Tokyo › Tokyo photo guides › The best time and season for photos in Tokyo
Published November 15, 2026
The same place looks completely different by season and time of day. Tokyo has four clear seasons; spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are the favorites, and clear, crisp winter days are great for photos too. Here’s a guide by time of day and season.
What time of day
Early morning
Fewer people and soft light; make busy places like Senso-ji your first stop
Morning
Bright light that makes garden ponds and greenery look clear
Late afternoon
Warm side light and backlight, great for the Yuyake Dandan steps in Yanaka and the Sumida River
Midday
Harsh light; shoot in shade or under eaves
🌸 Spring: cherry blossoms (usually late March to early April)
Sumida Park has rows of cherry trees along the Sumida River, so you can get cherry blossoms and Skytree in one shot; the weeping cherries at Koishikawa Korakuen are famous too. It’s busy in blossom season, so shoot in the morning and book early. Bloom dates change every year; check that year’s forecast.
From around mid-April to early May, the azaleas at Nezu Shrine bloom, a lovely pairing with the vermilion torii.
☀️ Summer: rainy season and heat (Jun–Sep)
The rainy season runs roughly from June to mid-July. Gardens and stone paths have their own mood in the rain, and in light rain a clear umbrella works well. July and August are hot and humid, so shoot in the morning or evening and wear breathable clothes; summer is also yukata season.
🍁 Autumn: autumn leaves (usually late November to early December)
Leaves turn later in central Tokyo than in the suburbs. At Koishikawa Korakuen they usually peak from late November to early December, especially around Tsutenkyo Bridge. Portrait shoots there need an advance application, so contact us early for leaf season. October and early November are comfortable for street shots too.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb)
Tokyo winters are often sunny with dry, clear air and clean skies. Coats and scarves make good styling. Plum blossoms bloom at Koishikawa Korakuen from around February to early March. The sun sets early, so plan the session earlier in the day.
Best times by location
- Senso-ji + Sumida Park: early morning; first choice in cherry blossom season
- Yanaka Ginza + Nezu Shrine: late afternoon (Yuyake Dandan); azalea season in April–May
- Kiyosumi Gardens: morning to afternoon, with even light
- Koishikawa Korakuen: weeping cherries in spring, leaves in autumn, plum blossoms in late winter (advance application needed)
- Shibamata Taishakuten + approach: morning to early afternoon, when the shops are open
Shared with our clients' permission. The photos are retouched.
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FAQ
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo?
Usually late March to early April. Dates change every year, so check that year’s bloom forecast.
When are Tokyo’s autumn leaves at their best?
In central Tokyo, usually late November to early December. Koishikawa Korakuen is a popular spot.
Can we shoot in the rain in Tokyo?
In light rain we shoot and adjust the route; heavy or steady rain means we can agree on a free date change.