December is still a great time to visit Tokyo. While it doesn't snow much, if at all, in the metropolis, it is still chilly. But what better time to check out the lovely sights and trendy cafes around the city and pick up a nice hot drink! Taking a day trip outside of the city is a great way to be able to experience snow, while not being as expensive as staying in a ski-resort or hot spring area. BE CAREFUL - many places close for the New Year's holidays from January 1st - 3rd and some starting as early as December 29th.
This guide brings together everything you need to know about the Tokyo area in December. Joining a guided tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the area without the stress of queues or missed connections, letting you focus on the views, the food, and the charm of Japan's largest city.
Weather in December
December days in Tokyo are very much winter temperatures. The average temperature high and lows range from around 9°C - 16°C (48°F - 60°F) in the beginning of the month and 3°C - 11°C (37°F - 52°F) towards the end of the month.
Unfortunately, all of the burning red and oranges of the trees are gone by this time. However, there is a chance to see the iconic scenes of Tokyo and the surrounding areas with a blanket of white snow covering them. Heading just an hour or two outside of the city could get you unforgettable views!
Festivals and Events
Tokyo has anything and everything for anyone and everyone! Here are some events going on in December that you should check out in the greater Tokyo area:
Winter Illuminations
Dates: early November - end of December
Location: Country-wide
Popular Tokyo Area Locations:
- Roppongi Hills
- Enoshima
- Tokyo Skytree
- Shibuya Blue Cave
- Omotesando Illumination
- Tokyo Mega Illumination
The beginning of November is when most locations across the country start putting up their light decorations. Whether it's for the autumn leaves or winter holidays, there are plenty of locations to get your fill of the seasonal spirit. Roppongi Hills will give you a view like the picture above with trees covered in white lights and Tokyo Tower lit up in the distance. Enoshima allows you to spend a day relaxing at a popular seaside town and visiting shrines and temples in Kamakura before heading to the island. Check out our Kamakura tour for an easy way to experience the Enoshima illuminations.
Christmas Markets
Dates: Friday, November 21st - Thursday, December 25th
Location: Varying locations
Popular Christmas Markets:
- Meiji Jingu Gaien
- Shiba Park
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
- Roppongi Hills
Another popular activity during this time is going to a Christmas market. Christmas markets feature a wide variety of European-style foods and drinks, as well as some limited-edition mugs and items. The markets will be taking place in Meiji Jingu Gaien from November 21st and Shiba Park from December 5th. Another popular Christmas market is the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market that also starts from November 21st. These are perfect places to spend an evening and warm up with a mug full of hot chocolate!
Tokyo Comic Con / Jump Fes / Winter Comiket
Dates and Location:
- Tokyo Comic Con - Dec. 5 - 7th @ Makuhari Messe
- Jump Festa - Dec. 20 - 21st @ Makuhari Messe
- Comic Market (Comiket) - Dec. 30 - 31st @ Tokyo Big Sight
For any of you comic, manga, or anime lovers out there, there are a few events in December you won't want to miss. The month starts with Tokyo Comic Con, then Jump Festa for all things Jump magazine, and finally Comic Market (Comiket). Tokyo Comic Con is Japan's chance to meet the big western stars with guests including Norman Reedus and Elijah Wood. Jump Festa has news and merch for Jump titles such as One Piece, Dragonball, and more. Comic Market is the biggest event for independent publishers and cosplay, held once in the summer and once in the winter every year.
Be sure to get your tickets beforehand so you aren't left out in the cold!
Flea Markets
Dates and Locations:
- Oi Racecourse Flea Market - Dec. 27th @ Oi Racecourse
- Ajinomoto BIG Flea Market - Dec. 27th @ Ajinomoto Tokyo Stadium
- Naritasan Kawagoe Flea Market - Dec. 28th @ Kawagoe Betsu-in Temple
- Tokyo Romantic Flea Market - Dec. 28th @ Bellesalle Shibuya Garden
Flea markets are always a popular event in Japan. Many towns and cities hold them at least once a month, so don't worry if you won't be able to make these! The big ones for the Tokyo area in December include the Oi Racecourse, Ajinomoto Stadium, Naritasan Kawagoe, and Tokyo Romantic flea markets. Here you can find over 100 stalls selling goods from antiques to clothes to plants. Be sure to get there early in the morning for the best finds!
New Years Celebrations
Date: December 31st
Popular activities:
- Yokohama Pier Fireworks and Chinatown Temple Countdown
- Yokosuka Countdown at Verny Park
- Tokyo Bay Countdown Cruise
- Hakone Shrine Fireworks Festival
- Meiji Jingu
- Tokyo Clubs
Worried you're going to miss out on New Year's celebrations while on vacation? Have no fear. Seeing New Year’s fireworks in Tokyo or going to a shrine for a spiritual experience unlike any other, you'll have plenty of options. Some options for fireworks are Yokohama, Yokosuka, and Hakone Shrine. If you're really looking to let loose, there are some club countdowns at places like WOMB and ATOM in Shibuya / Shinjuku or WARP and T2 in Shinjuku.
If you're looking for something more relaxing, why not book a table on the Tokyo Bay Countdown Cruise. Enjoy dinner and the city lights as you ring in the new year. You could also head to a nearby shrine or temple if you're looking for a spiritual experience and a chance to have a warm cup of 'amazake' (sweet sake).
Featured Tours in December
1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima: Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea
Highlights:
- The opportunity to have a traditional matcha and Japanese sweet experience in a Bamboo forest and temple!
- Feed Japanese Koi in a beautiful Japanese garden and pond!
- See the Great Buddha of Kamakura and go inside this amazing statue!
- Ride the iconic ’Enoden’ train through the picturesque streets and alongside the sea!
- Go to the top of Enoshima Island’s observatory and take in panoramic views of the sea of Japan and the coastline!
Kamakura is a popular day trip to do during your trip to Tokyo as it’s only just over 60 minutes away from Shinjuku station. This tour is a great opportunity to venture out and see a different part of Japan but with the ease of still being close to the city!
1 Day Tour: Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park
Highlights:
- Experience one of Japan’s most famous World Heritage sites and National Parks!
- See Nikko’s beautiful wood carvings of the famous ’Three Wise Monkeys’ and the ’Sleeping Cat’!
- See the resting place of Japan’s most famous Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Walk through a gorge filled with ’Jizo’ statues and see a waterfall!
- Enjoy exploring a traditional and historic Imperial villa and garden!
Get out of Tokyo and step back in time to Tochigi prefecture and explore the famous Nikko World Heritage Site and national park of Nikko! If you want to see some of Japan's most beautiful and culturally significant temples, shrines, traditional architecture and natural landmarks, then this tour is for you.
*this tour does not operate from Nov - March due to local seasonal business hours
Mount Fuji Day Trip: Adventure around Lake Kawaguchiko
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip from Tokyo to see Mount Fuji with an English speaking guide!
- Visit three popular vantage points to see Mount Fuji from different perspectives!
- Visit a unique museum and get up close to beautiful kimono!
- Enjoy a ropeway ride and enjoy views of Mount Fuji, and across Lake Kawaguchiko!
This tour has been designed to ensure customers will have opportunities to see Mount Fuji from many impressive locations around the Lake Kawaguchiko area. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, this tour is for you!
Hakone Highlights: Explore Japan’s Mountainous Region
Highlights:
- The opportunity to take a day trip to experience Hakone from Tokyo!
- Enjoy a relaxing pirate ship boat cruise on Hakone’s Lake Ashinoko!
- Visit the beautiful and picturesque Hakone Shrine and see its famous Red Torii Gate in Lake Ashinoko!
- Experience the volcanic valley of Owakudani and try an outdoor footbath!
Experience nature, the lush mountainous landscape and Japan’s most famous and iconic landmarks during your trip to Japan on this day trip from Tokyo! Due to the elevation in Hakone, the foliage starts changing colors a little earlier than in Tokyo, so this spot is perfect from late October onwards!
Mount Takao Adventure: Discover Nature and Tradition in Tokyo
Highlights:
- Climb one of Japan’s most popular mountains!
- See and feed Japanese Snow Monkeys, walk across a suspension bridge and marvel at ancient Cedar trees!
- Try the traditional Japanese snack of Dango freshly made on the mountain!
- Visit one of Tokyo’s most sacred temples and learn all about mountain worship!
- The opportunity to escape the metropolis of Tokyo’s city centre and experience being immersed in nature for the day!
When you think of Tokyo you probably don’t think of mountains and green landscapes. However, Tokyo prefecture is in fact home to many beautiful hiking trails and mountains. Mount Takao is beloved by the residents of Tokyo as the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metropolis full of nature and tranquility.
Tips for Visiting & Travel in December
- Busy Season for Transport - December is the busiest month, seeing the highest number of visitors to Japan. If you're looking to visit popular areas in or around Tokyo, be ready for large crowds. Make sure to reserve your train tickets in advance, if possible, if you are taking the bullet train or any of the express trains like the Tobu SpaciaX. By joining one of our tours, your transport is reserved in advance, ensuring you won’t miss out on seats or connections.
- What to Wear – December days in Tokyo are colder than you may think and a jacket or sweater will be necessary. The average temperature ranges from around 9°C - 16°C (48°F - 60°F) in the beginning of the month and 3°C - 11°C (37°F - 52°F) towards the end of the month.
- Timing Your Visit – Weekends and festival days are very busy. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting locations on weekdays so you don't also collide with local tourists. BE CAREFUL - many places close for the New Year's holidays from January 1st - 3rd and some starting as early as December 29th.
Where to Stay
Not sure where to stay during your visit to Tokyo? Check out our article that covers the major areas of the city and what they have to offer.
Plan Your Visit
December is one of the best times of the year to visit Tokyo and experience all it and the surrounding regions have to offer. The city has many events, festivals, and gardens where you can enjoy a nice bowl of matcha and sweets. If you're lucky, you may even get some snowfall! The surrounding mountains are beginning to get snow-capped so be sure to take a day or two out of the concrete jungle.
With large crowds expected and express trains like the bullet train often selling out, planning ahead is essential. If you're planning on getting out of Tokyo to experience more of Japan, why not check out some of our articles explaining December in other regions on our News page!
