When to go · December

Japan in December

A solid time to go

Many businesses close Dec 29-Jan 3; ski resorts and hotels fill through New Year week.

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Daytime high

12°C

54°F

Overnight low

4°C

39°F

Rainfall

58 mm

moderate

Crowd levels

medium

manageable

Prices

medium

shoulder

What to expect in Japan in December

December brings cool weather to Japan, with daytime highs around 12°C (54°F) and overnight lows near 4°C (39°F). Skies are typically dry with occasional showers, with about 58 mm of rainfall on average. Many businesses close Dec 29-Jan 3; ski resorts and hotels fill through New Year week..

Crowds are manageable in December — busy in popular areas but not overwhelming. Prices sit in the shoulder-season range — not the cheapest, but well off peak. Peak season runs Late March–April (cherry blossom), October–November, for context.

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