Kamakura in January

Skip summer unless you enjoy sweating through temple visits with tour groups. March through May brings cherry blossoms to Hase-dera Temple without the Tokyo crowds. The hydrangeas at the same temple bloom in June, creating Instagram-worthy tunnels of blue and purple flowers. September through November offers perfect weather and autumn colors at Engaku-ji Temple. Winter gets overlooked, but January mornings at Kencho-ji Temple feel magical with frost on the bamboo. Plus, hotel prices drop by 40%. Avoid Golden Week (late April/early May) and Obon (mid-August) when half of Tokyo descends on the city. Weekdays always beat weekends for temple visits and restaurant reservations.