December is one of Japan’s most underrated travel months. Winter illuminations (illuminacion) transform every major city. Year-end festivities and the country’s unique atmosphere as it prepares for the New Year make late December one of the most culturally interesting times to visit. The first three weeks of December are significantly less crowded than autumn.
Quick Answer: Japan in December: Cold (5 to 12 degrees in Tokyo and Kyoto), dry, and increasingly festive as the month progresses. Winter illuminations are the visual highlight. The period from December 28 to January 3 is domestic holiday season with heavy travel. The first three weeks of December are often the least crowded time of the entire year to visit Japan. See the Japan in winter for the full winter travel picture.
Japan Weather in December
Tokyo
Highs of 10 to 12 degrees in early December, dropping to 7 to 9 degrees by late December. Lows of 2 to 5 degrees, occasionally below zero in the final week. Very dry. Tokyo rarely sees snow in December, though a dusting is possible in late December or January. See Tokyo in December for the detailed Tokyo December guide.
Kyoto
Slightly cooler than Tokyo. Highs of 9 to 11 degrees in early December, dropping to 7 to 8 degrees by month’s end. Lows of 2 to 4 degrees. Kyoto occasionally sees light snow in late December, which transforms the temple gardens. See the Kyoto December guide.
Osaka
Similar to Kyoto. Highs of 10 to 12 degrees. The Osaka Midosuji Boulevard winter illumination is one of Japan’s most impressive. See Osaka in December.
Hokkaido
Full winter conditions in Hokkaido by December. Sapporo averages minus 3 to 0 degrees, with significant snowfall. Ski resorts in Niseko and Furano open from late November or early December. See the Hokkaido guide.
What to Pack
A proper winter coat is essential throughout December in Honshu: warm layers underneath, gloves, and a scarf for evenings. December in Tokyo and Kyoto is colder than most visitors from mild climates expect. See the Japan packing guide for the full seasonal breakdown.
Winter Illuminations
Japan’s winter illuminations (winterilluminations) are among the most impressive light festivals in the world. Every major city has multiple events from late November through February.
Tokyo
Shibuya Blue Cave (Nakamegawa Street, 660,000 blue LED lights). Roppongi Hills illumination. Odaiba illumination. Caretta Shiodome canyon light show in the Inza area. See Tokyo in December for the full list of Tokyo December illuminations.
Kyoto
The Arashiyama Hanatouro bamboo grove light-up (typically the second week of December) is one of the most atmospheric illuminations in Japan. See the Kyoto in December and the Arashiyama guide.
Osaka
Midosuji Illumination (the city’s main boulevard), Universal Studios Japan winter illumination. See Osaka in December.
Nabana no Sato, Nagashima
Near Nagoya, the Nabana no Sato illumination (November to March) is considered one of Japan’s finest, with enormous floral light tunnels and changing projection displays. Worth considering as a day trip from Nagoya or Osaka. See the Nagoya guide.
New Year in Japan
The period from December 28 to January 3 is Japan’s most significant holiday period. Domestic travel reaches its annual peak. Trains, Shinkansen, and hotels fill up, and prices rise sharply. Major temples and shrines prepare for Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the New Year). If visiting during this window, book all accommodation and transport weeks in advance. See Japan in winter and see the Japan in January guide for the New Year travel picture.
Where to Go in Japan in December
Tokyo (first three weeks)
The least crowded period of the year in Tokyo before domestic holiday travel begins. See the Tokyo in December, the Tokyo neighbourhoods guide, and the Tokyo 5-day itinerary.
Kyoto (first two weeks)
Kyoto in early December has the tail end of the autumn foliage season and the start of winter illuminations with minimal crowds. See Kyoto in December and the Kyoto 3-day itinerary.
Hokkaido for Snow and Skiing
Niseko and Furano ski resorts open in late November or early December. Preparation for Sapporo’s Snow Festival begins in January. See the Hokkaido guide and the Hokkaido 7 days.
Okinawa
December is an excellent time to visit Okinawa. The subtropical island avoids Honshu’s cold, with temperatures of 19 to 22 degrees. Beach conditions have ended, but outdoor exploration is pleasant. See the Okinawa guide.
Nearby Guides
- Japan in winter
- Tokyo in December
- Kyoto in December
- Osaka in December
- Hokkaido guide
- Okinawa guide
- Best places to visit in Japan
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Japan?
Yes, especially the first three weeks. Early December is often described by experienced Japan visitors as a hidden gem: post-autumn crowds, pre-New Year holiday rush, excellent winter illuminations, and comfortable dry weather. See Japan in winter for the full December-to-February picture.
Does it snow in Tokyo in December?
Rarely. Tokyo typically receives 1 to 2 snowfall events in winter, more commonly in January and February than in December. A light dusting is possible in late December but not expected. Kyoto has a slightly higher chance of light snow in late December.
How crowded is Japan in December?
Significantly less crowded than the autumn foliage season (November) or the cherry blossom season (late March to early April) in the first three weeks. The final week (December 28 to January 3) sees very heavy domestic travel. If you want a quieter Japan experience, target December 1 to 20.
