Japan Tokyo Weather in January — Climate Guide
January in Tokyo is Good
Tokyo Weather in January — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 9.8° / 0.6°
- Rainfall
- 59.7mm · 5.3 days
- Crowds
- Quiet
As of 2026, Tokyo in January averages a high of 9.8°C and low of 0.6°C with 59.7mm of rain over about 5.3 days. Heavy coat, scarf, and gloves are essential. Layer with a thermal base (Heat-tech style) under a windproof down jacket or wool coat — indoor/outdoor temperature gaps are large. Air is dry, so pack lip balm and hand cream too.
January is Good for Tokyo.
January is Tokyo's quietest month — perfect for relaxed, queue-free sightseeing. Average highs hover around 10°C with lows near freezing, but it's still milder than Seoul or NYC winter. The first week is steeped in New Year tradition: Hatsumode (the first shrine visit) at Meiji Jingu or Senso-ji is the most direct way to experience Japanese New Year culture, even if you'll wait in line.
Flights and hotels are the cheapest of the year. Tokyo round-trip from North America can drop to $700-900, business hotels run $40-55 / ¥6,000-8,000 per night. Fukubukuro 'lucky bag' sales starting January 2 attract serious shoppers — Ginza, Shibuya, and Shinjuku department stores discount items 50-70% off retail.
Travel score
Tokyo's quietest month — cheap flights and empty Shrine queues
January Weather at a Glance
January is Tokyo's coldest month, with average highs around 10°C / 50°F and lows near 2°C / 36°F. Mornings drop below freezing in suburbs. The air is dry and skies are typically clear — among the year's best months for Mount Fuji visibility from Tokyo viewpoints (Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills). Snow happens 2-3 days a month, usually as a single major storm. Daylight is short — sunrise 6:50 AM, sunset 4:50 PM — so plan outdoor activities for the morning.
January Travel Advice
Pack a heavy down or wool coat, thermal base layers (Uniqlo Heat-tech sold throughout Japan), scarf, gloves, beanie. Indoor heating is strong, so layer rather than wear thick wool. The first week brings the most authentic Japanese cultural experience — Hatsumode (first shrine visit) at Meiji Jingu or Senso-ji draws millions, and Fukubukuro 'lucky bag' sales starting January 2 discount department-store items 50-70%. Day-trip onsens at Hakone or Atami are at their best in cold weather. The dry air spreads colds — keep a mask and lotion handy.
Flying In from Overseas
January is the cheapest month for long-haul flights to Tokyo. Asia-Tokyo fares from Seoul, Beijing, Bangkok are at annual lows. Europe-Tokyo flights $700-900 round-trip. The exception is January 2-7 (post-New Year return travel) when fares spike. Japan opens to all visa-waiver passport holders without ETA — direct flights via Narita and Haneda. Daylight Saving doesn't apply in Japan, so the time difference to most origins is at winter baseline.
January Pricing Trends
Hotels at annual lows: 3-star Shinjuku/Shibuya $40-55 / ¥6,000-8,000/night, 4-star $90-150 / ¥13,500-22,500. Fukubukuro sales (January 2-7) at department stores create the year's best shopping deals.
Tokyo January Weather Stats
Avg High
9.8°C
Avg Low
0.6°C
Rainy Days
5.3
59.7mm total
Sunshine
6.2h
Daily avg
Humidity
51%
Dry
UV Index
2
Low
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 18
Sea Temp
14°C
Avg water temp
Snow Days
2.3
Monthly avg
Crowds
Quiet
At attractions
January Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 2.3 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
15 μg/m³
PM10
22 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
6°C
Nighttime
-4°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 18 km/h
Activities Recommended for January
January Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cheapest flights and hotels of the year — peak budget value
- Empty attractions — see the major sites without queues
- Authentic Japanese New Year culture (Hatsumode, Fukubukuro sales)
Cons
- Short daylight (sunset 4:30 PM) limits outdoor time
- Some small shops and restaurants close during New Year holidays (Jan 1-3)
January Events & Festivals
- Hatsumode (初詣) — first shrine visit of the year at Meiji Jingu, Senso-ji
- Fukubukuro New Year sales — 'lucky bag' deals at department stores and brand shops
- Tokyo Auto Salon (mid-January, Makuhari Messe)
Tokyo in January — Full Picture
January is Tokyo's quietest month — perfect for relaxed, queue-free sightseeing. Average highs hover around 10°C with lows near freezing, but it's still milder than Seoul or NYC winter. The first week is steeped in New Year tradition: Hatsumode (the first shrine visit) at Meiji Jingu or Senso-ji is the most direct way to experience Japanese New Year culture, even if you'll wait in line.
Flights and hotels are the cheapest of the year. Tokyo round-trip from North America can drop to $700-900, business hotels run $40-55 / ¥6,000-8,000 per night. Fukubukuro 'lucky bag' sales starting January 2 attract serious shoppers — Ginza, Shibuya, and Shinjuku department stores discount items 50-70% off retail.
Clear days are common, making this one of the best months for Mt. Fuji visibility from Tokyo viewpoints. Winter illuminations continue through mid-January at Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, and Ebisu Garden Place. The catch: daylight is short (sunset by 4:50 PM), so plan outdoor activities for the morning. Dry air means colds spread easily — keep a mask and moisturizer handy.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Heavy coat, scarf, and gloves are essential. Layer with a thermal base (Heat-tech style) under a windproof down jacket or wool coat — indoor/outdoor temperature gaps are large. Air is dry, so pack lip balm and hand cream too.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
19.1°C
9.3°C
10.6/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
29.1°C
21°C
10.9/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
22.1°C
14°C
10.6/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current10.9°C
1.8°C
5.2/mo
Tokyo Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.8° | 0.6° | 5.3d·59.7mm | 6.2h | 51% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 10.9° | 1.7° | 5.6d·56.5mm | 6.1h | 52% | 3 | Quiet | Low season | |
| March (Best) | 14.2° | 4.4° | 10.1d·116mm | 5.7h | 57% | 5 | Very busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 19.4° | 9.4° | 10.8d·133.7mm | 5.9h | 62% | 6 | Very busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 23.6° | 14° | 10.9d·139.7mm | 6h | 65% | 7 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 26.1° | 18° | 12d·167.8mm | 4.5h | 75% | 8 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 29.9° | 22° | 11.4d·156.2mm | 5.1h | 76% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31.3° | 23° | 9.4d·154.7mm | 6h | 73% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 27.5° | 19.7° | 12.3d·224.9mm | 4.4h | 73% | 6 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| October (Best) | 22° | 14.2° | 11.8d·234.8mm | 4.6h | 69% | 4 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 16.7° | 8.1° | 7.6d·96.3mm | 5.3h | 63% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 12° | 3.1° | 4.8d·57.9mm | 5.8h | 55% | 2 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Tokyo January Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Tokyo?
Tokyo in January is Good. Tourist crowds are quiet and flight/hotel prices are low season.
What's the average temperature in Tokyo in January?
Tokyo January averages a high of 9.8°C and a low of 0.6°C.
Does it rain much in Tokyo in January?
Tokyo January averages 59.7mm of rainfall over about 5.3 rainy days.
What should I wear in Tokyo in January?
Heavy coat, scarf, and gloves are essential. Layer with a thermal base (Heat-tech style) under a windproof down jacket or wool coat — indoor/outdoor temperature gaps are large. Air is dry, so pack lip balm and hand cream too.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Tokyo in January?
Tokyo January sunrise is 06:51 and sunset is 16:52, with 10h 01m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Tokyo in January?
Tokyo January air quality (AQI) averages 35, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 15μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Tokyo in January?
In January, Tokyo is great for Shrine visits (Hatsumode), Fukubukuro shopping, Winter illuminations.
Is January peak season in Tokyo?
Tokyo January crowds are quiet and prices are low season. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Tokyo
View Other Months
Planning a January trip to Tokyo?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.