Japan in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Average Temperatures in Tokyo, Japan: 54°F High • 39°F Low

As winter sets in, December grows colder across most of Japan. However, with sunny skies and lighter crowds, it remains a pleasant period for sightseeing.

Tokyo and other cities like Kyoto or Yokohama may see brief snow showers that dust the neighborhoods white before melting away. Pack warm layers and gloves when exploring temples, gardens, and holiday markets on cooler days.

Further south, Okinawa offers a balmy escape from winter, with averages of 68°F, allowing beachgoers and snorkelers to continue enjoying the subtropical landscapes. With generally clear skies, December invites travelers to revel in crisp conditions or island warmth across this diverse country, according to their interests.

Okinawa • Best Place for Great Weather

For reliably pleasant weather in December, look no further than Okinawa. Japan’s southernmost prefecture enjoys tropical temperatures year-round, with average highs of 68°F, even in December. You’ll be comfortable in short sleeves during the day and light jackets at night as you explore Okinawa’s lush subtropical landscape and pristine beaches. The dry winter months offer some of the lowest rainfall on the island.

Escape the winter chill on the mainland by heading to Okinawa, where you can bask in glorious sunshine and mostly clear skies, perfect for snorkeling dazzling coral reefs or simply relaxing oceanside. With its fantastic climate, intriguing history, and rich culture, Okinawa shines as an alluring getaway for some off-season island warmth.

Learn more: Blue Zones Around the World You Can Visit Right Now

Sapporo • Best Place for Families with Children

Sapporo in December is a great place for families due to its enchanting winter activities and festive atmosphere. The city's snowy landscape offers a host of fun experiences for kids, including playing in the snow, enjoying winter lights, and participating in activities such as snow rafting and snow sculpting.

Families can also visit the German Christmas Market in Odori Park, where they can shop for gifts, savor seasonal delicacies, and even meet Santa Claus. Additionally, Sapporo and its surrounding areas are home to various family-friendly attractions, among them the Sapporo Teine Dinosaur Kids’ Park, Historical Village of Hokkaido, and Otaru, where kids can engage in entertaining indoor activities like learning ninja skills and glass-blowing.

Learn more: Japan Family Vacations & Tours

Kanazawa • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

Kanazawa in December offers a truly enchanting setting for a romantic getaway, characterized by its serene winter landscapes and a host of distinctive seasonal experiences. The city's renowned Kenrokuen Garden, especially charming when blanketed in snow, provides an idyllic backdrop for couples to immerse themselves in the beauty of the season.

The snow-dusted castles, shrines, and traditional architecture throughout the city and its environs further enhance the romantic atmosphere, evoking a sense of timeless charm and tranquility.

Kanazawa's winter traditions, such as the elegant yukizuri tree-branch supports for snow protection and the cozy indulgence of savoring seasonal delicacies like crab and sweet shrimp, contribute to the city's romantic charisma in December. With its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, Kanazawa is a perfect choice for couples seeking an unforgettable winter retreat.

Learn more: Most Romantic Places in Japan for Couples

Shirakawa-go • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Nestled in a remote mountain valley, the well-preserved village of Shirakawa-go transports visitors back to historic Japan with its heritage-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses blanketing the area. Undisturbed by modern architecture, these steeply slanted thatched-roof structures designed to withstand heavy snow enthrall visitors wandering the bucolic landscape.

Despite the cooler winter months attracting more tourists, Shirakawa-go remains largely crowd-free, even in peak season, especially when staying overnight. With fewer visitors in December before New Year holiday crowds, this fairy-tale village proves an idyllic escape into unspoiled scenery and heritage rarely found elsewhere.

Witness Impressive Light Festivals

In December, Japan hosts several captivating light festivals. The Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination in Nagoya is renowned for its vastly lit flower garden and impressive light tunnels, while the Midosuji Illumination in Osaka offers a romantic and mesmerizing light show.

In Kobe, the Kobe Luminarie presents an enchanting display of illuminated trees, while in Sapporo, the Winter Illuminations, including the German Christmas Market in Odori Park, provide a festive atmosphere with seasonal delicacies and a variety of snow activities.

These festivals can give you a magical winter experience, making them perfect for those looking to embrace the holiday spirit and appreciate the unique beauty of December in Japan.

Experience World-Class Winter Sports Destinations

As colder weather transforms Japan’s mountains in December, ski resorts like Niseko in Hokkaido unveil premium powder snow perfect for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Adventure seekers can tackle backcountry terrain or explore off-piste runs with a guide through stunning alpine scenery.

For those who prefer to take in the views at a relaxed pace, resort towns like Nozawa Onsen in Nagano allow travelers to unwind in outdoor hot-spring baths after a long day hitting the slopes. With top-notch pistes opening up across iconic winter destinations, December presents the opportunity for travelers to carve tracks through legendary East Asian snowscapes.

Discover Winter Fairytale Towns

Across Japan’s snowier northern reaches, remote country hamlets unlock storybook magic for winter travelers once the first flakes fall. Shirakawa-go draws crowds who marvel at gassho-zukuri thatched farmhouses draped in powder, while Takayama’s well-preserved old town delights visitors wandering lantern-lit streets past traditional inns and merchants'  wooden homes.

Further north, the port village of Otaru enchants with gas lamps burning amidst icy winding paths and nostalgic early 20th-century warehouses storing winter’s first snow crab catches. Base yourself to take day trips to discover these fantastical winter wonderlands.

From winter sports to fairy-tale country escapes, December invites the discovery of Japan's incredible seasonal beauty. With comfortable cool days perfect for sightseeing interspersed with holiday enchantment, December entices visitors seeking smaller crowds paired with cultural delights.

For more ideas for your trip, find inspiration with our Japan tours or explore the possibilities of when to visit, where to go, and more with our Japan travel guide.