Surprisingly, December is among the more popular seasons to visit Japan. In fact, according to Japan National Tourism Organization data on international visitors, in recent years, December has been among the busiest times for travelers to Japan, particularly from countries in Asia.

Nevertheless, it can also be one of the more affordable times of year to visit, as the cost of flights and accommodation is typically lower than during the green season.

Despite it being one of the coldest times of year to visit Japan, much of the country still enjoys a lot of sunshine, though the days are noticeably shorter than earlier in the year. Even though December is winter, there are still plenty of places to enjoy vibrant autumn colors across Japan while there is plenty of snow in the north of the country, which makes it a great time to visit for skiing and snowsports.

Though temperatures are fairly low across Japan in December, the weather varies greatly from the north to the south of the country. Across the northern areas of Hokkaido and Tohoku, you can expect to find plenty of snow.

The average temperatures in Sapporo in Hokkaido Prefecture and Morioka in Iwate Prefecture in December rarely reach higher than 1°C/34°F. It’s only a little warmer in Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture, a little further south, where the monthly average temperature is usually around 4°C/39°F.

Further south in Japan, the temperatures rise a little, with the monthly average in the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima all hovering around 8°C/46°F. It is typically a touch warmer in the far south of the country.

In Kyushu, the average temperature in Fukuoka in December is around 10°C/50°F, while in Okinawa Prefecture, Naha enjoys a monthly average of 19°C/66°F.

Despite the low temperatures at this time of year, you will also find plenty of sunshine throughout Japan in December.

Japan’s winter months are blessed with crisp, sunny days and beautiful blue skies. However, the days are also short, with the sun setting at around 4:30 PM and temperatures dropping by several degrees after nightfall.

If you’re visiting Japan in December, you will need to bring plenty of warm clothes. We’d recommend packing at least one warm jacket, along with a fleece or a few sweatshirts.

Long sleeve tops and base layers will also be needed to keep you from getting cold. You may also want to bring a hat, scarf, and gloves to stay warm, especially at night.

Despite the cold temperatures, it’s also a good idea to pack your sunglasses for the bright sunny days that are common in December.

It might also be worth bringing sunscreen if you’re planning on spending lots of time outdoors.

As temperatures dip across Japan in December, the one place where you’re guaranteed to find warmer weather is Okinawa. Located in the far south of the country in the East China Sea, the average temperatures in December in Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, are much higher than the rest of Japan at around 19°C/66°F.

The relatively cooler temperatures in Naha in December also make this a much easier time of year to explore the city compared to the incredibly hot and humid summer months.

Naha is a fascinating city to visit thanks to the unique history and vibrant culture of the Okinawa islands. The city’s most famous landmark is the sprawling Shurijo Castle, the seat of power for over 400 years for the islands’ monarchy when Okinawa was an independent nation known as the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Largely destroyed by fire in 2019, the castle is currently undergoing extensive repairs and is due to be fully restored by 2026.

Elsewhere, you can hit the shops along eclectic and colorful Kokusai Dori, Naha’s main shopping street, and sample a wide range of delicious Okinawan foods and cuisines at Makishi Public Market.

Also in Naha, you can explore the beautiful grounds of Shikina-en Royal Gardens, including the grand villa built to welcome visiting dignitaries from China during the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Alternatively, relax and admire the Chinese-inspired man-made scenery at Fukushuen Garden, which includes a soothing waterfall and a traditional pagoda.

Nagoya is a great place to visit with children at any time of the year thanks to the large number of family-friendly attractions located in the city. Among these is Legoland Japan, a giant theme park featuring numerous Lego-based rides and adventures, as well as an aquarium.

The theme park also includes many hands-on workshops and giant Lego recreations of Japan’s most famous landmarks.

In the center of the city is the Nagoya City Science Museum, an entertaining and educational venue with plenty of interactive exhibitions and a planetarium.

Located just under an hour east of Nagoya by train is Ghibli Park, a vast park with areas inspired by scenes and locations from many of Studio Ghibli’s most famous films.

What makes Nagoya an especially good place for families to visit in December is its proximity to the Nagashima Resort in neighboring Mie Prefecture.

The giant resort features a theme park, hot springs, a shopping mall, and the Nabana no Sato Flower Park. From the beginning of December, the park hosts one of the most spectacular winter illumination displays in Japan.

Zao Onsen is a small hot springs resort located amongst the volcanic Mount Zao mountain range, close to the border of Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures in northern Japan. Alongside the town’s many hot spring baths, it is also one of Japan’s more popular ski resorts, with the mountainous slopes thick with snow each winter from December until around the beginning of May.

However, the resort is also synonymous with a natural phenomenon that occurs on the slopes of Mount Zao every winter known as juhyo—snow monsters.

Zao’s snow monsters are actually fir trees that sit near the summit of Mount Zao. Each winter, a combination of heavy snow and cold Siberian winds cakes the trees in a thick layer of frosty ice, creating a unique and spectacular wintery scene.

The city of Matsue is the capital of Shimane Prefecture, one of the least visited prefectures in Japan. Located on the banks of Lake Shinji, Matsue has plenty to explore, including Matsue Castle, one of only twelve original feudal-era castles still standing in Japan.

Built in the early 1600s, Matsue Castle has been designated as a National Treasure of Japan and stands in the center of Matsue Jozan Park at the heart of the city. One of the best views of the castle can be seen from the riverboat tours that run along the Kyobashi River, which circles the park.

Opposite the castle is Shiomi Nawate, a well-preserved neighborhood dating from the Edo period. The area is home to many beautiful traditional former samurai homes, a handful of which are now open to the public.

A few doors away, also located in an Edo-era home, is the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum. The museum details the fascinating life story of Lafcadio Hearn, an Irish-Greek teacher and writer who lived in Japan for almost 15 years starting in 1890. Hearn wrote extensively about Japan and lived in Matsue for just over a year when he first arrived.

Other attractions in Matsue include the Shimane Art Museum. Overlooking Lake Shinji, the museum features an impressive collection of silk paintings, woodcuts, and ceramics spanning the 16th to 20th centuries, as well as a scenic lakeside sculpture garden. The banks of Lake Shinji next to the museum are famous for their fabulous sunset views.

South of Matsue is the Adachi Museum of Art, which houses a wonderful collection of Japanese paintings and ceramics, along with breathtaking views of the museum’s stunning Japanese garden.

Hakuba, Nagano - Nagano Prefecture is located in the heart of a region of Japan known as snow country, and Hakuba is one of the prefecture’s most famous ski and snowsports destinations. There are ten major ski resorts located in Hakuba, which hosted several skiing events at the 1998 Winter Olympics. The ski season typically begins in late November or early December when the slopes are freshly covered with several feet of pristine snow.

Otaru, Hokkaido - The historic and picturesque city of Otaru is only a 35-minute train journey from Sapporo. Otaru developed as a major trading port in the late 19th and early 20th century, the effect of which is still visible in the number of beautiful Western-inspired buildings that still line the city’s streets.

Fishing was also a major early industry, and several of Otaru’s impressive former herring mansions are open to the public. The city’s most scenic spot is the Otaru Canal, lined by former warehouses, many of which are now home to shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Otaru becomes even more captivating in later December when the city is covered in a layer of snow.

Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma - Kusatsu Onsen is one of the most famous onsen towns in Japan, whose healing hot spring waters have drawn visitors for centuries. The town is centered around Yubatake, the large central pool of bubbling hot spring water that serves as the source for many of the town’s baths and ryokans.

There are several free public foot baths located around Yubatake, as well as several public baths throughout the town, including the open-air Sainokawara Bath located in Sainokawara Park.

Situated high in the mountains of Gunma, snow usually begins to fall in Kusatsu Onsen in early December.

Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi - While winter may be in full effect in the north of the country, many areas of central and southern Japan are still firmly rooted in autumn. This is especially true of Kawaguchiko, a beautiful region at the foot of Mount Fuji that is an easy day trip from Tokyo.

Here, you can still admire fall colors along the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi while enjoying spectacular views of Mount Fuji, whose peak will be topped with snow come December.

Kamakura and Enoshima, Kanagawa - Always a popular day trip from Tokyo, Kamakura is particularly worth a visit in December when the city is filled with autumnal colors.

At this time of year, the trees in the forests that surround the city and in the grounds of many of Kamakura’s shrines and temples display vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Add a trip to nearby Enoshima to see the spectacular winter illuminations that light up the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and Enoshima Sea Candle from late November until the end of February each year. The air tends to be clearer at this time of year, often affording breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from the area.

Himeji, Hyogo - The city of Himeji is a very easy day trip from Kyoto. The capital of Hyogo Prefecture, its biggest attraction is Himeji Castle.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original feudal castles, built in the early 17th century. The castle is arguably the most stunning in Japan, perched high above the center of the city.

From November 22 until December 11, different sections of the park beneath Himeji Castle Park are illuminated at night with a variety of lighting displays and projections. These create several wonderfully serene and atmospheric areas where you can relax beneath the beauty of the castle.

Kobe, Hyogo - Less than an hour from Kyoto by bullet train, Kobe is a fascinating city with a multicultural history.

Among Kobe’s main attractions are the picturesque waterfront, which can be enjoyed from Meriken Park and the observation deck at the top of the Kobe Port Tower, or via the ropeway that carries passengers over the city to the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens.

As a busy port, settlers from all over the world have left a visible mark on Kobe. Grand Western-style houses built by traders and merchants who arrived in Kobe from Europe in the early 20th century can still be found on the streets of Kitano.

From December 1-25, the Nankinmachi Lantern Fair will light up Kobe’s Chinatown district of Nankin-machi with over 400 traditional Chinese lanterns after dark.

Chichibu Night Festival (Saitama; December 2-3) - The Chichibu Night Festival features an incredible collection of beautifully decorated floats, traditional music and fireworks, all just over an hour and a half from the center of Tokyo. The festival’s origins date back around 300 years and sees a spectacular collection of enormous floats which feature intricately carved wooden panels adorned with colorful fabrics and lanterns that are paraded through the streets of Chichibu. The main parades take place on the second day of the festival, where musicians play music from inside the floats as they are pulled through the city’s streets. Special kabuki performances are also held from the floats. The festival ends with a huge two-hour fireworks display.

Ikenoue Misogi Matsuri (Gifu; Second Saturday of December) - One of Japan’s many “naked” festivals, the Ikenoue Misogi Matsuri features around 100 men performing an ancient purification ritual by jumping into the chilly Nagara River in the city of Gifu, wearing little more than headbands and a fundoshi, a traditional Japanese loincloth.

The festival is believed to have been held at Gifu’s Katsuragake Shrine for over 1,000 years. It is said to ward off evil spirits and aid recovery from natural disasters that have affected the local area, such as famine and floods.

Ako Gishi Sai Festival (Tokyo; December 14) - The Ako Gishi Sai Festival is held every year on December 14 at Sengakuji Temple to commemorate the famous story of the 47 samurai who avenged the death of their leader.

According to the legend, the feudal lord Asano Naganori was ordered to commit suicide after drawing his sword following an altercation in Edo Castle with Kira Yoshinaka, a member of the court. Without Asano, his 47 retainers became ronin, the term for samurai without a leader.

The ronin carefully plotted for two years before taking their revenge and killing Kira Yoshinaka for their leader’s death, returning to Sengakuji Temple afterward.

The Ako Gishi Sai Festival features a parade of 47 men dressed as the ronin, beginning at Zojoji Temple and ending at Sengakuji Temple, where the original 47 ronin are all buried.

Kasuga Wakamiya Festival (Nara; December 17-18) - The Kasuga Wakamiya Festival has been held annually in Nara since the 12th century and is designated as an important intangible folk cultural asset by the Japanese government.

The festival takes place at Wakamiya Shrine, located within the grounds of the Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara Park, and begins at midnight on December 17.

Believed to ensure a good harvest for the year ahead, the festival features many traditional Japanese cultural performances, including noh theater plays and a parade through the town. This parade, held on December 17, showcases priests and locals dressed in 12th-century samurai robes.

Chinkasai Fire Festival (Hiroshima; December 31) - The Chinkasai Fire Festival takes place on the last day of the year at Itsukushima Shrine, renowned for its giant torii gate that stands in the waters off Miyajima Island.

One of the most dramatic festivals in Japan, this ritual dates back to the Edo period and serves as a fire prevention ceremony.

During the festival, torches made of pine trees in varying sizes are lit by a flame at Itsukushima Shrine and carried to the water in front of Miyajima’s iconic torii gate. The largest torches, made from entire tree trunks, are carried to the water by teams of men while the ends are ablaze.

Winter illuminations (nationwide) - Throughout Japan, the beginning of winter is marked by huge displays of winter illuminations, usually starting in early December and often lasting for several months into the new year.

Mesmerizing displays can be found in many locations, from outside department stores and prominent skyscrapers to gardens, parks, and theme parks. Some of the most famous illuminations include the light displays at Tokyo Midtown and Marunouchi districts in Tokyo, Osaka’s Hikari Renaissance illuminations, and the spectacular displays at Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture.

Joya no Kane (nationwide) - Joya no Kane is a traditional Buddhist ceremony held at temples across Japan on New Year's Eve.

During the ceremony, a temple bell is rung 108 times to symbolize the purification of the 108 earthly desires that cause human suffering, according to Buddhist teachings. Each toll of the bell is believed to cleanse one desire.

Joya no Kane ceremonies are held at many famous temples, including Sensoji and Zojoji temples in Tokyo and Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. The event draws large crowds seeking to enter the new year with a purified mind and spirit.

Hagoita Ichi (Sensoji Temple, Tokyo) - Hagoita Ichi is a lively market where you can buy decorative wooden paddles called hagoita, used in the Japanese game hanetsuki, a traditional New Year’s pastime similar to badminton.

The paddles are adorned with elaborate designs featuring kabuki actors, historical figures, and auspicious symbols, but modern hagoita also feature Japanese celebrities, sports stars, or cartoon characters. Considered good luck charms for the year ahead, Hagoita Ichi has been celebrated at Sensoji Temple since the Edo period.

Setagaya Boro Ichi (Tokyo; December 15-16) - Setagaya Boro Ichi is a massive two-day flea market held twice a year, in January and December.

The very first Setagaya Boro Ichi was held in 1578, and today the event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. The market takes place on Boroichi-dori and several surrounding streets, featuring over 700 vendors selling their wares.

Setagaya Boro Ichi is a fantastic spot to pick up traditional Japanese souvenirs and gifts, such as kokeshi dolls, kimonos, and woodblock prints, along with plenty of excellent food.

Snow sports - The start of the ski season in Japan, December is an excellent time for snow sports. From December, many resorts in mountainous regions like Hokkaido, Nagano, and Niigata are covered in fresh, powder-soft snow. The early-season slopes are often less crowded than during the peak winter months of January and February, making it a much more relaxed time for skiers and snowboarders to get out on the snow.

Relax in Onsen - December is the perfect month to unwind in Japan’s famous hot springs, or onsen, as the chilly winter air enhances the therapeutic warmth of the mineral-rich waters. Many onsen resorts, especially in regions like Hakone, Kusatsu, and Yufuin, offer outdoor baths (rotenburo) surrounded by breathtaking winter landscapes, including snow-covered mountains or serene forests. After a long day of sightseeing or snow sports, soaking in an onsen is the ultimate way to relax, rejuvenate, and experience a quintessential part of Japanese culture. Some ryokan (traditional inns) even serve seasonal kaiseki meals, adding a touch of luxury to your onsen getaway.

Visit Christmas Markets (nationwide) - While the original meaning of Christmas is largely unknown in Japan, some of the season’s Western traditions have been warmly embraced, including the increasing popularity of European-style Christmas markets. Markets featuring stalls selling Christmas decorations, and traditional fare such as turkey, German sausages and mulled wine, are a common sight in cities around Japan each December. Famous Christmas markets in Japan in December include the Tokyo Christmas Market at Meiji Jingu Gaien, the Yokohama Christmas Market held at the Red Brick Warehouse district, the Hakodate Christmas Fantasy market, and the Fukuoka Christmas Market, held at various venues across the city.

Fencing World Cup (Takasaki, Gunma; December 6-8) - The world’s most elite male fencers from 16 different countries will compete over two days at this stage of the 2024 - 2025 Fencing FIE World Cup.

Judo Grand Slam - (Tokyo; December 7-8) - Over 200 competitors from 44 countries will take part in the Judo Grand Slam which is held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in central Tokyo.

Soccer (various locations; December 8) - Soccer fans visiting Japan in December can enjoy the final week of the J-League football season, which takes place on December 8th. There are nine games taking place across Japan which all kick off at 2 PM.

Oden - Oden is a comforting Japanese hot pot that is a staple dish in much of Japan during the winter. There are many regional variations of oden, though it typically consists of a light, flavorful soy-based dashi broth containing standard ingredients such as boiled eggs, fish cakes, konjac, and tofu. Another common ingredient is daikon radish, which also comes into season in December. Oden is typically served with mustard or miso for added flavor.

Nabe - Not too dissimilar to oden, nabe is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish made from a variety of ingredients. Nabe is another common winter dish, popular for its warming properties and communal dining style, as well as its delicious flavor. Nabe also comes in many regional and seasonal variations. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, common ingredients include traditional Japanese vegetables (such as Chinese cabbage and komatsuna) tofu, mushrooms, seafood, and meats, cooked together in a shared pot of flavorful broth.

Yakiimo - Yakiimo is a much-loved Japanese winter snack of roasted sweet potatoes, typically made from naturally sweet varieties like satsumaimo. Slowly cooked over hot stones or in wood-fired ovens, yakiimo develops a caramelized, soft interior with a delicious smoky, crispy skin. Warm, filling, and nutrient-rich, yakiimo is often sold by street vendors from food trucks and is the perfect snack on a chilly winter day.

Seasonal seafood: King crab, longtooth grouper, squid - A huge variety of seafood comes into season across Japan from December onwards. One specialty of the season is Japanese king crab, sourced from cold northern waters off the coast of Hokkaido and much loved for its sweet, tender meat. Often served grilled or boiled, in winter, king crab is also commonly served as an ingredient in nabe. Another common ingredient in winter broths is the longtooth grouper. Enjoyed for its delicate, rich flavor and firm, tender texture, the longtooth grouper is also commonly served in sushi and sashimi. Squid is another popular seafood in Japan in December, particularly spear squid, which is known for its tender texture and mild, sweet flavor.

Fried chicken (especially KFC) - An incredibly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s managed to convince Japan that the rest of the world traditionally eat fried chicken at Christmas, specifically Kentucky Fried Chicken. Ever since, millions of people have feasted on buckets of KFC on December 25th each year in Japan. If you want to take part in this unique Japanese Christmas tradition, you will need to pre-order fried chicken from KFC way before December 25th in order to avoid disappointment. A standard KFC Christmas party box comes with eight pieces of chicken, a shrimp gratin, a chocolate cake and even a commemorative plate.

Seasonal fruit: December sees a number of fruits come into season in Japan, particularly strawberries and yuzu. Strawberries season in Japan runs from December through to May and they are a traditional topping on Christmas cake, another Japanese tradition of the festive season. Yuzu is another popular winter fruit in Japan. The zesty citrus fruit begins to ripen in autumn and is a common ingredient or garnish in many winter dishes. A paste made of yuzu, salt and chili peppers called yuzu kosho is used as a punchy accompaniment to many winter oden dishes. It’s also a popular tradition in Japan to have a yuzu bath on the night of the winter solstice, which typically falls on December 22nd. A yuzu bath is believed to have many health benefits, including promoting healthy blood circulation and preventing colds.

While December is a great time of the year to visit Japan, be aware that many businesses close over the new year period, usually from around December 28 until January 3. During the New Year period, many people in Japan travel to spend the holidays with their families, meaning a large number of businesses, including shops, restaurants, bars and offices, are often closed at this time of year. Many larger tourist attractions and stores usually remain open, but be aware that there is likely to be a lot less open during the New Year period, especially outside of the major cities.

Another thing to consider is that with so many people traveling across Japan over the New Year period, there is incredibly high demand on hotel rooms and tickets for train travel. If you’re planning on traveling long distances in Japan during the New Year period, you should consider booking train tickets and accommodation as far in advance as possible in order to avoid any potential problems.