Weather in Japan in December

It’s truly a magical time to visit Japan in December, with all the Christmas festivities and other seasonal delights. Illuminations light up cities like Tokyo and Osaka, creating enchanting nightscapes. The weather in Japan in December is cold with snow covering some parts of the country, drawing skiers and snowboarders to northern resorts in Hokkaido and Nagano. A touch of coziness is added by Christmas markets and treats like yuzu-flavored hot baths.

Visitors are set for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience thanks to the end-of-year traditions, which include visiting shrines and eating osechi (New Year's cuisine).

Japan in December at a glance

In the month of December, Japan is brimming with a picture-perfect festive vibe. Cities and towns put on enchanting light shows, as snow starts to fall in the north. The season's celebrations and traditions provide a magical way to end the year.

• Central Japan averages 37°F to 50°F (3°C to 10°C) in December, whereas Hokkaido averages 23°F to 34°F (-5°C to 1°C). Okinawa stays mild at 66°F to 73°F (19°C to 23°C).
• Skiing in Hokkaido, relaxing in hot springs, and perusing Christmas markets are all popular in Japan in December. A cultural highlight of the month is engaging in traditional end-of-year customs, such as visiting temples.
• Early December tourist numbers are low, but vacation festivities boost the numbers at urban and spiritual sites. As snow falls, ski resorts fill up. Over the festive vacations, accommodation rates climb.

Is December a good time to visit Japan?

Marking the onset of winter, the weather in Japan in December sees temperatures plummeting in parts of the country, but a festive cheer takes hold throughout the nation and the landscape develops a magical natural beauty.

In the north, skiers and snowboarders flock to Hokkaido's snow-covered, world-class resorts such as Niseko. Snowy regions like Hakone, Yudanaka, or Ginzan Onsen, attract visitors who come to enjoy a soothing soak in one of Japan’s many onsen (hot springs) – envision yourself soaking in a hot bath surrounded by powdery snow. The southern and central areas are still ideal for sightseeing thanks to the milder weather.

December is a great month to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, when the Christmas lights are a highlight. Tokyo and Kobe in particular feature dazzling illumination displays, including the renowned Kobe Luminarie. Additionally, Christmas markets, often inspired by European traditions, offer seasonal treats like mulled wine and stollen. Temple and shrine visits are part of the traditional New Year rituals. Many families gather for seasonal meals featuring osechi ryori (a special New Year’s cuisine) and toshi-koshi soba, a dish symbolizing longevity.

Average daily temperatures in December

The weather in Japan in December can vary greatly from one area to another, with average temperatures spanning from 23°F to 50°F (-5°C to 10°C). The mix of winter beauty, cultural traditions, and festive charm make Japan a magical end-of-year destination.

Hokkaido is firmly in winter mode, with highs around 32°F to 37°F (0°C to 3°C) and lows between 19°F and 28°F (-7°C and -2°C). Snow blankets the region, creating a haven for winter sports and scenic landscapes. Tokyo and Kyoto, in central Japan, experience milder weather that’s comfortable for visiting the sites. Daytime highs range from 48°F to 55°F (9°C to 13°C), while nights chill to 36°F to 43°F (2°C to 6°C).  In Kyushu and Shikoku, coastal walks and hot spring visits are especially enjoyable during this time. Average highs range from 54°F to 61°F (12°C to 16°C), and lows vary from 43°F to 50°F (6°C to 10°C). Okinawa remains the warmest, with highs of 68°F to 73°F (20°C to 23°C) and lows around 59°F to 64°F (15°C to 18°C).

What about the crowds & cost in December?

During the beginning of the winter season in December, the number of tourists visiting Japan is relatively low. However, as the month draws to a close, the vacation celebrations and New Year’s festivities attract a great deal of visitors to urban areas and spiritual sites. As winter sports gain popularity, the ski resorts in places like Hokkaido and Nagano begin to fill up.

At the beginning of the month, the costs of accommodations and airfares are moderate; nevertheless, they both increase around the vacations and New Year's. Many travelers are not deterred by these inflated costs as the festive season is a truly memorable time to visit.

Things to do in Japan

Whether you’re drawn to winter sports and wintry landscapes, or cultural traditions and festive cityscapes, December offers something unique for every traveler to Japan in December. Here are some of the best things to do in Japan in December to get the most out of your trip.

Enjoy winter illuminations

Japan’s cities light up in December with spectacular winter illumination displays. Nabana no Sato in Mie Prefecture is one of the country’s most famous, featuring millions of LED lights creating enchanting tunnels and themed installations. In Tokyo, areas like Roppongi Hills and Shibuya also dazzle with seasonal displays, blending vacation cheer with urban sophistication. These illuminations provide a warm and festive atmosphere perfect for evening strolls.

Explore snowy Takayama

Takayama, nestled in the Japanese Alps, transforms into a picturesque winter retreat in December. Stroll through the beautifully preserved old town with its traditional wooden houses and sample local specialties like Hida beef. Nearby, the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.

Relax in a snowy Onsen Town

Winter is the perfect time to soak in Japan’s hot springs, and towns like Ginzan Onsen and Nyuto Onsen become especially magical under a layer of snow. Ginzan Onsen, with its historic inns lining a river, exudes a nostalgic charm reminiscent of old Japan. Relax in an outdoor bath surrounded by snowy landscapes for an unforgettable winter experience.

See red-crowned cranes in Hokkaido

In Hokkaido, December is prime time to witness the graceful red-crowned cranes as they perform their elegant courtship dances in the snowy fields of Kushiro. This iconic wildlife spectacle is a must for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking a serene and unique experience.

Festivals and events in Japan in December

Japan is truly spellbinding in December, particularly during the festive season. The country's towns and cities come alive with twinkling lights and the customary year-end rituals create a captivating ambiance.

• Winter illuminations: Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe sparkle with elaborate light displays. Kobe’s Luminarie, held in memory of the 1995 earthquake victims, is particularly moving.
• Chichibu Night Festival: In Saitama Prefecture, this festival features grand floats adorned with lanterns, accompanied by fireworks, creating a vibrant spectacle against the winter sky.
• Joyanokane: On December 31, temples across Japan ring their bells 108 times to purify negative emotions and welcome the New Year, offering a serene and reflective way to end the year.