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 month, the temperature is pretty low to 1°C (33.8°F) or around and the sensible temperature can be even lower. Wearing enough thick clothes is absolutely important. It seldom rains or snows in this month so the air is somehow dry. The wind in Tokyo is relatively strong in January so visitors can prepare scarf to keep warm. 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

Temperature

The average temperature is about 4-9℃ (39.2-48.2℉). Historically in the late January, the lowest temperature at night once fell down to -1.2℃ (29.84℉). To prevent getting cold while enjoying the journey, visitors need to bring enough thick clothes.
Average High Temperature: 9°C / 48.2°F
Average Low Temperature: 4°C / 39.2°F

Rainfall

The monthly rainfall is only 53mm averagely. It doesn’t rain or snow much in this month and the humidity is only 44%. The moisture air after a rain doesn’t last long and it turns dry soon after. Visitors can bring the skin-care products to keep your skin moisturized.
Average Rainy Days: 4 days
Average Humidity: 44%

Sunrise & Sunset

In January, the sun is likely to rise at around 06:50 and fall at 16:52. The daylight time is about 10.1h and the sunshine time is around 6.5h. For having a more comfortable journey, it is more advisable for visitors to travel in the warmer afternoon.
Daylight hours: about 10.1h
Sunshine hours: around 6.5h

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. But most of the indoor places are heated, so it is strongly suggest visitors preparing the overcoats that are easy to be taken off.

Girls

Tops: Down coat, padded jacket and wool sweater are all good choices to adapt to the weather. For girls, wearing closefitting clothes inside like thermal underwear can better keep you warm.
Bottoms & shoes: Keeping your legs warm in winter is very important. Girls can wear thick sweatpants and long johns as bottoms. For shoes, a pair of sneakers is basically enough.

Boys

Tops: Boys can wear down coat pair with a thick sweater. It is also recommended to pack a thermal underwear to prevent the sudden temperature drops.
Bottoms & shoes: 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 to bring.

Top Attractions to Visit in Tokyo in January 2025

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 time to visit a shrine or temple. During this period, many celebrations and activities are held in the shrines and temples and here are some most popular places for visitors to visit. If you decide to go to Tokyo in January 2025, 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.

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

Wedding in Meiji Jingu Shrine

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 peace in the next year, many people come to visit Sensoji Temple and the atmosphere is pretty lively. During the Hatsumode time, many elegant merchandises in the booths nearby the entrance are on sale 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 match lasts for 15 days and attracts many audiences to watch. The New Year’s sumo event is held in Ryogoku Kokugikan 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 in Gunma Prefecture are three famous onsens in Tokyo. These three onsens have their own features to attract customers:
1. Bathing in the 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 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 baked 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.

January Weather for Other Cities in Japan:

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