Planning a trip to Tokyo in December 2025?

You’re choosing a magical time to visit Japan’s capital! As local Japanese parents with over 20+ years of experience living in Tokyo,we can share that December offers a wonderful blend of festive illuminations, year-end celebrations, and a special holiday atmosphere that transforms the city into a winter wonderland.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Tokyo during this beautiful winter month – from weather and what to pack to the best seasonal activities and accommodation options.

Tokyo in December 2025 at a glance

December brings festive illuminations, holiday events, and a special year-end atmosphere with cooler temperatures.

Weather in Tokyo in December

December in Tokyo brings crisp winter weather that’s generally dry and sunny, though quite chilly compared to autumn.

As the month progresses, temperatures steadily drop, with the last week of December being noticeably colder than the beginning of the month.

Temperature	Daily highs: 10-12°C (50-54°F) in early December Daily highs: 8-10°C (46-50°F) by late December Overnight lows: 2-5°C (35-41°F)
Rainfall	Very dry with only 4-5 rainy days per month Occasional very light snow possible
Sunshine	Approx. 6 hours of sunshine daily Clear blue skies common
Humidity	Very low humidity Dry air both indoors and outdoors

Overall, December weather creates good conditions for exploring the city if you’re properly dressed. While cold, the typically clear, sunny days and lack of precipitation make outdoor sightseeing quite enjoyable.

Indoor heating keeps shops and restaurants comfortable, creating perfect conditions for enjoying Tokyo’s excellent winter cuisine and shopping.

What to Wear in Tokyo in December 2025

The key to dressing in Tokyo in December is warm layers. Winter temperatures can feel colder than the thermometer suggests, especially in the evening or when it’s windy.

Here’s what to pack:

• Warm winter coat or down jacket
• Thick sweaters and thermal underlayers
• Winter scarf, gloves, and hat
• Warm socks and comfortable walking shoes
• Lip balm and moisturizer (for the dry air)

Local tip: Tokyo hotels and public spaces use AC heating systems which create dry indoor air.

Is Tokyo Busy in December? Crowds Forecast

December has two distinctly different periods in terms of crowds:

Early December (1st-20th): manageable crowds at tourist sites and attractions

Late December (21st-31st): getting extremely crowded with holiday shoppers and year-end travelers, especially at department stores and train stations.

Crowded Places in December

• Christmas illumination spots like Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, and Marunouchi are packed on weekend evenings.
• Shopping districts including Ginza, Shibuya, and Shinjuku see heavy crowds for Christmas and year-end shopping.
• Major train stations become increasingly crowded as December progresses.
• Temples and shrines get extremely busy on December 31st for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Main Tokyo Attractions

Below are the main Tokyo attractions for which you’ll need advance tickets during December:

• Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea (Gets extremely busy after Dec 20)
• teamLab Planets & Borderless
• Tokyo SkyTree

Local tip: Many attractions have special winter/Christmas versions of their experiences in December. Book these well in advance!

Best Things to Do in Tokyo in December 2025

December in Tokyo offers a magical winter atmosphere with festive illuminations, special year-end foods, and unique cultural experiences. Here are the top activities and attractions to enjoy during your visit:

Where to Stay in Tokyo in December

Finding the right accommodation is crucial for an enjoyable Tokyo visit, especially during the busy winter holiday season. Here are some options for different travel styles and preferences:

For First-Time Visitors

If this is your first time in Tokyo, staying in central areas with good transportation links would be ideal choice:

• Shibuya – Vibrant area perfect for travelers who enjoy shopping and fashion
• Shinjuku – A major transportation hub with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Marunouchi/Tokyo Station – Easy access to Tokyo’s major attractions and day trip destinations.
• Asakusa – Traditional atmosphere with direct access to historic temples and shrines

Looking for specific recommendations?

• Best Family Hotels in Tokyo
• Best Budget Hotels in Shibuya
• Best Budget Hotels in Shinjuku

Local tip: Staying in central Tokyo is perfect for tourists—very convenient and time-saving!

For Repeat Visitors

If you’ve been to Tokyo before and want to explore beyond the usual tourist areas:

• Tokyo Disney – Hip neighborhoods with vintage shops, live music venues, and a local vibe
• Odaiba – One of Tokyo’s most well-preserved traditional areas with a charming old-town atmosphere
• Toyosu – A favorite residential area among Tokyoites with great shopping, dining, and Inokashira Park

Looking for something unique?

• Best Boutique Hotels in Tokyo
• Best Themed Hotels in Tokyo
• Best Luxury Hotels in Tokyo

Accommodation Tips for December

• Book early – December is extremely popular, especially the latter half
• Consider location – Staying near illumination spots gives easy evening access
• Confirm holiday closures – Some facilities close between Dec 29-Jan 3

[Japan Agoda Hotel Deals!]

>>Hot Discount Codes for Japan stays!<<

Best Tips for Visiting Tokyo in December 2025

Important Dates in December

• December 24-25 – Not public holidays but Christmas-themed events throughout the city
• December 29-31 – Many businesses begin closing for New Year’s holidays
• December 31 – Hatsumode (first shrine visit) begins at major temples and shrines

Practical Tips

• Dress warmly – Tokyo winter feels colder than the temperature suggests
• Book New Year’s Eve dinner in advance if planning to dine out
• Check holiday closures – Many attractions close or have limited hours Dec 29-Jan 3

Local tip: If staying through January 1st, experience Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year) at a local shrine rather than major ones like Meiji Jingu to avoid enormous crowds.

FAQs

Written and updated by: