Japan, Asia

Tokyo in December

Winter illuminations everywhere and festive energy without Western holiday pricing until late month. Many businesses close December 29 through January 3.

GoodCold and dry, highs near 54F (12C)

Tokyo skyline, Japan — TokyoPhoto: David Kernan, CC BY 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Tokyo. Winter illuminations everywhere and festive energy without Western holiday pricing until late month. Many businesses close December 29 through January 3.

Weather: Cold and dry, highs near 54F (12C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Tokyo

December is cold and dry, with highs near 54F (12C). Winter illuminations light up neighborhoods all over the city, and fall color lingers in the gardens into early December. Prices stay reasonable until late in the month. Many businesses close from December 29 through January 3, while shrines prepare for the New Year crowds.

It suits couples, families and anyone who loves holiday lights without Western holiday prices. Come early or mid month for the best balance. If you plan to be here at New Year, book restaurants ahead and expect closures.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Tokyo this month.

Winter illuminations

Light displays across the city make evening walks feel festive, and they are free to enjoy.

Last fall color

Early December still has color in city gardens, with the evening illuminations running during the season.

Clear winter skies

Dry air makes for sharp city views and good odds of seeing Mount Fuji.

What to pack for December

A warm coat
Gloves and a hat for evening walks
Moisturizer for the dry air
Layers for warm trains and shops

Our timing tip

Plan meals ahead for December 29 through January 3, when many restaurants and shops close for the New Year holiday.

Book Tokyo for December.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Tokyo
Opens a hotel search for Tokyo in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Tokyo
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Tokyo
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Tokyo for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Autumn color season

Mid November into early December

Ginkgo and maple peak in the city's gardens later than in the mountains. Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen run evening illuminations.

Things to do in Tokyo

Full guide

Senso-ji and Asakusa

Tokyo's oldest temple. Go before 8am to see the lantern gate and Nakamise lane without the crowds; by midday it is a river of people.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

The famous scramble is best at dusk. Shibuya Sky's open-air deck sells out; book the sunset slot days ahead.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Meiji Jingu

A genuine forest in the middle of the city. Early morning is serene, and you may catch a traditional wedding procession on weekends.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Tsukiji Outer Market

The wholesale auction moved to Toyosu, but the outer market's food stalls remain a world-class breakfast. Go hungry, before 9am.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

teamLab Planets

The immersive digital art museum lives up to the hype. Timed tickets sell out weeks ahead in peak seasons.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Shinjuku after dark

Omoide Yokocho's lantern-lit yakitori alleys and Golden Gai's tiny bars. Some bars are regulars-only; look for English menus as the welcome sign.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Do headline temples and markets before 8am. Tokyo sights open early, tour groups do not, and the difference at Senso-ji or Tsukiji is night and day.
For cherry blossoms, skip midday at Ueno and go at first light, or pick quieter spots like the Kanda River or Aoyama Cemetery over the Instagram rivers.
Never plan intercity travel during Golden Week or Obon without reserved seats booked as far ahead as the system allows.
Book timed-entry attractions (Shibuya Sky, teamLab, Ghibli Museum) the moment your dates firm up; they cap capacity and simply sell out.

Know before you go

December 29 through January 3: the New Year holiday closes many restaurants, shops, and some museums, while shrines see their biggest crowds of the year for first visits (hatsumode).
Golden Week (late April to early May) closes nothing, but sells out everything: treat trains and hotels like concert tickets.
Many museums close on Mondays, and when a Monday is a national holiday they close Tuesday instead. Check the specific museum before building a day around it.
Typhoon season (roughly August through early October) occasionally halts trains and flights for a day. Build one flexible day into any September itinerary.

Tokyo in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Tokyo?

December is a good month to visit Tokyo. Winter illuminations everywhere and festive energy without Western holiday pricing until late month. Many businesses close December 29 through January 3.

What is the weather like in Tokyo in December?

Cold and dry, highs near 54F (12C).

Is Tokyo crowded in December?

Crowds in Tokyo are moderate in December; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Tokyo in December?

Autumn color season (mid november into early december).