What is the best time to visit Tokyo, Japan?

Question

We are planning our trip and thought it should be summer time there around July-August.

Appreciated if anyone could recommend some low cost hotel there.

Big thanks!

Answer 1

July or August? Prepare to simmer in a pool of sweat! I live in Tokyo, and let me tell you, while the temps are not so high, the humidity level is. Not the best time, in my opinion, but ion the other hand, summer is definitely better than winter. Here are my recommendations:

Best times:

1. Cherry blossom season - which is (depending on the area of Japan you want to visit) late March to early April. A bit chilly, though; still need winter clothes (it occasionally snows).

2. Autumn - Oct-Nov.

3. July is not bad, as it comes after the month long "rainy season" in June, and the countryside is quite lush and everything is green, green, grean - though humid!

Worst times:

1. Early August. This is Obon season, a summer festival when everyone is on the move, and places can be booked or reservations hard to make. (On the flip side: the festivals are fun!)

2. Golden Week - roughly April 29-May5. This is a sting of holidays when things are booked all over Japan.

3. Rainy season (basically all of June).

4. Winter. Japanese winters are not so cold, but they are a wet cold, if that makes any sense.

Answer 2

I concur with Joe on the worst times. I would also include New Years. A lot of businesses are closed until the 3rd and most people are traveling the first full weekend after the first to return to work. Try the sweet Sake, it is non alcoholic and a nice drink in cold weather.

Do not try to stay in Tokyo Proper, stay in a close town such a Shibuya, Ikebukero, gotanda, and such.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2370.html lists stops on a mjor train line that goes around Tokyo. It may give you some ideas.

Answer 3

I think the cheapest accommodations are either hostels or ryokans. But i think the best hostel in Tokyo is Tokyo Yoyogi which is located somewhere near Shinjuku, one of the biggest areas in Tokyo, is within 10 minutes by train and it is very conveniently located. 10-20 minute walk to Shibuya, Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Meiji Shrine and NHK Broadcasting center. The YH is in the National Youth Center and is next to Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine. All the rooms are Single rooms at this YH.

Here's the website:
http://www.jyh.or.jp/english/index.html

A hotel that i liked staying at and is cheaper is: Ikebukuro Hotel Theatre located in Ikebukuro.

You can also check for other hotels using the website below:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/accomodations/index.html

Answer 4

July /Aug will be VERY hot and humid. Better time frame is September/October or March/April. Springtime all the sakura are in bloom.. heavenly.

Spring and Fall typically have pleasant weather with no extremes in temperature or humidity. Winter gets very windy and cold, summer very humid and hot. Early spring is often very rainy.

Answer 5

Cherry blossom time! May, I believe.

Answer 6

I'd actually opt for Nov-March.