Hiroshima in December becomes a beautiful display of lights and festive decorations. Dazzling illuminations are set up all around the prefecture and towering Christmas trees can be found in front of malls and shopping areas. A special Christmas market also opens during the month, in which visitors can participate in workshops, watch performances, purchase goods, and enjoy food and drinks. The appearance and atmosphere of Hiroshima in December cannot be observed any other month of the year, making for a truly unique experience.
Below you will be able to find detailed information about Hiroshima's weather, events, seasonal highlights and much more in the month of December. With this, we hope you are able to make the most of your visit to this wonderful prefecture.
Weather in December
This month is when it truly begins to get cold in Hiroshima, with average temperatures ranging from 3ºC to 12ºC (38ºF to 54ºF). Skies remain mostly clear, but having some days with light rain is not unusual. At this point, it is very unlikely that it will snow in the city of Hiroshima, but some mountainous areas of the prefecture do begin to get some snowfall halfway through the month.
When visiting, you will see most people wearing sweaters, thick jackets or coats, scarfs, and even gloves. If you are used to colder weather, you might be comfortable with only one or two layers. However, those coming from places with warmer climates will most likely feel better with a little more bundling up.
Festivals & Events in December
Hiroshima Dreamination
- November 17th - January 3rd, 17:30-22:30
- Heiwa Ōdōri (Peace Boulevard)
Starting in late November and extending all through the month of December, the Peace Boulevard of Hiroshima becomes a breathtaking illumination known as "Dreamination." This display of more than one million LED lights starts every day at 17:30 and can be enjoyed by visitors for free. If you happen to be in Hiroshima around this time of the year, we encourage you to take a stroll down Peace Boulevard and enjoy the stunning light displays.
Snowboarding & Skiing
- Late December - February
- Northern Hiroshima Prefecture
Skiing and Snowboarding season in Hiroshima usually begins in late December! Most ski resorts start receiving guests around the 20th of December and continue to operate till late February and early March. While Hiroshima is not particularly famous for its winter sports, there are around 10 well-known resorts in the northern part of the prefecture which locals and visitors can enjoy. At this point of the winter season, snow tends to be artificially produced, but authentic snow can be found in some of the higher altitude locations.
Seasonal Highlights in December
Oysters
Hiroshima is Japan's largest oyster producer, accounting for around 60% of the total oyster production in the country and in December this delicacy can be enjoyed at its best flavor. Most people say the best season to enjoy oysters in Japan is winter, thus those visiting Hiroshima during this time should definitely indulge in this local dish. The most delicious oysters can typically be found on Miyajima, and it is one of the main products being sold on the island.
Freshly Produced Sake
Most breweries begin to produce sake in October and November, and given that the brewing process can take around 30 days or more to complete, December is usually the first month in which people can purchase freshly produced sake.
Hiroshima is home to a town called Saijo which is considered one of Japan's "sake capitals" making it an ideal place to buy such a product. Saijo is easily accessible and its multiple breweries are located within 5-minute walks from each other. Around the month of December, some of these breweries start selling freshly pressed sake and if you have the opportunity to purchase a bottle, we highly encourage to do so!
Featured Tours in December
Half-Day Hiroshima Highlights Tour
This half-day tour will take you on a guided walk around the city centre in which you will be able to visit some of the most notable landmarks in Hiroshima. We recommend joining this tour in December as there are less tourists during this time, making visits to places such as the Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome much more intimate and peaceful.
Highlights:
- Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Stroll around and enjoy the natural beauty of the scenic Shukkei-en Garden
- Fold an origami paper crane and offer it at the Children’s Peace Monument
- Admire Hiroshima Castle and learn about the history of the city
Half-Day Saijo Tour: Sake Tasting & Inside Brewery Tour in Hiroshima's "Sake Capital"
This half-day tour of Saijo, one of Japan's sake capitals, will give you the opportunity to sample some local sake from breweries which still produce it using traditional methods. You might even get the rare opportunity to taste or purchase some freshly brewed sake which, as previously mentioned, is first available in the month of December.
Highlights:
- Tour the inside of one of Saijo's historic sake breweries
- Sample a wide variety of sake from multiple breweries
- Gain a thorough understanding of the sake making process
Tips for Visiting & Travel in December
- New Year's Holidays Business Closures – Please note that most shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Japan close from December 29th till January 3rd. Shrines and temples, however, usually remain open all year round.
- Public Transportation Limited Services – Regular train and Shinkansen services usually remain the same, but buses operate on a much more limited schedule during the December 29th - January 3rd period.
- What to Wear – Long-sleeved tops, thick jackets, scarfs, gloves, and winter hats are recommended.
Where to Stay in December
Hiroshima offers a good variety of accommodations, with a decent range of prices and different types of lodging such as hostels, hotels, and ryokans. Below are some suggestions of good areas to stay at within and outside of the city.
- Around Hiroshima Station – Most visitors will arrive to and leave from Hiroshima Prefecture via Hiroshima Station. Many tours, including ours, also have the station as their meeting point. Thus, this is an extremely convenient location with a great variety of hotels to choose from.
- Miyajima Ryokan & Inns – Staying on Miyajima will allow you to enjoy the island early in the morning and late at night when there are very few tourists around. Guests visiting in December might have an easier time booking their accommodations on the island due to the lower demand during this month.
- Near Peace Memorial Park – Booking a hotel near Peace Memorial Park will not only place guests close to the city's most highlighted location, but also right in the city center. Additionally, it is a very convenient area due its abundance of stores, restaurants, bars, karaoke facilities, etc.
For more guidance and thorough details, see our 30 Things to Do Around Hiroshima & Where to Stay page.
Plan Your December Visit
Traveling to Hiroshima in December can make for a charming and delightful trip. While visits to important locations such as the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park can be a sobering experience, the beautiful lights and cheerful holiday spirit around the city demonstrate the perseverance of Hiroshima's people and the remarkable recovery the city has undergone. When planning your visit, we encourage you explore not only Hiroshima's tragic past but also its thriving present.
Ready to discover Hiroshima in December? Take a look through our other tours offered in Hiroshima and its surrounding area to discover the wide range of locations and experiences you can enjoy when visiting Hiroshima.
