Generally, December is neither good nor bad to visit Japan. It’s quite cold, but it’s also uncrowded, with less visitors before Christmas.

As winter comes, it becomes pretty cold in Japan in December. In most cities of Japan, the temperature is between 5°C (41°F) and 11°C (51.8°F) on average. Hokkaido in northern Japan would be much colder, experiencing a low temperature of -4°C (24.8°F) or so. But in Okinawa, it’s warm comparatively, at 17-21°C (69.8°F).

If you go to Hokkaido in the north of Japan, it’s very likely to see snow in December. Since the first snow falls in mid or late November, there has been a cloak of snow on the ground. Tohoku and northwestern coast have more snowfall than other regions as well. As for most areas in Japan, it is possible to witness the first snow within December, but it doesn’t snow much. Finally, in Okinawa & southern Kyushu, you won’t see a snow at all in December.

Thick winter clothes should be taken especially in Hokkaido and northern Honshu. The further north you go, the thicker clothes should be prepared. Sweater with a thick overcoat is essential to keep warm in December around Japan. Indoor heating is very good, including on metro trains, so you may need not wear too much. The sun sets early in winter, and it would be colder after night falls. Scarf, gloves, cotton hat, and more can be ready for a night sightseeing.

If you go to Okinawa, autumn clothes are suitable in December. It is still warm when it’s sunny, but a thick jacket, sweater, or thin down vest can be put on to replace the autumn clothes when it is rainy or windy.

1. Winter Illuminations

Ginza - A Tokyo Night Scene

Tokyo is the best choice to experience the atmospheric winter illuminations in Japan. The city is filled with festive vibe to greet the Christmas and following New Year. It is dazzling to shine on the night of this city, in Marunouchi, Ebisu Garden Place, Tokyo Station, Yomiuriland, Hibiya Park, Tokyo Skytree, etc.

Of course, you can also watch the gorgeous illuminations in other cities like Osaka, Kobe and Sendai. Sagamiko Illumillion by Lake Sagami in Kanagawa near Tokyo city, claims to be the largest-scale illumination in Kanto. You will fall into a world of colorful lights, as everything is decorated. Last but not the least, remember to wear a thicker overcoat while enjoying these feasts of eyes at night.

2. Skiing in Japan

Skiing is one of the most popular sports in winter. In December, ski resorts in Hokkaido, Nagano, Niigata, etc. are full of people, since the ski season begins. Niseko in Hokkaido, with several big ski resorts on the mountain, is famous and bustling. Hakuba Village is also popular for some ski resorts, too. You can add it to your trip plan if you are going to visit Japan in December 2025.

3. Onsen Experience

Foot Onsen Bath

As you may know, Japanese love to take onsen bath especially in gelid winter. There are a lot of hot springs around the country, and some ski resorts is next to an onsen, which is really great to experience a Japanese onsen bath after skiing. Arima Onsen in Kobe, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma, Gero Onsen in Gifu, Ginzan Onsen, Hakone, Noboribetsu, Beppu, etc. are all stunning onsen destinations in Japan. You can take a leisurely bath in the hot spring pool in the Japanese way, to warm yourself up and explore the oriental culture. 

Moreover, in Nagano, you may also come across one or more snow monkeys who enjoy hot spring bathing in Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.