to check out the lovely sights and trendy cafes around the city and pick up a nice hot drink! Taking a day trip outside of the city is a great way to be able to experience snow, while not being as expensive as staying in a ski-resort or hot spring area. BE CAREFUL - many places close for the New Year's holidays from January 1st - 3rd and some starting as early as December 29th.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about the Tokyo area in January. Joining a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the area without the stress of queues or missed connections, letting you focus on the views, the food, and the charm of Japan's largest city.
Weather in January
January days in Tokyo are warmer than the surrounding areas, but it still sees snow on occasion. The average temperature high and lows range from around 10°C (50°F) to a low of 5°C (41°F) and lower as the month goes on. Obviously, it needs to be colder for snow to form, so the temperature can fluctuate quite a bit throughout the month. Recently there has been a few warm fronts bringing temperatures up into the teens, but don't expect that to stick around.
Heading just an hour or two outside of the city could get you unforgettable snowy landscape views!
Festivals and Events
Tokyo has anything and everything for anyone and everyone! Here are some events going on in January that you should check out in the greater Tokyo area:
Winter Illuminations
Dates: early November - end of early 2026
Location: Country-wide
Popular Tokyo Area Locations:
- Marunouchi Illumination - until February 15th
- Tokyo Dome - until March 1st
- Shinjuku Station Area - until February 15th
- Meguro River - until January 31st
- Yebisu Garden Place - until March 1st
- Enoshima Island Samuel Cocking Garden (Kanagawa Prefecture) - until February 28th
The beginning of November is when most locations across the country start putting up their light decorations. However, most of the illuminations come down the day of Christmas on December 25th as it is not an important holiday here in Japan. Enoshima allows you to spend a day relaxing at a popular seaside town and visiting shrines and temples in Kamakura before heading to the island. Check out our Kamakura tour for an easy way to experience the Enoshima illuminations.
Hatsumode (First shrine visit of the new year)
Dates: January 1st - 3rd
Location: Shrines and temples
Popular Shrines and Temples:
- Meiji Shrine
- Senso-ji Temple
- Kanda Shrine
- Hie Shrine
- Zojo-ji Temple
Another popular activity during this time is going to a shrine or temple for hatsumode. Hatsumode is the term for the first shrine or temple visit of the new year. Most shrines and temples stay open on New Year's Eve for celebrations and for people to make their prayers right as the clock ticks midnight. The festivities continue on until the end of the new year holidays, usually January 3rd. Don't forget to pick up an omikuji (fortune paper) to find out your fortune for the new year!
Setagaya Boroichi Flea Market
Dates: January 15th, 16th - 09:00 ~ 18:00
Location: Boroichi-dori, Setagaya, Tokyo
Flea markets are always a popular event in Japan, with many towns and cities hold them at least once a month. In January, there is a big market held in Setagay ward with over 700 stalls and vendors! This is the perfect chance to do some shopping on the cheap to pick up souvenirs of your trip. The market stays open into the night until 6pm. The nearest station is Kamimachi Station on Tokyu-Setagaya Line.
Winter and Sake / Nabe Festival
Dates: January 23rd - 25th
Location: Yoyogi Park Events Square
Want to escape the tourist traps and experience a weekend food festival like a local? Look no further than the two going on in Yoyogi Park during the weekend of January 23rd. There are two separate events going on this weekend - the Winter and Sake Festival and the Nabe Festival. The Winter and Sake Festival has plenty of stalls to try different foods and sake from all over Japan. The main attraction you won't want to miss is the live tuna carving!
On the other hand, there is the Nabe Festival going on at the same location at the same time. Nabe is a hotpot dish containing vegetables and meat. It is a very popular dish during the colder autumn months and winter here in Japan. It has many variations, so be sure to try as many as you can!
Featured Tours in January
1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima: Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea
Highlights:
- The opportunity to have a traditional matcha and Japanese sweet experience in a Bamboo forest and temple!
- Feed Japanese Koi in a beautiful Japanese garden and pond!
- See the Great Buddha of Kamakura and go inside this amazing statue!
- Ride the iconic ’Enoden’ train through the picturesque streets and alongside the sea!
- Go to the top of Enoshima Island’s observatory and take in panoramic views of the sea of Japan and the coastline!
Kamakura is a popular day trip to do during your trip to Tokyo as it’s only just over 60 minutes away from Shinjuku station. This tour is a great opportunity to venture out and see a different part of Japan but with the ease of still being close to the city!
Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Highlights:
- Learn all about ’Yanesen’ old Tokyo and Shitamachi style with a local guide
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony and drink from antique tea bowls!
- The opportunity to explore historic hidden gems and trendy neighbourhoods in Tokyo!
- Visit a popular art museum and enjoy views of Tokyo from its rooftop terrace
Take in the sights and experiences of traditional and old Tokyo on this walking tour. Known as ’Yanesen’ in Tokyo, the trio of Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi make up this area and have retained their old ‘Shitamachi’ (lower city) style, architecture and charm, despite being a stone’s throw away from some of the well-known metropolis areas of Tokyo. If on your trip to Tokyo you want a chance to step off the tourist trail and see a different side to this amazing city, then ’Yanesen’ must be added to your Tokyo itinerary!
Small Group
Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo
Mount Fuji Day Trip: Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip from Tokyo to see Mount Fuji with an English speaking guide!
- Visit three popular vantage points to see Mount Fuji from different perspectives!
- Visit a unique museum and get up close to beautiful kimono!
- Enjoy a ropeway ride and enjoy views of Mount Fuji, and across Lake Kawaguchiko!
This tour has been designed to ensure customers will have opportunities to see Mount Fuji from many impressive locations around the Lake Kawaguchiko area. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, this tour is for you!
Hakone Highlights: Explore Japan’s Mountainous Region
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip to experience Hakone from Tokyo!
- Enjoy a relaxing pirate ship boat cruise on Hakone’s Lake Ashinoko!
- Visit the beautiful and picturesque Hakone Shrine and see its famous Red Torii Gate in Lake Ashinoko!
- Experience the volcanic valley of Owakudani and try an outdoor footbath!
Experience nature, the lush mountainous landscape and Japan’s most famous and iconic landmarks during your trip to Japan on this day trip from Tokyo! Due to the elevation in Hakone, the foliage starts changing colors a little earlier than in Tokyo, so this spot is perfect from late October onwards!
Mount Takao Adventure: Discover Nature and Tradition in Tokyo
Highlights:
- Climb one of Japan’s most popular mountains!
- See and feed Japanese Snow Monkeys, walk across a suspension bridge and marvel at ancient Cedar trees!
- Try the traditional Japanese snack of Dango freshly made on the mountain!
- Visit one of Tokyo’s most sacred temples and learn all about mountain worship!
- The opportunity to escape the metropolis of Tokyo’s city centre and experience being immersed in nature for the day!
When you think of Tokyo you probably don’t think of mountains and green landscapes. However, Tokyo prefecture is in fact home to many beautiful hiking trails and mountains. Mount Takao is beloved by the residents of Tokyo as the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metropolis full of nature and tranquility.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in January
- Large crowds - While January might not be the busiest time in terms of international travel, be ready for large crowds. Locals will be making their way to shrines and temples for hatsumode or back to their hometowns to spend time with family. Make sure to reserve your train tickets in advance, if possible, if you are taking the bullet train or any of the express trains like the Tobu SpaciaX. By joining one of our tours, your transport is reserved in advance, ensuring you won’t miss out on seats or connections.
- What to Wear – January days in Tokyo are cold so a jacket or sweater will be necessary. The average temperature ranges from around 10°C (50°F) during the day to 3°C (37°F]) at night.
- Timing Your Visit – Weekends and festival days are very busy. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting locations on weekdays so you don't also collide with local tourists. BE CAREFUL - many places close for the New Year's holidays from January 1st - 3rd and some starting as early as December 29th.
Where to Stay
Not sure where to stay during your visit to Tokyo? Check out our article that covers the major areas of the city and what they have to offer.
Plan Your Visit
January is one of the best times of the year to visit Tokyo and experience all it and the surrounding regions have to offer. The city has many events, festivals, and gardens where you can enjoy a nice bowl of matcha and sweets. If you're lucky, you may even get some snowfall! The surrounding mountains are beginning to get snow-capped so be sure to take a day or two out of the concrete jungle.
With large crowds expected and express trains like the bullet train often selling out, planning ahead is essential. If you're planning on getting out of Tokyo to experience more of Japan, why not check out some of our articles explaining January in other regions on our News page!
