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.