December in Osaka is cold and festive. The city’s famous winter illuminations are among Japan’s finest, particularly the Midosuji Illumination that transforms Osaka’s main boulevard into a tunnel of light.
Crowds drop significantly from the autumn foliage peak of November, hotel prices fall, and the Osaka food scene is particularly satisfying in cold weather.
Quick Answer: Osaka in December: Cold (6 to 11 degrees, lows of 2 to 5 degrees). Midosuji Illumination from mid-November through December. Lower crowds than October and November. Excellent food weather. See the Japan in December for the national Japan December guide and the Osaka in November for the adjacent November picture.
Osaka Weather in December
Early December (1 to 14)
Highs of 10 to 12 degrees. Lows of 4 to 6 degrees. Still mild enough for comfortable outdoor sightseeing with a warm jacket. Cooler than November but drier and crisper.
Mid to Late December (15 to 31)
Highs of 6 to 9 degrees. Lows of 1 to 3 degrees. A proper winter coat is necessary. Light snow in late December is possible but rare. See the Japan packing guide for winter packing.
Midosuji Illumination
The Midosuji Illumination is Osaka’s flagship winter illumination event, transforming the city’s main north-south boulevard (Midosuji-dori, which runs from Umeda to Namba) with millions of LED lights from mid-November through December 31. The ginkgo trees lining the boulevard are lit in gold, and at various intersections, themed light installations are placed. The best viewing is walking the full length of Midosuji from Namba toward Umeda in the evening, a walk of approximately 3 kilometres.
Other December Illuminations
Universal Studios Japan
USJ (see the Universal Studios Japan guide) runs its Christmas and winter illumination events throughout December, including the large-scale Minion Christmas lights display. The park is less crowded in December than in summer or spring.
Tempozan Harbour Village
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan area at Tempozan has illumination events and winter attractions along the harbour waterfront.
What to Do in Osaka in December
Food
Osaka’s food culture (see the Osaka food guide) is at its most satisfying in cold weather. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki at Dotonbori food guide are warm street foods. The Kuromon Market (see the Kuromon Market guide) for fresh ingredients. Fugu (blowfish, Osaka’s famous winter delicacy) is in season from December through February at specialist restaurants.
Temples and Castles
Osaka Castle (see the Osaka Castle guide) holds a winter illumination event through December, and the castle grounds are far less crowded than in spring or autumn. The main Shitennoji Temple holds a year-end market on December 21 (similar to Toji in Kyoto).
Shopping
Department store year-end sales run through December. The Shinsaibashi and Namba areas have full Christmas decorations from early December. See the Osaka neighbourhoods guide for an overview of the Osaka shopping district.
Osaka as a December Base
Osaka makes an excellent base for the Kansai region in December. Day trips to Kyoto (15 minutes by JR rapid) and Kobe (20 minutes by JR) are both very easy. See the Osaka 3-day itinerary for the Osaka itinerary and the Japan 7-day itinerary for how Osaka fits into a broader Japan trip.
Nearby Guides
- Japan in December
- Kyoto in December
- Tokyo in December
- Osaka in November
- Osaka 3-day itinerary
- Osaka food guide
- Best places to visit in Japan
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Osaka?
Yes. December has lower crowds than October and November, excellent winter illuminations, great food, and lower hotel prices. The Midosuji Illumination is one of Japan’s finest. See Japan in December.
How cold does Osaka get in December?
Highs of 6 to 12 degrees, depending on which part of December. Lows of 1 to 5 degrees. Colder than Tokyo but drier than Kyoto. A proper winter coat is needed from mid-December.
What is fugu, and where can I eat it in Osaka?
Fugu is Japanese blowfish, a winter delicacy that requires specially licensed chefs to prepare due to its potentially toxic organs. Osaka has Japan’s highest concentration of fugu restaurants, and December to February is peak fugu season. Prices vary from 5,000 to 20,000 yen per person for a fugu course. The Dotonbori and Namba areas have multiple licensed fugu restaurants.
