Central Tokyo→
Station: TokyoShinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ginza
High
9.8℃
Low
1.2℃
- Precip.
- 59.7mm
- Sunshine
- 193h
- Sunset
- 16:49
A run of sunny, dry days. Shrines and temples are packed for New Year visits on the 1st–3rd
Tokyo Weather Guide
Tokyo Weather in January: What to Wear & Expect
January is the coldest month of the year in Tokyo. Central Tokyo's high is 9.8°C and mornings drop to around 1°C, but there's little rain or snow and sunny days follow one after another. The clear air also makes this the season when Mt. Fuji is sharply visible from observation decks in central Tokyo and from Lake Kawaguchi. Nikko, Kusatsu and Karuizawa, meanwhile, are in the depths of winter, with snow on the ground.
- Tokyo high
- 9.8℃
- Tokyo low
- 1.2℃
- Tokyo rainfall
- 59.7mm
- Tokyo sunset
- 16:49
Overview
Tokyo in January: Key Points
- ✓Central Tokyo's high is 9.8°C, with mornings around 1°C. You'll need a winter coat
- ✓Mostly sunny, with only about 60 mm of rain for the month
- ✓Clear air makes it a great season for seeing Mt. Fuji
- ✓Kusatsu, Oku-Nikko and Karuizawa have highs of about 0–2°C, with snow on the ground
By Area
January Weather by Area
Temperature, precipitation, snow and sunshine are climate normals (1991-2020). Sunset is for January 15.
Yokohama→
Station: YokohamaMinato Mirai, Chinatown, Red Brick Warehouse
High
10.2℃
Low
2.7℃
- Precip.
- 64.7mm
- Sunshine
- 193h
- Sunset
- 16:50
About the same temperature as central Tokyo. The wind is cold along the waterfront
Kamakura & Enoshima→
Station: TsujidoKamakura, Enoshima, Shonan
High
10.8℃
Low
1.5℃
- Precip.
- 60.8mm
- Sunshine
- 203h
- Sunset
- 16:51
Lots of sunny days; you may see Mt. Fuji from Enoshima
Hakone→
Station: GotembaHakone-Yumoto, Gora, Lake Ashi, Owakudani
High
7.8℃
Low
−1.9℃
- Precip.
- 104.6mm
- Sunshine
- 174h
- Sunset
- 16:53
Mornings below freezing. It's even colder around Lake Ashi, and snow is possible
Fuji Five Lakes→
Station: KawaguchikoLake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Oshino Hakkai
High
5.5℃
Low
−5.7℃
- Precip.
- 60.9mm
- Max snow depth
- 25cm
- Sunset
- 16:54
Highs around 5°C. Snowcapped Mt. Fuji and the lakes make a beautiful scene
Nikko→
Station: Oku-NikkoNikko, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, Kinugawa Onsen
High
−0.3℃
Low
−7.9℃
- Precip.
- 57.5mm
- Max snow depth
- 31cm
- Sunset
- 16:48
Oku-Nikko is in the depths of winter, with about 30 cm of snow on the ground. Watch out for icy roads
Karuizawa→
Station: KaruizawaKaruizawa, Kyu-Karuizawa, Shiraito Falls
High
2.3℃
Low
−8.2℃
- Precip.
- 36.8mm
- Max snow depth
- 25cm
- Sunset
- 16:52
Mornings around -8°C. The air is dry, with lots of sunny days
Kusatsu Onsen→
Station: KusatsuKusatsu, Yubatake, Sainokawara
High
−0.4℃
Low
−7.8℃
- Precip.
- 68.5mm
- Max snow depth
- 73cm
- Sunset
- 16:52
Snow country, with over 70 cm on the ground. Enjoy hot springs in the snow and skiing
Izu→
Station: AjiroAtami, Ito, Jogasaki Coast
High
10.7℃
Low
3.9℃
- Precip.
- 76.1mm
- Sunshine
- 147h
- Sunset
- 16:53
A little warmer than Tokyo. Plum blossoms start to bloom in Atami
What to Wear
What to Wear in Tokyo in January
Base layer
Thermal underwear keeps you comfortable when spending time outdoors
Tops
Sweater or fleece; indoors is well heated, so choose layers that are easy to take off
Outerwear
Down jacket or thick wool coat
Bottoms
Long pants; if you feel the cold, thick tights or fleece-lined pants
Shoes
Sneakers are fine in Tokyo. For Nikko, Kusatsu and Karuizawa, waterproof shoes with good grip
Accessories
Gloves and a scarf. The air is dry, so bring lip balm and moisturizer too
If you're heading to Nikko, Kusatsu or Karuizawa, bring a midwinter down jacket and shoes you can walk on snow in.
Good to Know
Good to Know
The air is very dry
Winter in Tokyo means sunny day after sunny day and low humidity. Your throat and skin dry out easily, so moisturizer and a face mask help you stay comfortable.
Some shops and sights close over New Year
From about January 1 to 3, museums and some shops and restaurants are closed. Check the opening days of places you want to visit.
Snow can disrupt transport
Central Tokyo only sees snow a few times a year, but even a little can delay trains or make roads icy. Allow extra time on days when snow is forecast.
Bring winter gear for the mountain areas
Nikko, Kusatsu and Karuizawa get snow-country cold. If you're driving a rental car, you'll need winter tires.
Events
January Events & Highlights
Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the Year)
Meiji Jingu, Sensoji and moreAround January 1–3The Japanese custom of visiting a shrine or temple at the start of the new year. Popular shrines and temples are extremely crowded during the first three days of January.
A New Year's tradition: a relay race in which university runners go from Otemachi in Tokyo to Lake Ashi in Hakone and back. You can cheer them on from the roadside.
Read the guide：Hakone Ekiden (Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race) →Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort
KusatsuUsually late December to late MarchA ski resort right next to the hot spring town. After skiing, relax at the public bathhouses around the Yubatake or at a day-use hot spring.
An annual winter illumination that lights up the street trees along about 1.2 km of Marunouchi Naka-dori in front of Tokyo Station in its signature "champagne gold." 2026 marks its 25th year, and during the concurrent "MARUNOUCHI BRIGHT HOLIDAY," a Harry Potter-themed symbol tree appears at the Marunouchi Building.
Read the guide：Marunouchi Illumination →Dates change every year. Please check the official websites before you go.
FAQ
FAQ
Q. What's the temperature in Tokyo in January?＋
On average, the high is 9.8°C and the low is 1.2°C. It's the coldest month of the year, with mornings and evenings dropping close to 0°C.
Q. Does it snow in Tokyo in January?＋
It can, but not much: average total snowfall for the month is about 4 cm. Most days are sunny and dry.
Q. Can you see Mt. Fuji in January?＋
Winter, with its clear air, is a great season for seeing Mt. Fuji. On clear mornings it's easy to spot even from observation decks in central Tokyo.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Tokyo TripPR
Other Months
Tokyo Weather in Other Months
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (climate normals 1991-2020). Compiled by tripuuu.log. Temperatures are from a representative station in each area; actual weather varies from year to year.