Summary of December Travel in Japan
- Avoid Peak Travel Times: Plan your visit to Japan while considering holiday seasons.
- Celebrations: Experience Christmas Eve festivities and important New Year traditions.
- Weather Considerations: Be prepared for winter weather conditions across different regions.
- Festivals: Enjoy various local events and festivals unique to Japan in December.
- Travel Tips: Utilize practical advice for a smooth travel experience during this period.
If you are planning to visit Japan in December, it’s best to avoid traveling to the country during the last week of the month and the first week of January. This period is one of the busiest travel seasons in Japan. Similar to many Western countries, numerous people are on holiday during this time, which can complicate reservations for transportation and accommodations. Consequently, securing a hotel at the last minute during this peak time may prove challenging.
Christmas is not a Japanese national holiday since the predominant religions are Buddhism and Shintoism. As such, businesses and schools remain open on Christmas unless it coincides with a weekend. Therefore, traveling around Christmas Day in Japan is less complicated compared to the Western world.
While Christmas Day resembles any other day in Japan, Christmas Eve is celebrated in a unique manner. It has evolved into a special evening for couples to enjoy romantic outings at upscale restaurants or hotels throughout the country. Thus, if you plan to go out on Christmas Eve, consider making reservations as early as possible to ensure a delightful experience.
New Year’s Eve and Day in Japan
New Year’s holidays hold significant importance in Japan, with families usually spending New Year’s Eve quietly together. Many citizens travel from Tokyo to their hometowns or vacation spots, leading to a quieter atmosphere in the city on this day. However, temples and shrines are particularly crowded as people engage in rituals meaningful to them during this time.
The New Year holidays align with widespread store sales; thus, it provides excellent opportunities for bargain shopping, particularly if you don’t mind large crowds. January 1 is a national holiday in Japan, celebrated with specific traditional foods that symbolize good wishes, such as ebi (shrimp) for longevity and kazunoko (herring roe) for fertility.
As the New Year is widely regarded as the most significant holiday in Japan, most businesses and establishments, including medical institutions, close from around December 29 through January 3 or 4. Nevertheless, many restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, and department stores have started to remain open during this holiday period, providing dining and shopping options for travelers.
Japan Weather in December
Japan experiences cold weather during the winter season, with snow covering various areas of the country. However, December often feels pleasantly reminiscent of late fall, rather than the harshness of mid-winter. Temperatures in December vary across regions, with generally mild highs and lows in the central part of Japan:
- Sapporo: 37 F/22 F
- Tokyo: 54 F/39 F
- Osaka: 53 F/40 F
- Hiroshima: 52 F/37 F
- Nagasaki: 55 F/42 F
Moreover, December is usually dry, with minimal rainfall or snow, as the country receives just 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain across nine days.
What to Pack
When packing for your trip, ensure to include general winter gear such as a coat, sweaters, and layerable clothing. Additionally, consider bringing scarves and winter accessories, along with a warm hat and earmuffs for windy days. If you plan to spend time outdoors in the cold, you might want to purchase disposable kairo heating pads for your hands and feet. These convenient pads are available for around $2 USD for a pack of 10, providing warmth for up to 12 hours.
December Events in Japan
As the year draws to a close, numerous traditional festivals and events take place, adding authenticity to your Japanese vacation.
- Chichibu Yomatsuri (December 2): A famous night festival featuring floats illuminated by lanterns.
- Sanpoji Daikon Festival (December 9-10): This festival in Kyoto celebrates the daikon radish, with over 10,000 attendees enjoying boiled radish during the celebration.
- Akou Gishisai (December 14): A memorial festival honoring the 47 ronin who tragically committed suicide to avenge their master, including traditional dance and warrior parades.
December Travel Tips
- The New Year period may be a great time to stay in Tokyo, as you might uncover deals on nice hotels. Nonetheless, expect crowds at onsen hot springs and snow resorts, making early reservations highly recommended if these destinations are on your list.
- If you are taking long-distance trains, strive to make seat reservations in advance. It can be quite challenging to secure seats on non-reserved cars during peak travel seasons.
