Japan travel guide
Japan in December is cool and relatively dry, with Tokyo highs near 12°C, lows near 5°C and about 58 mm of rain. Winter illuminations, Christmas travel and ski season begin. It suits travellers who want snow and festive lights, with prices that rise near the year end.
Facts checked 2 Nov 2026
Cool and relatively dry; winter illuminations, Christmas travel, and ski season begin.
This guide explains what Japan is like in December: the weather, how busy it is, what to plan and who the month suits. Figures are typical values for Tokyo from our destination research, so check a forecast before you travel.
Tokyo has daytime highs of about 12°C and lows of about 5°C in December, with around 58 mm of rain and humidity near 55 percent. Cool and relatively dry; winter illuminations, Christmas travel, and ski season begin. December is cool and relatively dry in Tokyo, with humidity near 55 percent. Winter illuminations brighten the cities, and ski season starts in Hokkaido, Nagano, Niigata and Tohoku. Daylight is short.
December suits skiers, couples and travellers who enjoy city lights and a cooler climate. It is less suited to travellers who want warm weather or foliage.
December is cooler than November and drier. It is milder than January, and early December can still have late foliage.
Late foliage can last into early December in some regions, so early December can combine colour with fewer crowds. Christmas and year-end are busier and costlier. Keep daylight in mind and plan indoor evenings. Our packages are land-only, so flights and the visa fee are booked separately. Indian passport holders need a visa before travel, so start early.
This guide is compiled from published tourism and weather information and traveller reports about Japan, and was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather, prices and schedules change, so confirm details before you book.
See the full best time to visit Japan guide, plan your days with places to visit in Japan and things to do in Japan, read the Japan visa guide for Indians, and browse our Japan tour packages. Return to the Japan travel guide.
Ready-made trips
Tokyo 2N · Hakone 1N · Kyoto 3N · Osaka 1N
Tokyo 3N · Kyoto 2N · Osaka 2N
Tokyo 3N · Hakone 1N · Kyoto 2N · Osaka 1N
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Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Japan.
December is cool and relatively dry, with winter illuminations and the start of ski season. It suits snow and city-lights travel, though daylight is short and year-end dates cost more.
Tokyo highs are near 12°C and lows near 5°C, with about 58 mm of rain and humidity near 55 percent. Snow regions are colder, so pack warm layers.
Ski season begins in December in Hokkaido, Nagano, Niigata and Tohoku. Book accommodation and transport early, and follow slope safety guidance.
In some regions, foliage peaks run into early December, so early in the month can still show colour. Timing varies by region and year, and cannot be promised.
Christmas and year-end travel are busier and costlier, with limited hotel availability. Book early and expect higher prices in the last week of December.
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