Your Travel Guide to Tokyo in September: A Crowd-Free, Culturally Rich Trip
- Shinya Yamada
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
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 Japan" right in the heart of the city.
1. Why is September the "Hidden Best Season" for a Tokyo Trip?
Here are three major attractions of Tokyo in September that many people don't know about.
A Crowd-Free Experience
With the summer holidays over, the number of domestic Japanese travelers decreases, allowing you to enjoy world-famous spots like Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing at a more relaxed pace. The numbers clearly show the difference: Japanese domestic stays in September are at 101% of the annual average, a significant drop from the peak of 128% in August.
The number of international visitors is also relatively calm, at 96% of the annual average. This creates the perfect environment for those who want to quietly and deeply appreciate temples, shrines, and museums.
Source: Japan Tourism Agency’s lodging statistics
Note: Indexed with the annual average set at 100%
Pleasant Weather
Japan has long used a traditional calendar called the "24 Solar Terms and 72 Micro-Seasons," which divides the year into 24 and 72 seasons, respectively. Around August 23rd is "Shosho," when the heat is said to subside, and around September 23rd is the "Autumnal Equinox," the midpoint of autumn.
While the first half of the month in modern Tokyo still retains some summer heat, just as the calendar suggests, a pleasant autumn breeze begins to blow in the latter half. You'll be free from the intense heat, transitioning into a perfect season for strolling through the city and enjoying outdoor activities.
Rich Cultural Events Unique to the Season
September is a month full of traditional Japanese events and seasonal delicacies. Precious experiences that let you connect with the Japanese spirit await, from the age-old custom of moon viewing to a food culture that celebrates the autumn harvest.
2. Tokyo in September: Climate, What to Pack, and Travel Tips
Here is some practical information to help you prepare for your trip.
Climate and Temperature
The average temperature in Tokyo in September is 24.5°C (76.1°F), a considerable drop from August's 28.1°C (82.6°F). However, the average humidity is 77.5%, second only to July's 77.6%, so some days can still feel muggy. Be sure to stay hydrated and take precautions against heatstroke. Additionally, September is the rainiest month of the year, so it's a good idea to include indoor activities like traditional cultural experiences in your itinerary.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
What to Pack
You'll be comfortable in short-sleeved or thin long-sleeved shirts. However, it is highly recommended to bring a light jacket, like a cardigan, for cooler mornings and evenings, and for air-conditioned indoor spaces.
Travel Tip: Preparing for Typhoon Season
September is also a peak month for typhoons. 21% of the year's typhoons occur in September, second only to August's 22% (average since 2010). It's wise to factor in potential weather disruptions into your travel plans. Check the weather forecast before you leave and make it a habit to check the official websites for flight and Shinkansen (bullet train) statuses.
Building an extra day into your schedule can provide flexibility in case of delays. It's also a good idea to spend the last three days of your trip sightseeing around the airport you'll be departing from for peace of mind.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency
3. Top 3 Special Experiences Only in September
These are cultural experiences symbolic of the beginning of autumn in Japan that you can only enjoy this season.
1: The Traditional Culture of Moon Viewing, "Otsukimi"
Typically, from mid to late September, Japan has a beautiful custom of celebrating the "Harvest Moon (Chushu no Meigetsu)," a moon-viewing festival.
While the date was September 17th in 2024, please note that in 2025, it will be on October 6th, falling outside of September. People decorate with pampas grass (susuki) and offer round rice dumplings called Tsukimi dango while gazing at the beautiful moon. Many traditional sweet shops sell charming, limited-edition wagashi shaped like rabbits and the full moon.
2: Savoring the Autumn Harvest
September is the harvest season. Ingredients like pears, grapes, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes are at their peak, coloring the menus of restaurants and dessert shops. The basement food halls of department stores (depachika) are especially exciting, showcasing the latest sweets made with these autumn flavors.
3: The Chrysanthemum Festival, "Choyo no Sekku"
September 9th is the "Choyo no Sekku (Chrysanthemum Festival)," a traditional event to pray for longevity and health using chrysanthemum flowers. In Japan, chrysanthemums have long been considered noble flowers, and there was a custom of drinking sake with chrysanthemum petals floating in it on this day. Learning about the spirit of this season will surely deepen your cultural experience.
4. Recommended Area: Lose Yourself in "Real Japan" in Kagurazaka
If you want to fully enjoy the special cultural experiences of September in the city center, Kagurazaka is the perfect place.
This town, which still operates as a hanamachi (geisha district), is a maze of charming stone-paved alleys. The scenery, where the black walls of traditional ryotei (high-end Japanese restaurants) coexist seamlessly with modern cafes and shops, captivates visitors. Strolling down these quiet slopes in September, after the summer bustle has died down, you'll feel a special sense of timelessness, letting you forget the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
5. Five Autumn Cultural Experiences You Can Only Have in Kagurazaka
Here are some activities we highly recommend trying when you visit Kagurazaka.
1: Experience Gagaku and Nohgaku
In connection with the Choyo no Sekku on September 9th, why not experience traditional Japanese performing arts? On this day of praying for longevity and health, a live performance of Gagaku (ancient imperial court music) with its solemn atmosphere will enhance the celebratory mood.
Additionally, in Nohgaku (Noh and Kyogen), there is a play called "Kikujido." It is a story based on a Chinese legend of a young boy who lived for 700 years thanks to the divine power of chrysanthemums. Through dances and decorations featuring chrysanthemum motifs, it becomes a memorable cultural experience where you can deeply appreciate the spirit of the season.
2: Seasonal Wagashi Making and Tea Ceremony
Wagashi-making class is a very popular activity for "tasting the four seasons of Japan." In September, you can make limited-edition sweets shaped like rabbits for moon viewing or using seasonal ingredients like chestnuts and sweet potatoes. The time spent savoring your own handmade wagashi with freshly prepared matcha is a special, tranquil moment.
3: Participate in a Local Festival
In September, Kagurazaka hosts historical festivals deeply rooted in the community.
This is the most important festival of a prestigious shrine that was counted among the "Three Great Shrines of Edo" during the Edo period. At night, food stalls line the streets, creating a lively atmosphere. In 2024, it was held on Sep. 19, 21, and 22. It is expected to be held in mid-September in 2025 as well.
Tsukudo Hachiman Shrine Grand Festival
This is the festival of an ancient shrine said to have been founded about 1,200 years ago. The sight of the Mikoshi (portable shrine) being carried through the streets is full of energy. In 2024, it was held on Sep. 15. It is expected to be held on the same day in 2025.
Please Note: Festival dates are subject to change. Please be sure to check the official shrine websites for the latest information before your visit.
4: A Kagurazaka Walking Tour of Quiet Back Alleys
With fewer tourists, September is the perfect opportunity to savor the charm of Kagurazaka slowly. A walking tour through the narrow back alleys not found in guidebooks, where you can discover hidden shops and beautiful scenery, will become a special memory just for you.
5: Experience an Authentic Ozashiki Game
As Kagurazaka is still an active geisha district, you can partake in exclusive traditional entertainment. In connection with the Chrysanthemum Festival, there is a very enjoyable ozashiki game called 'Kiku no Hana' (The Chrysanthemum Flower), a type of Russian Roulette using sake cups. If you book an ozashiki asobi experience, be sure to ask your geisha about this playful, seasonal game.
Conclusion: Create Your Own Special Story in Tokyo
A trip to Tokyo in September, where you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a pleasant climate, is a luxurious experience, almost as if the entire city is welcoming you personally.
The experiences in Kagurazaka, in particular, will transform your trip from simple sightseeing into an unforgettable story that touches the heart of Japan. Why not plan your next trip for September in Tokyo?
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.