Researched guide · Checked on Nov 5, 2026
January in Tokyo is cold, dry and often sunny. The year starts with the New Year holidays, when shrines are packed and some places close, and the month brings the January grand sumo tournament. Here is the weather, what’s on in January 2027, and how New Year affects your trip.
Quick answer
Weather: average high 10°C (50°F), low 1°C (34°F), and only 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain. Bring a warm coat, gloves and layers.
New Year: around December 29 to January 3, some museums, gardens and small restaurants close. Shrines are busiest January 1–3.
Sumo: the January tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan runs January 10–24, 2027. Tickets go on sale December 5, 2026.
Holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day) and January 11, 2027 (Coming of Age Day).
Tokyo weather in January
January is one of the coldest months, with an average high of 10°C (50°F), a low of 1°C (34°F) and 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain. Days are often clear and sunny, and snow in central Tokyo is rare. Wear warm layers you can take off indoors: trains, shops and restaurants are heated. Clear winter air is good for seeing Mt. Fuji from Tokyo. Average humidity is 51%. These are 1991–2020 averages, not a forecast for 2027. See Tokyo weather by month.
| Date | Average high | Average low | Average sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | 10.5°C (51°F) | 1.8°C (35°F) | 6.3 hours |
| January 15 | 9.6°C (49°F) | 1.2°C (34°F) | 6.0 hours |
| January 31 | 9.9°C (50°F) | 1.3°C (34°F) | 6.4 hours |
New Year in Tokyo
- Hatsumode (first shrine visit): Meiji Jingu and Senso-ji are among the busiest, with long lines on January 1 to 3. Go early in the morning or later in the week.
- New Year greeting at the Imperial Palace: every year on January 2, the Emperor and members of the Imperial Family greet the public from a balcony. Anyone can attend, with security checks. Check the Imperial Household Agency for times. See the Imperial Palace guide.
- Closures: many museums, gardens and small restaurants close for a few days, often until January 1, 2 or 3. Convenience stores, many chain restaurants and big department stores stay open.
- New Year sales: department stores hold sales with lucky bags (fukubukuro) of surprise items.
- More: winter in Tokyo.
January grand sumo tournament (January 10–24, 2027)
Three of the six grand sumo tournaments are held in Tokyo, and the year opens with the January tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan. In 2027 it runs for 15 days, from Sunday, January 10 to Sunday, January 24, according to the Japan Sumo Association. Advance tickets go on sale on December 5, 2026, and weekends and the first and last days sell out fast. See sumo in Tokyo and our Ryogoku guide.
Winter illuminations
Some winter lights continue into the new year. Dates for the 2026–2027 season:
- Yoyogi Forest of Lights (ticket needed): until January 11, 2027.
- Marunouchi Illumination near Tokyo Station: until February 14, 2027.
- Tokyo Dome City: until February 28, 2027.
- More: Christmas in Tokyo.
Public holidays in January 2027
- January 1 (Fri): New Year’s Day.
- January 11 (Mon): Coming of Age Day, a three-day weekend for many people.
- See Japan public holidays.
Tips for January
- Check opening days for January 1–3 before you plan sightseeing.
- Book hotels early if you arrive over New Year. See where to stay in Tokyo.
- Warm up in a hot bath. See onsen in Tokyo and our onsen and sento etiquette guide.
Month by month: ← Tokyo in December · Tokyo in February → · All 12 months
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FAQ
Is January a good time to visit Tokyo?
Yes, if you don’t mind the cold. Days are often clear and sunny, and you can see New Year traditions and the January sumo tournament. Check opening days for January 1–3.
What is the weather like in Tokyo in January?
Cold and dry: an average high of 10°C (50°F) and a low of 1°C (34°F), with 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain. Snow in central Tokyo is rare.
When is the January sumo tournament in 2027?
January 10–24, 2027, at Ryogoku Kokugikan. Advance tickets go on sale on December 5, 2026.
What is closed in Tokyo on New Year’s Day?
Many museums, gardens and small restaurants close for a few days around January 1–3. Convenience stores, many chain restaurants and big department stores stay open.
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Sources
Sumo dates come from the Japan Sumo Association’s official schedule; weather from the Japan Meteorological Agency (checked November 5, 2026); the rest from our guides, which list their official sources (checked October 23, 2026). Dates change every year, so please check before you go.
