Thinking about travelling to Japan in December, but not sure where to start planning? Our guide explains everything you need to know about visiting Japan during the festive season.
From the last days of autumn to the first signs of winter, December in Japan is a month of seasonal transition. The beginning of the month in particular offers many opportunities to take part in various events and activities. Autumn foliage can still be seen in some areas following their peak in late November, while winter illuminations start to light up cities across the country.
Even though Christmas is not widely celebrated in Japan, the festive end-of-year atmosphere can be felt everywhere. Given the importance of New Year’s celebrations, you’ll likely be able to learn about Japanese traditions you haven’t heard about yet and discover new ways to celebrate the holiday season during your stay.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the pros and cons of visiting Japan in December, share some cultural knowledge with you, and tell you what you should expect before your trip.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Japan?
Early December is a good time to travel to Japan. Furthermore, the autumn foliage is still visible at the beginning of the month, and even peaks in December in warmer parts of Japan. Lots of winter events like illuminations and European-style Christmas markets are also held in Japan throughout December.
Weather wise, there is little rainfall and clear skies across western and eastern Japan. The air starts to feel a little colder here and there, but travelling is generally comfortable when wearing warm clothes.
New Year Holiday Season
The second half of December comes with some downsides. Nearing the end of the year, flights tend to get expensive, especially from the last week of December to early January.
The reason is that New Year’s is one of Japan’s biggest holidays, leading to a sharp increase in domestic and outbound travel. Many shops, museums and restaurants close during this period. As a tourist, you won’t have as much to explore, and some places can feel a little quiet.
Weather in Japan in December
In some areas of Japan’s largest island, Honshū, autumn still lingers in early December. Temperatures in Tokyo and Osaka reach highs of around 12°C. Daytime averages are slightly below 10°C. As the month progresses, temperatures drop and winter slowly takes over. The air also tends to become increasingly dry in many cities.
In Hokkaidō and Tōhoku, on the other hand, December is well into the snowy season. Temperatures can already go below freezing. Many ski resorts open their doors to visitors around this time of year.
You can find the average temperatures in December for different regions within Japan listed below:
| Mean temperature | Max. temperature | Min. temperature | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sapporo, Hokkaidō | -0.9°C | 2.0°C | -4.0°C |
| Tokyo | 7.7°C | 12.0°C | 3.8°C |
| Osaka | 8.7C | 12.3°C | 5.3°C |
| Fukuoka, Kyūshū | 9.1°C | 12.6°C | 5.8°C |
| Naha, Okinawa | 19.0°C | 21.5°C | 16.8°C |
The winter sports season at a majority of resorts in Japan starts in November or December and peaks between January and February. For more information about skiing and snowboarding in Japan, check out our guide to visiting Japan in January.
One of the perks of travelling around Japan in December is the generally low level of rainfall. There are fewer rainy days and often clear, bright skies, especially on Honshū and Kyūshū, making conditions comfortable for city trips and sightseeing. Those clear skies also make this one of the best times of year to see Mount Fuji.
Below, you can find an overview of average sunshine hours and precipitation across Japan during December:
| Sunshine hours | Rain (in mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo, Hokkaidō | 82.7 | 114.5 |
| Tokyo | 174.4 | 57.9 |
| Osaka | 152.1 | 55.5 |
| Fukuoka, Kyūshū | 112.2 | 67.5 |
| Naha, Okinawa | 107.4 | 110.0 |
Is Japan Very Cold in December?
If you’re planning to visit major cities in Honshū like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the answer is no. While Japan is cold in December, it’s usually not freezing cold.
However, with average temperatures around 10°C, you should definitely bring some warmer clothes, especially for the evenings. If you come prepared to wrap up warm, travelling in Japan is still very enjoyable in December.
Going up north to Tōhoku and Hokkaidō, you can expect harsher weather conditions. Freezing temperatures in December are common in these regions. The same applies to mountainous places like Shirakawa-go in the Japanese Alps or higher-altitude areas like Nikkō.
What to Wear in Japan in December?
When travelling to Japan in December, you should pack a mixture of warm clothes.
Essentials include sweaters, some warmer pullovers and a light winter jacket and/or coat. In case temperatures are lower than anticipated, bringing some thermal t-shirts, socks or leggings won’t do any harm either.
Don’t forget winter boots alongside a pair of sneakers, plus accessories like a scarf, beanie and gloves. Small extras such as hand warmers, hand cream and a lip balm can also be useful on cold, dry days.
Keep in mind that temperatures in Japan differ from region to region, so you’ll need to adjust your wardrobe to match your itinerary. Lighter layers may be enough for Fukuoka or Kyoto, while northern prefectures typically require warmer, insulated clothing in December.
Is Japan Crowded in December?
Japan will be busy during December, especially in early and mid-December before the public holidays begin. However, it’s usually not as busy as November when the autumn foliage reaches its peak.
Domestic travel also surges from the last days of December into early January as many Japanese return home to see their families, making public transport extremely busy. It can even be difficult to get Shinkansen tickets, since locals pre-book their tickets long in advance. Shinkansen seating is usually only available through reservation during the New Year period.
Shrines and temples become very crowded during the first few days of the New Year for traditional celebrations like hatsumode. On the other hand, some neighbourhoods with lots of shops and restaurants might feel quieter than usual, as many businesses close for the New Year break.
Costs of Travelling to Japan in December
December falls into the shoulder season for international travel. Prices for flights between early to mid-December are often reasonable compared to months like November or April, but finding good deals for the last third of the month can be a challenge.
Fares are usually getting higher around Christmas. If you want to save money, you should avoid travelling to and from Japan during the last week of the year. Domestic travel in Japan reaches a peak around the New Year holiday, so the last days of December and the first week of January are more expensive for flights and hotels.
Best Things to Do in Japan in December
In December, Japan says goodbye to the last autumn leaves and welcomes the winter illumination season. Here are a few things to know about this transition.
Winter Illumination Season
Some temples like Eikandō and Rokuō-in in Kyoto host nighttime illuminations of the autumn leaves during the first days of December. However, as the month progresses, more and more cities switch focus to opening their streets and parks for theannual Christmas and winter illumination events.
These are among the best seasonal activities to enjoy when travelling to Japan in December, especially for first-time visitors. Whether it’s the Blue Cave Illumination in Tokyo or the Midōsuji Illumination in Osaka, entire streets turn into glowing tunnels of light. Christmas markets across Japan also open their doors. If you want to enjoy street food, hot drinks and a conversation under the festive lights, these are the places for you.
In Osaka, most winter illuminations start in November or December under the theme “Festival of the Lights”. A map of all the illuminated spots with dates for 2025 can be found on their official website (Japanese only). All of these illuminations are free to attend.
Holiday Season in Japan
Christmas in Japan is mainly commercial in nature. The Japanese holiday season only begins shortly before New Year’s. In the final days of December, many people gather with friends or colleagues for bōnenkai (literally “year-forgetting parties”) to catch up and unwind before the new year.
The days leading up to and after New Year’s are mostly spent with family. Traditions revolve around purification and good fortune for the year ahead, including drawing omikuji (fortunes) or visiting temples and shrines.
Here are some of the best things to do in Japan in December:
- Catch the last of the red leaves: In most places, the peak of autumn foliage occurs around mid to late November. However, in recent years it has become more common for the red foliage to reach its peak during early December, particularly in western and southern Japan. Check the official predictions for each region to find out where it’s possible to catch some of the colours later in the season.
- Enjoy Japan’s winter illuminations and Christmas markets: The winter illuminations in Japan last from mid-November to February, but December is when most displays can be seen across the country. During this time, entire streets in larger cities are transformed into alleys of lights. More remote locations, such as Mie Prefecture (Nabana no Sato Illumination) and Tochigi Prefecture (Ashikaga Flower Park Illumination), have whole parks decorated with sparkling string-light tunnels and glowing fields of LED flowers. European-style Christmas markets in Tokyo and Osaka also feature illuminations, which can be enjoyed with a cup of mulled wine and traditional festive treats.
- Try Japan’s winter cuisine: As the days grow colder, comfort dishes like nabe and oden become popular in Japan. Nabe is a hot pot where vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and pieces of meat, fish or seafood are cooked together in a broth. Oden, a stew made with ingredients like daikon radish, eggs and several types of fish cake, is a popular winter snack at street food stalls. There are a wide variety of winter specialities to sample on your December travels around Japan, so make sure to keep your eyes open at local food markets and restaurants.
- Attend a traditional Japanese arts class: Japan is well-known for its traditional crafts, and joining a local pottery class, a kintsugi workshop, or a fan-making workshop during your trip is a great way to experience them first-hand. You’ll also have some handmade presents to bring home for the holidays.
- Celebrate Christmas the Japanese way: In Japan, Christmas does not have the same religious or cultural significance that it does in many other countries. However, over the years a few local traditions have developed, notably eating KFC for Christmas dinner and having strawberry shortcake for dessert.
- Experience New Year’s Eve in Japan: If you’re staying in Japan during the turn of the year, there are some unique local traditions that you can experience. One is eating toshikoshi soba, buckwheat noodles that are believed to help you leave the old year behind and start the new year with a clear mind. Ringing in the New Year 108 times is another unique experience you can have on the night of New Year’s Eve in Japan. This Buddhist tradition, known as joya no kane, is held at temples across the country. In Buddhist belief, there are 108 earthly desires that cause human suffering. Ringing the bell is said to cleanse people of these desires before the new year begins. Popular places to witness this ritual include famous temples such as Chion-in in Kyoto. They can get very crowded, so make sure to arrive early. Smaller temples tend to be less busy, and at some, visitors even have the chance to ring the bell themselves.
Festivals and Events in Japan in December 2025
In addition to the illuminations and Christmas markets, here’s a list of festivals and events worth catching if you’re visiting Japan in December:
- Midtown Christmas 2025 in Tokyo (13/11/2025-25/12/2025): This popular event features dazzling illuminations lighting up the Midtown Garden, located between Akasaka and Roppongi in Tokyo. Visitors can enjoy a colourful light bulb installation, a Christmas tree decorated with 1,600 Santas, and additional enchanting light displays across Tokyo Midtown’s sister locations.
- Himeji Castle of Light (Dandelion Project) in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture (22/11/2025-11/12/2025): This immersive event takes place at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national treasure located in Hyōgo Prefecture, and features light art installations. Marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 2025, the main theme of this year’s installations is “peace”.
- Hakodate Christmas Fantasy in Hakodate, Hokkaidō Prefecture (29/11/2025-25/12/2025): Hakodate is a city in southern Hokkaidō known for its rich port history, spectacular night views and Western-influenced architecture. As part of the Hakodate Christmas Fantasy, a massive Christmas tree floats in the bay by the Red Brick Warehouse, illuminated nightly with fireworks. Visitors can stroll through beautifully lit streets, shop in the Red Brick Warehouse or warm up with local soups from the street food stalls.
- Chichibu Night Festival in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture (02/12/2025-03/12/2025): If you’re looking to explore places outside of Tokyo in December, the Chichibu Night Festival in Saitama Prefecture is a great option. Chichibu is about two hours from central Tokyo by train. During the annual festival, huge decorated floats are paraded through the streets around Chichibu Shrine. At night, the floats are illuminated. You can also witness traditional Japanese performing arts such as kagura and kabuki. Fireworks, taiko drums and flutes complete the winter festival atmosphere.
- Akō Gishisai Festival in Tokyo (14/12/2025): The Akō Gishisai Festival is a commemorative festival held annually on December 14 at Sengaku-ji in Tokyo. The festival keeps the legend of the 47 rōnin alive, a group of masterless samurai who avenged the death of their lord during the Akō incident in 1702. A procession of men dressed as the 47 rōnin is one of the highlights of the festival.
- Festival of the Lights in Osaka (early April 2025 to late February 2026): The Festival of the Lights consists of various illuminations scattered across Osaka. This year, the event began with a special early lighting of the Midōsuji Illumination in conjunction with the start of Osaka Expo 2025 in April. However, most illuminations can only be seen from November to December 2025. The popular Hikari Renaissance Illumination runs from December 14 to December 25. A few others last until January or late February 2026. A map of all the illuminated spots with dates is available online (Japanese only).
- Christmas Markets in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka or Fukuoka (late November to late December): Christmas markets in Japan bring a touch of European Advent charm to cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, most opening in late November and closing soon after Christmas. While some dishes taste a bit different from their originals (and can be on the pricey side), it’s still a fun experience to enjoy while in Japan. Sip on a cup of mulled wine, nibble on a piece of gingerbread, or savour hearty dishes like stew beneath the Christmas lights.
- Joya no kane in many temples across Japan (31/12/2025): Joya no Kane is a Buddhist tradition held at temples across Japan on New Year’s Eve, where a temple bell is rung 108 times to cleanse people of worldly desires. As mentioned above, famous temples like Chion-in in Kyoto and several in Tokyo attract large crowds, so if you want to witness the bell-ringing up close, it’s best to arrive very early. To avoid the masses, you can also choose a smaller local temple off the beaten path. Just do a quick online check beforehand to see if your temple of choice hosts the ceremony.
Conclusion – Visiting Japan in December
Visiting Japan in December can be a great experience. Most winter illuminations are on display, including December-limited Christmas light-ups. There’s still a great chance that you’ll see autumn leaves at the beginning of December; however, it’s better to visit Japan in November if this is your main objective.
On the downside, flights are quite expensive in the second half of December. There are also fewer options for travel in the days leading up to and just after New Year’s Eve. Many restaurants, shops and museums may be closed during this period. But if you’re looking to experience a different, calmer kind of New Year’s, don’t let these limitations stop you from booking your trip.
Looking for the best time of year to visit Japan? Check out our Japan in January article to compare dates for a cold-weather trip, or read our Japan in April article to discover what it would be like to visit during Japan’s famous cherry blossom season.
