12月 · Japan Travel Guide
Japan in December: Weather, Events & Best Hotels
Temperature
3–12°C (37–54°F)
Crowds
Moderate
Weather in Japan in December
Temperature
3–12°C (37–54°F)
Conditions
Cold and dry in most regions. Snow possible in Tohoku and Hokkaido. Clear winter skies in Tokyo.
What to Wear
Heavy jacket, warm sweater, scarf, and gloves. Thermal layers for Hokkaido and northern Japan.
Crowd Level
Moderate
Hotel Prices
Medium prices early December; significantly higher Dec 28–31 (year-end holiday period). Book year-end stays well in advance.
Events & Festivals in December
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Winter illuminations — Nabana no Sato (Mie), Kobe Luminarie, Tokyo Midtown Christmas lights (through December)
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Kobe Luminarie (神戸ルミナリエ) — early December, commemorating the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake
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Christmas Eve is Japan's most romantic night — couples book restaurants months in advance
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Bonenkai (忘年会) — "forget-the-year" year-end parties filling restaurants throughout December
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Hatsumode preparations — shrines prepare for the New Year rush
Travel Highlights
- Tokyo winter illuminations at Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, and Marunouchi
- Kobe Luminarie — Europe-inspired light arch installations through the streets
- Nabana no Sato (near Nagoya) — Japan's most spectacular illumination park
- New Year's Eve (Joya no Kane) — temple bells ring 108 times at midnight
Book Hotels for December in Japan
Compare hotels in Tokyo with dates pre-set for December travel. Free cancellation on most bookings.
Dates pre-set: 2026-12-15 → 2026-12-22 · Tokyo