This guide highlights what to expect from the weather, must-see seasonal attractions, and our featured tours you can join and enjoy during your visit.
Weather in December
December in the Tohoku region marks the beginnings of a long winter season highlighted by early sunsets and bitterly cold nights. Winter in Tohoku is famous for dumping buckets of snow across all six prefectures.
Daytime highs in Sendai usually range from about 5°C to 13°C (43°F - 55°F), with an average high of 9°C (48°F). Nighttime temperatures range from about -2°C to 5°C (28°F - 41°F). Most days are overcast with high expectancy of precipitation – typically a wintery mix of rain and snow.
In areas like Koriyama the average highs are 5°C to 12°C (41°F - 53°F) with the average daily temperature at 8°C (46°F). Koriyama in December sees long stretches of cloudy days with high chances of snow and sleet.
Aomori City can see temperatures from 1°C to 9°C (34°F to 48°F). Average highs are around 1°C (41°F) and lows tend to be -2°C (28°F). Aomori is known for its snow – in fact, it is known as the world's snowiest city with an average snowfall of around 8 meters (26 feet) a year. So expect snow practically every day once the wintery months hit.
Overall temperatures throughout all of Tohoku tend to dive during December, with many locations on higher elevation already starting to see snowfall. For those traveling in Tohoku during winter, it's important to stay up to date on weather patterns and news updates of closed roads for the season.
Seasonal Highlights in December
With less crowds and beautiful snowy weather, December is a great time to visit the winter wonderland that is the Tohoku region. Here are a few fun seasonal highlights:
Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen is an old-fashioned, picturesque hot springs town in the Yamagata Prefecture. Many iconic images from this area come from the snowy depths of Yamagata’s winter, but December is a great way to visit without running into too many snowy roads. Originally established around a silver mine, this pedestrian-only hot springs town offers a uniquely antique feel to those who visit. There are traditional ryokans you can stay in as well as foot baths and public baths for day trips. This timeless location is sure to add relaxation to your trip to the north.
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Although the winter season is still technically early in December, it's still a great time to visit one of Tohoku's most famous ski resorts and onsen villages! Zao Onsen is a traditional hot springs town with over 1900 years of history. Their springs are rejuvenating and revitalizing, which is often why they are referred to as "Springs of Beauty." To top it off, with the gracious amounts of snow the mountains get, a unique phenomenon of layer ice and snow atop the trees creates the fascinating "snow monsters." You can take the Zao Ropeway car up the mountain to see these snow monsters, as well as use it for a day of skiing!
Lake Inawashiro
Famous for its glassy reflection of Mt. Bandai in the distance, Lake Inawashiro has attracted travelers to Fukushima Prefecture throughout all four seasons. It is known as “Heavenly Mirror Lake” and is the fourth-largest lake in Japan.
A special highlight for visiting in early winter is seeing the snow capped mountain as well as getting a glimpse of the migrating tundra swans that line the lake shore.
Oyasu Gorge & Hot Springs
Located in the Kurikoma Quasi-National Park, the Oyasu Gorge (Ravine) is famous for its V-shaped cliffs and naturally heated thermal vents and currents. The most famous natural phenomenon at this gorge is called the Daifunto. This is where cracks in the ground's surface allows for eruptions of hot water and steam billowing up into the cold December air. The walking path leading to the gorge's main geyser takes about 30 minutes. In the event of bad weather or road closures, you can view the geyser from Kawarayu Bridge.
Kiritanpo Nabe
A warm and hearty meal perfect for those cold December days. Kiritanpo nabe is a hot pot dish in which rice is cooked in a broth made from chicken bones then seasoned and mashed into a skewer. After it is grilled crispy, the rice skewers are then cut and combined with vegetables and meat into a simmering pot. This meal was and still is a staple in the Akita Prefecture, especially during the long, cold wintery months. You can find kiritanpo nabe at both convenience stores and restaurants pretty much anywhere within the Tohoku region.
Nyuto Onsen
Famous for its eight traditional Japanese-style inns called ryokan, Nyuto Onsen area has over 300 years of history connected to the mountainous eastern Akita prefecture region. The name means "nipple hot spring," and this rather surprising name comes from the suggestive shape of a nearby mountain. However, many visitors have giggled and pointed out that the water's water is often described as milky, which contributes to its suggestive name. The area has ryokans for overnight stays but is also perfect for the day-trip for those who need to continue on in their travels. Nyuto Onsen is about a 30 minute drive from Lake Tazawa and located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park.
Festivals and Events in December
Although cold and snowy, Japan offers some amazing sights in December and a trip to Tohoku is highly recommended. December has some great events that you don't want to miss. Regardless of your destination, the Tohoku region has something for everyone.
Sendai Christmas Market 2026
- December 1st (TUES) - December 25th (FRI)
- Weekdays: 16:00 - 22:00; Saturdays 12:00 - 22:00; Sundays 12:00 - 21:00
- Nishikicho Park, Sendai
During the month of December this park in Sendai, usually famous for its cherry blossom in the spring, gets transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland! With German food stalls, warm hot chocolate and desserts, illuminated photo spots, holiday shops, as well as live music events, this Christmas Market has something for everyone. Let's not forget to mention the light up of Tohoku's largest Christmas Tree which reaches bright into the night sky at 30 meters tall! One highlight souvenir available for purchase is a holiday-themed mug. Every year the mug gets an original design and once they're all sold, they're gone for good. So if you're in Sendai during the holiday season, we highly recommend stopping by the Christmas Market to really feel the magic.
Sendai Pageant of Starlight
- December 4th (FRI) - December 27th (SUN)
- SUN - THURS 18:00 - 21:00; FRI - SAT 18:00 - 22:00; Dec 24 18:00 - 22:00
- Along Jozen-ji Dori Ave
Every year throughout the month of December, Senda's famous Jozen-ji Dori Ave lights up the night with his phenomenal display of holiday magic. Twinkling lights cover the hundreds of zelkova trees that line the city's main street. In total there are about 600,000 lights and many restaurants hold special holiday events and specials throughout the month. It's a perfect time to visit Sendai and see the impressive illumination display for yourself.
Illumination Fireworks Show in Daisen
- December 12th (SAT)
- 16:00 ~ 20:00
Alongside local illumination displays on the eaves of houses, there will be a fantastic holiday fireworks show in the Akita city of Daisen. The fireworks event location will take place at a temporary venue near the address: 23-1 Nishihonmachi, Kakumagawa-cho, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture. The city of Daisen is famous for its Omagari Fireworks Competition in the summer, so locals have invested in keeping the tradition alive all year long with this impressive wintertime fireworks show.
Featured Tours in December
December is the perfect time to visit Japan, especially the Tohoku region. With crowds bound to collect at more popular areas in Tokyo and Kyoto, why not head north to catch some of the vibrant autumn leaves, interesting festivals, and crisp autumn weather? Some of our highlight tours in the region are as follows:
Discover Historic Temples at Hiraizumi's World Heritage Site
Explore the World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi with this scenic walking tour! This tour offers you an in-depth look at significant Buddhist temples in the town of Hiraizumi in the Iwate Prefecture. Motsuji Temple and Chuson-ji Temple are two of the most famous religious sites in the town of Hiraizumi and offer some spectacular views. This tour will cover the cultural significance of the area as well as give you a deeper appreciation for the lengths Japan has gone through to preserve their long, rich history.
Highlights:
- Visit historic temples that feature Pure Land Buddhism
- Learn about the area's importance to the Tohoku region as a World Heritage Site
- Discover the walkable town of Hiraizumi and its local history
- Experience the quiet calm of Japan's less-traveled countryside
New Tour
1-Day Tour from Ichinoseki: Temple Highlights of World Heritage Site Hiraizumi
- Spots:
- Pick-up:
- Ichinoseki
- Drop-off:
Visit one of Japan's Top Three Scenic Spots
Matsushima Bay is conveniently located just 40 minutes north of Sendai Station. This tour will cover many of the interesting highlights of the bayside town, including a stroll through a Zen garden, a visit to a historically important temple, among other things. The lovely trip ends with a comfortable 50-min boat cruise of the bay where you can see some of the 260 pine-clad islands up close.
Highlights:
- Visit two historic zen temples that include traditional gardens and National Important Cultural Properties.
- Travel back in time with a visit to a quaint retro museum
- Get a chance to Taste a Miyagi delicacy, zunda mochi, paired with traditional matcha
- Enjoy one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views via boat cruise of the bay
Small Group
1-Day Tour from Sendai: Matsushima Bay — Highlights from One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views
- Spots:
- Matsushima
- Pick-up:
- Sendai
- Drop-off:
- Sendai
Curious about other Japan regional highlights in December? Check out our INFORMATION page for more details!
Tips for Visiting & Traveling in December
- Shinkansen: Travel to Tohoku is easy and convenient with the JR Pass or JR East Pass.
- Dress in layers: Many areas of Tohoku can fluctuate in temperature, but most areas are quite cold. Some areas where wind is strong can be bitterly chilly too, so dress warm.
- Pack water-resistant shoes: Since some areas may be a wintery mix of rain and snow, it's best to come prepared with shoes that can fight off the cold and wetness.
- Take Advantage of Beautiful Winter Scenery: Especially in late December, many mountainous areas will start to have meters upon meters of fresh snow!
- Indoor Excursions: With rainy or snowy days on the rise, having plans for indoor activities such as museums is a must.
Plan Your December Visit
With the whispers of autumn still hanging on, December is a great time to head north and escape some of the holiday crowds. There are countless was to make the most out of your trip north, especially travelers looking to trek the less-beaten paths. Take advantage of the cold climate and indulge in some gorgeous natural hot springs or hearty, warm cuisine.
December is a fun month to visit Japan with festivals, events, wintery outdoors life, and memorable adventures waiting for you.
Ready to discover Tohoku in December? Explore our seasonal tours and charters to experience the best Tohoku and other regions of Japan have to offer.
Tohoku Throughout the Year
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