While the weather in Tokyo in January is generally cold and dry, there are several reasons why January can be a good time to visit:
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Fewer Crowds: January is considered to be the low season for tourism in Tokyo, which means that you will encounter fewer crowds at popular tourist attractions, restaurants, and transportation hubs. This can make it easier to explore the city and enjoy its many offerings without having to deal with long lines and wait times.
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Winter Illuminations: Tokyo is famous for its spectacular winter illuminations, which light up the city streets and parks with millions of twinkling lights. Some of the most popular illumination displays take place in January, including the Tokyo Midtown Illumination and the Caretta Shiodome Illumination.
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Sales and Discounts: Many businesses in Tokyo offer sales and discounts in January to attract customers during the off-season. This is a great time to find bargains on everything from clothing and electronics to souvenirs and traditional Japanese crafts.
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Cultural Events: January is home to several cultural events and festivals in Tokyo. One of the most popular is the Setsubun Festival, which takes place on February 3rd. During this festival, people throw beans at a demon to ward off evil and bring good luck for the coming year.
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Unique Winter Activities: While Tokyo may not be known for its winter sports, there are still plenty of unique winter activities to enjoy in the city. You can go ice skating at one of the city’s many outdoor rinks, or take a walk through one of the city’s many beautiful parks, which are transformed into winter wonderlands during the snowy season.
Weather In Tokyo During January
January in Tokyo, Japan is typically cold and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 9°C (48°F). The city experiences occasional snowfall, averaging 5 days of snow in January. The sky is often clear or partly cloudy, with an average of 5 hours of sunshine per day.
Here are some specific weather conditions you can expect in Tokyo during January:
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Temperature: The average temperature in Tokyo in January is 5°C (41°F). However, temperatures can vary significantly throughout the month, with highs reaching up to 12°C (54°F) on some days and lows dropping below 0°C (32°F) on others. It is important to pack layers of clothing to accommodate these temperature fluctuations.
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Precipitation: January is the driest month in Tokyo, with an average precipitation of only 48 mm (1.9 inches). Snowfall is common, averaging 5 days of snow in the month. However, the snow typically accumulates only a few centimeters and does not usually cause significant disruptions.
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Humidity: The average humidity in Tokyo in January is 55%. The air can feel dry, especially indoors, so it is advisable to use a humidifier or drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
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Wind: The average wind speed in Tokyo in January is 15 km/h (9 mph). The wind can be stronger on the coast and in elevated areas.
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Sunshine: Tokyo experiences an average of 5 hours of sunshine per day in January. The days are typically shorter, with sunrise occurring around 6:45 AM and sunset around 4:30 PM.
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Overall: The weather in Tokyo in January is generally cold and dry, with occasional snowfall. It is important to pack warm clothes, including a coat, gloves, and a hat, as well as layers that can be adjusted to accommodate changing temperatures.
Things To Do In Tokyo In January
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New Year’s Celebrations: Participate in Hatsumoude, or the first Shinto shrine visit of the new year, at popular shrines like Meiji Jingu or Sensoji Temple. It’s an opportunity to pray for good fortune and receive goshuin, or red stamps, in your temple notebook.
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Shichi-go-san Festival: Held on January 15th, this traditional festival celebrates the growth and well-being of children aged 3, 5, and 7. Families visit shrines to pray for their children’s health and happiness, and girls wear elaborate kimonos while boys wear hakama, a traditional Japanese skirt-like garment.
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Winter Illuminations: Tokyo’s streets and parks transform into magical landscapes during the winter months. Visit Marunouchi Naka-dori Avenue or Roppongi Hills for spectacular light displays. The illumination events typically run from November to February.
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Snow Festivals: Although Tokyo doesn’t receive much snowfall, you can still enjoy winter festivities at the Oze National Park Snow Festival held in neighboring Gunma Prefecture. Visitors can participate in snow activities such as sledding and snowshoeing, as well as view snow sculptures and enjoy local cuisine.
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Sumo Wrestling Tournament: Experience the ancient tradition of sumo wrestling at the January Sumo Tournament held at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Witness the impressive displays of power and technique as wrestlers compete for the Emperor’s Cup.
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Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Immerse yourself in the magic of Disney at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. These theme parks offer festive decorations, special shows, and seasonal treats during the winter season.
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New Year’s Concerts: Enjoy an evening of classical music at one of Tokyo’s many concert venues. The Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra often hold special concerts during the New Year period.
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Hatsugama Tea Ceremony: Participate in a traditional tea ceremony during the first week of January. This ritualized event allows participants to experience the art of Japanese tea making and enjoy the serenity of the tea room.
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New Year’s Food Delicacies: Indulge in traditional Japanese New Year dishes like osechi ryori, a collection of beautifully arranged dishes served in lacquered boxes. It includes items such as kuromame (sweet black beans), kazunoko (herring roe), and dates.
Tourism In Tokyo, Japan During January
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Cultural Experiences: Tokyo in January offers a wealth of cultural experiences, including:
- New Year’s Celebrations: Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese customs during New Year’s celebrations, such as visiting temples and shrines, enjoying special foods, and watching lion dances.
- Museums and Galleries: Tokyo is home to numerous renowned museums and galleries, allowing visitors to explore Japanese art, history, and culture.
- Traditional Performances: January is a great time to catch traditional Japanese performances, such as Kabuki theater, Noh drama, and Bunraku puppetry.
- Shinto Shrine Visits: Many people visit Shinto shrines in January to pray for good luck and blessings for the new year. Popular shrines include Meiji Jingu, Senso-ji, and Tsukiji Hongan-ji.
- Winter Illuminations: Tokyo’s streets and parks are adorned with dazzling winter illuminations, creating a magical atmosphere.
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Winter Sports: While Tokyo may not be known for its winter sports, visitors can still enjoy activities like:
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Some areas around Tokyo offer opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, providing a chance to explore the snowy landscapes.
- Ice Skating: Several ice skating rinks open during the winter months, allowing visitors to glide across the ice and soak in the festive atmosphere.
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Shopping: Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise, offering a diverse range of goods, from traditional crafts to modern fashion.
- Winter Sales: January is a great time to take advantage of winter sales and discounts at department stores and boutiques.
- Souvenir Shopping: Visitors can find unique souvenirs and gifts to remind them of their trip to Tokyo, such as traditional Japanese crafts, anime and manga goods, and local snacks.
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Nightlife: Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife scene continues even in January, with a wide selection of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- Live Music and Performances: Many venues host live music performances, comedy shows, and other entertainment events during the winter months.
- Karaoke: Karaoke is a popular pastime in Japan, and Tokyo offers numerous karaoke bars where visitors can sing their hearts out.