Japan Weather in December

This is the early winter month in Japan. Japan weather In December gets considerably cold as the temperature drops to 5-13℃ (41-55.4℉) on average. The temperature difference becomes very large between day and night, and it’s really chilly at night. It gets somewhat dryer as in winter, because there are much less rains in the season. However, it is relatively humid as the country is in the middle of ocean. The northwestern coast sees more precipitation than the southeastern side during winter, for the northwest monsoon across Sea of Japan supplies abundant water vapor for raining or snowing. As covered by thick snows, it’s bitterly cold.
 Hokkaido is always cooler than the other regions in Japan. In December, it hovers around freezing point. To the highest, the temperature could reach 2℃ (35.6℉) averagely; while its lowest temperature could drop to -4℃ (24.8℉) at night. It turns to be the winter mode completely in Hokkaido, and winter sports like skiing becomes popular.
 Okinawa is a great destination in Japan in December if you want to have a holiday to escape from chill. It is at 16-21℃ (60.8-69.8℉) on average, which is autumn-like on these dotted islands.
  For winter comes, winter clothes are the must for your travel to Japan in December. At the beginning of this month, you can wear thin sweater plus an overcoat. To the end of December, thick sweater and other thicker clothes should be put on instead. Wool overcoat, insulated jacket, padded trousers, and thick boots, etc. are proper to wear. If you are in colder Hokkaido, thicker winter clothes like down coats are the necessaries, especially when going outdoors.
  Transition to Slack Season
 Recommendation Rate: 
As the peak season of fall foliage is just ended, early December is still popular a little bit, because the leaves are still falling. Later, it turns to be a slack season gradually for the cooler and cooler weather. It gets too cold to go out for a hearty sightseeing. You could enjoy less-crowded attractions and lower expense on your Japan trip in December. However, the price might be higher as approaching Christmas and New Year.
 With thick snow, winter is also interesting to play. You could enjoy skiing, ice skating, snow tubing, and more winter sports as well as games in Japan. Hokkaido and the ski resorts in other mountainous regions of Japan supply high-quality skiing areas and services. Take good care of yourselves when enjoy winter sports.
 There is nothing better than soaking in a hot spring bathing pool during winter. Thus, the distinctive Japan onsen bath is a must-try when getting to Japan in winter. It would be comfortable and relaxing in the onsen, and some open-air private pools are pretty beautiful especially when it snows. Hakone and Nikko are the most-visited onsen town nearby Tokyo, and Hakone is close to Mt. Fuji particularly.
 Winter illumination is a featured event around Japan in winter. You could find such an activity almost in each large city. Dazzling lights make the venue or attraction gorgeously charming to see at night. The illuminations at Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, Osaka Hikari Renaissance at Nakanoshima Park, Osaka Castle Illuminage, etc. are the highlights in December.

Cold December is also good to visit a museum or enjoy the steaming hot food. Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, etc. are worth a visit, while Ebisu Yokocho, Hozenji Yokocho, Omoide, Dotonbori, and more snack streets are full of visitors.

  Do wear thick to keep warm in Japan in December, especially in northeastern Honshu and Hokkaido.
 Respect and follow the Japanese rules to take an onsen bath. You may learn some onsen etiquette in advance.
 You need to wrap yourselves up when going to see winter illuminations at night. Each winter illumination has its own opening period, so you can learn the information beforehand in case of the trip for nothing.
 At the end of December, there would be some count-down events or New Year carnivals on the streets, especially on the last day. You may join in, but look after yourselves well in the crowds.