December in Kyoto is subtle, serene, and quietly enchanting. The last leaves fall, the air turns crisp, and the temples and lantern-lit streets take on a soft, almost poetic glow. While the deep colors of autumn fade, a different beauty emerges: the clear winter skies, occasional snow dustings, and gentle nighttime illuminations bring out Kyoto’s refined elegance.
Whether you’re wandering through softly lit alleys, participating in age-old rituals, or warming yourself with seasonal food, Kyoto in December feels like a moment of stillness before the New Year rush. This guide brings together what to expect in Kyoto in December — from weather and events to travel tips and suggested tours — so you can experience the city’s quiet winter charm with confidence.
Weather in December
December marks the true entry into winter in Kyoto. The skies are often clear, and the air is dry and crisp.
- Average daytime highs: About 10-12 °C (50-54°F)
- Overnight / early morning lows: Around 3 °C or a little lower
- Snow is rare in the city, though light flurries can occur, especially in higher grounds or temple hillsides
- Be aware: many smaller shops, restaurants, and attractions may close for the New Year period (roughly December 29 to January 3)
Dress warmly in layers. A good coat, scarf, gloves, and perhaps a hat are essential. Sturdy walking shoes are helpful, especially when tracing temple steps or older streets.
Festivals & Events in December
Calendar of Events
While there are many festivals and events happening in Kyoto in November, here are three popular festivals we think you should try to attend.
Winter Highlights in December
- End-of-year rituals: Shrines and temples begin preparations for New Year’s (Oshōgatsu). Ritual cleansings, bell ringing (Joya no Kane), and shrine decorations begin.
- Illuminated paths & temples: Walkable night lights transform familiar temple gardens into magical scenes. The contrast of light, shadow, and ancient architecture is particularly special in Kyoto’s traditional districts.
- Quiet temples & winter calm: After the autumn rush, many temples feel more peaceful in December. Fewer crowds mean better breathing space in places like Ginkaku-ji, Eikandō, or mountain temples farther out.
- Seasonal food culture: Kyoto’s cuisine shifts to warming dishes — nabe (hot pots), oden, come the specialty sweets, and seasonal ingredients like yuzu, chestnuts, persimmons, and white miso. Some restaurants may offer special winter tasting menus.
- Snow-dusted scenes: When light snow arrives (even briefly), the gardens, pagodas, and mossy stone lanterns become enchantingly poetic. It’s fleeting, but magical.
Featured Tours in December
Sacred Peaks and Ancient Paths: The Kurama-Kibune Hiking Experience
December brings a peaceful stillness to the sacred mountains of northern Kyoto. The cedar forests grow quiet under the crisp winter air, and the path between Kurama and Kibune feels serene and contemplative. While the autumn colours have faded, the clear skies, gentle sunlight, and occasional dusting of snow create a tranquil atmosphere perfect for reflection. This hike offers a mix of natural beauty, centuries-old temple traditions, and the timeless charm of two mountain villages connected by an ancient pilgrimage trail.
Highlights:
- Walk the forested temple path from Kurama-dera to Kibune Shrine, following in the footsteps of monks and pilgrims.
- Experience the mystical atmosphere of towering cedar trees touched with the first reds and golds of autumn.
- Enjoy the tranquil riverside setting of Kibune, famous for its shrines and seasonal cuisine.
Sacred Peaks and Scenic Views: Mt. Hiezan, Enryakuji Temple and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine
December is a peaceful and contemplative time to explore Mount Hiei, the spiritual heart of Japanese Tendai Buddhism. The mountain’s crisp winter air and quiet trails offer a serene atmosphere for visiting Enryakuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most important monastic complexes, and Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, guardian of the mountain. With panoramic views that stretch across snow-dusted landscapes and Lake Biwa shimmering below, this private tour reveals the calm beauty and sacred history of Mount Hiei in winter.
Highlights:
- Explore Enryakuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of Buddhist history.
- Visit Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, the ancient protector of Mount Hiei, surrounded by nature in its autumn dress.
- Take in sweeping views over Kyoto, Lake Biwa, and the surrounding mountains, especially atmospheric in October.
Sacred Stone and Flowing Silk: Arashiyama Temples, Bamboo Forests, and Maiko River Cruise
December brings a quiet elegance to Arashiyama, as the autumn colours fade into winter’s soft light and the Katsura River reflects the calm of the season. Guided by Kohaku, a former maiko, this tour offers a rare glimpse into Kyoto’s geisha traditions while exploring Arashiyama’s timeless beauty. Stroll through the Bamboo Forest, visit the serene stone temples of Atago Nenbutsu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, and enjoy a private Hozu River boat ride as Kohaku shares stories of art, ritual, and life in Kyoto’s hanamachi.
It’s an intimate and unforgettable journey that blends Kyoto’s seasonal splendour with its living traditions — perfect for travellers seeking both cultural depth and scenic wonder.
Highlights:
- Stroll through Arashiyama’s iconic Bamboo Forest, framed by peak autumn foliage.
- Visit Atago Nenbutsu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, hidden temples filled with hundreds of smiling stone figures.
- Enjoy a private Hozu River boat ride with Kohaku, a former maiko, as your cultural guide.
- Experience the warmth of Kyoto’s hospitality and storytelling amid the calm of autumn nature.
More Ways to Visit Kyoto
Alongside our guided tours, we also offer Private Charters in Kyoto. These are perfect for travellers who prefer private transport, customised itineraries, or more flexibility in planning their day. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a group, charters provide comfort and convenience while still letting you experience the best of the village and surrounding region.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in December
- Check closures: Many smaller shops and venues close between December 29 and January 3 — plan around that window.
- Illumination schedules: Light displays usually start at dusk (around 5 p.m. or earlier) and run until late evening. Check times in advance.
- Arrive early at popular sites (especially during light events) to secure best vantage points and avoid crowds.
- Dress carefully for cold nights: Layers, gloves, warm socks, hats — late walks and temple nights get chilly.
- Use public transport wisely: Evening trains and buses to illumination districts can be crowded. Guided transport can help.
- Be flexible: If an illumination or event is canceled or schedule changes, have alternatives like indoor museums, tea houses, or temple visits.
Where to Stay in December
Central Kyoto (Gion, Higashiyama, Kawaramachi): Still the most convenient, especially for access to nighttime illuminations and evening strolls.
Arashiyama / western Kyoto: If your tours lean toward the western side and you want early access to light paths and nature.
Uji / Ohara / outskirts: Quieter stays, with a chance to wake up to frost or even snow in the hills before city crowds arrive.
Book well ahead: December is a high season for Kyoto, especially around Christmas and New Year. The best places will go fast.
Wherever you choose to stay, autumn is one of the busiest times of year, so it’s best to make arrangements well in advance. For more guidance, see our Where to Stay In Kyoto and Nara page.
Plan Your December Visit
December in Kyoto is an elegant quiet season — the rush of autumn gives way to clarity, light, ritual, and calm. While the days shorten and the air chills, the city softens into glowing lanterns, softly lit gardens, and slower footsteps.
If you time your tours to match temple illuminations, nighttime rituals, and seasonal highlights, you’ll find Kyoto in its subtle, introspective best. A guided experience can help you navigate shifts in schedule, transport, and insider views so you soak in the winter magic rather than manage logistics.
