Want to see shooting stars this summer? The 2025 Perseid meteor shower, one of the brightest and most reliable celestial events of the year, will peak in the early morning hours of Tuesday, August 13, in Japan, with the best viewing time around 2:50 a.m. in Tokyo. Well, if you can see it. Tokyo might not be the neon-anime world some people stereotype it as, but it’s still a very bright city.
Make a trip outside the city and, if the skies are clear and you’re willing to stay up (or get up) in the middle of the night, you’ll be rewarded with dozens of meteors per hour.
Here’s how, when, and where to catch the Perseid meteor shower in or around Tokyo in 2025.
When Is the Best Time to Watch?
Viewing Timeline
Honorable Mention: For the Truly Obsessed
When Is the Best Time to Watch?
Geminid meteor shower over Lake Shoji and Mount Fuji
The peak of the Perseids is expected to hit around 2:50 a.m. in Tokyo on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (Aug 12 and 13, 2025). That said, the nights before and after (Aug. 11 and 14) will also offer decent chances, with slightly lower meteor activity.
A gibbous moon (the phase just before a full moon, when it appears more than half full) will be visible during the peak. This extra brightness may wash out fainter meteors, so try to keep the moon out of your direct line of sight and focus on the darker parts of the sky to spot the brighter shooting stars.
Viewing Timeline
- Aug 11 (Monday night): expect about ~10-15 meteors per hour
- Aug 12-13 (Tuesday early morning): Peak (~30-40 meteors per hour in dark areas)
- Aug 13-14 (Wednesday early morning): ~20 meteors per hour
Timing Varies Slightly Across Japan
The best time to view the Perseids is just before dawn, when the radiant point (the part of the sky the meteors appear to come from) is highest. This varies slightly depending on your location:
- Tokyo (Eastern Japan): ~2:50 a.m.
- Osaka (Kansai): ~3:10 a.m.
- Sapporo (Hokkaido): ~2:20 a.m.
- Fukuoka (Western Japan): ~3:40 a.m.
- Okinawa (Naha): ~3:50 a.m.
For most of Japan, your best viewing window is between 2 and 4 a.m., depending on location. Who needs sleep on a weekday, anyway?
Where to See the Perseid Meteor Shower Near Tokyo (Without a Car)
If you’re sticking to public transport, you likely won’t get pitch-black skies, but you can still have a great night under the stars. Think of these as low-effort options that give you a taste of the Perseids without needing a tent, a car or a backup battery for Google Maps.
However, most of these places lose public transport after 11 p.m., so you’ll need to stay out all night. Bring a friend and maybe have a backup plan for getting home.
Tamagawa Riverbed
Just west of central Tokyo, the Tamagawa River runs broad and flat—with surprisingly good sky exposure if you go far enough upriver. Head to Futako-Tamagawa Station, then walk away from the city lights. It won’t be truly dark, but it’s open enough to catch the brighter meteors. Bring a mat, some snacks, and something warm to wear. It’s the easiest option that doesn’t involve staring at a skyscraper.
Koganei Park
This large park in western Tokyo is probably your best bet inside the city limits. It’s big enough that you can get away from streetlights, and the central lawn offers clear views of the sky. It’s not going to compete with the mountains, but on a clear night, you might still spot a dozen shooting stars if you’re patient. Get there early if the weather’s good—others will have the same idea.
Jogashima Island (Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa)
This one’s a little more effort, but totally doable without a car. From Shinagawa, take the Keikyu Line to Misakiguchi Station, then hop on a short bus or taxi to Jogashima. The island is surrounded by the ocean, and the southern coastline, especially, is pretty dark. You’ll get a near-panoramic view of the sky over the water, and the lighthouse adds some nice atmosphere. Just bring a flashlight and try not to tumble off a cliff.
Tsurigasaki Beach (Chiba)
Famous for surfing, this beach near Ichinomiya is also great for sky-watching — especially near the torii gate on the sand. It’s not as remote as other coastal spots, but the open Pacific horizon means fewer buildings and a better shot at clear skies. Take the JR Sotobo Line to Kazusa-Ichinomiya, then grab a taxi or walk. If the tide’s low and the weather’s right, it’s a surprisingly peaceful place to stargaze.
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