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.

What is the weather like in Japan in December?

December in Japan marks the beginning of winter. Snow starts to fall in the north, while the south remains relatively mild. Early in the month, the air is crisp and clear, and major tourist spots are still quiet. If you are planning a trip around the vacations, the festive lights and cultural traditions make this one of the best times to visit Japan.

Ski season gets going in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps around mid-December. Resorts like Niseko and Hakuba are popular for reliable early snow. In central Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the weather stays cool and mostly dry. 

Expect daytime temperatures between 48 and 55°F with colder nights, but rarely below freezing. It is a good time for sightseeing and enjoying winter illuminations across the cities.

Further south, in regions like Kyushu and Shikoku, it is warmer and ideal for coastal walks or soaking in a hot spring. Okinawa remains the warmest part of the country in December, with comfortable temperatures that feel more like early fall.

Most of the month is still considered shoulder season, so you will find fewer crowds and better prices, especially outside of ski areas. Just be aware that domestic travel spikes during the last week of December as people prepare for New Year's celebrations.

Average daily temperatures in December

The weather in December in Japan brings a real mix, depending on where you are. Average temperatures range from 23°F to 50°F (-5°C to 10°C), with everything from snow-covered ski resorts to sunny island coastlines. It’s a great month to visit if you're into winter scenery, seasonal food, and local festivals.

Hokkaido is deep in winter, with snow piling up and temperatures often below freezing. It’s perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoying the dramatic landscapes. In central Japan, think Tokyo and Kyoto, the weather is crisp but not too harsh, ideal for sightseeing.

Further south in Kyushu and Shikoku, it's mild enough for coastal walks and onsen hopping. Okinawa, meanwhile, feels almost like early fall, staying warm enough for outdoor activities and even the occasional beach visit.

Is December a good time to visit Japan?

December is a great time to visit Japan, especially if you’re planning a trip to Japan that combines culture, winter scenery, and fewer crowds. It marks the start of the winter season, bringing snow to the north while the central and southern regions stay cool and mostly dry. It’s a great balance: festive cities, peaceful countryside, and a calm lead-up to the New Year rush.

If your Japan itinerary includes skiing or snowboarding, early December is when major resorts like Niseko and Hakuba open for the season. Northern areas like Hokkaido turn into a winter wonderland, perfect for snow sports and hot springs. 

In central Japan, places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka stay mild enough for sightseeing. Further south, Kyushu and Okinawa remain warmer and are ideal for coastal walks or outdoor onsen.

The atmosphere is one of the best parts of visiting Japan in December. Cities light up with winter illuminations, and seasonal foods appear on every menu. In the final week of the month, New Year traditions take center stage, from shrine visits to dishes like osechi ryori and toshi-koshi soba.

Why December is a good time to visit:

• Ideal for a balanced Japan itinerary: Snowy adventures up north, city life in the center, and warmer escapes in the south.
• Festive atmosphere: Winter lights, Christmas markets, and traditional New Year celebrations bring cultural depth to your trip.
• Great for planning a trip to Japan on a budget: Early December is still shoulder season, with fewer tourists and better prices.
• Good weather for sightseeing: Central Japan stays mostly dry and comfortable, with clear skies and cool temperatures.
• Winter activities kick off: Ski resorts open mid-month, and hot spring towns like Ginzan Onsen are at their most scenic.

What about the crowds and 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.

Where to go in Japan in December

Japan shifts fully into winter in December. Snow starts settling in the north, while central and southern regions stay cool and mostly dry. The weather in Japan in December is ideal for exploring: crisp air, clear skies, and just enough chill to make a hot spring feel like heaven. These are some of the best places to visit in Japan this month.

Niseko and Hokkaido

If your itinerary includes skiing, head to Hokkaido. Niseko’s slopes usually open in early December, with reliable powder and fewer crowds than peak season. Even non-skiers will enjoy the snowy scenery, quiet mountain towns, and natural hot springs. 

Try Noboribetsu for steaming onsens or sample winter seafood in Sapporo, like grilled crab and uni.

Kyoto

Kyoto is calm and beautiful in December. The fall leaves are gone, but so are the crowds. Temples and yards feel more peaceful, and the dry winter air keeps views sharp and skies clear. 

Don’t miss the seasonal light displays in Arashiyama or a bowl of steaming yudofu near Nanzen-ji. It’s a quieter side of the city that’s easy to appreciate when the streets aren’t packed.

Kinosaki Onsen

For a proper winter escape, Kinosaki Onsen is a solid pick. Snow lightly covers the rooftops, locals stroll the streets in yukata, and the bathhouses are steamy and warm. December also marks the start of crab season, many ryokan serve it as part of traditional multi-course dinners. It’s slow travel done right.

Okinawa

If snow isn’t your thing, Okinawa offers a completely different December experience. The weather in Japan in December doesn’t get much warmer than this. With highs in the 60s and low 70s°F, you can explore coastal trails, cycle between island villages, and enjoy fresh seafood without tourist crowds. It’s not beach season, but it’s still bright and easy-going.

What to do in Japan in December

No matter if 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.

Planning your trip to Japan in December

December is a fantastic month to explore Japan. It’s the start of winter, with snow in the north, dry crisp days in central regions, and mild weather down south. The early part of the month is calm and uncrowded, while the last week ramps up with New Year's festivities.

What to pack

The weather in Japan in December shifts depending on where you're headed. Northern regions like Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps are cold and snowy, think down jackets, thermal layers, gloves, and snow trunks. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are cool but usually dry, so pack warm layers and solid walking shoes.

If hot springs are on your itinerary (they should be), bring a small towel and slippers for easy bathhouse visits. For traditional ryokan stays, pack warm socks or indoor shoes: tatami mats get chilly. And if you’re heading south to Okinawa, you’ll want lighter layers for milder coastal weather.

One of the best Japan travel tips in winter: pack for variety. A warm scarf, heat packs, and layers you can shed throughout the day go a long way.

Planning your itinerary

A well-balanced route in December might include winter scenery up north, cultural sites in the center, and milder weather down south. Here are a few options to help shape your plans:

• 7-day Japan itinerary: Explore Kyoto’s peaceful temples and winter food, then hop to Osaka for lively streets and street food. End in Tokyo for festive displays and shopping.
• 10 days in Japan: Begin in Tokyo, then head to the snow-covered Japanese Alps: Takayama or Matsumoto are great picks. Continue west to Kanazawa and Kyoto, with an optional stop in Hiroshima or Naoshima.
• 14-day Japan itinerary: Start in Tokyo, head north for snow sports in Niseko or Hakuba, then loop through Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. If you want to end warm, catch a flight to Okinawa for coastal views and island culture.

You don’t need to rush. Trains make it easy to explore different regions, and fewer tourists early in the month mean more space at major sights.

When to book

Early December is still shoulder season, quieter and more affordable. The second half of the month is a different story. Domestic travel spikes around the New Year, and accommodations fill fast. If you’re visiting during the last week of December or heading to popular ski resorts, book trains and hotels at least one to two months ahead.

Book early if you're traveling between December 25 and January 3. This is peak time for locals and international visitors alike.

Emergency weather information

While the weather in Japan in December is usually stable, northern and mountain areas can get heavy snow. If you're driving in rural Hokkaido or alpine areas, check that your rental car has snow tires or chains. Some train services may face delays due to snowstorms, especially in remote regions.

Winter storms are rare but can affect ferries to islands like Sado or Okinawa. Check local forecasts and transport updates before making any long-distance moves, especially if you're on a tight schedule.

If you're heading off the main tourist routes, it’s smart to keep emergency contact numbers handy and let your accommodation know your arrival time, just in case the weather slows things down.