What's the weather like in Japan during December?

December brings distinct regional temperatures across Japan. Tokyo sees daily temperatures between 4-12°C (39-54°F) while Osaka hovers around 4-13°C (39-55°F). Kyoto tends to be colder with temperatures from 2-11°C (35-52°F). Snow is common in higher elevations such as Hakone and near Mount Fuji. One TourRadar traveler shared: "December was chilly but clear skies made for amazing Mt. Fuji views." Warm clothing and layers are essential for comfortable sightseeing.

What special events or festivals can I experience in Japan during December?

December fills Japanese cities with winter celebrations. Kyoto's Kiyomizu Temple lights up for evening viewing while the Chichibu Night Festival brings floating lanterns and fireworks in early December. Local winter markets pop up in major cities and traditional temples host special ceremonies. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The temple visits in winter were magical with all the illuminations making it extra special."

What are the best places to visit in Japan during December?

December visitors find Tokyo's light displays and Kyoto's snow-covered temples particularly appealing. Mount Fuji offers sharp winter views while Osaka's Dotonbori district stays lively with food and entertainment. Hotels like the Imperial Hotel Tokyo and Kyoto Hotel Okura provide good winter viewing spots. A TourRadar guide notes: "Winter brings fewer crowds and unique photo opportunities at iconic sites."

What kind of winter activities are available in Japan during December?

Winter opens up seasonal activities across Japan. Hokkaido welcomes visitors with skiing hot springs and snow festivals. The Dragon Trip tours feature winter-specific experiences like soaking in tattoo-friendly onsen at traditional ryokans viewing Tokyo's winter lights and visiting the snow monkeys in Nagano. One TourRadar traveler noted "December was perfect for combining cultural sights with winter activities."

Are December tours cheaper than peak season?

Most December tours offer lower prices except during the New Year's Eve period. The Japan Classic tour starts at 4800 USD in December compared to 5500 USD during cherry blossom season. Book early for Christmas and New Year travel as these dates often carry premium rates. Hotels and flights also tend to be more affordable in early December.

What special foods should I try in Japan during December?

Winter brings out Japan's warming comfort foods. Look for oden (hot pot) nabe (Japanese stew) and amazake (warm sweet rice drink) at local restaurants. Osaka's Dotonbori district serves hot takoyaki and steaming ramen. The Tsukiji Outer Market food tours in Tokyo showcase seasonal specialties like warm miso soup and fresh grilled seafood perfect for cold December days.

Japan Tours in December 2026

10 best Japan trips in December 2026

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Explorer
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
4.9 (48 traveler reviews)
"The people were very friendly and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to explore somewhere new."
Sarah, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
From
US$2,775per person
Price based on Shared Room
Sign up and save up to $138
14 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
21 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Japan Winter Wonder (Classic)
4.7 (13 traveler reviews)
"Best time ever! The tour was amazing."
Stephanie, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Hakone,Tokyo+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Regions
HonshuSouthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
From
US$2,650per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $132
2 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
7 spaces left
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Explorer
11 Day Explorer Central Japan Snow Monkey Park（Private Guide and Driver）
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Oshino, Jigokudani Valley, Yamanouchi,Yudanaka,Nagano,Matsumoto,Shirakawa-go,Takayama,Kanazawa,Kyoto,Fushimi,Uji,Nara,Hiroshima,Miyajima Island,Osaka+13 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $7,690
US$5,768per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $288
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
8 Days Winter Wonders: A Family Journey in Japan (private guide and driver）- Customizable
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $6,413
US$4,810per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $240
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Japan Winter Adventure (2026-27)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Memanbetsu, Lake Akan, Sapporo,Otaru+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
HokkaidoNorthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $6,823
US$6,141per person
+$952 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $354
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
South Japan Express
4.6 (28 traveler reviews)
"The hotels were comfortable and exceeded our expectations, providing a relaxing stay after our daily adventures."
Carmen, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima,Miyajima Island,Matsuyama,Kotohira,Takamatsu,Naruto,Kobe+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern Japan
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$1,702per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $85
3 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
10 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Festival & Events
10 Days Family Winter Japan: Ski, Snow Monkeys & Mt.Fuji Tour (private guide and driver）- Customizable
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Yuzawa, Nagano, Mount Fuji
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
HonshuCentral Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $9,415
US$7,061per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $353
15 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
16 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
13 Day Wonders of Central Japan Snow Monkey Park （Private Guide and Driver）
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone, Owakudani, Fujikawaguchiko, Oshino,Jigokudani Valley,Yamanouchi,Yudanaka,Nagano,Matsumoto,Shirakawa-go,Takayama,Kanazawa,Kyoto,Fushimi,Uji,Nara,Hiroshima,Miyajima Island,Osaka+15 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $8,921
US$6,691per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $334
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Festival & Events
7 Days Ski Niseko, Winter in Hokkaido Tour (private guide and driver）- Customizable
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Sapporo, Niseko
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
HokkaidoNorthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
25% Off
From $4,000
US$3,000per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $150
15 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
16 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)
4.4 (105 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary was well planned and gave us the chance to see so many highlights, including Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, and the beautiful UNESCO site Shirakawago."
Oliver, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Gifu, Takayama, Fuji, Hakone, Yokohama,Tokyo+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
Stunning Tours
50% Off
From $3,598
US$1,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $89
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Explore Japan: Snow Monkey & Onsen (Private Guided)
4.8 (6 traveler reviews)
"It's an incredible and unforgettable Journey! The entire trip was well-organized, and every detail was carefully taken care of."
Cecia, traveled in November
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Nagano, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
HonshuCentral Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Odynovo
10% Off
From $4,167
US$3,750per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $187
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Handpicked adventures loved by our team
TourRadar Curated
In-depth Cultural
9D Splendid Japan-Private 3 Star Hotels-Osaka to Tokyo
4.5 (378 traveler reviews)
"Japan is an incredible country—full of warm, welcoming people and a rich, fascinating culture."
William, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Tokyo
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
Stunning Tours
50% Off
From $3,798
US$1,899per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $94
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
8D Splendid Japan-Private 3 Star Hotels-Osaka to Tokyo
4.6 (105 traveler reviews)
"All of the hotels are above 3 stars with perfect locations. We have decided to do their 14 Days Panoramic Japan tour next year!"
thomas, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Tokyo
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
Stunning Tours
50% Off
From $3,598
US$1,799per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $89
4 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
Japan Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
4.8 (2,313 traveler reviews) award winner
"This was an absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. We visited a brilliant mix of iconic hotspots and lesser-known hidden gems."
Michéal, traveled in April
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka
Age Range
Ages 18-59
Islands
Honshu
Operated in
English
Operator
One Life Adventures
15% Off
From $2,645
US$2,248per person
Price based on Private Single Room
Sign up and save up to $112
7 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Best of Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima 6 Days
4.5 (15 traveler reviews)
"Well organized and planned. Would recommend if you are short on time and wanna see the main sights."
Anshul, traveled in September
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
HonshuSouthern Japan+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Vio Travel
5% Off
From $996
US$946per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $47
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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