September is a good time to visit Tokyo. The summer heat is winding down, and it isn't the autumn busy season just yet. Taking a day trip outside of the city is a great way to see more of the wonderful country without having to change hotels and lug around your suitcases. Use our interactive map to find an area right for your trip!
This guide brings together everything you need to know about the Tokyo area in September. 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 September
September days in Tokyo are usually when the summer heat cools down, but recently there have been times where it is just as hot. The average temperature high and lows range from around average highs of 27°C (81°F) to average lows of 22°C (72°F) and the hope is that it cools off as we head into October. It may still be beach weather some days, but beaches and swimming holes usually close at the end of August with students returning to school.
Festivals and Events
Tokyo has anything and everything for anyone and everyone! Here are some events going on in July that you should check out in the greater Tokyo area:
Festivals
Dates: September
Location: Tokyo Area
Tokyo Area Festivals:
- Kichijoji Fall Festival - September 12th & 13th (2026 dates)
- Nakanobu Nebuta Festival - September 19th (2026 date)
- Red Spider Lilly Festival - September 21st - October 6th (2026 dates)
- Ohara Naked Festival - September 23rd & 24th (2026 date)
September marks the end of the summer for all and the end of summer vacation for students. But not everything about September is bad! September has some amazing festivals like the Nakanobu Nebuta Festival in Shinagawa which is a smaller scaled-down version of the famous Aomori prefecture Nebuta festival. These are floats made from wood, bamboo, or wire frames covered with Japanese 'washi' paper and then illuminated. Most travelers don't make it up to Aomori prefecture, let alone in the summer for the real deal, so don't miss this opportunity!
Spring has the cherry blossoms, autumn has the leaves changing colors, and September has the spider lilies. And it wouldn't be complete without a cool festival. This specific festival takes place in Kinchakuda in the city of Hidaka, Saitama prefecture. It is accessible from Ikebukuro with a transfer and then some walking to the event venue.
Tokyo Game Show 2026
Dates: September 17th - 21st
Location: Makuhari Messe
Tokyo Game Show is the largest event of the year in Japan for game publishers and fans. This event features booths for major publishers, console makers, and even some indie companies. Be sure to get your tickets early. They offer a level above the normal ticket that includes some merchandise and priority entry time. For those that may just be casual gamers or are looking to kill time after visiting all of the booths, this is also a big event for people who cosplay game characters. For those that want to dress up, be sure to purchase a separate cosplay ticket!
Drink Festivals
Dates: September
Location: Tokyo Area
Popular Tokyo Drink Festivals:
- Mt. Takao Beer Mount - May 30th - November 29th (2026 dates)
- Oedo Beer Festival - September 1st - 12th (2026 dates)
- Yokohama Oktoberfest - September 18th - October 4th (2026 dates)
- Oktoberfest at LaLaport Toyosu - September 18th - October 12th (2026 dates)
- Funabashi Plum Wine Festival - September 22nd - 27th (2026 dates)
Lovers of alcohol rejoice! September is the start of most Oktoberfest festivals throughout the country. A few of the big ones in the Tokyo area are Yokohama Oktoberfest in Yokohama at the Red Brick Warehouse and LaLaport Toyosu Oktoberfest at LaLaport in Toyosu (the area famous for the fish auctions). There is also the Plum Wine Festival where you can try plum wine from all over the country. Plum wine is usually sweet, but this is your chance to try many different varieties including some that are made in whisky barrels and have a little bit of that burn and smokiness associated with whisky!
Flea Markets
Dates: Weekends
Location: Tokyo Area
Popular Tokyo Locations:
- Nezu Shrine Market - first Saturday of the month
- Hanazono Shrine Antique Market - every Sunday
- Shibuya Vintage & Artisan Market - September 5-6th / 12-13th / 19-20th / 27th (2026 dates)
- Oedo Antique Market - September 12th & 21st (2026 dates)
Flea markets are a great place to pick up souvenirs of you time here in Japan and Tokyo has lots of them! Flea markets are usually on the weekends, and the bigger ones are held almost every weekend. Be sure to stop by and walk around if you're taking a rest day or just need a break from a hectic schedule.
Featured Tours in September
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! During the summer, the mountains of Hakone are a lush green and allow people to escape the concrete of Tokyo to relax. It's also a great place for enjoying the autumn leaves. 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! The winter brings snow and is the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing hot spring.
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 September
- Crowds - While September might not be the busiest time in terms of international travel, be ready for the possibility of large crowds in the big tourist areas. 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 – September days in Tokyo are starting to cool off but they are still very warm and humid. Be sure to stop into convenience stores for some water and stay hydrated. The average temperature ranges from around 27°C (81°F) during the day to 22°C (72°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.
Where to Stay
Tokyo is a great hub to use in order to reach some of the more off-the-beaten path areas like Kamakura, Shizuoka, and Nikko. You can also then head out into other parts of the country such as Nagano, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. You can also easily get to some lesser visited cities like Toyama, Takayama, Kanazawa, or Nagoya. If you're looking for places to stay in Tokyo, here are a few areas that you should consider:
- Ikebukuro – The new and upcoming anime hub of Tokyo. This area has tons of shops that focus on anime goods, K-pop goods, collectable trading cards such as Pokémon and One Piece, and plenty of food options. It is also home to the second busiest train station, so you will be well connected to other parts of Tokyo with the JR, Marunouchi, Yurakucho, and Fukutoshin lines.
- Asakusa – This area of Tokyo is home to the oldest temple in the city and quite possibly the most famous. Because of this, the area has a more traditional vibe to it, and you can find many shops and locations that feel like they were stopped in time.
- Shimokitazawa – This area is the hip area popular with students and young adults. It is home to many trendy cafes and clothing stores. It is on the outskirts of the center of Tokyo, but still connected well enough that you won't have any trouble getting around. Consider this area if you want a more relaxed and quieter escape when staying close to your hotel.
Wherever you choose to stay, it’s best to make arrangements well in advance. For more guidance, see our Best Neighborhoods & Accommodation Areas guide.
Plan Your Visit
September is a great time to visit Tokyo and experience all it and the surrounding regions have to offer at a discount compared to the busy seasons. The city has many events, festivals, and gardens where you can enjoy a nice bowl of matcha and sweets. Be sure not to overdo it, make sure to take breaks, and drink plenty of water! The surrounding mountains are lush with green, so be sure to take a day or two out of the concrete jungle to experience the nature of Japan as well. Be careful as this time also sees an uptick in typhoons coming through the pacific.
Even so, large crowds are still 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 the months in other regions on our News page!
Tokyo Throughout the Year
Check out our other pages about Tokyo in the different months of the year!
