Embrace the quiet majesty of Toyama in December, a month where the landscape slowly transforms into a living ink-wash painting. As the lingering warmth of autumn surrenders to the pristine whites of early winter, the prefecture offers a travel experience defined by profound tranquility and stark beauty. Here, the crisp air with the silhouette of the Northern Alps in the distance invite a slower, more contemplative pace of exploration. From the snow-capped embrace of heritage villages to the steaming warmth of secluded hot springs, December invites you to witness Toyama at its most atmospheric and elegant.
Weather in December
December in Toyama marks the definitive arrival of winter, bringing significantly colder temperatures and a shift from autumn rain to snow. In the plains and coastal areas, daytime temperatures drop noticeably, averaging between 4°C and 8°C. Nights are often cold, hovering just above freezing at 1°C to 3°C. While the early days of the month may see cold rain, this quickly transitions into snowfall, particularly as the month progresses, requiring a sturdy coat and waterproof footwear even for city exploration.
In the mountain regions, deep winter has fully set in, and conditions can be quite severe. With the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route now closed for the season, the high peaks are locked in snow and silence. Temperatures in other elevated areas, such as Gokayama and the slopes around Unazuki, stay consistently below freezing, often ranging from -5°C to -2°C during the day and dropping even further at night. Heavy snowfall is the norm here, rapidly accumulating into thick blankets. Travelers venturing into these areas should be prepared with serious winter gear, including snow boots and thermal layers, to handle the freezing conditions and frequent snow.
Seasonal Highlights in December
Snowpiad White Illumination
The chill of the December air is beautifully countered by the spectacular Toyama Snowpiad White Illumination, an annual display that transforms the city center into a shimmering, festive urban landscape. Running from early December and lasting well into the new year, this brilliant display concentrates its glow around the Toyama Station South Gate area and the historic grounds of Toyama Castle Park. Thousands of elegant white and blue lights drape trees and structures, casting a soft, spectacular ambiance that encourages a magical evening promenade and perfectly blends the modern energy of the city with the serene, elegant beauty of the winter season.
Beautiful Winter Snowscapes
December paints Toyama's diverse geography with the defining whites of winter, creating two distinct yet equally spectacular snowscapes. Inland, the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Gokayama—specifically Ainokura and Suganuma—receive their first heavy blankets, transforming the unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses into scenes of profound, silent beauty, where the thatched roofs hold the snow like frosting in a deep mountain valley.
In striking contrast, the Amaharashi Coast near Takaoka offers a dramatic vista unparalleled in Japan: a clear winter day reveals the magnificent, snow-covered peaks of the Tateyama Mountain Range rising across the dark blue waters of Toyama Bay, presenting a stunning natural fusion of frozen peaks and rolling waves.
Hot Onsen for the Chilly Weather
With the air turning crisp, there’s nothing better than relaxing in an open-air hot spring while surrounded by autumn leaves. Unazuki Onsen, the starting point for the Kurobe Gorge Railway outside of winter, is particularly popular. Beyond the Kurobe area, you can also find other excellent options. Additionally, in the southern part of the prefecture, Shogawa Onsen offers relaxing riverside baths amidst the beautiful autumn scenery of the Shogawa River.
Winter Seafood Delicacies
December's profound chill signals the start of the season for Toyama's cuisine, headlined by the celebrated Kanburi (Winter Yellowtail). Caught in the frigid waters of Himi Bay, this magnificent fish reaches its peak richness, offering an unparalleled, buttery flavor that melts upon the palate. Alongside this delicacy, the prized Beni-zuwaigani (Red Snow Crab) contributes its own distinct, sweet savor to the opulent winter table. Together, these coastal treasures transform the cold evenings into a true gastronomic spectacle, perfectly mirroring the visual splendor that defines the season.
Featured Tours in December
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Beautiful Amaharashi, A Big Buddha and the Shogawa Valley River Cruise
November is an excellent month for exploring the Amaharashi Coast and the historic city of Takaoka. As the fall colors in the mountains come to a close, a different kind of beauty emerges along the coast. The cooler weather and the crisp, clear air often create dramatic, cloud-filled backdrops for the iconic views of the Amaharashi Coast, where the sea and mountains meet. This tour beautifully combines stunning coastal scenery with the rich cultural heritage of Takaoka. It's a perfect time to experience the region's serene, late-autumn atmosphere and the rich history of the city.
Highlights:
- Capture photos of the Amaharashi Coast, where the sea, mountains, and trees meet.
- See the famous Takaoka Big Buddha and the traditional streets of the city.
- Take a river cruise through the scenic Shogawa Valley.
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
December transforms the quaint, traditional landscape of the Japanese countryside into a quiet winter sanctuary, offering an unparalleled view of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. These villages, with their beautifully preserved gassho-style houses, become utterly magical as they are dusted with the season’s first snow, revealing the profound, over 250-year-old history of Japan's farming communities in a setting of serene, white elegance.
On the journey from Kanazawa, the tour includes a stop in the historic town of Inami, where the enduring tradition of woodcarving provides a warm, engaging contrast to the cold outside; here, you can admire expert craftsmanship and even try your hand at Japanese style paper making, a local craft. Enjoy a full day bus tour from Kanazawa that seamlessly connects the breathtaking, snow-dusted majesty of the World Heritage homes with the unique, living artistic traditions thriving in the mountains.
Highlights:
- Visit the town of wood carvers in Inami, where you will walk through a street that is still home to masters of the craft and then see Zuisenji, a 300-year-old temple known for its beautiful carvings.
- Try your hand at traditional Japanese paper making in Gokayama.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site village of Shirakawa-go and enter one of the homes to get more of a feel for the history and excellent craftsmanship of the area.
- ***December 27 - January 5rd: There is no papermaking experience on these days. We apologize for the inconvenience.***
Best Selling
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
More Ways to Visit Toyama
Beyond our guided tours, we provide private charters and flexible travel options to Toyama. These are an excellent choice for travelers who prefer a personalized itinerary or the comfort of a private vehicle. Charters are ideal for families, couples, or groups who want to experience the best of Toyama and the surrounding region with complete convenience and freedom.
COMING SOON!
Local News & Travel Updates
- Crowds & Travel Tips - December in Toyama marks the definitive end of autumn foliage and the scenic shift to early winter, ushering in a period of striking silence and profound natural contrast. The vibrant hues of the valleys have completely faded, replaced by the deep blues and whites that define the winter landscape, culminating in the closure of seasonal attractions like the Kurobe Gorge Railway. The air is crisp and cold, signaling the imminent arrival of heavy snow, particularly in the mountain regions. Consequently, while the tourist crowds thin significantly, visitors who arrive in December are rewarded with the first majestic snowscapes, offering a serene and highly atmospheric viewing experience before the peak winter season begins.
The New Year's period can be quite busy with tourists but at the same time many businesses are closed. So, please be aware.
- Transport Updates - December dramatically changes the focus of transportation planning in Toyama; with the seasonal routes like the Kurobe Gorge Railway and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route fully closed, the main priority shifts to safe winter travel. While the lowlands are manageable, traveling to scenic destinations like Gokayama or the secluded Onsen areas requires specialized vehicles and expertise in navigating potentially snow-covered roads.
- Onsen Towns in Season - December presents the ultimate opportunity to indulge in Toyama's hot spring resorts, transforming the experience into a magical, steaming refuge from the deep winter chill. Resorts like the renowned Unazuki Onsen remain essential escapes, offering open-air baths where you can soak in the therapeutic warm waters, now surrounded by frost or the season's first snow, greatly enhancing the sense of profound tranquility. With the remote gorge baths now inaccessible due to seasonal railway closures, the focus shifts to retreats like the scenic riverside baths at Shogawa Onsen, which provide a peaceful winter sanctuary against snow-dusted river banks. Meanwhile, the unique Omaki Onsen, which remains accessible by a memorable boat journey on the Shogawa River, becomes an even more coveted and unforgettable secluded haven—a perfect reward for the dedicated traveler seeking warmth and solace amidst the quiet elegance of the cold landscape.
Where to Stay in December
December demands choosing an accommodation base that provides warmth and seamless access to Toyama's celebrated winter experiences, as the landscape settles into a serene, snow-dusted quiet. The area offers diverse options, from cozy ryokan nestled in hot spring towns like Unazuki, offering a steaming refuge and beautiful snow views, to historic inns near Gokayama for access to the magical gassho-zukuri snowscapes.
Alternatively, staying in a modern city hotel near Toyama Station provides optimal access to the Snowpiad Illumination and quick trips to the coastal areas like Himi, guaranteeing the freshest winter seafood. By planning your stay thoughtfully, you can select the perfect base that aligns with the season's primary draws: authentic warmth, elegant snow beauty, and unparalleled culinary delights.
- Toyama City – Toyama City serves as an excellent base for exploring its own vibrant urban attractions, like the winter illuminations, while offering crucial, convenient access to the region's most celebrated December features, from the serene, snow-dusted gassho villages of Gokayama to the coastal ports of Himi, where the season's finest seafood awaits.
- Unazuki Onsen – Staying in Unazuki Onsen in December is ideal for travelers who seek a steaming, luxurious refuge, offering serene open-air baths where one can immerse themselves in the deep winter chill while observing the snow-dusted banks of the Kurobe River.
- Takaoka – An excellent choice for those interested in exploring the city's rich history and traditional crafts, while also being well-positioned to visit the nearby Amaharashi Coast
- Gokayama – Ideal for those seeking a tranquil and traditional experience, as you can see the World Heritage gassho-zukuri farmhouses beautifully framed by a pristine blanket of the season's first snow, enhancing their profound and ancient beauty.
Wherever you choose to stay, winter is one of the busiest times of year, so it’s best to make arrangements well in advance. For more guidance, see our Best Places to Stay in Toyama.
Plan Your December Visit to Hokuriku
December illuminates Toyama and the wider Hokuriku region as nature and culture truly shine in the serene elegance of early winter, offering a rich blend of culinary flavor, profound culture, and snow-dusted landscapes. In Kanazawa, the iconic Kenrokuen Garden is beautifully prepared with yukitsuri (snow ropes) that create a sculptural display against the fresh white blanket, while the historic teahouse districts gain an added layer of cozy, atmospheric charm.
Further south in Fukui, the majestic Eiheiji Temple is framed by ancient trees that lend a spectacular silence and grandeur to the winter scene. With so much to see and the specialized transport needs of winter, planning ahead remains the key to making the most of your trip—whether that means securing warm accommodation early or joining a guided tour to take the hassle out of navigating the snow and reserving celebrated dining experiences.
