Japan in December
Three quiet, crisp, cheap weeks and then a sudden national scramble in the last few days as the country heads home for New Year.
Is December a good time to visit Japan?
December sits mid-range in Japan — around 58/100 nationally. February is noticeably calmer.
Book things to do
Japan: tours and tickets in Tokyo, Kyoto, from our booking partner.
Free cancellationTokyo Private Walking Tour
from€321
Free Tour of Kyoto
Asakusa Free Walking Tour
Gion Free Walking Tour
Shinjuku Free Tour
Free cancellationKyoto Private Walking Tour
from€140
What closes and what fills up in December
- New Year travel rush begins around 29 December
- Ski season opens in Hokkaido and the Japan Alps
Japan city by city in December
The same month can feel very different depending where you are.
More tours and tickets
More options from our booking partner.
How December compares across the year
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good month to visit Japan?
December sits mid-range in Japan — around 58/100 nationally. February is noticeably calmer.
How busy is Japan in December?
Averaged across the destinations we track, Japan sits near 58/100 in December. The calmest of them is Kyoto.
What is the weather like in Japan in December?
Expect average highs near 12°C and lows near 4°C, with roughly 7 wet days — though Japan varies by region.