January is the coldest month in Tokyo, with average temperatures from 34–50°F (1–10°C). Nights can occasionally drop to around 32°F (0°C). While it is cold, sunny days are common, and temperatures rarely stay below freezing. Dress in warm layers with a winter coat to stay comfortable.
Light snow is possible but uncommon, so Tokyo is not a harsh winter destination. January is a great time to visit if you don't mind cool weather and prefer fewer crowds.
January is also a festive time in Tokyo, with New Year celebrations and Coming of Age Day. You'll see many people wearing traditional kimonos, adding to the cultural atmosphere.
Tokyo's Weather and Climate in January
- Temperature: 34–50°F (1–10°C)
- Humidity: 51%
- Rainfall: 5 days, one of Tokyo's driest months
- Snow: light snow, typically 1-2 days
January is cold, but most days are sunny, and the daytime temperature usually stays above freezing. A warm winter jacket is enough for sightseeing.
One thing many visitors like about January is the weather. The air is dry, the skies are often clear, and rain is uncommon, so it's a great month for walking around the city.
Will it snow? It might, but snowfall is light and melts quickly. If you're lucky enough to catch it, grab your camera—it's a unique sight.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Tokyo?
Yes, especially if you prefer fewer crowds and lower hotel prices.
The only busy period is the New Year holiday (January 1–5). After that, Tokyo becomes much quieter, making sightseeing more relaxed.
January is also a great time to experience Japan's New Year traditions. You'll see many locals visiting shrines and temples, and some people still wear kimonos for the celebrations.
If you plan to see Mt. Fuji, Winter gives you the best chance of clear views.
One thing to keep in mind is that many shops, restaurants, and attractions close for several days around the New Year holiday (typically December 29–January 3). If you're visiting during this period, it's a good idea to check opening hours in advance.
Best Things to do in January in Tokyo
If you're visiting Tokyo in January, you're not just coming for sightseeing—you'll also catch some of Japan's most unique winter traditions.
Most travelers split their time between New Year events, cultural festivals, and short trips outside the city.
Experience New Year Traditions Around the City
If you're in Tokyo in early January, expect a very local atmosphere.
Many people visit shrines in kimono for the New Year. One of the best places to see this is Ueno Toshogu Shrine, where winter peonies bloom in a quiet garden that only opens in January.
On January 2nd, you can also visit the Imperial Palace, where locals gather to see the Imperial Family appear briefly to greet the public. It's crowded, but it's a very rare experience.
A few days later, on January 8, smaller local traditions take place across the city. At places like Torikoe Shrine, you can watch a traditional fire ceremony where New Year decorations are burned to mark the end of the holiday season.
Experience Japan's Coming-of-Age Day Tradition
If you're in Tokyo in mid-January, you might catch Coming-of-Age Day, celebrated on the second Monday of the month.
On this day, young adults who turned 18 (or 20 in some regions) in the past year dress up in elegant kimonos and formal outfits and head out across the city. You'll see them taking photos, meeting friends, and enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Some still gather at government buildings for speeches, but most of the day is now spent exploring Tokyo's streets, shrines, and modern landmarks.
Explore Tokyo's Traditional Daruma Markets
Throughout January, you can visit several lively daruma markets around Tokyo, including Hamura's Vitality Market, the Daruma-ichi Fair in Hino, and another in Ome.
These markets are dedicated to daruma dolls, a classic symbol of good luck in Japan. The round, red dolls come with blank white eyes, and you fill in one eye when you set a goal.
Walking through the stalls, you can browse different sizes and styles, pick your own daruma, and join a tradition that's deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Taste Local Flavors at Tokyo Dome City
Don't miss the Furusato Matsuri Tokyo Festival, If you love food festivals.
It's a fantastic opportunity to sample local cuisine, from finger foods to regional beers and wines.
For ten days in mid-January, you can sample regional dishes, local beers, and wines from across Japan. Entry is free, and you only pay for what you eat and drink. Along with the food, you'll find lively traditional performances, so expect large crowds.
Want a More Winter-Like Experience? Visit a Snowy Town
If you want to see snow without going all the way to Hokkaido, take a short trip to Echigo-Yuzawa.
Just 70 minutes from Tokyo by shinkansen, you can reach a town surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Stroll along Yuzawa Onsen Street, soak in a relaxing hot spring, sample freshly steamed onsen manju, and warm your feet in one of the town's free public foot baths.
What to Wear and Pack in January in Tokyo
Tokyo in January is cold but usually dry. Indoor spaces such as trains, shopping malls, and restaurants are often well heated, so a coat that is easy to remove will help you stay comfortable when moving between indoors and outdoors.
The best way to stay comfortable is to wear layers.
- Base layer: Thermal underwear or a long-sleeved shirt
- Middle layer: Sweater, hoodie, or lightweight knitwear
- Outer layer: Warm down jacket or a thick coat
- Accessories: Scarf and gloves for chilly mornings and evenings
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes (you will likely walk a lot)
- Moisturizer (the dry winter air can affect your skin)
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen (winter sun can still be strong)
Tokyo also has plenty of shopping options, so if you forget something, it is easy to buy clothes after arrival.
FAQs about Tokyo Weather in January
Does it snow in Tokyo in January?
Yes, it can snow in Tokyo in January. However, the snow usually doesn't last long and rarely exceeds five centimeters. The city typically experiences 4 to 5 snow days each year, with most of the snowfall occurring in January and February.
Is it cold to visit Disneyland in January?
Yes, it can feel chilly, especially when you are standing still for shows, parades, or attraction queues. However, you usually won't feel too cold while walking around the park, as you are constantly moving.
You do not necessarily need to arrive extremely early in the morning just to avoid crowds, as the early hours can be the coldest. If your priority is evening shows or fireworks, arriving later can help reduce the time spent outside in the cold.
Is January a busy month in Tokyo?
January presents a strong contrast between its beginning and its end in the crowds it attracts. While the early days, the first week to two weeks, are hectic given the New Year celebrations, when those are done with, Tokyo loses its crowds and has one of its quieter periods. Consequently, you will go from paying over the odds for accommodation, for example, to finding many a cheap deal depending upon when you arrive and when you leave.
Are flights to Tokyo expensive in January?
Flights are expensive in very early January, given the New Year rush. However, after that, you should be able to get some cheap deals. If you want to experience the New Year specifically, it is perhaps best to fly in in late December (though not too late).
Recommended Tours for Tokyo in January
Tokyo in December offers different tour options that highlight the city's festive charm. From winter illuminations to cultural experiences, our personalized tours make the most of Tokyo's cool weather and holiday atmosphere.
All our itineraries are customizable and we can assist you by planning and arranging a memorable trip depending on your requirements. Contact us for other questions or if you'd like to plan a different Tokyo or Japan trip.