Tokyo Four Seasons Tour – Always Fresh! The Allure of a City with Four Distinct Seasons

What Are the Four Seasons? Tokyo’s Unique Seasonal Experience

Have you ever heard that Japan has four seasons?

For Japanese people, it’s so natural that they hardly think twice about it. But in many parts of the world, the seasonal transitions aren’t as pronounced.

In Tokyo and the rest of Japan, however, everything changes with each season—climate, city scenery, even the food on your plate.

There are countless events and limited-time treats, so many visitors from abroad are amazed to find that “visiting Tokyo at different times of the year feels like a completely new experience!”

Today, I’d like to introduce you to all the seasonal charms of Tokyo, a city alive with the magic of four distinct seasons.

Spring : A Pink Wonderland of Cherry Blossoms and New Beginnings

When spring arrives in Tokyo, soft pink cherry blossoms are the first thing to catch your eye.

The Japanese have a custom called “hanami,” which means enjoying the beauty of sakura in full bloom.

People gather in parks and along rivers to picnic under the blossoms. Ueno Park, the Meguro River, and Shinjuku Gyoen are famous spots where you can stroll beneath tunnels of pink petals, feeling as though you’ve stepped into a dream.

Spring weather is pleasantly mild, prompting a shift toward lighter, pastel-colored clothing.

It’s also the start of the academic and business year in Japan, giving the city a fresh, energetic vibe.

Convenience stores and cafés roll out numerous sakura-themed sweets and drinks—limited-edition offerings that people can’t wait to try.

That said, spring is also the season of cedar pollen, so don’t be surprised if you see many people wearing masks or using special nasal sprays.

Dive into Tokyo’s spring and experience the real “only-in-Japan” atmosphere!

Summer : Festivals and Fireworks Fuel the Excitement

After the cherry blossoms fall, Tokyo enters the rainy season called “tsuyu,” with frequent downpours and high humidity.

But this is also a chance to enjoy colorful umbrellas, fashionable raincoats, and beautiful hydrangeas blooming by the roadside.

Once tsuyu ends, temperatures soar, and the real “Japanese summer” begins. The steamy heat may be challenging, but the city bustles with fantastic events!

Nothing says summer in Tokyo like festivals and fireworks. Local shrines and shopping streets come alive with summer matsuri (festivals).

People wear yukata (light cotton kimono), sampling street food and dancing in bon-odori circles. Shout-outs accompany mikoshi (portable shrines) as they’re carried through the streets.

Even visitors from abroad can rent a yukata and instantly feel part of the community. Meanwhile, Tokyo hosts many spectacular fireworks displays, like those on the Sumida River or Tokyo Bay.

Everyone cheers as giant blooms of light fill the night sky. Of course, this is also the season of shaved ice and cold drinks, with quirky summer flavors popping up in convenience stores and cafés.

Brace yourself for the heat and jump into Tokyo’s thrilling summer scene!

Autumn : A Romantic Season of Fall Foliage and Abundant Flavors

When the summer heat subsides, Tokyo welcomes a comfortably cool autumn.

The air is crisp and refreshing, perfect for exploring the city on foot. But the true highlight of Tokyo’s autumn is the dazzling foliage.

Places like Shinjuku Gyoen, Meiji Jingu Gaien, and Yoyogi Park transform into brilliant palettes of red and gold.

Even nestled among skyscrapers, you’ll discover pockets of fiery ginkgo trees and maples—a mesmerizing contrast that often astounds visitors.

Autumn in Japan is also called the “season of hearty appetites,” brimming with seasonal flavors. Sweets made with chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins become the talk of the town.

Cafés and convenience stores release limited-edition goodies, from creamy mont blanc cakes to pumpkin-flavored treats for Halloween.

As the evenings grow cooler, convenience stores start selling hot oden—simmered dishes like daikon radish and eggs—perfect for warming you up.

Enjoy the lingering memory of vibrant leaves as you savor Tokyo’s comforting autumn cuisine.

Winter : A Glittering Wonderland and Authentic New Year Traditions

Finally, winter arrives. Tokyo’s winter is chilly, but the crisp air makes nighttime illuminations and city lights sparkle brighter than ever.

Popular districts like Omotesando and Roppongi light up trees and buildings, turning the city into a glittering wonderland.

Christmas brings out a festive atmosphere—couples and friends flood the streets for romantic photo ops, while some locals celebrate with fried chicken and strawberry-topped “Christmas cakes.” The illuminated Tokyo skyline is simply breathtaking.

As December gives way to January, the city readies for the New Year, one of Japan’s most important holidays.

On New Year’s Eve, temple bells ring out 108 times to cleanse away worldly desires. Many visit shrines or temples for “hatsumode,” their first prayer of the year, lining up throughout the night in the cold.

You’ll see people wearing beautiful traditional kimono, sharing hot amazake (sweet rice drink), and enjoying warm festival food.

Winter in Tokyo is also about huddling around hot pot dishes like sukiyaki or shabu-shabu.

After a day out in the cold, consider visiting an onsen or public bath to experience authentic Japanese hospitality. Tokyo’s winter may be frosty, but the warmth you’ll find in its food and customs is truly unforgettable.

Conclusion

So, what do you think?

Even though it’s the same city, Tokyo transforms dramatically with each season. Whether it’s picnicking under cherry blossoms, donning a yukata at a raucous summer festival, strolling through fall foliage, or soaking in holiday illuminations, you’ll encounter a fresh, vibrant side of Tokyo whenever you visit. What we introduced here is just a taste of what each season has to offer.

We hope you’ll find your own favorite time of year and create wonderful memories. Why not add Tokyo to your travel list and see for yourself how magical four distinct seasons can be? We’re looking forward to welcoming you soon!