Tokyo · December
Tokyo in December: the complete month guide
Quick answer: December in Tokyo is underrated. Cold but dry and clear (5-12°C), with peak Christmas illuminations through the city and Mt. Fuji at its most visible. The week leading up to Christmas is quiet; December 26-31 sees Japanese travelers returning for New Year (Oshogatsu).
Weather in Tokyo in December
Cold but mostly clear. Daytime 8-12°C, nights 1-6°C. Very low rainfall, often blue skies. Snow rare in Tokyo proper. Dry air — bring lip balm and moisturizer.
What’s happening in Tokyo in December
Christmas illuminations (Roppongi, Marunouchi, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku Southern Terrace). Bonenkai (year-end parties) fill restaurants weekends. December 25 is a regular workday in Japan but Christmas Eve is considered a romantic date night. December 31 (Omisoka) sees temple bell-ringing (joya no kane) at 108 strikes.
Crowds and timing
Light early December, building toward New Year. The week of December 24-31 sees the Japanese domestic-travel surge. Foreign tourist count moderate.
What it costs in December
Mid-range hotels 10,000-18,000 yen/night through mid-December → 18,000-30,000 yen/night around New Year. Restaurants book up early for Christmas Eve.
What to wear
Proper winter coat, gloves, scarf for evenings. Comfortable layers — Tokyo interiors are heated. Hat for windy days.
What to do in Tokyo in December
- Christmas illumination walking tour: Roppongi Hills (Keyakizaka Street), Tokyo Midtown, Marunouchi Naka-dori. Late November to December 25 are peak nights.
- Mt. Fuji day trip — December has the clearest visibility window of the year.
- Hatsumode (first shrine visit) preparation week — December 28-31, Meiji Shrine and Sensoji prepare for millions of visitors at midnight.
- Year-end bargain shopping in Asakusa, Ginza, Shibuya — fukubukuro ‘lucky bags’ appear December 31-January 1.
- Hot spring (onsen) day trip to Hakone — December has snowy peaks visible from outdoor baths.