September in Tokyo is a mix of lingering heat, festival flair, and the city’s slow shift toward autumn. Early in the month, you’ll still feel the summer buzz—think beer gardens and fireworks. By mid-month, the air cools, gardens bloom with early autumn flowers, and Tokyo’s cultural calendar fills with expos and tournaments. Bring an umbrella (typhoon season!) and snag tickets early for big events like sumo and the Tokyo Game Show.
Always check the typhoon forecast—delays can affect trains and outdoor plans.
Sumo tournament weekends sell out; weekdays offer better availability and lower prices.
Bring a compact umbrella. Afternoon showers are common even without a storm.
Trains are less crowded than summer, but still pack Suica/Pasmo cards for ease.
Many museums switch exhibits in September—good time for fresh content.
Use coin lockers at stations during events or day trips to travel light.
Early morning and twilight are the best times for gardens or shrines (better light, cooler air).
Sanma is only in season for a few weeks; ask locals where they go.
Tokyo Game Show crowds surge around noon—arrive right at opening.
Stay hydrated. Vending machines with cold drinks are on nearly every corner.
Yes—early September remains humid and warm, often over 28 °C / 82 °F. It cools slightly by mid-month.
Yes. September is peak typhoon season. Always check forecasts and have indoor backups.
Weekend seats sell out fast. Buy online early or line up for day-of tickets on weekdays.
Yes, but weather can obscure views. Late September offers clearer skies than early.
Cards are accepted widely, but carry yen for street food, shrines, and transit.
Light summer wear plus a light jacket or cardigan. Waterproof shoes help with rain.
Yes! Gardens like Rikugien begin showing early fall color. Still green, but less crowded.
If you enjoy games or cosplay, absolutely. It’s the biggest gaming event in Japan.
Some services pause or delay. JR East posts updates online and at stations.
Less so than summer. Great time to visit with new seasonal exhibitions and fewer tour groups.
Sanma arrives fresh in early autumn. Char-grilled with a squeeze of lemon and grated daikon.
Where to eat: Toriyoshi, various branches
Chestnuts cooked in lightly salted rice mark the season’s start. Comforting and nutty.
Where to eat: Aoyama Esaki, Minato
Matsutake mushrooms steamed in a clay teapot with seafood broth. Earthy and fragrant.
Where to eat: Mikawa Zezankyo, Koto
Moon-viewing dumplings appear in September for Tsukimi. Often offered with sweet soy or anko (red bean).
Where to eat: Isetan depachika food hall, Shinjuku
Large, juicy and only available for a short window. Peel-and-pop sweetness.
Where to eat: Fruit stalls in Ameyoko Market, Ueno
