December is one of the best months to visit Tokyo for those who enjoy cold weather and avoid crowds. The first three weeks are among the quietest of the year. Winter illuminations transform the city’s major shopping districts. And the New Year countdown builds through the final days of the month into one of Japan’s most significant cultural moments.
Quick Answer: Tokyo in December: Cold (7 to 12 degrees in early December, dropping to 5 to 9 degrees by late December). Very dry and sunny. Winter illuminations across Shibuya, Shinjuku, Roppongi, and Odaiba. Quietest crowd levels of the year before December 28. Book New Year accommodation very early. See the Japan in December for the national Japan December guide.
Tokyo Weather in December
Early December (1 to 14)
Highs of 10 to 12 degrees. Lows of 4 to 6 degrees. Dry and often sunny. Conditions are cold but comfortable for city sightseeing with a warm jacket. The last autumn foliage lingers in some parks and gardens.
Mid-December (15 to 22)
Highs of 9 to 11 degrees. Lows of 3 to 5 degrees. Winter illuminations are at their peak. The city builds toward the year-end with increased street decorations.
Late December (23 to 31)
Highs of 7 to 9 degrees. Lows of 1 to 3 degrees. Domestic travel increases sharply from December 28 onward. The city is active through New Year’s Eve and becomes very quiet on New Year’s Day.
What to Pack
A warm winter coat is essential throughout December. Add gloves, a scarf, and warm footwear. See the Japan packing guide for the full seasonal guide.
Tokyo Winter Illuminations
Tokyo’s winter illuminations run from mid-November through February at various locations. In December, all are simultaneously active:
Shibuya Blue Cave (Nakamegawa)
The Nakamegawa riverbank in Nakamegawa and Daikanyama is lined with over 660,000 blue LED lights creating the famous Blue Cave effect. One of Tokyo’s most Instagram-famous winter illuminations. Evening only.
Roppongi Hills Illumination
The outdoor plaza and Keyakizaka street in Roppongi Hills (adjacent to the Tokyo Tower, see Tokyo Tower guide) are lit with white lights. The nearby Midtown also has significant illuminations.
Caretta Shiodome
The canyon-shaped outdoor atrium at Caretta Shiodome (near Ginza) hosts a major light and music show. Free to watch. The light pattern changes and the scale is impressive.
Shinjuku Southern Terrace
The Southern Terrace area adjacent to Shinjuku guide is lit throughout winter. Combined with the Takashimaya Times Square Christmas decorations.
Things to Do in Tokyo in December
Hatsumode Preparation
Major shrines like Meiji Shrine guide begin preparations for New Year around December 28. Visiting Meiji Jingu in late December before the New Year rush is a good way to see the preparation.
Indoor Attractions
December is an excellent month for indoor attractions: teamLab Planets, teamLab Borderless, the Tokyo National Museum (Ueno guide), and the Tokyo Tower guide observation deck all have winter ambience.
Year-End Shopping
Department stores hold year-end sales (nenmatsu sale) throughout December. Fukubukuro (lucky bag) preparations are visible. See the Japan convenience stores guide for the equally excellent convenience store New Year seasonal items.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Tokyo?
Yes, particularly December 1 to 20. This is the least crowded period of the year combined with genuinely beautiful winter illuminations and the crispest, clearest air for city views. See the broader Japan in December and the Tokyo planning guide for full Tokyo planning context.
Nearby Guides
- Japan in December
- Japan in January
- Tokyo planning guide
- Tokyo neighbourhoods guide
- Meiji Shrine guide
- Shinjuku guide
- Shibuya guide
- best places to visit in Japan
FAQ
Does it snow in Tokyo in December?
Very rarely. Tokyo’s annual snow (typically 1 to 3 events per winter) falls most commonly in January and February. A light December snow is possible in late December but not expected. Kyoto has a slightly higher chance. See the Japan in December for more on Japan’s winter climate.
Is Tokyo crowded in December?
December 1 to 20 is one of the least crowded periods of the year in Tokyo. Major attractions are accessible without queues. From December 28 onward, domestic holiday travel increases sharply. See the Japan travel tips for practical Tokyo planning advice.
What is the New Year experience like in Tokyo?
The Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year) at Meiji Shrine guide draws over 3 million visitors across the first three days of January. Watching the midnight countdown and the opening of the year-end markets is a compelling experience despite the crowds. See the Japan in January for the New Year period guide.
