The magic of visiting Japan in December

Spring sees a rush of tourism to Japan—but if you’re looking to experience the wonders of this multi-faceted nation with fewer crowds, December has a magic all its own. In this article, we explain what to expect if you’re visiting Japan in December, from atmospheric lantern-lined streets and cozy noodle spots, to the snowy winter immersion of the north.

The weather in Japan in December: what to expect by region

Japan’s weather system varies from north to south, but of course, in December you can expect chillier temperatures than the summer across the country.

From north to south…

• Hokkaido and northern Japan become a winter wonderland in December, with snow-blanketed scenery, peaceful, wintry forests, and excellent skiing opportunities. Temperatures sit around 23-36 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 and 2 degrees Celsius) so you’ll need to wrap up warm!
• Moving south, Tokyo and central Honshu are expectedly milder, with temperatures of 41-54 Fahrenheit (5-12 Celsius). Days are often bright and crisp, with lots of sun and low rainfall—and there is occasionally a dusting of snow.
• Kyoto and the Kansai region are slightly colder than Honshu with temperatures of 37-50 Fahrenheit (3-10 Celsius), which you’ll feel most in the mornings and evenings. Snow is more likely than in the capital.
• It gets a lot warmer in Okinawa and southern Japan, where the climate is mild, cloudy and comfortable. With temperatures of 59-72 Fahrenheit (15-22 Celsius), it’s not exactly tanning weather, but beach visits are refreshing and lovely.

Best places to visit in Japan in December

With snowy peaks, cozy nooks and a spiritual mood, visiting Japan in December and in the heart of winter is something special. Here, we’ve laid out what to expect in each region—from the snowiest and coldest regions of the north, down to the milder south.

The immersive winter landscapes of northern Japan

To experience powder-covered, Christmas-postcard scenery, Hokkaido is your number-one spot.

Hokkaido’s winter wonderland

Hokkaido is the furthest north and the snowiest, most wintry part of Japan. Skiing or snowboarding is fantastic in ski towns such as Niseko, famous for its deep, dry snow—or venture into the countryside around Biei for snow-covered, hilly scenery that is truly breathtaking.

In Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital, the streets are twinkling with fairy lights, particularly during the Sapporo White Illumination where bulb-studded sculptures and light installations abound. At this time of year, a steaming bowl of miso ramen in a local eatery feels extra cozy and warming.

Onsen (soaking in hot springs) is big in the north of Japan, especially in the town of Noboribetsu which is surrounded by crisp woodlands. Get immersed in ice fishing or snowshoeing, and partake in a scenic drive around Lake Toya.

Spend an unforgettable winter in central Japan

Make unique winter memories in these central hotspots of Japan, from Tokyo to Kyoto to Takayama…

Tokyo’s kitsch, festive spirit

Tokyo’s sprawling, futuristic metropolis is always bright and glowing, but even more so in the winter. Elaborate light installations dance across Roppongi Hills and Shibuya (the famous pedestrian crossing), pathways through parks are lined with glittering trees, and side streets glow with traditional lanterns. Christmas is a fun, light-hearted period for the Japanese, rather than traditional—though they do have their traditions. Be prepared to see long queues at KFC on Christmas Day!

Spiritual shrines in Nikko

For a spiritual break from Tokyo’s urban metropolis, Nikko is an easy 1.5 hour trip away. Its UNESCO-protected shrines and temples, including Toshogu Shrine, are quiet and picturesque. There’s a sense of meditative hush here which is even more peaceful when covered with snow.

Peaceful, ornate temples of Kyoto

Typically, Kyoto is known for its sublime, ornate temples, stunning Zen gardens and koi ponds. Without the crowds that spring and summer bring, the aesthetic quality goes up a notch. You have the space to appreciate Kyoto’s key sights; like the gold-lacquered Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the hundreds of much-snapped torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. It goes without saying that if you’re lucky enough to see snow here, the scenery is all the more magical.

Read more: What to do in Kyoto, Japan

The snow-covered forests of Togakushi

Togakushi is a deeply spiritual area; a misty, forested mountain village surrounded with towering cedar trees. This has long been a site for Shinto and Shugendō practices, and in winter, is stunning in its stillness. The five Togakushi Shrines stagger the mountains, each with grand torii gates and moss-covered stone steps. Look out for the famed ‘See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’ monkey sculptures.

Bathing snow monkeys in Nagano

Speaking of monkeys, the winter months are when you can spot Japanese macaques bathing nonchalantly in the steaming onsens of the Alps in Nagano. The most accessible spot to view these extremely relaxed, red-faced monkeys is Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Medieval Takayama

Situated in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a medieval, Edo-period town that feels particularly antique in the winter. The well-preserved streets of wooden merchant houses, artisanal makers and sake breweries feel enjoyably traditional, and there are much fewer visitors than in the summer. Snow-topped mountains in the distance all add to the atmosphere—take a scenic drive around the area to fully explore this historic network of Edo villages.

The onsen culture of Hakone and Mount Fuji

Hot springs and crisp mountain trails define a visit to Hakone in December. As winter usually brings clear skies, views of the iconic Mount Fuji are bright and breathtaking, whether seen on foot, from the Panoramic Ropeway or from a train window. Hakone is a favorite spot for onsen—a divine activity during winter, as nothing quite beats the sensation of soaking your limbs in frosty air. You can travel to communal onsens across Hakone, or many ryokan have their own mineral-rich pools for residents’ use.

Okinawa, a December island escape

In the south of Japan, the island of Okinawa offers a subtropical winter escape. Though it’s not a time for tanning (temperatures hover around 59-68 Fahrenheit (15-20 Celsius), it’s still bright and pleasant to wander around unbundled, a world away from the single-digit temperatures further north.

As a designated ‘Blue Zone’, Okinawa has one of the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world; and as you absorb the mindful pace of life here, you’ll understand why the residents live quite so long.

Enjoy coastal walks at Cape Manzamo, learn about Ryukyu heritage at Shurijo Castle, and wander the Shikina-en Royal Gardens. At local, family-run eateries you can sample Okinawan specials, like hearty soba and goya champuru, or croquettes made with purple sweet potato (some say another secret to longevity).

An added bonus: the whale-watching season is from January to March, so you might spot humpback whales breaching off the coast of Okinawa’s capital, Naha.

Read more: A traveler’s guide to Okinawa, land of longevity

Top things to do when visiting Japan in December

Whether you’ve got your heart set on steaming-hot onsens, skiing the Japanese Alps, or Christmas celebrations; here’s a quick reference to what activities you can expect…

Enjoy a burst of winter illuminations

Japan loves lights at the best of times, but it ramps up to a hundred in December. Sapporo White Illumination in Hokkaido is a huge event of glowing sculptures and tunnels; while in Tokyo, areas like Roppongi Hills and Shibuya host elaborate displays. Temples and castles across the country also tend to be lit up beautifully in the winter.

Skiing and snowboarding Japan’s world-class slopes

Japan is very proud of its snow sports. The ideal places for skiing and snowboarding in Japan are the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido, with the best powder generally falling in December through March.

Warm up in natural onsen

Onsen (the word for hot springs) is popular across Japan; relaxing in the steaming, mineral-rich waters is a national pastime. As onsen are naturally heated by volcanic activity, they’re most prolific in central and northern areas—towns and cities like Hakone, Beppu and Kusatsu are built entirely around onsen culture.

Celebrate Christmas and New Year, Japanese-style

While Christmas is a time of kitsch, joyful decorations in Japan, it’s New Year (Oshogatsu) that’s seen as the traditional holiday. Families share osechi dishes and decorate their homes, and bells ring out in the temples. For more of a New Year’s blowout, you can join the countdown street parties in cities like Tokyo, Osaka or Yokohama, and most ski towns. There’s also the Oji Fox Parade in Tokyo, which honors the fox spirits as the new year begins.

Japan’s key December festivals and events

If you’re keen on visiting Japan in December, chat to your local travel expert to build an itinerary around its biggest seasonal events…

• Sapporo White Illumination, late November-December: A winter illumination event in Hokkaido with beautiful displays, sculptures and sparkling walkways.
• Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri), December 2-3: Japan’s top winter festival with incredibly decorated floats, held in Saitama.
• Hagoita Fair at Senso-ji Temple, mid-December: Outdoor market in Tokyo where wooden paddles called hagoita are sold—a symbol of good luck for the new year.
• Setagaya Boro-ichi Flea Market, December 15-16: A centuries-old historic market in Tokyo, selling wonderful antiques, crafts and street food.
• Oji Fox Parade (Kitsune no Gyoretsu), December 31: A New Year’s festival in Tokyo where people dress as foxes—dedicated to the fox spirits (kitsune).
• New Year’s Eve countdown events, December 31: In major urban areas like Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, there are street celebrations galore to bring in the new year alongside thousands of others.

Read more: The most beautiful Japanese festivals

Practical tips for visiting Japan in December

Do some research into the weather conditions before you visit Japan in December—depending on which regions you visit, you’ll need to dress appropriately. In Hokkaido, for instance, temperatures can drop to 14 Fahrenheit (-10 Celsius), so you’ll need waterproof walking shoes, a waterproof snow jacket, and insulated layers.

Elsewhere, such as central Japan, you should be fine with just warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Bring shoes that are comfy for walking, with an emergency hat and gloves for colder days. In southern places such as Okinawa, it’s balmy in comparison—so just wear what you would during the spring, with a light jacket for the evenings.

Make it happen

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience visiting Japan in December, get in touch with our local travel experts. They’re based on the ground in the destination, with all the local knowledge you’ll need to build the Japan itinerary you’ve always imagined.