Is Japan in December Worth a Christmas and New Year Trip?

Short Answer: If your vacation only falls during the Christmas and New Year season, Japan is a wonderful choice for a uniquely festive experience. You can take in Christmas illuminations, count down to the New Year under fireworks, join locals for the first shrine visit on January 1, and experience an authentic tea ceremony in a kimono to welcome the year.

But to be honest, if your travel dates are flexible and you're not specifically coming for the holidays, December 28 to January 4 is actually a period we'd recommend avoiding, as it's the peak for both crowds and travel costs. Transportation and closures during the holiday season also require more careful planning. Read on to learn what December is like across the month, and everything you need to know before you go.

Crowds and Costs

The Christmas and New Year season is peak travel time in every popular destination, and Japan is no exception. Crowds start increase after December 21, and December 28 to January 4 is the absolute one of the peaks of the year for both crowds and prices, as this is when Japanese people take their New Year holidays and travel domestically.

On New Year's Eve, a well-located four-star hotel can cost twice as much as it does in mid-December or even more. Some luxury hotels also bundle a New Year's Eve gala dinner with the room rate. Private transfers and guides are in high demand and usually charge holiday surcharges. For travel during this period, we recommend booking at least 4-6 months in advance.

Which Dates Offer Better Value?

Japan New Year Holiday: What's Open and Closed

For the 2026-27 New Year holiday, the core official closure period runs from December 29, 2026 (Tuesday) through January 3, 2027 (Sunday). The holiday ends on January 4, when most places return to normal business.

• Shinkansen and local trains continue to operate but are very crowded. On New Year's Eve, some train lines run through the night.
• Convenience stores stay open 24 hours, and major chain restaurants don't close. But many small restaurants and izakayas start closing around December 29 and gradually reopen from January 4.
• Department stores and shopping malls usually close early on December 31 and remain closed on January 1, reopening on January 2.

Which Major Attractions Will Close During the New Year Holiday

Shrines, temples, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Universal Studios Japan stay open, but many museums and galleries set their own closing schedules. If there's a particular place you don't want to miss, check its official opening schedule in advance, or contact us and let our travel experts plan it all for you.

• Tokyo: The Tokyo National Museum closes from December 26 to 31, 2026, and reopens at noon on January 1. The Imperial Palace East Gardens close from December 28 to January 3. Tsukiji Outer Market also has many individual shops that take year-end and New Year breaks.
• Kyoto: Nijo Castle will be closed from December 29 to 31 and reopen on January 1. The Ninomaru Palace within the castle grounds will remain closed from December 26 to January 3. The Kyoto National Museum will be closed from December 28 to January 1, while the Kyoto Imperial Palace will close from December 28 to January 4.
• Osaka: Osaka Castle Museum closes from December 28 to January 1 and reopens on January 2.

How to Plan for Japan's New Year Closures

After reading all that, you might be wondering whether spending New Year in Japan is really a good idea. But in practice, around 80% of our travelers who visit Japan in December choose to be there for New Year. The key is knowing how to plan around the holiday schedule.

First, try to stay in a major city from December 29 to January 3. Most shops and restaurants in rural areas close during this period. In big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, there are more convenience stores and chain restaurants that stay open, and hotel restaurants can also be a reliable dining option.

If you're flying into Tokyo around December 25, a practical route is to travel from Tokyo to Hakone, and then head to Kyoto for the New Year holiday. Kyoto's shrines are particularly lively during those days, and even on New Year's Day we can arrange a tea ceremony with a geisha, kimono experience, and a private car and guide for you (be sure to book in advance). And of course, no matter when you arrive or where you want to go, just contact us and our travel experts can design a practical, workable itinerary around what you're looking for.

*Also, try to avoid frequent travel between cities from December 29 to January 4 and be sure to book your transport ahead of time. From December 25, 2026 to January 5, 2027, all Nozomi Shinkansen trains on the Tokaido Line connecting Tokyo with Kyoto and Osaka operate with reserved seats only. If you board without a reserved-seat ticket, you won't be able to sit and may have to stand in the train's passageway.

Japan's Weather in December

The weather in December in Japan is dry and chilly. The days are still stable, with clear skies and crisp air. Average daytime temperatures in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are about 10 to 14℃ (50 to 55℉).

Is December Too Cold for Traveling in Japan?

Not for most travelers, especially if you come from North America and Europe. It is a transition month, and you can still capture the autumn warmth in the first half of the month. Light winter clothes and layers are usually enough to manage most outdoor activities in December.

Japan Weather Map in December

• Central Japan's weather in December ushers in crisp, dry air. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima enjoy their mild winter from 3 to 10℃ (37 to 50℉), with occasional snow lightly dusting rooftops and temples. Also, prepare your thick coat for your night outs and the second half of the journey.
• Northern Japan in December is well covered in snow, especially Hokkaido, with stable snowfall ready for ski resorts to operate their early ski season. However, always packed thick to deal with the much lower temperatures of about -8 to 0℃ (18 to 32℉).
• Southern Japan in December is similar to the central part. With slightly higher temperatures in Kyushu and Shikoku, ranging from 5 to 12℃ (41 to 54℉). The warmer Okinawa in the far south (can reach 19℃, 66℉) is ideal for your winter escape.

Where to Go in Japan in December

Kyoto: Fall Colors and New Year Traditions

In 2026, Kyoto's fall foliage is forecast to reach peak color around December 14 (by JMC), so early December still offers a great chance to see red leaves. We recommend heading to Arashiyama. You can take a ride on the scenic Sagano Romantic Train through the autumn landscape, or enjoy a boat ride near Togetsukyo Bridge for views of the riverbanks and surrounding hills.

A tea ceremony is another experience worth trying in Kyoto. Put on a kimono, then step into a traditional machiya-style tea room to learn about the history of the tea ceremony, the utensils, and basic etiquette. You'll taste matcha and Japanese wagashi sweets, and make your own bowl of matcha with a chasen.

Kyoto also has some special New Year events. At Chion-in Temple, monks ring the temple's enormous bell 108 times on New Year's Eve. Fushimi Inari Taisha is another of Kyoto's most popular spots for hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year. On the morning of January 1, visitors come to pray for good fortune, walking through the famous rows of red torii gates to the main shrine. You can also pick up a New Year good-luck charm (omamori) or draw an omikuji fortune slip.

Arashiyama Autumn Foliage

Tokyo: Winter Illuminations and Celebrations

December is a great time to see Tokyo's winter illuminations, and Marunouchi is one of the city's classic spots. The trees lining the street are decorated with champagne‑gold LED lights. The 2026 illuminations is scheduled to run from November 12, 2026 to February 14, 2027, with lights on daily from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM (extended to midnight in December). It's close to Tokyo Station, so it's easy to combine with Kokyo Gaien National Garden and Ginza in one day.

Tokyo Disney Resort usually holds its Christmas event from mid‑November through December 25, including the Christmas-themed parades and fireworks shows set to Christmas music. If you're staying in Tokyo for New Year's Eve, consider heading to Odaiba Seaside Park for a large‑scale New Year's Eve event. There will be countdown fireworks, a drone light show, the Tokyo Aqua Symphony fountain show, and other stage performances.

On January 2, you can also attend the Imperial Palace New Year Greeting. The Emperor and other members of the Imperial Family appear on the balcony of the Chowa-Den Hall to greet the public and offer New Year wishes. Just keep in mind that these big events are extremely crowded during the New Year period.

Hakone: Hot Springs and Mt. Fuji Views

If you're not particularly fond of cold weather or simply prefer a more comfortable winter escape, Hakone can be highly recommended during your December journey, with warm mineral baths, crisp mountain air, and some of the finest views of Mount Fuji with exceptional visibility.

While many visitors come for the famous black eggs and steaming volcanic landscape of Owakudani, the real December highlight is the opportunity to enjoy a traditional ryokan stay, slow down, and capture the sacred mountain in a much more relaxing way: soak in the comfort of an open-air hot spring with foliage, while admiring the snow-capped summit against clear blue skies.

Kanazawa: Traditional Streets and Winter Seafood

The coastal Kanazawa is gradually getting into winter in December. Occasional dusting of snow dots the historic city with a relaxed atmosphere to appreciate traditional Japan away from the busiest tourist routes.

There is no need to rush from one attraction to another in its well-preserved district. Strolling through the Higashi Chaya, from beautifully preserved wooden teahouses to narrow lanes, take time to visit local craft shops or sip sweet rice wine in a traditional brewery. Finally, visit Omicho Market for a warming seafood bowl or freshly prepared sushi, including sweet shrimp, snow crab, and yellowtail, after a day of sightseeing in the crisp winter air.

More to Experience in Japan in December

• See snow monkeys soak in the hot spring bath at Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, a convenient stop during your ski experience at Shiga Kogen.
• Shirakawago also experiences its most typical winter fairytale scenery, especially when those snow-topped farmhouses light up at night.
• December 2 to 3 held one of Japan's top three float festivals in Saitama, Chichibu Yomatsuri, highlighted by a grand float procession and fireworks display on the night of December 3.

FAQs

Where can I catch fall foliage in Japan in December?

Aim for early December. Tokyo's peak usually runs from late November to early December, with places like Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien, and Meiji Jingu Gaien still colorful in the first week or so. Kyoto and Osaka peak slightly earlier, and by mid-December most leaves have fallen. If you're arriving later in the month, Kyoto's famous spots like Eikando and Tofukuji will likely be bare, and winter illuminations are the better draw.

Is December a good time to ski in Japan?

December can be a good time for first-time skiers and beginners, especially from mid-to-late December as snow cover builds in northern Japan. Early-season slopes are generally less crowded. But for more reliable deep powder and the best Japow conditions, January and February are better choices.

For a December ski trip, Niseko United is a good option for its English-friendly services and established resort facilities. Furano is worth considering for families looking for a quieter ski experience. Around Tokyo, Shiga Kogen is a practical choice with generally more reliable snow conditions in December.

What Is Christmas like in Japan?

Christmas isn't a public holiday in Japan, so everything stays open. Around the holiday, many shops put up Christmas decorations, bakeries sell Christmas-themed cakes, and there are also some Christmas markets. And you'll witness a fun sight: crowds lining up at KFC for fried chicken.

Christmas Eve is a popular date night for couples, so be sure to book your dinner restaurant in advance.

Explore Japan in December With Odynovo

Whether you're coming to Japan for Christmas and New Year or simply visiting in December, our travel specialists can help you plan the trip around your dates and interests. We'll recommend suitable destinations and hotels, arrange transportation and activities, and take care of reservations so you can enjoy your Japan tour without any stress.