Tokyo Weather in January

Season: Winter
In Short: Freezing cold, seldom rain or snow, strong wind

January is the coldest time in a year in Tokyo. Especially in mid and late January, the temperature is pretty low to 1°C (33.8°F) or around, and the sensible temperature can be even lower when the wind blows. The wind in Tokyo is so strong in January that visitors can prepare scarf to keep warm, and wearing enough thick clothes is absolutely important in the freezing climate. It seldom rains or snows this month so the air is somehow dry. Visitors can bring the skin-care products to keep your skin moisturized. What’s more, masks are also necessary because the flu virus is active in January.
See also: Japan Weather in January

Mount Fuji in January

Averages of January in Tokyo

High Temperature: 9°C / 48.2°F
Low Temperature: 4°C / 39.2°F
Precipitation: 53mm
Rainy Days: 4 days
Humidity: 44%
Sunrise: 06:42-06:53
Sunset: 16:39-17:08
Daylight hours: 10.1h
Sunshine hours: 6.5h

Temperature

The average temperature is about 4-9℃ (39.2-48.2℉). Historically in the late January, the lowest temperature at night fell down to -1.2℃ (29.84℉) once, but such a low temperature is not common in Tokyo. Mostly, the temperature is above 0℃ (32℉) even in coldest January. When a strong cold wind blows over, you may feel chilly.

Is It too Cold to Go to Tokyo in January?

Although January is the coldest month in Tokyo, it’s not too cold to go out yet. As long as you wear your winter clothes properly, it’s OK for sightseeing around the downtown. The heating system makes the city another world, even you may be sweaty on the metro train if you are wrapped in your clothes thickly. Rural areas, like in a mountain, is colder so that it’s not recommended to go in January.

Morning is the coldest time period during a day in Tokyo in January. For having a more comfortable journey, it is more advisable for visitors to travel in the warmer afternoon. But if you are not afraid of the cold, you could get up and get to the attraction earlier. For example, Meiji Jingu Shrine opens as the sun rises, while Sensoji Temple opens at 06:30 am in January.

Snow at the Edge of Tokyo

Will It Snow in Tokyo in January?

Yes, it will snow in Tokyo in January. Generally, there are a few snows in January, but it won’t snow very heavily. Especially in the downtown, the snow melts immediately as falling down to the ground. Even there are snow covers, it won’t exceed 1-2 inches each time. It’s very likely to have the first snow of the winter, in the first half of January.

Whereas there is a trend of more snowfall in Tokyo in recent years. It is also possible to encounter a heavy snow in Tokyo.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Tokyo?

January is not a bad time to go to Tokyo. Even though it’s frigid, Tokyo is full of visitors during the New Year holiday with colorful celebrations, which makes Tokyo lively. After the New Year, the second half of January is more friendly to budget travelers. When the crowds disperse, you can enjoy relatively lower prices there, as it enters the cheapest period to visit Tokyo.

Recommended Clothes to Wear in January

January is right the cold winter in Tokyo. In this month, visitors have to wear as thick as you can. Down coat, padded jacket and wool sweater are all good choices to adapt to the weather. But most of the indoor places are heated, so it is strongly suggested visitors prepare the overcoats that are easy to be taken off.

Girls

For girls, wearing closefitting clothes inside like thermal underwear can better keep you warm. They can wear thick sweatpants and long johns as bottoms. For shoes, a pair of sneakers is basically enough.

Boys

It is also recommended to pack a thermal underwear to prevent the sudden temperature drops. The winter pants can be the first choice. Boys can also wear the hiking shoes with a pair of woolen socks to keep feet warm.

Accessories: In January, gloves, scarf and woolen hat are necessary. For visitors who are sensitive to cold wind, warm pastes are also recommended.

Top Attractions to Visit in Tokyo in January 2026

Travel Recommendation:

January is the New Year time, and the most important event in Japan in this month is called Hatsumode, which means the first visit to a shrine or temple. During this period, many celebrations and activities are held in shrines and temples. If you decide to go to Tokyo in January 2026, then don't miss below ones:

1. Meiji Jingu Shrine

The largest shrine in Japan, Meiji Jingu Shrine, is a good destination to experience the New Year atmosphere. The Meiji Jingu Shrine has a pretty long history and the giant torii gate is the symbol of it. As the most popular place to visit in New Year, the shrine is said to bless people with safety, health and happiness. For visitors who travel in Tokyo in January, it is one of the unmissable attractions to see.

Wedding in Meiji Jingu Shrine

Tip: The opening time of Meiji Jingu Shrine varies every day, in accordance with the sunrise & sunset moments. Before going there, please check the opening time on the official website in advance.

2. Senso-ji Temple

Likewise, Sensoji Temple is also one of the most popular places to visit around the New Year. To pray for good luck and safety in the new year, many people come to Sensoji Temple and it is pretty lively. During the Hatsumode time, many elegant merchandises are on sale in the booths nearby the entrance and you can buy what you want at a lower price. In addition, it is a good choice to visit Nakamise-dori Street next to the temple.

Senso-ji Temple

3. Ryogoku Kokugikan - New Year’s Sumo Event

If you were interested in sumo, the New Year’s sumo event in January is a must you shouldn’t miss. As Japan’s national sport, every sumo tournament lasts for 15 days and attracts many audiences to watch. The New Year’s sumo event is held in Ryogoku Kokugikan Tokyo every year in January. Visitors can watch the competitions among tomorrow's stars and first-class wrestlers. What’s more, there are many restaurants in the Ryogoku Kokugikan that serve hot pot with lots of meat and vegetables that sumo wrestlers eat. After watching the competition, visitors can experience their diet here.

4. Hakone Onsen, Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen

January is the best time to take hot spring bath, called onsen in Japanese. Hakone, Kusatsu and Ikaho are three famous onsen destinations near Tokyo. These three onsens have their own features to attract customers:
1. Bathing in an open-air Hakone onsen, visitors can see the scenery of Mount Fuji clearly.
2. In Kusatsu onsen, the strongly acidic water has a strong bactericidal effect so it can treat many symptoms like high blood pressure or neuralgia.
3. Ikaho onsen has a history of over 600 years and it has two kinds of symbolic onsens there. One is called Kogane-no-Yu, golden onsen, and the other is called Shirogane-no-Yu, silver onsen. Both of them can help you eliminate fatigue and relieve pressures.

Tips:
1. You don’t have to wear a swimsuit to enjoy the hot spring bath. In traditional onsens, swimming suits are not allowed in pools and you need to be naked when bathing. You can wear the bathrobe before entering the pools.
2. Most onsens prohibit people with tattoos from entering. If you have a tattoo, please check with the onsen operator before booking.