December in Tokyo is a month of lights, a Christmas that isn't one, and a New Year that empties the city.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | ~12°C / 54°F, sunny, dry |
| Nights | ~4°C / 39°F |
| Rain | The driest month |
| Snow | Very unlikely |
| Fuji | Visible from the city on many mornings |
November before, January after.
What's on#
- Illuminations all month: Marunouchi's avenue, Roppongi Hills and Midtown, Yebisu Garden Place, Shibuya's Blue Cave, Caretta Shiodome.
- Christmas, 24 and 25: date night, fried chicken, strawberry shortcake, markets at Hibiya and Yokohama. Nothing closes.
- Bonenkai: year-end parties fill the izakaya every night of the month; book or go early.
- Hagoita-ichi, 17 to 19 December, Senso-ji: decorated paddles and the last fair of the year.
- Year end, 29 to 31: the shutdown begins; Ameyoko market in Ueno is at its most frantic.
- New Year's Eve: toshikoshi soba, temple bells (joya no kane) struck 108 times at midnight, hatsumode at the shrines, or the Shibuya countdown, now controlled.
What to do#
Illuminations by night, Fuji from a tower by morning, the museums before they close for the holiday, a sento, oden and nabe, the last sumo-free month before January's tournament. Things to do, the 5-day itinerary, Hakone with a clear Fuji.
The New Year problem#
If your trip spans 29 December to 3 January: eat at chains, department stores and konbini on the closed days, book the restaurants that are open, see the big sights before the 28th, and treat the 1st as a shrine day. Hotels peak. Tokyo on a budget for the first three weeks instead.
Pack#
A coat, layers, scarf, gloves; no umbrella needed. What to wear in Tokyo. Where to stay, booked early for the last week.
With a Tokyoite#
A bonenkai at an izakaya, toshikoshi soba at midnight, the temple bell, the first shrine of the year: all things Tokyoites do with people. Post your dates on Roavi Community and a Local Friend can include you.
Tokyo in December? See the year out with someone who lives there.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Tokyo in December?
Cold, dry and sunny: highs around 12°C (54°F), lows around 4°C (39°F), very little rain, clear skies. Mount Fuji is visible from the city on many mornings. Wind makes evenings feel colder.Does it snow in Tokyo in December?
Very rarely. Tokyo's occasional snow comes in January or February; a white December is unusual. Expect cold sunshine.What is Christmas like in Tokyo?
A commercial, romantic date night rather than a holiday: illuminations, couples on the 24th, fried chicken from KFC ordered weeks ahead, strawberry shortcake, shops and restaurants open as normal. Nothing closes for Christmas. Everything closes for New Year.What closes in Tokyo over New Year?
From about 29 December to 3 January: many restaurants, independent shops, museums and some attractions. Convenience stores, chains, department stores (reopening on the 1st or 2nd with sales) and shrines stay open. Plan meals and sights for those days in advance.
