Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner

December in Japan is a season of clear winter skies, crisp air, cultural depth, and a quiet elegance that cannot be found at any other time of year. For travelers seeking authenticity, refined cultural immersion, and a deeper sense of place, December offers some of the most memorable things to do in Tokyo in December—especially when explored through the warm glow of tradition in Kagurazaka. This guide introduces the winter climate, seasonal customs, festive atmosphere, and th

The Season Between Autumn Maturity and the Beginning of Winter According to Japan’s traditional calendar of 24 Sekki 72 Kō ( 24 solar terms and 72 microseasons ), Rittō —the “Beginning of Winter”—falls on November 7 in 2025 . In other words, November marks the start of winter in theory. However, due to recent climate changes, it is now generally considered part of autumn in Tokyo. This is the season of “Autumn for the Appetite,” “Autumn for Culture,” “Autumn for Reading,” an

If you're asking yourself, “ when is the best time to travel to Tokyo ?” you're not alone. While spring’s cherry blossoms get much of the attention, official data reveals a different story. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, October is the single most popular month for international visitors, with overnight stays hitting 121% of the monthly average for Japan and 118% for Tokyo. Source: Japan Tourism Agency’s lodging statistics Note: Indexed with the annual average set at

If you're planning a trip to Japan, you might find that Tokyo in September is the " hidden best season " to visit. As the peak summer heat subsides and the city regains its calm, it's the perfect chance to experience the true charm of Tokyo. This article will tell you everything you need to know to make your trip perfect: why September is recommended, the special experiences unique to this season, and the charm of Kagurazaka, an area where you can feel the essence of "real Ja

Kagurazaka in Summer: A Guide to Geisha, Artisans, and "Iki" Culture When you picture Tokyo in August, you might imagine the scramble of Shibuya Crossing or the towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku. But tucked away in the heart of the city lies another world: Kagurazaka . Here, the summer heat seems to soften along stone-paved alleys, and the city's chaotic energy is replaced by a sophisticated calm. Kagurazaka is the perfect summer antidote—a place to escape the crowds and disco

As a longtime resident and professional tour planner in Tokyo, I have a secret to share about surviving August: sometimes, the best way to enjoy the city is to leave it. A quick but important note for first-time visitors: many travelers plan to follow the classic "Golden Route" from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. While this is a fantastic itinerary for other seasons, I strongly advise against it in August. The reason is simple: you'll be escaping the heat of one major city only to

What comes to mind when you think of summer food? For me, it's always been somen noodles and watermelon. Some of my most cherished childhood memories are of family gatherings centered around these two things: trying to catch noodles as they flowed down a bamboo slide, and the chaotic fun of suika-wari (watermelon splitting). In Japan, it's precisely because the summer is so hot that we have these foods that create such lasting, joyful memories. This guide is your invitation t

I've always loved the solemn atmosphere of the Obon season in Japan. When I was a child, I would often spend this period at my mother's rural hometown in Nagano Prefecture . In the countryside there, the traditional scenes of a Japanese summer are still very much alive. I vividly remember how my cousins and I would be playing and joking around one moment, but the instant it was time to visit our ancestors' graves, a quiet, respectful mood would settle over all of us. It was t

Let's not sugarcoat it: August in Tokyo is incredibly hot and intensely humid. Stepping outside can feel like walking into a giant, open-air sauna. But don't let that deter you! This guide is your ultimate survival manual, and it goes beyond the usual tips. As a local who sees visitors struggling with the heat every year, I'm sharing the truly effective strategies I personally use—including some unique Japanese items you've likely never heard of, like " air-conditioned clothi

If there's one month to experience Tokyo at its most vibrant, dynamic, and joyfully chaotic, it's August. Forget the serene image of tranquil temples for a moment; this is when the city's neighborhoods erupt in celebration. The air fills with the sounds of taiko drums, the streets become stages for energetic dancers, and the night sky explodes in a kaleidoscope of color. This is your definitive guide to embracing the festive spirit of Tokyo in August. We'll dive deep into the

Is August a Good Time to Visit Tokyo? An Expert's Guide to Thriving in Tokyo's August Heat Every August, I see it: foreign visitors, flushed and exhausted, sitting on the roadside, completely overwhelmed by Tokyo's intense summer heat. As a professional tour planner specializing in cultural experiences here in Tokyo, it's a sight I've always wanted to change. I truly believe that with the right advice from the start, a trip to Japan in August can be safe, healthy, and incred

Japan’s July is no joke when it comes to heat.  As mentioned in Part 1 of this series, Japan and Tokyo Travel in July , it is the second hottest and most humid month of the year . If you're planning a trip to Tokyo in July, we strongly recommend limiting outdoor activities . This is especially important when attending outdoor summer matsuri festivals , which require extra caution due to the extreme heat and humidity. Instead, we highly recommend spending your time enjoying tr

The Meaning Behind Matsuri in Japan: Why Summer Festivals Are More Than Just Fun When you think of July in Japan, one word comes to mind: matsuri , or summer festival. Did you know that many of Japan’s most iconic and energetic festivals take place in the peak of the summer heat—and that most of them are completely free to attend? But why are these festivals held in the first place? In this third installment of our " Japan and Tokyo Travel in July " series, we explore the cul

Understanding Tokyo, Japan’s Weather in July: What to Expect and How to Prepare Summer matsuri festivals. The opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season. July is one of the most popular months for international travelers visiting Japan, thanks to vibrant summer festivals and the opening of Mt. Fuji’s climbing season. But with soaring temperatures and high humidity, how can you make the most of your trip? This article uses up-to-date data from the Japan Meteorological Agency and Ja