Top 15 Things to Do Across Japan in December

December in Japan is a magical time when winter arrives, bringing snow to the mountains, festive lights to the cities, and unique seasonal experiences you won't find any other time of year. Whether you're looking for winter sports, cultural festivals, or stunning natural beauty, Japan in December offers something special for every traveler.

Here are the top 15 things to do across Japan in December that will make your winter trip unforgettable.

1. Visit the Sapporo White Illumination

Snow sculpture of palace with Sapporo TV tower background in Sapporo Snow Festival

The Sapporo White Illumination is one of Japan's oldest and most beautiful light festivals. Starting in late November and running through December, this stunning display transforms Odori Park and other areas of Sapporo into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights.

The main attraction features enormous light sculptures, illuminated trees, and themed displays that create a romantic atmosphere perfect for evening strolls. The festival also includes food stalls serving hot drinks and local treats to keep you warm while enjoying the lights.

If you're planning to explore Sapporo and the surrounding areas, consider joining organized Hokkaido tours that can help you experience not just the illuminations but also other winter highlights of the region.

2. Soak in an Onsen with Snow Views

Tamatsukuri Onsen

There's nothing quite like relaxing in a natural hot spring while snow gently falls around you. Japan in December is the perfect time to experience this quintessentially Japanese winter activity. Popular onsen destinations like Hakone, Kusatsu, and Nozawa Onsen become even more enchanting when surrounded by snow.

The contrast between the steaming hot water and the cold winter air creates an unforgettable experience. Many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) offer private outdoor baths where you can enjoy the snowy scenery in complete privacy.

3. Ski or Snowboard in Niseko

Niseko's Powder Snow

Niseko in Hokkaido is world-famous for its powder snow, and December marks the beginning of the ski season. The resort receives some of the best quality snow in the world, making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.

Even if you're a beginner, Niseko has slopes for all skill levels, plus excellent ski schools. The area also offers night skiing, natural hot springs, and fantastic restaurants serving both Japanese and international cuisine.

Many ski and snowboard tours to Niseko include equipment rentals and lift passes, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the slopes without the hassle of planning every detail.

4. Experience the Chichibu Night Festival

Parade lantern float event at Chichibu Night Festival in Japan

Held annually on December 2nd and 3rd in Saitama Prefecture, the Chichibu Night Festival is one of Japan's three most famous festivals. This 300-year-old celebration features massive floats decorated with lanterns, traditional music, and an incredible fireworks display.

The festival reaches its peak on the evening of December 3rd when six ornate floats are pulled through the streets accompanied by taiko drums and traditional instruments. The event culminates in a spectacular fireworks show that lights up the winter sky.

Since Chichibu is easily accessible from Tokyo, many day tours from the capital include visits to this historic festival.

5. See the Snow Monkeys in Nagano

Snow Monkey Park

The Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, bathing in natural hot springs are one of Japan's most iconic winter sights. Located in the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture, these wild monkeys come to the hot springs to warm up during the cold winter months.

December is an excellent time to visit because the monkeys are more likely to be in the pools when temperatures drop. The sight of these adorable creatures relaxing in the steaming water with snow-covered landscapes in the background is truly magical.

The park is located in a scenic valley that requires a short hike through the forest, adding to the adventure. Many tours to Nagano include visits to the snow monkey park along with other regional highlights.

6. Enjoy Christmas Illuminations in Tokyo

Roppongi Hills "Christmas Market 2016" *

While Christmas isn't a traditional Japanese holiday, Tokyo goes all out with spectacular light displays throughout December. Areas like Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, Shibuya Blue Cave, and Marunouchi become illuminated wonderlands.

The Marunouchi Illumination features over a million LED lights creating a champagne-gold canopy along the tree-lined streets. The Shibuya Blue Cave transforms the path between Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park into a magical blue tunnel of lights.

These illuminations are free to enjoy and create a festive atmosphere perfect for evening strolls. Many Tokyo city tours offer evening extensions that include visits to the best illumination spots.

7. Attend a Year-End Festival at Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, hosts special year-end markets and ceremonies throughout December. The Hagoita-Ichi (Battledore Fair) held from December 17-19 is particularly popular, where decorative wooden paddles are sold as good luck charms for the coming year.

The temple grounds are beautifully lit in the evenings, and the atmosphere becomes increasingly festive as the month progresses. Visiting Sensoji in December gives you a glimpse of how Japanese people prepare for the New Year.

Many cultural tours in Tokyo include stops at Sensoji Temple, where you can learn about Japanese religious traditions and customs.

8. Explore the Winter Light Festival in Nabana no Sato

Nabana no Sato Winter Illumination

Located in Mie Prefecture, Nabana no Sato is home to Japan's largest illumination display. From late October through May, but especially stunning in December, the botanical garden transforms into a sea of lights.

The highlight is the 200-meter tunnel of lights and the themed light installations that change annually. Past themes have included Mount Fuji, rivers, and Japanese countryside scenes, all recreated using millions of LED lights.

The illumination also includes a spectacular light show set to music and beautiful reflections in the garden's ponds. While it's possible to visit independently, many organized tours from Osaka and Nagoya include transportation and admission.

9. Visit Kyoto's Winter Temples

The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)

Kyoto's temples and gardens take on a serene beauty in December. The crowds thin out compared to autumn, making it easier to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. Some temples offer special winter illuminations, and if you're lucky, you might see famous sites like Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) dusted with snow.

Arashiyama's bamboo grove is particularly atmospheric in winter, and the area's temples and traditional streets feel even more authentic without the crowds. The crisp winter air makes walking tours especially pleasant.

Many Kyoto tours offer winter-specific itineraries that include visits to temples with special December events and the best spots for seasonal viewing.

10. Enjoy Winter Seafood Markets

Tsukiji Outer Market

December is peak season for several types of seafood in Japan. The crab season begins in November and continues through winter, making December perfect for trying fresh snow crab, king crab, and other delicacies.

Markets like Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo, Nishiki Market in Kyoto, and Kuromon Market in Osaka overflow with seasonal catches. You can enjoy fresh sashimi, grilled seafood, and warming seafood soups at market stalls and nearby restaurants.

Food and market tours in cities like Tokyo and Osaka often include tastings of seasonal specialties, giving you a delicious introduction to Japan's winter cuisine.

11. Experience Gassho-zukuri Villages in Winter

Shirakawa-go

The historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, with their distinctive thatched-roof farmhouses, are UNESCO World Heritage sites that become magical in winter. When snow blankets the village, it looks like a scene from a fairytale.

Special illumination events are held on select evenings in January and February, but visiting in December means you can enjoy the snowy landscapes without the massive crowds that come for the light-up events.

The surrounding mountains and traditional architecture create incredible photo opportunities. Many tours from Takayama and Kanazawa include visits to these historic villages, with some offering overnight stays in traditional farmhouses.

12. Shop at Winter Sales and Department Stores

Shibuya Crossing

December is a great time for shopping in Japan, with winter sales, Christmas promotions, and year-end bargains. Department stores in Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities create elaborate window displays and festive decorations.

Areas like Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya in Tokyo become shopping destinations with special holiday merchandise, limited-edition products, and tax-free shopping for tourists. Many stores also offer beautiful food halls in their basements where you can find perfect gifts and seasonal treats.

13. Ride the Romantic Train in Arashiyama

Sagano Romantic Train

The Sagano Romantic Train (Torokko Train) running through the Hozugawa River valley near Kyoto is beautiful year-round, but December offers unique winter views. The open-air carriages allow you to feel the crisp winter air as you travel through the scenic gorge.

While autumn brings colorful leaves, winter reveals the bare beauty of the landscape and occasional snow-dusted mountains. The 25-minute journey takes you through tunnels and along cliffs with stunning views of the river below.

This experience is often included in Kyoto and Arashiyama tours, sometimes combined with visits to nearby temples and the bamboo grove.

14. Attend the Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri in Nara

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

This ancient festival takes place in Nara from December 15-18 each year and has been held for nearly 900 years. The event features elaborate processions with participants dressed in traditional Heian-period costumes, ritual dances, and ceremonies.

The main procession on December 17 is the highlight, with hundreds of people marching from Kasuga Taisha Shrine through the streets of Nara. The colorful costumes and traditional music create a window into Japan's ancient past.

Nara is easily visited as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, and many regional tours include stops at this historic city with its famous deer and ancient temples.

15. Watch the Geminid Meteor Shower

December hosts one of the year's best meteor showers, the Geminids, which peaks around December 13-14. Japan's dark sky locations, particularly in rural and mountainous areas, offer excellent viewing opportunities.

Popular stargazing spots include the Japanese Alps, Hokkaido's countryside, and remote areas of Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures. Some mountain lodges and observatories offer special stargazing events during the meteor shower.

Combining stargazing with hot spring bathing or staying in a mountain lodge makes for a memorable winter experience. Some adventure tours include overnight stays in locations ideal for viewing the night sky.