21 Best Things to Do in Tokyo This Winter
After writing an article about my favorite things to do in Tokyo in summer, I wanted to create a winter edition too, gathering ideas from the four years I spent living in this city, but also from my personal bucket list and experiences I think you might enjoy too.
Whether you’re a Tokyo local looking for new inspiration or a traveler visiting Japan for the first time, this guide brings together 25 of the best things to do in Tokyo in winter, from seasonal events and cozy indoor activities to cultural experiences, winter comfort food, and easy winter trips. I hope it helps you plan a fun and memorable winter in this fantastic city!
Enjoy Tokyo’s Seasonal Highlights
1. Catch the Last of the Autumn Colors
Todoroki Fudoson Temple
Winter starts late in Tokyo, so you can still catch the final bursts of red and yellow foliage in early-mid December. Among my favorites for momijigari (autumn leaf hunting) are Todoroki Valley, Jindai Botanical Gardens, Hibiya Park and Inokashira Park. I’ve been to these places in early December and the colors were fantastic.
Before going, I’d recommend checking these two useful websites to follow the autumn leaves forecast by location: Kouyou Nabi and Koyo Walkerplus (both in Japanese, but automatic translation in English is available), or recent comments on Google maps or social media to check the foliage status.
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2. See Tokyo’s Magical Winter Illuminations
Jewellumination in Yumiuriland
When it comes to winter illuminations, Japan has some of the best I’ve ever seen. In Tokyo, you’ll find beautiful light-up events all over, mainly in November and December, but some can continue until February.
Most popular spots include Shibuya, Omotesando, Roppongi Hills, Shinjuku Southern Terrace, and more. They’re free, romantic, and perfect for an evening walk.
My personal favorites are Meguro-gawa Minna no Illumination, with illuminations spanning about two kilometers along the Meguro river, making for a pretty riverside stroll, and Shibuya Ao no Dokutsu, which like its name indicates, creates a beautiful “blue cave” effect.
In addition, if you love winter illuminations and are ready for a short trip from Tokyo, I’d highly recommend as an evening outing to go to Jewellumination, an annual winter illumination event held at Yomiuriland, a popular amusement park located less than an hour from central Tokyo. It’s a fantastic place for a romantic date or for families with children, whether you are interested in the rides or just want to take a stroll in this magical place. You can purchase your ticket to Yumiuriland in advance here.
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3. Visit Tokyo’s Christmas Markets
If you’re visiting in December, don’t miss Tokyo’s Christmas markets.
The Roppongi Hills Christmas Market is probably the most famous, but smaller ones pop up in Yebisu Garden Place or at Solamachi (Tokyo Skytree).
I also particularly like the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market (not in Tokyo but a short train ride away), especially at night, when you can also admire the illuminated cityscape of Yokohama.
➡️ You can find a detailed list of Christmas markets around Tokyo in this great article on Tokyo Cheapo here.
4. Experience Tokyo’s Major Winter Events and Traditions
Being in Tokyo in late December-early January gives you the chance to discover Japan’s New Year traditions. You can join hatsumode, which is the first shrine visit of the year at popular spots like Meiji Jingu or Senso-ji in Asakusa, mainly over the first 3 days of January. Be aware that they tend to be extremely crowded with long lines, so if you prefer to avoid the crowds, I’d recommend visiting a smaller neighborhood shrine for a quieter experience.
Held every January at Ryogoku Kokugikan, you could also attend Tokyo sumo tournament, the first of Japan’s six annual Grand Sumo Tournaments. In 2026, it will be from January 11 to January 25. Tickets (different categories available) can be purchased online from December 6 on Klook or Viator, or on Japanese websites like Ticket Pia and JTB Sunrise Tours.
In February, temples and shrines host lively bean-throwing events called Setsubun to “throw away bad luck” and welcome spring. Senso-ji and Zojo-ji usually have large celebrations, but you can also attend smaller events in local shrines or temples.
Another event I like in Tokyo in February as a flower lover is the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid and Flower Show, which will take place in 2026 between February 5 and 11. Tickets can be bought in advance on KKday here.
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5. Celebrate Early Spring with Plum Blossoms in February
While cherry blossom season gets all the attention, plum blossoms (ume) in February are the real start of spring in Tokyo. Best plum blossoms spots in Tokyo include Yushima Tenjin, Kōishikawa Korakuen, or Hanegi Park. There are also fantastic day trips to consider to admire plum blossoms, such as the Soga Plum Blossom festival near Odawara, or at the Mito Plum Blossom Festival in Kairakuen Garden.
Check out my detailed articles about plum blossoms below for more info.
Cozy Indoor Activities for Cold Days
6. Explore Tokyo’s Best Museums
Winter is the perfect season for museums in Tokyo. Among my favorites, I would recommend the Ghibli museum for Ghibli lovers (advance reserversation in required), the National Art Center, a free museum for lovers of Japanese art and architecture, the Mori Art Museum which always has new contemporary art exhibitions, or the Nezu Museum to admire its collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art, to name but a few. But there are many many more to consider!
For a different kind of exhibition, you can also visit TeamLab Borderless or TeamLab Planets, which are breathtaking digital art museums that will transport you to another world.
7. Relax at a Planetarium
Tokyo has several excellent planetariums. You can go to one of the Konica Minolta Planetariums to admire the starry skies that you can't usually see in a big city like Tokyo.
You can find three of these planetariums in Tokyo, located in Yurakucho, Tokyo Skytree Town, and Sunshine City in Ikebukuro. You can check their website for the descriptions of the viewings they offer at the time of your visit (they regularly change). Note that English audio guides are available free of charge for select shows, just ask the staff at the ticket counter.
I’ve been twice and thought it was perfect for a cozy winter afternoon!
8. Visit an Aquarium
You can also visit one of Tokyo's aquariums for a relaxing winter activity, such as Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro and Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa. If you’re looking for an original experience, then I also recommend Ga-Kyo Aquarium in Odaiba or the art aquarium museum in Ginza where colorful fishes, lights and decoration create an enchanting setting turning the aquarium tanks into living pieces of art.
9. Spend a Cozy Afternoon at the Cinema
109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku’s Lounge
I really like going to the movies in Japan. Japanese cinemas are cozy and warm, ideal for cold days. You can try fun pop corn flavors and other snacks, and relax in a comfortable cinema room in one of Tokyo’s main cinemas, like TOHO Cinemas or 109 Cinemas, to enjoy international and Japanese releases.
If you're looking for a unique cinematic experience in Tokyo, I’d also recommend going to the 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku in the Tokyo Kabukicho Tower.
Tickets are more expensive as regular cinema tickets, but for a good reason. With its elegant lounge where you can wait for your movie with a view on Shinjuku and Godzilla, while eating free popcorn and drinks, you can experience cinema in an all-premium seating, high-spec projection and sound equipment. My partner took me there on my birthday to watch my favorite movie, and it was a wonderful experience.
10. Warm Up in All Sorts of Cafés
Cozy and cute cafés are countless in Tokyo. And beyond the regular cafés, what about spending some time at a manga café or cat café? Or even a combo of both, like it is the case at Cat Café Mocha (猫カフェ MOCHA), a nicely designed cat café which offers a cozy environment where you can relax with friendly, well-cared-for cats. Another fun experience is the Mipig Café in Meguro or Harajuku, where you can spend time with adorable micro pigs who love to sleep on your lap.
Important: When I visited these places, the animals seemed happy and well cared for, but I always recommend checking recent reviews on Google Maps to make your own judgment about their well-being before you go.
11. Sing Your Heart Out at Karaoke
Warming up with a karaoke session after a chilly day in Tokyo is always a good idea. It’s a classic local experience, and you’ll find branches everywhere across the city, making it one of the easiest activities to add to your winter itinerary.
The most popular karaoke chains in Tokyo are Karaoke Kan, Big Echo and JoySound, where you can order food and find unlimited drink plans. Personally, I like Uta Hiroba for its low prices (although some buildings are a little bit “vintage”).
Either way, karaoke is guaranteed fun and a perfect way to stay warm indoors.
12. Go on a Shopping Hunt in Tokyo’s Malls
Tokyo Solamachi
Tokyo’s malls are ideal winter hideouts: warm, spacious, and full of unique shops you’ll want to explore. Two that I especially enjoy are Sunshine City in Ikebukuro and Tokyo Solamachi, located right at the base of Tokyo Skytree. Both offer a great mix of boutiques, cafés, and character stores, including Donguri Republic (the Ghibli shop) and a Pokémon Center, which I always end up visiting.
Of course, you’ll find malls all over Tokyo, so wherever you're staying, there’s likely a perfectly cozy shopping spot nearby.
13. Have Fun in an Arcade or Go Gachapon Hunting
Japan’s arcades are the perfect winter activity, warm, lively, and packed with endless fun. Whether you want to try your luck at winning a plushie in the claw machines, play the iconic Taiko no Tatsujin (the famous Japanese drum rhythm game), or take adorable purikura photo-booth snapshots with friends or family, Tokyo’s arcades are a guaranteed mood-booster on cold days.
If you love collectibles, you might also want to go on a gachapon hunt. These vending machines offer themed capsules with everything from miniature food replicas to anime characters and quirky everyday items. You’ll find big clusters of gachapon machines in places like Akihabara, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and inside many train stations. It’s an easy, budget-friendly activity you can enjoy indoors that is surprisingly addictive.
Culture and Fun Experiences
14. Watch a Kabuki Play or Other Japanese Traditional Performances
For a cultural winter activity, what about attending a traditional Japanese performance?
You can for instance watch a Kabuki play at the iconic Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza, where single-act tickets are available and are perfect for beginners. It’s a memorable way to experience Japan’s performing arts while staying comfortably indoors, and the theatre building itself is stunning to see up close. Captioning services are available to rent (either English or simplified Chinese subtitles), so even without understanding Japanese, you will be able to follow the plot. You can find more information on the website Kabukiweb.
15. Join Japanese Cultural Experiences
Winter is the perfect season to slow down and learn more about Japan’s traditional crafts and enjoy cultural experiences. You can try a Japanese tea ceremony, learn how to make wagashi (traditional sweets), join a pottery or indigo-dyeing class, or even create your own incense or calligraphy pieces to take home. These experiences are a wonderful way to connect with Japanese culture beyond sightseeing.
🔍 To look for such activities, you can check platforms such as:
Wabunka — offers over 70 authentic experiences in Tokyo, where you can learn traditional crafts like calligraphy, wagashi confection, or traditional painting. Led by expert artisans with an interpreter, these hands-on activities provide a deeper connection to Japan's heritage. For instance:
Make Modern Wagashi (images courtesy of Wabunka)
AirKitchen — offers a variety of authentic cooking classes in Tokyo homes, from preparing sushi with a professional chef to making traditional sweets in a Japanese home, and much more.
GetYourGuide — provides activities in Tokyo like local food tours, traditional tea ceremonies, cooking classes and more.
16. Experience Tokyo’s Theme Parks
Winter is a great time to visit Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland or DisneySea) or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter. Crowds are usually lighter in winter, except during Christmas week.
Having visited the Harry Potter Studios in both London and Tokyo, I can say they don’t feel redundant and I had a fantastic time at the Tokyo Studio. When I visited in early December, I was met with beautiful late-autumn colors in the area where the park is located, which added an unexpected seasonal touch to the experience.
Autumn colors near the entrance to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
Relaxation and Wellness
17. Warm Up in Tokyo’s Onsen and Public Baths
Warming up in an onsen or a neighborhood sento is one of the best ways to reset during Tokyo’s winter months, and you don’t even need to leave the city to enjoy a full wellness day.
When I lived in Tokyo, LaQua Spa at Tokyo Dome City was my go-to spot whenever I needed a proper self-care break. The complex has spacious natural hot spring baths, multiple saunas, and a full menu of massage and beauty treatments. You can easily spend several hours here, alternating between the baths, the low-temperature sauna zone (the relaxing Healing Baden area), the café and restaurant area, and the lounge spaces designed for napping or reading.
➡️ You can buy your ticket directly at the ticket counter when you arrive, or in advance on KKDay here.
If you prefer a more local, residential vibe, two other great options I’ve been to several times are Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA in Komagome, and Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro in Itabashi.
18. Stay in a Nice Hotel or Ryokan for a Winter Wellness Staycation
Winter is the perfect excuse to book a cozy hotel or traditional ryokan and enjoy a full wellness-style staycation. One of the things I love most about Japan is its strong sense of omotenashi, this thoughtful hospitality that you feel in everything from the warm welcome to the beautifully designed rooms, on-site onsen, and small details like yukata sets and complimentary tea and snacks. It makes simply being in the hotel or ryokan part of the experience, not just a place to sleep.
Tokyo has plenty of great hotels with spa facilities, but it’s also worth considering a short escape to a nearby hot spring town. Popular options include Atami or Yugawara on the Izu Peninsula, all easily reached by train and perfect for a relaxing winter getaway.
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Food and Winter Comfort
19. Enjoy Limited-Edition Christmas Drinks in Cafés and Kombini
Winter in Japan means the return of limited-edition Christmas drinks, and Tokyo is one of the best places to try them. From festive lattes at Starbucks to creative holiday blends in independent cafés, seasonal drinks pop up everywhere in December. Even the kombini join in with fun winter-only flavors, like spiced milk tea, or special edition matcha drinks you won’t find at any other time of the year. It’s a small but very enjoyable winter ritual, especially when you need to warm up between sightseeing stops.
20. Warm Up with Japanese Winter Dishes
Enjoying Japan’s comfort food in the wintertime is one of my favorite things to do. When the temperatures drop, what can be better than warming up with a steaming bowl of ramen, fragrant Japanese curry, or comforting nabemono (hot pot)? Seasonal favorites like sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and oden are especially satisfying on cold days. You absolutely have to try them!
Winter Trips and Getaways
21. Take Winter Trips from Tokyo
Winter is the perfect season to plan a snowy getaway from Tokyo, and several destinations are especially magical this time of year:
Shibu Onsen is a charming hot spring town where you can stroll in yukata through atmospheric streets and visit the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.
For a classic onsen escape, Kusatsu Onsen offers some of the most mineral-rich waters in Japan and a lively yubatake district that feels even more beautiful under the snow.
Takayama combines beautifully preserved streets with cozy cafés and local crafts, making it a lovely overnight trip.
Nearby Shirakawago, with its thatched-roof gassho-zukuri houses, is one of Japan’s most iconic winter landscapes.
These destinations are easy to reach from Tokyo by train or highway buses, and they pair perfectly with the slower travel pace winter encourages.
Japan’s winter season is world-famous, and you can easily plan a trip from Tokyo to hit the slopes. Resorts in Nagano, Niigata, and Gunma offer everything from beginner hills to advanced powder runs. I haven’t had the chance to go skiing in Japan yet so I can’t give you precise recommendations, but it’s high on my bucket list. There’s something so appealing about ending a day of winter sports with a steaming bowl of katsukare and a long soak in an onsen!
A Few Tips to Enjoy the Winter in Tokyo
Stay warm and layer up. Bring a warm coat, scarf, and gloves, and consider stocking up on kairo (カイロ) heat packs from any kombini or drugstore. They’re lifesavers when spending long hours outdoors!
Keep an eye on seasonal events. Winter in Tokyo is packed with special activities, pop-ups, and limited-time attractions. Websites like Time Out Tokyo and Tokyo Cheapo are great for checking what’s happening during your stay.
Double-check illumination dates. Not all winter lights run until February. Many displays end right after Christmas or New Year, so check the dates before planning your evening itinerary.
Plan onsen getaways early. Popular hot spring towns, especially Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma or Ginzan Onsen in Tohoku, book out quickly in winter as locals also love these destinations. If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, reserve your hotel or ryokan in advance (I mostly use Booking.com or Agoda), or consider exploring lesser-known onsen towns.
To Conclude
Winter is one of the most magical times to experience Tokyo, whether you’re chasing illuminations, warming up in cozy cafés, exploring museums, or heading out on snowy day or overnight trips. After living in Tokyo for four years, I can say there are always new things to enjoy every winter, and I hope this guide helps you create your own memorable cold-season adventures.
If you’re planning more trips around Japan, feel free to explore my guides on nearby onsen towns and winter destinations for even more inspiration.
Planning your trip to Tokyo? Don’t miss my Tokyo Hotel Guide and explore my other Tokyo articles for itineraries, local tips, and inspiration on what to do in this amazing city.
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