Why Should You Visit Japan in December?
Thinking of traveling to Japan in December?
You might be wondering — is it too cold? Will it snow? Is anything even open? And what’s Christmas like in a place where most people don’t officially celebrate it?
Spoiler alert: December in Japan is a magical, cozy, slightly weird winter wonderland, with glowing cities, steaming bowls of noodles, snow monkeys, and loads and loads of tasty strawberries.
Not a Fan of Traditional Christmas? You’ll Love This
If Christmas carols make you twitch and you’d rather dodge the office party than hear one more “Secret Santa” joke, Japan could be your ultimate holiday escape.
There’s no Santa overload. No tinsel explosion. No awkward gift exchanges.
What you do get? Glowing cities. Peaceful temples. Cozy ramen shops. And snow monkeys, yes, actual monkeys, soaking in hot springs like they’re at a five-star wellness retreat.
Why December is Japan’s Secret Travel Sweet Spot
Here’s what makes December extra special, it’s shoulder season in much of the country. That means fewer tourists, shorter lines, and actual breathing room in cities that are usually packed tighter than a Tokyo train at rush hour.
Take Kyoto, for example. In spring, it’s wall-to-wall cherry blossom selfies. But in December? It’s calm, peaceful, and almost dreamlike. You can wander through thousand-year-old temples without photobombing wedding shoots or dodging guided tours.
Yes, New Year’s can bring some domestic travel spikes, but generally, it’s a quieter, more affordable time to explore Japan. You’ll find better hotel deals, easier restaurant reservations, and way more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
Winter Illuminations: Japan’s Sparkling Side
If you think Japan skips the seasonal sparkle — think again.
December is when cities across Japan flip the switch on winter illumination festivals. And they don’t mess around.
Tokyo Midtown, Shibuya’s Blue Cave, Nabana no Sato’s glowing flower gardens — these places don’t just twinkle, they shine like the Northern Star on espresso. Lights stretch across parks, shopping streets, and entire city blocks.
We visited the TeamLab Botanical show in Osaka, which was an immersive, glowing dreamscape of interactive art and lights. It felt a little over-the-top — and totally unforgettable.
Bonus: most illuminations are free or very affordable. So you get the festive magic, without the festive price tag.
Snow Monkeys: Spa Day Goals in the Mountains
Now for one of the coolest things you can do in Japan in winter — literally.
Head to Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano and you’ll find a troop of wild snow monkeys soaking in natural hot springs, surrounded by snow-covered trees. It’s one of the only places on Earth where you can see this.
These fuzzy little legends trek through the mountains just to lounge in hot water like they invented wellness culture. Meanwhile, I was trying not to slip on the icy trail with a camera and two heat packs in my pockets.
Getting there takes a short snowy hike, but it’s 100% worth it. Just bring proper boots, warm layers, and a camera — these monkeys are not camera-shy.
Food in Japan Hits Different in December
Let’s be real: food is a huge reason to visit Japan any time of year. But winter? Winter is next level.
First up: strawberries. Yes, December is peak strawberry season in Japan. These aren’t your average berries. They’re huge, sweet, and sold in perfect little packages like edible luxury goods. You’ll find them in everything from mochi to elegant Christmas cakes to limited-edition Starbucks lattes.
Speaking of Christmas cake — Japan’s version is a fluffy sponge topped with whipped cream and strawberries. No heavy fruitcake here. Just light, airy, delicious joy. They’re so popular, people pre-order them weeks in advance.
And now for the curveball: KFC for Christmas.
Thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s, eating KFC on Christmas has become a full-blown tradition in Japan. People line up. They pre-order. Some even get champagne with their meal.
We did it. It was weird. But also — kind of brilliant? No cooking, no cleanup, just crispy holiday joy.
Of course, you’ll also find Japan’s winter comfort foods out in full force. Ramen hits differently in the cold. That rich, salty broth warms your soul faster than any heater. Nabe (Japanese hot pot) is perfect for sharing and deeply satisfying. And oden, Japan’s slow-simmered stew, might be the best thing you’ll ever get from a 7-Eleven.
Top Tips for Visiting Japan in December
Ready to start planning? Here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of your December trip.
Best Places to Go:
Stick to the classics — Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka — for winter lights and festive energy. Head north to Nagano, Takayama, or Hokkaido if you’re chasing snow or planning to ski.
Trains:
Japan’s trains are incredibly efficient, but around New Year’s they can get packed. Book your Shinkansen seats in advance if you're traveling between December 28 and January 3. A JR Pass might still save you money if you’re covering lots of ground.
Getting Around:
Get yourself an IC card (Suica or Pasmo). It works on trains, buses, and even vending machines. No more fumbling for coins in the cold.
Weather:
December is chilly but not unbearable — think layers, not parkas. Tokyo hovers around 5–10°C (41–50°F), while Kyoto and Nagano get colder. And if you’re heading to the snow monkeys, waterproof boots are a must.
So… Why Visit Japan in December?
In short: fewer crowds, better prices, cozy food, peaceful vibes, and a dash of the unexpected.
You get twinkling lights, warm bowls of ramen, monkeys in hot springs, and strawberries that look like art. Whether you’re escaping holiday chaos, chasing adventure, or just curious to see Japan in a different light — December is calling.
Pack your layers, book that flight, and bring your appetite. Japan in December is a trip you’ll never forget.
Planning a winter trip? Drop your questions or tips in the comments — and don’t forget to share this post with someone who needs a break from the holiday madness.