Tokyo Time Zone: The Complete Guide
Your complete guide to time in Japan's bustling capital
Whether you're coordinating with Japanese business partners, planning a trip to experience cherry blossom season, or tracking the Nikkei 225 opening — understanding Tokyo's time zone is essential for anyone connecting with the world's largest metropolitan economy.
Tokyo operates on Japan Standard Time (JST), which is UTC+9 year-round. Unlike most developed nations, Japan does not observe daylight saving time, making time calculations refreshingly consistent throughout the year.
But there's more to Tokyo time than just "JST." What matters is understanding the unique rhythm of Japanese business culture — from the 9 AM bow to the after-work nomikai, Tokyo runs on precision and punctuality that defines the nation.
⚡ Quick Facts: Tokyo Time Zone
Time Zone Details
- • Zone: JST (UTC+9)
- • Full Name: Japan Standard Time
- • Daylight Saving: Not observed
- • DST Period: Year-round
Location & Region
- • Coordinates: 35.7°N, 139.7°E
- • Region: Asia
Best Overlap Windows:
Need exact conversions? Try our Time Converter or Meeting Planner
Explore the Complete Guide
Business Hours
Shops, banks, restaurants, and konbini in Tokyo
Best Time to Visit
Cherry blossoms, weather, crowds, and events
Remote Work Guide
Working with Tokyo teams across time zones
24 Hours in Tokyo
The city's daily rhythm from dawn to last train
Best Time to Call
Optimal calling times from major cities worldwide
Stock Market Hours
TSE & Nikkei trading times for global investors
Japanese Holidays
Golden Week, Obon, and what to expect
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking, cafes, WiFi, and cost of living
Time Difference
Tokyo time compared to NYC, London, Sydney
Travel Planning
Flight times, jet lag tips, and arrival advice
Understanding Tokyo Time
Why Japan Doesn't Use Daylight Saving Time
Japan briefly experimented with DST during the US occupation (1948-1951) but abandoned it due to unpopularity. Today, the consistent UTC+9 simplifies everything from train schedules (famously punctual) to business planning. When other countries shift clocks, Japan stays put — meaning your time difference with Tokyo changes even though Tokyo itself doesn't change.
The Challenge of US-Japan Scheduling
The 13-14 hour gap between Tokyo and the US East Coast makes real-time collaboration challenging. Most US-Japan calls happen at the edges of business hours: early morning US (evening Tokyo) or late evening US (morning Tokyo). Many companies designate specific "overlap hours" for cross-Pacific meetings.
Tokyo Morning (9 AM JST)
- • New York: 7 PM (prev day, EST)
- • Los Angeles: 4 PM (prev day)
- • London: 12 AM (midnight)
- • Singapore: 8 AM
Tokyo Evening (6 PM JST)
- • New York: 4 AM (same day, EST)
- • Los Angeles: 1 AM (same day)
- • London: 9 AM
- • Sydney: 8 PM
Tokyo Time vs Major Cities
| City | Difference | When it's 12 PM in Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| 🦁 Singapore | -1 hour | 11:00 AM |
| 🌃 Hong Kong | -1 hour | 11:00 AM |
| 🏙️ Shanghai | -1 hour | 11:00 AM |
| 🏯 Seoul | Same time | 12:00 PM |
| 🦘 Sydney | +1 hour | 1:00 PM |
| 🎡 London | -9 hours | 3:00 AM |
| 🗽 New York | -14 hours | 10:00 PM (prev) |
| 🌴 Los Angeles | -17 hours | 7:00 PM (prev) |
* Times shown use standard time. During DST transitions, differences may vary by 1 hour. See detailed time differences →
Need to schedule a meeting with Tokyo?
Find the perfect meeting time that bridges the Pacific time gap.
🚀Launch Meeting PlannerPractical Tips for Dealing with Tokyo Time
🏢 For International Business
Japanese business culture values punctuality highly — being late is a serious faux pas. For US colleagues, 7-8 PM ET calls catch Tokyo's morning. European teams have better overlap: a London morning meeting at 8 AM GMT reaches Tokyo at 5 PM before the workday ends.
✈️ For Travellers
Flying from the US West Coast? You'll cross the International Date Line and "lose" a day (but gain it back on return). Jet lag from the US to Japan is notoriously difficult — your body thinks it's 3 AM when Tokyo is serving breakfast. Check our Jet Lag Advisor for recovery strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between Tokyo and New York right now?
Tokyo is 14 hours ahead of New York during Eastern Standard Time (EST). When it's 9:00 AM in New York, it's 11:00 PM the same day in Tokyo. During US daylight saving time (EDT), the difference reduces to 13 hours. Japan does not observe daylight saving time, keeping calculations consistent.
Does Japan use daylight saving time?
No, Japan does not observe daylight saving time (DST). Tokyo remains on Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9) year-round. This simplifies scheduling with Japan but means the time difference with countries that use DST (like the US and UK) changes twice a year.
What time does the Tokyo Stock Exchange open and close?
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 3:00 PM JST, Monday through Friday. There's a lunch break from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. For New York investors, that's 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM ET (previous day). For London, it's 12:00 AM to 6:00 AM GMT.
What is the best time to call Tokyo from the US East Coast?
The best time to call Tokyo from the US East Coast is between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM ET, which reaches Tokyo during their morning business hours (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM JST the next day). Calling at 8:00 AM ET catches Tokyo at 10:00 PM — too late for business.
How many hours ahead is Tokyo from London?
Tokyo is 9 hours ahead of London during GMT (winter). When it's 12:00 PM in London, it's 9:00 PM in Tokyo. During British Summer Time (BST), the difference reduces to 8 hours. This makes late afternoon London calls ideal for reaching Tokyo before their day ends.
What time zone is Tokyo Japan in?
Tokyo is in Japan Standard Time (JST), which is UTC+9. All of Japan uses the same time zone with no regional variations. JST is the same as Korea Standard Time (KST) in Seoul. Major cities on similar time: Seoul, Pyongyang, Palau, and parts of Indonesia.
What are typical business hours in Tokyo Japan?
Standard Tokyo business hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM JST, Monday through Friday. However, Japanese work culture often extends beyond official hours. Banks typically close at 3:00 PM. Department stores open 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Convenience stores (konbini) are 24/7.
What is the best time to call Tokyo from California?
The best time to call Tokyo from California (PST/PDT) is between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM PT, which reaches Tokyo during their morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM JST the next day). Evening calls from California (after 8 PM PT) catch Tokyo's afternoon, which also works well.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
This overview is just the start. Explore our detailed guides on specific topics: