Japan in December 2026: Illuminations, Weather, New Year Crowds, and Tips

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Correction, 9 October 2026: an earlier version gave the Roppongi Hills Christmas dates as 5–25 December. The illumination runs from 5 November to 25 December.

December splits into two trips. The first three weeks are cold, dry and easy: Christmas lights in Tokyo, clear views of Mount Fuji, and the last autumn leaves in Kyoto. The last few days of the year are year-end crowds, closures and the New Year shrine visits known as hatsumode. Decide which half you want before you book.

Weather in December

Tokyo: highs around 12°C and lows near 4°C on average. Skies are usually clear and dry, and the wind makes evenings feel colder than the number.

Kyoto: a little colder than Tokyo, especially in the morning. Temple halls are unheated, and some have you take your shoes off.

Hokkaido and the Japan Alps: proper winter, with snow. Pack for it if you are leaving the cities.

Pack: a warm coat, layers, gloves for evenings outside, and waterproof shoes for mountain days. See winter Japan and the packing list.

Early December: the last leaves

In Kyoto the famous temples usually peak in late November, and color often lasts into the first days of December. Tofuku-ji and Eikando keep their autumn openings until 6 December. Check the foliage forecast and the Kyoto foliage guide before you go.

In Tokyo, the maples and the ginkgo trees are forecast to peak in late November, so the first week of December can still be colorful in the parks. After that, the city is about lights, winter food and Fuji views: cold, clear mornings are the best time for a Mt. Fuji day trip.

Illuminations

Tokyo's big light shows are on through December. These dates are confirmed:

• Marunouchi Illumination: 12 November 2026 to 14 February 2027, on Nakadori.
• Roppongi Hills Christmas: 5 November to 25 December 2026, including Keyakizaka.
• Tokyo Midtown Christmas: 26 November to 25 December 2026, garden lights 17:00–23:00.

Maps, hours and updates are in our Tokyo Christmas illuminations 2026 guide. Go on a weeknight just after sunset; weekend evenings, and Christmas Eve above all, are packed. In Kansai, see Osaka and Kobe illuminations.

What to do in December

Cities

• Tokyo: illuminations, ramen and hot pot, museums on cold days. See what to do in Tokyo.
• Kyoto: early-month temples while the leaves last, then quieter streets than in November. See what to do in Kyoto.
• Osaka: eating your way round on cold evenings. See the Osaka food guide.

Day trips

• Hakone for hot springs: see Hakone and winter onsen near Tokyo.
• Kawaguchiko on clear days, for Fuji.
• Nikko, if snow hasn't closed the higher roads; check before you go.

New Year week (29 December – 3 January)

Closures. Many restaurants, small shops and museums close for some or all of these days, and banks close from 31 December to 3 January. Convenience stores, big stations, department stores (which hold New Year sales from 1 or 2 January) and most hotels stay open.

Trains. Shinkansen and long-distance trains are fullest around 28–30 December, as people head home, and again around 2–4 January on the way back. Reserve seats as early as you can.

Shrines. The first shrine visit of the year draws the biggest crowds of the year to places like Meiji Jingu in Tokyo and Fushimi Inari in Kyoto. Read our New Year guide before you plan New Year's Eve around one.

Two ways to do it: leave Japan by about 28 December, or stay for New Year as the point of the trip, with your hotel and some meals booked ahead.

Costs

Hotel prices are reasonable in early December, rise before Christmas and jump from about 28 December to 3 January in Tokyo, Kyoto and the ski towns. If you are staying for New Year, book as soon as your dates are fixed; Rakuten Travel lists hotels across Tokyo. For skiing, see the Niseko guide.

Sample December plans

Lights week (5–12 December): Tokyo evenings for the illuminations, one Hakone or Fuji day, and Kyoto at the start if the leaves are still there.

Avoiding New Year: arrive in early December and leave by 28 December.

New Year trip: book the hotel and at least some meals, pick one shrine, and get to it early on 1 January or in the days after.

FAQ

Is December a good time to visit Japan? Yes, for the lights, clear skies and winter food. It is less good over New Year if you need restaurants and shops to be open.

Does it snow in Tokyo in December? Rarely. Don't plan a Tokyo trip around snow.

Can I still see autumn leaves in December? In the first days of December, yes, in Kyoto and some Tokyo parks. By mid-month most famous maples are over.

Should I visit over New Year? Only if you want to see New Year itself and are happy with closures and crowds. Otherwise, travel earlier in the month.

What should I book first? Your hotel, then any meals between 31 December and 3 January, then Shinkansen seats if you are changing cities.