December is when Japan trades autumn color for winter light, and the first three weeks are the sweet spot to see it. Early in the month, between the autumn leaves and the holiday rush, the country settles into one of its calmer stretches of the year.
The Pacific side turns dry and sunny, while the mountains and the north go white as the snow season settles in. The final week is different: the New Year holiday closes many places and fills the trains, so timing matters.
This guide covers weather, seasonal highlights, featured tours, festivals and events, travel tips, and FAQs for Japan in December.
Weather in December
December is cold everywhere in Japan, but how cold and how wet depends on which side of the mountains you are on.
| Region | December Avg High (°C) | December Avg Low (°C) |
| Tokyo | 12.9 | 4.2 |
| Kyoto | 12.9 | 4.2 |
| Osaka | 13.8 | 5.8 |
| Nagoya | 12.8 | 4.1 |
| Nagano | 8.3 | -1.4 |
| Takayama | 7.6 | -1.0 |
| Kanazawa | 12.3 | 4.7 |
| Hiroshima | 13.1 | 4.5 |
| Sapporo | 2.8 | -3.1 |
On the Pacific side, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Hiroshima settle into their driest and sunniest stretch of the year. Clear blue skies are the norm, and afternoons can feel mild in the sun even when mornings sit close to freezing.
The Sea of Japan side is a different story. Cold winds from the continent pick up moisture crossing the sea and drop it on the coast, so Kanazawa sees frequent rain, sleet and grey skies, and the first snow of the season usually arrives by December.
Inland and further north, winter is fully underway. Nagano and Takayama get regular snowfall and freezing nights, and in Sapporo the snow typically settles in for the rest of the season during the month.
These are also the shortest days of the year, with the sun setting in Tokyo around 4:30 pm. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon, and save the evening for illuminations, onsen and indoor stops.
What to Pack
- A warm coat, plus layers you can take off indoors, since trains, shops and restaurants are well heated
- Gloves, a hat and a scarf for evenings out at the illuminations
- Waterproof boots with good grip if Nagano, Hokkaido or the Sea of Japan coast is on your route
- A compact umbrella for the Sea of Japan side, where rain and sleet are common
- Lip balm and moisturizer, as the air on the Pacific side is very dry
- Warm socks and shoes that slip on and off easily, since you will take your shoes off at temples, ryokan and some restaurants
- If you need extra warmth, kairo (disposable heat packs) are sold cheaply at any convenience store
Seasonal Highlights in December
December is when Japan settles into winter. The month brings the year's brightest illuminations, a run of year-end traditions, the best of the winter table, and the arrival of snow in the mountains.
Winter Illuminations
The sun sets early in December, which leaves plenty of time each evening for the illuminations. Cities light up tree-lined avenues and whole parks from late November, and most displays run through Christmas, with some lasting into the new year.
Sapporo's White Illumination runs from late November to mid-March, and its centerpiece in Odori Park glows through Christmas, often with snow already on the ground. Tokyo's avenues in Marunouchi and Roppongi glow gold and blue, and Osaka strings lights along Midosuji, its main boulevard, for about four kilometers, lit every evening until New Year's Eve. Christmas in Japan is a holiday for couples rather than families, so the most popular spots are busiest on the evenings of the 24th and 25th.
Year-End Traditions
December is when Japan closes out the year, and the rituals start well before New Year's Eve. In Tokyo, stalls at Sensoji sell hagoita (decorated wooden paddles) at the year-end market from December 17 to 19. In Kyoto, the last monthly markets at Toji on December 21 and Kitano Tenmangu on December 25 are the biggest of the year.
Bonenkai (year-end parties) fill restaurants and izakaya all month. On New Year's Eve, temples ring joya no kane, a bell struck 108 times to clear away the troubles of the old year, and many let visitors take a turn.
Plan around the holiday shutdown. From around December 29 into early January, many museums, restaurants and smaller attractions close, while trains and highways fill with people heading home.
Winter Food
The cold brings Japan's best winter food. Hiroshima farms more oysters than anywhere else in Japan, and they are plump and in season now. Osaka turns to fugu (pufferfish) hot pot, and snow crab season is in full swing along the Sea of Japan coast.
Snow Season Settles In
Hokkaido and the high peaks of the Japan Alps often see their first snow in November, but December is when it reaches the places most travelers actually go. Ski resorts in Hokkaido and Nagano open through the month, and at Jigokudani, the snow monkeys soak in their hot spring as the snow starts to settle around them. Snow cover builds through the month and becomes most reliable from January, so late December gives the best odds of the classic snowy scene.
Featured Tours in December
Our featured tours for December are made for cold weather. Each one pairs a day out in the winter landscape with something warm, from a hot spring to a bowl of fresh soba. They run from the snowy mountains of Nagano to the Kiso Valley and the Seto Inland Sea.
Snow Play and Snow Monkeys in Nagano
This tour opens its season in late December, starting with a morning of sledding and snow scoots at Shiga Kogen, Japan's largest ski resort, followed by a hot pot lunch to warm up. The afternoon heads down the forest trail to Jigokudani, where the snow monkeys soak in their hot spring. Its late start works in your favor, since the second half of the month gives December's best odds of a snowy scene at the park.
Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour / December - March
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
This family friendly tour combines the two things Nagano is best known for - monkeys, and copious amounts of snow! You will begin the day by boarding our tour bus and being whisked off to Shiga Kogen, Japan's largest ski resort. There, you will have the chance to try out many different kinds of snow toys, including sleds, snow bikes, and more. Once you have had your fill of playing in the snow, a filling lunch will be served to warm you up and prepare you for the next part of the tour - the Snow Monkey Park. Located just at the bottom of Shiga Kogen, a short drive will have you ready to start your walk into the park these furry residents call home. With winter in full swing, the snow will be deep and the monkeys will be in the bath, completely relaxed even with people standing mere feet from them. Doable from Tokyo as a day trip, this tour is a great way to get your fill of snow if you are doing a winter trip to Japan.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21
Make Your Own Soba in the Kiso Valley
On New Year's Eve, families across Japan eat toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles), and this day in the Kiso Valley lets you make your own from scratch with a local chef. The morning visits a Ji-Kabuki theater, home to the village kabuki that rural communities have staged for generations, where you can meet an actor and go backstage. The day ends in Magome-juku, a post town on the old Nakasendo road, with time to wander its sloping wooden streets.
Recommended Tour: Embark on a scenic escape to the mountains and immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan’s Kiso Valley as you explore the rich history and traditions of the villages along the Nakasendo Trail on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Local Traditions of the Nakasendo Road.
Delight in a hands-on soba-making workshop where you’ll create and savor this iconic dish. Explore a traditional Kabuki theater and learn about the region’s favorite pastime. Wander through the picturesque streets of Magome-juku, a historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail, and soak in the tranquil surroundings.
Small Group
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Soba Cooking Class & Nakasendo Traditions
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Winter in Hiroshima and Miyajima
This day pairs Hiroshima's city center with the island of Miyajima, starting at Shukkei-en Garden, the castle ruins and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum before a ferry runs straight from the park to the island. The afternoon brings Itsukushima Shrine, its great torii gate standing in the sea, and Daisho-in Temple. Oysters are in season too, and around two hours of free time on Miyajima's main shopping street is a good chance to try them grilled in the place many say does them best.
1 Day Walking Tour in Hiroshima & Miyajima / All Year Round
Operating all year round, this Hiroshima & Miyajima tour is designed so that those visiting Hiroshima for just one day are able to explore the prefecture's most famous and iconic locations. Starting within the city, guests will be able to tour important cultural spots such as the Shukkei-en garden and Hiroshima Castle. You will of course also be making a stop at Peace Memorial Park, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the impact that the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima and how the city was able to recover thereafter. The park is full of monuments dedicated to those who lost their lives due to the bombing, and it is also the place where one can find the emblematic Atomic Bomb Dome. Additionally, guests will be able to tour the Peace Memorial Museum, which displays the artifacts and stories of the bombing victims.
A visit to Hiroshima is of course not complete without a stop by Miyajima, a scenic island located not too far from the city. Miyajima is most well-known for its iconic "floating" O-torii gate and shrine; however, the island still has a lot more to offer. With plenty of delicious delicacies to sample, deer roaming around freely, a fantastic scenery, and many other shrines and temples to visit, Miyajima is without a doubt one of the most scenic locations in all of Japan, and a must-see for those visiting Hiroshima for the first time.
You can find out more information about this tour by clicking the "View Details" button above. Or, if you've already made up your mind and are interested in joining us, click the "Book Now" button and get ready to enjoy the best that Hiroshima has to offer!
Major Festivals & Events Across Japan in December
Tokyo
- Chichibu Night Festival (December 2 and 3): A day trip from Tokyo into Saitama for one of Japan's three great float festivals, with towering lantern-lit floats hauled up a steep slope and winter fireworks overhead. December 3 is the main night.
- Ako Gishisai, Sengakuji (December 14): A procession of 47 volunteers dressed as the 47 ronin marches from near Tokyo Tower to Sengakuji, the temple where the real samurai are buried, on the anniversary of their famous revenge.
Kyoto
- Daikon-daki, Senbon Shakado (December 7 and 8): Huge pots of daikon radish are blessed and simmered in the temple grounds, and eating a bowl is said to keep you healthy through the winter.
- Okera Mairi, Yasaka Shrine (December 31 to January 1): From New Year's Eve into New Year's Day, visitors carry home sacred fire from the shrine on a length of bamboo rope, a charm for protection in the year ahead.
Osaka
Osaka Hikari-Renaissance (December 11 to 25): Nakanoshima, the island between Osaka's rivers, becomes an outdoor gallery of light, with projection mapping on the historic Central Public Hall as its centerpiece.
Nagoya
Nabana no Sato Illumination (through December and onwards): Half an hour from Nagoya, millions of LEDs fill a flower park in Mie, including a light tunnel around 200 meters long. From December 23 to 25, entry is by a Christmas special ticket that is not sold at the gate, so book ahead.
Nagano
- Nagano Christmas Market (December 11 to 25): Lights, local crafts and food trucks gather at the park outside Nagano Station's East Exit.
- Joya no Kane, Zenkoji (December 31): One of Japan's oldest temples rings out the year, and visitors can join in.
Best Selling / Special Offer
Zenkoji Temple Stay, Sake & Buddhist Traditions: An Overnight Cultural Experience
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
Kanazawa
Yukizuri at Kenrokuen (all month): Gardeners finish tying yukizuri, rope cones that protect the pine branches from heavy snow, giving one of Japan's great gardens its distinctive winter look.
Hiroshima
- Hiroshima Dreamination (from December 4): Peace Boulevard lights up with themed displays every evening, running into late January.
- Chinka-sai, Miyajima (December 31): At 6 pm on New Year's Eve, around a thousand torches are lit from the sacred fire of Itsukushima Shrine and carried along the shore in a ritual to ward off fire in the new year.
Sapporo
Munich Christmas Market (through December 25): Wooden stalls in Odori Park serve mulled wine, sausages and German treats, celebrating Sapporo's sister-city ties with Munich.
Travel Tips & Local News
- Plan around the New Year shutdown: From around December 29 to January 3, many museums, smaller restaurants and independent shops close, along with banks and government offices. Convenience stores, major shrines and most hotels stay open, so check opening days for anything specific on your list.
- Book transport early for the year-end rush: Shinkansen and flights out of the big cities fill up from around December 26 to 30 as people head home for the holiday, and the return wave hits in the first days of January. Reserve seats as soon as your dates are set.
- Book Christmas Eve dinner ahead: Christmas is an evening for couples in Japan, and popular restaurants fill on the 24th. It is also when much of the country eats fried chicken and strawberry shortcake, with KFC taking orders weeks in advance.
- Dress for two climates: The Pacific cities need a warm coat and layers. If Nagano, Hokkaido or the Sea of Japan coast is on your route, add waterproof boots with good grip, as pavements and trails can be icy.
FAQs About Visiting Japan in December
Is December a good time to visit Japan?
Yes, especially the first three weeks. The Pacific side is dry and sunny, the illuminations and winter food are at their best, and snow is arriving in the mountains. The main thing to plan around is the New Year holiday at the end of the month, when many places close and trains fill up.
Is December cold in Japan?
Yes, though how cold depends on where you are. Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima are cool to cold, with mornings close to freezing, while Nagano, Takayama and Sapporo regularly drop below freezing and see snow. The weather table above gives the averages for each region.
Does it snow in Japan in December?
In Hokkaido, the Japan Alps and along the Sea of Japan coast, yes, and ski resorts open through the month. Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto rarely see snow in December.
Can I see the snow monkeys in the snow in December?
The snow monkeys of Jigokudani visit their hot spring all year round. Snow usually starts to settle around them in December and becomes most reliable from January, so late December gives the best odds of the classic snowy scene.
Is Christmas celebrated in Japan?
Yes, but not as a public holiday, and December 25 is a normal working day. Christmas is celebrated as an evening for couples, with illuminations, Christmas cake and fried chicken rather than family gatherings and gifts.
What is open in Japan over New Year?
Convenience stores, major shrines and temples, and most hotels stay open, and the shrines are at their busiest as people make their first visit of the year. Many museums, restaurants and smaller shops close from around December 29 to January 3, so check ahead for anything specific.
What festivals happen in Japan in December?
Highlights include the Chichibu Night Festival on December 2 and 3, the 47 ronin procession at Sengakuji on December 14, and illuminations across the country through Christmas. New Year's Eve brings Chinka-sai on Miyajima, Okera Mairi at Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine, and temple bells rung 108 times nationwide.
Plan Your December Visit
December rewards travelers who plan around its two halves. The first three weeks bring clear skies on the Pacific side, the season's best lights and food, and snow arriving in the mountains, while the final week belongs to the New Year holiday.
Tips for Planning
- Aim for the first three weeks if you want everything open
- If you will be in Japan over New Year, book transport and hotels early and plan for closures from around December 29
- Pack for snow if Nagano, Hokkaido or the Sea of Japan coast is on your route
- Book Christmas Eve dinners and Nabana no Sato's Christmas special tickets ahead
- Check festival dates before you go, as some shift from year to year
Ready to experience Japan in December?
With Snow Monkey Resorts, you can create a fully personalized, multi-day Japan itinerary by connecting our one-day tours, giving you ultimate flexibility, convenience, and expert local guidance every step of the way.
Learn how to create your one-of-a-kind itinerary, or explore our recommended itineraries, and start planning your December trip today.
