Japan in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Japan in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama | 13° | 4° | 51 mm | low | Cold |
| Nagoya | 11° | 2° | 57 mm | low | Cold |
| Sapporo | 2° | -5° | 114 mm | low | Freezing |
| Fukuoka | 12° | 4° | 61 mm | low | Cold |
| Kawasaki | 13° | 4° | 53 mm | low | Cold |
| Kobe | 12° | 4° | 38 mm | low | Cold |
| Saitama | 12° | 1° | 37 mm | low | Cold |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Hokkaido (Sapporo, Niseko, Furano, Asahikawa)
December returns to full winter: deep snow in Niseko and the mountains, frozen lakes in the interior, and Christmas illuminations in Sapporo. Ski resorts operate fully and onsen become particularly inviting after cold days; airports are generally reliable but blizzard-induced delays can occur on exposed routes. Bring heavy winter gear and allow extra travel time around New Year holidays.
Tohoku & the Sea-of-Japan Coast (Aomori, Akita, Sendai, Niigata, Kanazawa)
December typically marks winter’s return: snowfall accumulates again, especially on the Sea-of-Japan side, and many mountain roads close for the season. Urban centers remain functional and attractive with quiet festivals, but remote rural travel becomes more challenging. Bring warm gear and expect slower connections if moving between coastal and inland towns.
Tokyo & the Kanto Plain (Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji approaches)
December sees a return to clear, cold weather with festive illuminations and comfortable sightseeing conditions-urban winters are more brisk than frigid. New Year’s preparations cause one of the few major travel spikes in Japan, so plan transportation if traveling around late December. A light but warm coat and comfortable shoes for city walking are recommended.
Central Alps & Japanese Alps (Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kamikochi, Mt. Fuji approaches)
December returns to winter dominance with reliable snow at elevation; early-season ski openings appear and alpine lodges gear up for the season. Lower valleys feel cold, and driving conditions on mountain roads require winter tires. The combination of snow, hot springs and quiet historic towns makes this a classic off-peak winter escape.
Kansai & the Seto Inland Sea (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Okayama, Takamatsu)
December turns cool and festive with winter illuminations in urban centers and quieter shrines; the Seto Inland Sea keeps milder temperatures than further inland. Expect fewer tourists outside the New Year holiday rush, making museum and temple visits more relaxed. Pack a warm coat for evening strolls and occasional brisk sea breezes.
Kyushu & Okinawa (Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Yakushima, Okinawa main and outlying islands)
December cools but stays relatively mild on Kyushu’s coastlines; mountain areas can see snow at higher elevations such as Aso’s caldera rim. Yakushima is cooler and still wet-trail management may close some routes for safety. Okinawa is warm by comparison and a pleasant winter escape, though short daylight and occasional storms can affect diving schedules.