Tokyo Tower and the city skyline at sunset

Japan · Destination guide

Tokyo, Japan

Best seasonMarch–May and October–November

CurrencyJapanese yen (JPY)

Plug typesA, B · 100 VCheck adapter →

Time zoneAsia/Tokyo (UTC+9)

Emergency number110 (police); 119 (fire / ambulance)

Destination guide

A first look at Tokyo

Start with one side of Tokyo each day. Pair nearby sights, leave room for a seated meal and use the rail network for longer links instead of trying to walk between every district.

Explore our Tokyo guides

Shibuya Scramble Crossing and surrounding buildings seen from above at dusk

A first weekend in Tokyo: Asakusa, Ueno and Shibuya

The red Hozomon gate at Senso-ji above the roofs of Nakamise shops

Asakusa on foot: Senso-ji, Nakamise and the Sumida River

Trees and the NTT Docomo Yoyogi tower reflected in a Shinjuku Gyoen pond

Shinjuku Gyoen: a garden walk with ponds, lawns and a tea break

Weather guide

Weather in Tokyo

Tokyo has cool winters, warm spring and autumn weather, and hot, humid summers. Rain protection is useful year-round; summer needs lighter clothing than a spring visit.

20–24°C

Milder days with cooler evenings

October · representative month, not a forecast

Evenings: 13–17°C
Rain: Rain and showers possible
Daylight: Earlier sunsets through the month

See weather details →

What this means for packing

October is milder, but rainfall remains substantial in the climate record. Bring a light sweater, comfortable closed shoes and reliable compact rain protection.

Choosing a season

The best-season badge suggests months for general sightseeing, using the typical daytime temperatures and rainfall in our monthly guides. Beach holidays, festivals, winter sports and northern lights trips may suit different dates.

Climate methodology

Broad planning ranges, rounded to about 2 degrees Celsius either side of the historical mean daily maximum and minimum for October. Japan Meteorological Agency lists Tokyo normals for 1991-2020: maximum 22°C and minimum 14.8°C. These averages are not forecast limits; individual days and city neighbourhoods vary. Check the forecast for your dates.

Reviewed 2026-10-07

Japan Meteorological Agency: Tokyo monthly climate normals

About the climate in Tokyo

Tokyo has cool winters, warm spring and autumn weather, and hot, humid summers. Rain protection is useful year-round; summer needs lighter clothing than a spring visit.

Packing guide

Packing for Tokyo

An example packing list for Tokyo in October

Use this as a starting point and choose what suits your plans. Packtricia tailors your list and quantities to your trip length, weather and preferences.

Clothing

Underwear
Bras (if worn)
Socks
Sleepwear
T-shirts or lightweight shirts
Trousers
Skirt or dress (if worn)
Light sweater or cardigan
Light jacket
Hooded waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking shoes

Toiletries

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Skincare products
Sunscreen
Hairbrush or comb
Shaving supplies (if used)
Menstrual products (if needed)
Contact lens solution (if used)

Essentials

Passport or accepted travel ID
Travel tickets and booking confirmations
Wallet and payment cards
Phone
Charging cable and charger
Travel adapter (if needed)
Medication (if needed)
Glasses or contact lenses (if used)
Refillable water bottle
Day bag
Sunglasses
Compact umbrella
Small towel (if needed for your outings)
Reusable shopping bag

Monthly weather and packing notes

October is milder, but rainfall remains substantial in the climate record. Bring a light sweater, comfortable closed shoes and reliable compact rain protection.

Daytime: 20–24°C
Evenings: 13–17°C
Rain: Rain and showers possible
Daylight: Earlier sunsets through the month
Packing style: Removable layers + compact rain protection

Outfit ideas for your outings

An October museum-and-neighbourhood day

Light tops and a thin sweater or overshirt
Lightweight trousers or a longer skirt
Broken-in walking shoes with grip that are easy to remove
A compact umbrella and spare dry socks

A wetter sightseeing day

Light tops and a thin sweater or overshirt
Lightweight trousers or a longer skirt
Broken-in walking shoes with grip that are easy to remove
Compact rain jacket or umbrella

Indoor visits and transport

Comfortable top
Trousers or longer skirt
Easy-to-remove walking shoes
Clean socks and a removable outer layer

What to leave behind

A heavy winter coat by default: lighter removable layers are more adaptable; adjust for the forecast.
Unworn stiff shoes: test your walking footwear before the trip, especially if your plans involve long outdoor days.

Reviewed 2026-10-07

Japan Meteorological Agency: Tokyo monthly climate normals

Transport guide

Getting around Tokyo

Use Tokyo Metro For Tourists for subway tools and operator ticket guidance. Tokyo has several railway networks: check the operator on each leg, because subway passes do not cover every train or airport journey.

Tokyo Metro For Tourists — official app and download guidance
Follow the operator’s iOS/Android download guidance for its visitor app. Use it for Tokyo Metro-focused travel tools; it is not a universal rail or intercity booking app.
Tokyo Metro — current apps
Check current app choices and their functions before installation. Route guidance and a valid ticket are separate: keep your selected ticket or payment method ready.
Tokyo Subway Ticket — coverage and usage
The Tokyo Subway Ticket covers Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines, excluding JR, other private railways and buses. Its 24/48/72-hour period runs from first use. Through-services beyond covered lines require an additional fare. Check visitor eligibility and the selected purchase channel’s instructions.
Tokyo Metro and Toei — QR ticket service
Digital QR tickets and exchange vouchers are different products. For a direct-use QR ticket, follow the seller’s start-use instructions and use a gate with a QR reader; keep your phone charged. If you bought an exchange voucher, redeem it as instructed instead of assuming the voucher opens a gate. Check airport and onward railway fares separately.

Check the operator’s current service notices and ticket instructions before travelling.

Practical essentials

Language and calling code

Language: Japanese
Calling code: +81

Useful essentials for Tokyo

Comfortable walking shoes
Compact umbrella
Season-appropriate layers
Small day bag
Phone charger and power bank
Type A / B adapter if your plugs differ

Do you need a visa?

Check travel-document and visa requirements for your passport, destination and transit stops.

Check your requirements on TravelDoc

Use the checker as a starting point, then confirm requirements with the relevant government or embassy before travelling.

Stay connected

Mobile data for your trip. Check what your current plan includes for roaming. If you need another option for maps, messages and booking details, compare NXTL eSIM coverage and rates. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, and check coverage for every stop. Download important maps and confirmations for offline use too.

Photo: Ehsan Haque / Pexels

A first look at Tokyo