Tucked away in the Far East, Japan transforms into a magical winter wonderland as December unfolds. With its perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities, the Land of the Rising Sun offers an enchanting experience for travellers seeking to escape the typical Christmas holiday routine. Many consider December the ideal time to visit Japan, with fewer tourists and the country at its winter finest. As someone who’s traversed the length and breadth of this fascinating archipelago during the winter months, Designer Journeys is delighted to share insights on experiencing Japan in December—a month of contrasts, celebrations, and captivating beauty.
Post Contents
- The Weather: Embracing Japan’s Winter Canvas
- Early Season Skiing: Japan’s White Gold
- Hot Springs: Winter’s Perfect Companion
- December Festivities: East Meets West
- Tokyo in December: Capital Contrasts
- Beyond the Obvious: December Discoveries
- Practical Considerations for December Travellers
- The Perfect December Itinerary
- Japanese Winter Vocabulary
The Weather: Embracing Japan’s Winter Canvas
December in Japan paints the country in distinctly different strokes depending on where you find yourself. In Tokyo and the southern regions, you’ll encounter crisp, sunny days with temperatures hovering between 4-12°C—chilly enough for a good coat but pleasant enough for extended explorations of the capital’s many shrines and neighbourhoods.
December marks the beginning of the full winter season across much of Japan.
As you venture northward or into the mountainous regions of central Japan, the mercury dips considerably. The Japanese Alps, stretching across Nagano Prefecture and beyond, become blanketed in powdery snow, transforming into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Weather conditions in these mountainous areas can be quite different from those in the cities, with snowfall beginning as early as mid-November in some regions.
Temperatures can drop significantly below freezing, creating a true winter environment.
“Pack layers,” advised my Japanese friend Keiko when I first planned my December journey. “Tokyo might be sunny, but step off the train in Nagano, and you’ll be grateful for that extra jumper and thermal socks.” How right she was! The weather conditions can vary dramatically, with clear skies in the morning giving way to gentle snowfall by afternoon, especially in the northern and mountainous areas.
The interior of the reconstructed main keep is typically heated for visitors during the colder winter months.
Northern Japan, particularly Hokkaido, experiences significant snowfall throughout December, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Meanwhile, mainland Japan offers more moderate winter temperatures, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka. If you’re seeking warmer weather during your December visit, head to the southern islands of Okinawa, where temperatures remain mild even during winter months.
Are you planning a trip to Japan?
Browse our gallery of fully customisable Japan itineraries and connect with one of our expert Local Designers to get you started! Designer Journeys can design your ultimate experience and offers hand-crafted itineraries built by experienced Local Designers who have first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Early Season Skiing: Japan’s White Gold
For many, December marks the beginning of what many consider the finest powder skiing experience in the world. While January and February might offer peak snow conditions, mid-December onwards sees many popular ski resorts across the Japanese Alps and northern Japan already blessed with substantial snowfall.
Japan is known for its abundant and high-quality powder snow, especially in Hokkaido.
Nagano Prefecture, host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, boasts some of the country’s most accessible skiing from Tokyo. Resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen begin humming with activity as December progresses, though they’re blissfully less crowded than during the holiday rush that follows Christmas.
Twenty years on from the Olympics, Nagano is still the home of Japan’s winter sports.
Further north in Hokkaido, iconic resorts like Niseko start receiving their legendary powder, often exceeding 15 metres of cumulative snowfall through the winter season. For early-season skiing, the more northerly resorts tend to offer more reliable conditions, though artificial snow supplements Mother Nature’s efforts at many resorts throughout the mountainous regions.
Niseko is located relatively close to the coast of the Sea of Japan, which contributes to the heavy snowfall.
“The Japanese approach to skiing is wonderfully civilised,” remarked Daniel, a British expat I met on the slopes of Hakuba. “Where else can you spend the morning carving through pristine powder, then break for lunch featuring immaculate sushi before soaking in a natural hot spring as the sun sets over snow-capped peaks?”
Hot Springs: Winter’s Perfect Companion
Indeed, no winter experience in Japan is complete without indulging in the country’s onsen (hot spring) culture. These natural hot springs, heated by Japan’s volcanic activity, offer the perfect remedy for cold limbs and tired muscles after a day in the snow.
Kusatsu Onsen is located in a mountainous region with volcanic activity.
December’s dropping temperatures make the contrast between the frigid air and the mineral-rich waters (typically between 40-44°C) all the more delicious. In traditional onsen towns like Kusatsu, Kinosaki, or Ginzan, you can experience the centuries-old ritual of moving between different baths, each with unique properties believed to cure various ailments.
Ginzan Onsen – The Hidden Japan.
For the uninitiated, public bathing might seem daunting, but the experience is profoundly rewarding. Japanese people approach onsen with respectful quietude, viewing it as a chance for reflection and rejuvenation rather than socialisation. The sight of snow falling gently outside while you soak in steaming waters is perhaps one of winter Japan’s most quintessential experiences.
December Festivities: East Meets West
December in Japan creates a fascinating cultural tapestry where traditional Japanese end-of-year customs intertwine with adopted Western celebrations, creating something uniquely Japanese.
Christmas in Japan
Christmas in Japan bears little religious significance in this predominantly Shinto and Buddhist nation. Instead, it’s embraced as a season of light, romance, and indulgence. Japanese cities sparkle with some of the world’s most spectacular illuminations, from Tokyo Midtown’s “Starlight Garden” to Kobe’s “Luminarie”—a light festival commemorating the city’s recovery from the devastating 1995 earthquake.
Artificial and real Christmas trees are decorated in homes, shopping malls, and public spaces.
Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day, takes centre stage as couples exchange gifts and dine at upscale restaurants. Amusingly, a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s established Kentucky Fried Chicken as the traditional Christmas meal, leading to two-month advance reservations for the Colonel’s special Christmas boxes!
Japanese New Year Traditions
As Christmas fades, Japanese traditions take precedence. Year-end cleaning (oosouji) becomes a national preoccupation as homes and businesses are purified in preparation for the new year. The ringing of temple bells (joya no kane) 108 times on New Year’s Eve—symbolising the cleansing of the 108 earthly desires in Buddhist belief—heralds the country’s most important holiday.
Famous temples and shrines, like Sensō-ji in Tokyo, attract huge crowds for hatsumode.
New Year (shogatsu) sees Japanese people returning to their hometowns, visiting shrines and temples for hatsumode (first prayers), and enjoying traditional foods like toshikoshi soba (long noodles symbolising a long life) and osechi ryori (preserved foods in elegant boxes, each with symbolic meaning for the year ahead). The first few days of January are particularly significant, with many Japanese people dressed in their finest kimonos visiting local shrines to pray for good fortune in the coming year.
Tokyo in December: Capital Contrasts
The capital presents December visitors with a spectacular juxtaposition of traditional and ultramodern experiences. Neighbourhoods like Roppongi and Shibuya compete for the most impressive Christmas illuminations, while department stores like Isetan and Mitsukoshi display elaborate Christmas decorations alongside traditional New Year goods.
Shrines and Temples in Winter
For a truly Japanese winter experience in Tokyo, visit the city’s many shrines, which take on a special atmosphere in the winter months. The Meiji Shrine, nestled in a forested oasis in central Tokyo, is particularly atmospheric on cold, clear December days when sunlight filters through bare branches and the silence feels otherworldly.
Attracts millions of visitors for Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year).
As December progresses, temporary stalls appear across the city selling traditional New Year decorations: kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements symbolising longevity), shimenawa (sacred straw ropes), and daruma dolls (round figures representing good fortune and perseverance).
Winter Culinary Delights
Food markets buzz with activity as shoppers secure special ingredients for end-of-year celebrations. Don’t miss the chance to warm yourself with seasonal specialities like oden (a hearty hotpot of various ingredients simmered in dashi broth) or nabe (communal hotpots perfect for cold evenings), paired with warm sake—the perfect antidote to winter chills.
Nabe (Japanese Hot Pot).
Design your perfect Japan trip today!
Work with your expert local travel designer to customise your itinerary so it is exactly what you want from a Japan trip. Get exclusive experiences, top-rated restaurants, and hotels that fit your interests.
Beyond the Obvious: December Discoveries
While skiing, onsen, and end-of-year celebrations dominate Japan’s December offerings, the country rewards those willing to venture beyond the well-trodden path.
Kyoto in Winter
The ancient capital of Kyoto, with its 1,600+ temples and shrines, acquires a special magic in winter. Without the crowds that flock to see cherry blossoms in spring or autumn foliage, December visitors can experience sacred spaces in meditative tranquillity. Some temples, like Kiyomizudera, offer special evening illuminations, their wooden structures dusted with snow and lit by lanterns, creating scenes straight from a woodblock print.
Some temples and areas in Kyoto may have special winter illuminations.
Winter Flora and Fauna
For nature enthusiasts, December offers unique opportunities. While the famed cherry blossom season lies months away, winter unveils different botanical treasures. The camellia, Japan’s “winter rose,” blooms from December through March, particularly spectacular in gardens like Tokyo’s Rikugien. In warmer Okinawa, the earliest cherry blossoms actually begin in January, offering a preview of the spectacular show that will sweep northward across mainland Japan in the coming months.
Historically, the garden included several tea houses, some of which have been restored.
Winter Festivals and Cultural Events
-
Chichibu Night Festival (2-3 December, Saitama Prefecture): One of Japan’s three great hikiyama (float) festivals, featuring spectacular illuminated floats.
-
Sapporo White Illumination (Throughout December): Japan’s oldest winter illumination event transforms Sapporo’s Odori Park into a winter wonderland.
-
Kobe Luminarie (Early to mid-December): A spectacular light festival commemorating the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.
-
Takayama Winter Festival (Mid-December): Experience rural Japanese winter traditions in this picturesque historic town.
Practical Considerations for December Travellers
Japan in December offers excellent value for travellers, falling between the autumn foliage peak and the New Year holiday rush. Domestic tourism slows in early to mid-December, meaning easier reservations and less competition for experiences.
Holiday Season Travel Tips
However, be aware that the days surrounding New Year (approximately December 29-January 4) see many businesses, museums, and restaurants close as Japanese people return to their hometowns for family celebrations. This period also brings peak prices for accommodation and transportation as the entire country seems to move at once.
Skiing and Winter Sports Planning
For skiers, early December offers lower rates and emptier slopes, with snow conditions improving as the month progresses. By mid-December, most major resorts are operational, though snow quality can vary year to year. The ski season typically runs from December through March or early April, with January and February offering the most reliable conditions.
Hot Springs Etiquette
If hot springs are your priority, December’s cooler temperatures make even outdoor rotenburo (open-air baths) comfortable throughout the day, whereas in warmer months, they might be too hot except in early morning or evening. Remember that most onsen prohibit people with tattoos, though private baths (kashikiri-buro) provide an alternative.
What to Pack for Japan in December
-
Warm layers (thermal underwear, sweaters, fleece)
-
A good winter coat and gloves
-
Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
-
Hand warmers (kairo)
-
Swimwear (for hotel pools, some hot springs accept swimwear)
-
Portable umbrella (for unexpected rain or light snow)
-
Lip balm and moisturiser (winter air can be dry)
The Perfect December Itinerary
For the ideal December journey, consider this balanced two-week itinerary: Begin in Tokyo, exploring the capital’s winter illuminations and end-of-year atmosphere. Take a day trip to Hakone for your first onsen experience and, on clear days, spectacular views of Mount Fuji cloaked in snow.
Next, head north to Nagano for skiing and a visit to the snow monkeys. Continue to Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan coast, where winter brings special seafood delicacies and the enchanting Kenrokuen garden takes on a new persona under its distinctive yukitsuri (rope structures protecting trees from heavy snow).
Finish in Kyoto and nearby Nara, where ancient temples set against winter landscapes create unforgettable scenes of tranquillity and Japanese aesthetic perfection.
Sample 14-Day Winter Itinerary
-
Days 1-3: Tokyo: Explore Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and winter illuminations
-
Day 4: Day trip to Hakone (hot springs and Mount Fuji views)
-
Days 5-7: Nagano: Skiing/snowboarding and Jigokudani Monkey Park
-
Days 8-9: Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya district, seafood markets
-
Days 10-12: Kyoto: Winter temple visits, illuminations, traditional crafts
-
Day 13: Nara: Ancient temples and friendly deer in Nara Park
-
Day 14: Return to Tokyo for departure
Winter Travel Between Cities
Japan’s excellent rail system makes winter travel relatively stress-free, though occasional heavy snow can cause delays in mountainous regions. The Japan Rail Pass offers excellent value for this type of itinerary, covering most shinkansen (bullet train) routes.
Japanese Winter Vocabulary
To enhance your December Japan experience, here are some useful winter-related Japanese terms:
-
Fuyu (冬): Winter
-
Yuki (雪): Snow
-
Onsen (温泉): Hot spring
-
Yukigassen (雪合戦): Snowball fight
-
Kotatsu (こたつ): Heated table with blanket, perfect for winter warming
-
Oshogatsu (お正月): New Year celebrations
-
Hatsumode (初詣): First shrine visit of the New Year
-
Yukimi (雪見): Snow viewing
-
Toshikoshi Soba (年越しそば): Year-end buckwheat noodles
Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!
For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
December in Japan offers a uniquely magical experience that combines serene winter landscapes, cultural traditions, and outdoor adventures. While many travellers focus on cherry blossom season, Golden Week, or autumn foliage, winter reveals Japan’s true character—resilient, contemplative, and celebrating the beauty in simplicity.
Many experienced travellers deliberately plan their Japan visits to avoid both the rainy season (with its humidity and downpours) and Golden Week (with its crowded attractions and peak prices), making December an insider’s choice for experiencing authentic Japan. Unlike these challenging travel periods, December offers clear skies, relatively uncrowded attractions, and the beginning of winter’s unique cultural traditions.
The perfect time to visit? For many seasoned Japan travellers, the answer is a resounding “December”-when the country shows its most authentic face, free from the crowds that flock during more popular seasons.
Visit Japan in the other months? Explore our Japan travel guide for an unforgettable journey.
