Best Time to Visit Japan in December
Weather, crowds, costs, and events for visiting Japan in December
Best Time to Visit Japan in December
The best times to visit Japan are March to November for pleasant temperatures and busy, and January to February for the cheapest flights and hotels of the year. Both combine favourable conditions with better value than peak alone, and Japan at its most rewarding.
AT A GLANCE
April
Peak: Peak season, book ahead. Crowds run High — book 3–4 months ahead.
March to November
Pleasant temperatures, busy. Crowd level is High; high pricing.
January to February
Cheapest flights and hotels of the year. Crowd level is Low; book 2–4 weeks ahead.
Which season is best for Japan?
December falls in winter — here's what to expect.
Spring
Spring — Peak Sightseeing
March · April · May
Peak season
Spring is when travellers book Japan for peak sightseeing. Peak Sightseeing timing runs Tokyo (early April); Osaka (mid April); Kyoto (late April). Expect 10–20°C averages with 9–10 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $180–$250/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 15°C with 10 rain days in April.
Cherry Blossoms [Mar], Peak Sightseeing [Apr], Warm Evenings [May]
Mar 10°C, Apr 15°C, May 20°C — mixed skies (9–10 rain days)
First-timers, photographers, couples, soft hikers
April pushes rates to $180–$250/night with high crowds at headline sights. April brings 10 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to Japan in Spring?
Book Japan's peak sightseeing for April at least 3–4 months out, then spend 2 nights in Tokyo in March where mid rates and medium crowds trade a short hop for calmer spring days.
Summer
Summer — Beach Weather
June · July · August
Hot season
Summer is when travellers book Japan for beach weather. Beach Weather timing runs Tokyo (early July); Osaka (mid July); Kyoto (late July). Expect 24–29°C averages with 9–12 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $130–$180/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 28°C with 10 rain days in July.
Monsoon Breaks [Jun], Hot window [Jul], Long Evenings [Aug]
Jun 24°C, Jul 28°C, Aug 29°C — mixed skies (9–12 rain days)
Festival-goers, families, beach seekers, nightlife fans
July pushes rates to $130–$180/night with high crowds at headline sights. June brings 12 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to Japan in Summer?
Book Japan's beach weather for July at least 2–3 months out, then spend 2 nights in Tokyo in June where mid rates and medium crowds trade a short hop for calmer summer days.
Autumn
Autumn — Autumn Colours
September · October · November
Foliage season
Autumn is when travellers book Japan for autumn colours. Autumn Colours timing runs Tokyo (early October); Osaka (mid October); Kyoto (late October). Expect 12–25°C averages with 5–8 rain days/month and high crowds — but hotel rates hit $130–$180/night and high crowds fill the main sights Mid-season sits near 18°C with 6 rain days in October.
Mild Walks [Sep], Foliage window [Oct], Leaf Peeping [Nov]
Sep 25°C, Oct 18°C, Nov 12°C — mostly clearer skies (5–8 rain days)
Photographers, hikers, food travellers, couples
October pushes rates to $130–$180/night with high crowds at headline sights. September brings 8 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to Japan in Autumn?
Book Japan's autumn colours for October at least 2–3 months out, then spend 2 nights in Tokyo in September where mid rates and medium crowds trade a short hop for calmer autumn days.
Winter
Winter — Holiday Lights
December · January · February
Festive season
Winter is when travellers book Japan for holiday lights. Holiday Lights timing runs Tokyo (early December); Osaka (mid December); Kyoto (late December). Expect 5–7°C averages with 5–7 rain days/month and medium crowds — and yet shoulder gaps still leave medium footfall on peak weekends Mid-season sits near 7°C with 5 rain days in December.
Festive window [Dec], Quiet Streets [Jan], Quiet Streets [Feb]
Dec 7°C, Jan 5°C, Feb 6°C — mostly clearer skies (5–7 rain days)
Skiers, budget travellers, museum lovers, festive shoppers
December pushes rates to $90–$130/night with medium crowds at headline sights. February brings 7 rain days — outdoor days get cut short without a flexible plan.
Travelling to Japan in Winter?
Book Japan's holiday lights for December at least 4–6 weeks out, then spend 2 nights in Tokyo in December where mid rates and medium crowds trade a short hop for calmer winter days.
.png)
Build a personalised itinerary, your way
Drag and drop destinations, activities, and stays into your perfect day-by-day plan. Reorder stops, adjust timing, and share your itinerary with travel companions in one place.
Which month is best for Japan?
| Month | Avg Temp | Rain Days | Crowds | Cost | Overall | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C | 6 | Low | $ Budget | ★★ Okay | Quiet budget travel |
| February | 6°C | 7 | Low | $ Budget | ★★ Okay | Quiet budget travel |
| March | 10°C | 9 | Medium | $$ Mid | ★★★ Great | Cherry blossom viewing |
| April | 15°C | 10 | High | $$$$ Peak | ★★★ Great | Peak sightseeing |
| May | 20°C | 10 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Warm outdoor days |
| June | 24°C | 12 | Medium | $$ Mid | ★★ Okay | Indoor culture days |
| July | 28°C | 10 | High | $$$ High | ★★ Okay | Warm outdoor days |
| August | 29°C | 9 | High | $$$ High | ★★ Okay | Warm evening outings |
| September | 25°C | 8 | Medium | $$ Mid | ★★★ Great | Mild city walking |
| October | 18°C | 6 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Autumn leaf peeping |
| November | 12°C | 5 | High | $$$ High | ★★★ Great | Koyo leaf peeping |
| December | 7°C | 5 | Medium | $$ Mid | ★★ Okay | Festive city lights |
Temperatures shown as Japan monthly averages.
Japan Events and Festivals by Month
Events worth timing your trip around — and how they affect crowds and prices.
Oshōgatsu (New Year holidays)
Oshōgatsu (Oshōgatsu) is one of the few Japan windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Japan. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Tokyo 29 Dec–3 Jan shrine crush; Kyoto 1–3 Jan hatsumōde peaks; Osaka 31 Dec–2 Jan transport surge. The practical window lasts about 6 days, while local conditions sit near 5°C with 6 rain days and low crowds.
What to expect
- Expect low footfall around Tokyo during 29 Dec–3 Jan shrine crush, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 5°C and 6 rain days shape outdoor plans in Kyoto across 1–3 Jan hatsumōde peaks.
- Many major attractions run reduced hours exactly when hotel rates spike — plan indoor backups before arrival.
- Transport seats and hotels for Osaka (31 Dec–2 Jan transport surge) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before DEC–JAN dates; peak very high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Japan National Tourism Organization holiday calendar before you lock flights or hotels — Official public-holiday list; update annually. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Arrive before 28 Dec or after 4 Jan; if stuck in-country, base in a quieter neighbourhood and day-trip midweek only.
Sakura (cherry blossom / hanami)
Sakura (hanami) is one of the few Japan windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Japan. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Tokyo 28 Mar–4 Apr; Kyoto 29 Mar–5 Apr; Osaka 1–7 Apr. The practical window lasts about 7 days, while local conditions sit near 10°C with 9 rain days and medium crowds.
What to expect
- Expect medium footfall around Tokyo during 28 Mar–4 Apr, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 10°C and 9 rain days shape outdoor plans in Kyoto across 29 Mar–5 Apr.
- Skipping Tokyo’s peak week for Osaka 1–7 Apr often means fuller blooms with one less night of peak pricing.
- Transport seats and hotels for Osaka (1–7 Apr) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before MAR–APR dates; peak very high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check japan-guide.com Sakura forecast before you lock flights or hotels — Updated through bloom season; city windows shift yearly. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Follow the front south→north: Tokyo/Kyoto first, then Osaka, then Hokkaido 2–3 weeks later.
Golden Week (national holiday cluster)
Golden Week (national holiday cluster) is one of the few Japan windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Japan. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Tokyo 2–6 May departure crush; Kyoto 29 Apr–6 May temple queues; Osaka 2–6 May hotel sell-outs. The practical window lasts about 8 days, while local conditions sit near 15°C with 10 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around Tokyo during 2–6 May departure crush, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 15°C and 10 rain days shape outdoor plans in Kyoto across 29 Apr–6 May temple queues.
- Staying put in one city for the full 8 days beats hopping — intercity shinkansen seats vanish first.
- Transport seats and hotels for Osaka (2–6 May hotel sell-outs) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before APR–MAY dates; peak very high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check JR East / SmartEX booking portals before you lock flights or hotels — Real-time seat inventory for reserved shinkansen. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Lock one base city for Golden Week; move long-haul legs before 29 Apr or after 7 May.
Tsuyu (East Asian rainy season)
Tsuyu (tsuyu) is one of the few Japan windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Japan. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Tokyo early Jun–mid Jul typical; Kyoto early Jun–mid Jul typical; Fukuoka early Jun onset typical. The practical window lasts about 40 days, while local conditions sit near 24°C with 12 rain days and medium crowds.
What to expect
- Expect medium footfall around Tokyo during early Jun–mid Jul typical, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 24°C and 12 rain days shape outdoor plans in Kyoto across early Jun–mid Jul typical.
- Hokkaido largely skips tsuyu — shifting north for 10–14 days can salvage outdoor hiking plans.
- Transport seats and hotels for Fukuoka (early Jun onset typical) sell out 4–6 weeks ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 4–6 weeks before JUN–JUL dates; peak medium demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) before you lock flights or hotels — Official onset/withdrawal announcements each season. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- When Honshu turns wet, pivot north to Sapporo/Hokkaido trails instead of cancelling outdoor days.
Obon (mid-August travel peak)
Obon (Obon) is one of the few Japan windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Japan. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Tokyo 13–16 Aug outbound crush; Osaka 13–16 Aug family travel surge; Kyoto mid-Aug hotel pressure. The practical window lasts about 4 days, while local conditions sit near 29°C with 9 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around Tokyo during 13–16 Aug outbound crush, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 29°C and 9 rain days shape outdoor plans in Osaka across 13–16 Aug family travel surge.
- Coastal beach towns can be harder to book than Tokyo itself — city business hotels sometimes have leftover inventory.
- Transport seats and hotels for Kyoto (mid-Aug hotel pressure) sell out 3–4 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 3–4 months before AUG dates; peak very high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Fun! Japan 2026 holiday calendar before you lock flights or hotels — Compiled from national holiday and travel-peak guidance. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Arrive before 12 Aug or after 17 Aug; if travelling 13–16 Aug, keep hops under 2 hours.
Silver Week (Rare long weekend)
Silver Week (Rare long weekend) is one of the few Japan windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Japan. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Tokyo 19–23 Sep weekend escapes; Kyoto 19–23 Sep day-trip surge; Osaka 19–23 Sep regional travel. The practical window lasts about 5 days, while local conditions sit near 25°C with 8 rain days and medium crowds.
What to expect
- Expect medium footfall around Tokyo during 19–23 Sep weekend escapes, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 25°C and 8 rain days shape outdoor plans in Kyoto across 19–23 Sep day-trip surge.
- Unlike Golden Week, Silver Week is short enough that a Tuesday–Thursday city stay can dodge the worst hotel markups.
- Transport seats and hotels for Osaka (19–23 Sep regional travel) sell out 2–3 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 2–3 months before SEP dates; peak high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Housing Japan 2026 holiday guide before you lock flights or hotels — Tracks aligned national holidays including Silver Week. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Book intercity tickets for 18 Sep outbound and 24 Sep return to sit outside the 19–23 crush.
Kōyō (autumn foliage)
Kōyō (kōyō) is one of the few Japan windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Japan. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Sapporo mid–late Oct typical; Tokyo late Oct–mid Nov typical; Kyoto mid–late Nov typical. The practical window lasts about 14 days, while local conditions sit near 18°C with 6 rain days and high crowds.
What to expect
- Expect high footfall around Sapporo during mid–late Oct typical, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 18°C and 6 rain days shape outdoor plans in Tokyo across late Oct–mid Nov typical.
- Kyoto’s Arashiyama at 07:00 beats any “secret temple” tip — the colour is the same, the coach buses are not.
- Transport seats and hotels for Kyoto (mid–late Nov typical) sell out 2–3 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 2–3 months before OCT–NOV dates; peak high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check japan-guide.com autumn colour reports before you lock flights or hotels — Seasonal reports; city peaks shift with first frosts. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Chase colour north→south: Hokkaido mid-Oct, then Tokyo, then Kyoto 2–3 weeks later.
Year-end illuminations & shutdown ramp
Year-end illuminations & shutdown ramp is one of the few Japan windows that reshapes visitor costs and daily rhythm in Japan. It matters because hotels, trains and attraction hours move with the crowd, not with sightseeing wishlists. Timing rolls geographically — Tokyo evening illuminations through Dec; Osaka mid–late Dec light displays; Fukuoka Dec harbour illuminations. The practical window lasts about 20 days, while local conditions sit near 7°C with 5 rain days and medium crowds.
What to expect
- Expect medium footfall around Tokyo during evening illuminations through Dec, with lines forming earlier than published opening times.
- Temperatures near 7°C and 5 rain days shape outdoor plans in Osaka across mid–late Dec light displays.
- Weeknight illumination visits after 21:00 cut queue time more than chasing “lesser-known” light shows across town.
- Transport seats and hotels for Fukuoka (Dec harbour illuminations) sell out 2–3 months ahead — leftover inventory skews to less convenient areas.
Planning tips
- Book stays and reserved transport at least 2–3 months before DEC dates; peak high demand removes flexible inventory first.
- Check Gotokyo / local city tourism illumination pages before you lock flights or hotels — City-run listings; check opening nights each December. Drop any date that the source has not confirmed for 2026.
- Do illuminations 1–20 Dec, then leave Japan before the 29 Dec shutdown if you need open museums.
When is Japan Cheapest to Visit?
Timing your trip right can save 25 to 40 percent on flights and hotels. Green months are cheapest, red months are most expensive.
Cheapest window
January–February. Save about 25–40% versus $$$$ Peak April; hotels track the same flight discounts in this $ Budget window, so flight and stay costs move together.
Book early regardless
April sell out entirely when crowds hit High and pricing hits $$$$ Peak — book accommodation 3–4 months ahead regardless of budget, not only flights.
Best value sweet spot
March and September: great weather on this page (~10°C, 9 rain days) at $$ Mid pricing; Medium crowds still keep it from matching April’s sell-out rush.
Cheapest months to visit Japan
January–February is the cheapest stretch to visit Japan. $ Budget months on this page typically cut flights about 25–35% versus $$$$ Peak, with hotel rates moving in step rather than lagging. Averages sit near 5°C with roughly 6 rain days, so packing stays simple if you accept cooler or wetter days. The exception: festival or holiday spikes inside an otherwise cheap month can briefly push stays toward $$ Mid even when the band still reads $ Budget.
Most expensive months to visit Japan
April are the most expensive months to visit Japan. $$$$ Peak and $$$ High rows align with High or Very High crowds and the 3–4 months booking lead already shown for sell-outs. Expect the 25–40% saving story to reverse here — you pay the premium the chart paints in red. Weather can still look strong (15°C, 10 rain days in April), which is why demand sticks. The exception: a shoulder week just outside the core peak label sometimes dips to $$$ High instead of full $$$$ Peak if you flex.
Best value months to visit Japan
March and September offer the best value months to visit Japan. Great-rated weather pairs with $$ Mid instead of $$$$ Peak, so you keep comfort without the full 25–40% penalty of peak pricing. March averages about 10°C with 9 rain days and Medium crowds — busy enough for open attractions, not yet April-style sell-outs. The exception: once a “value” month overlaps a major holiday cluster, lead times jump back toward 3–4 months even if the cost word has not flipped to $$$$ Peak.
Best Time to Visit Japan For…
January and February. Flights are typically 25–35% cheaper than peak season — base in Japan and keep trips flexible inside that budget window.
January and February. Crowd level stays Low with about 5°C averages — base in Japan for quieter streets and easier bookings.
March and April and November. Expect around 10°C with a great rating — base in Japan for the most comfortable sightseeing days.
March and April or November. March and April maximises iconic weather in Japan but draws higher crowds and peak pricing; November trades that rush for calmer streets and still-strong ratings.
March and April. Chase bloom fronts from Fukuoka north to Tokyo, then Kyoto temple walks once petals peak.
January and February. Base in Sapporo for powder days and the snow festival window before spring thaw.
Import from anywhere.
Plan in seconds.
Spotted something on TikTok? Saved a reel? Have a note full of ideas? Import directly from social media, Google Maps, or your notes — and turn it into a full itinerary immediately.
Best Time to Visit Each City in Japan
Timing varies across Japan's main cities. Here is when each is at its best.
Japan
Sapporo
Snow festival powder peaks in February
Best time to visit
Japan
Kyoto
Temple maple colours peak in November
Best time to visit
Japan
Osaka
Hot humid festival streets in July
Best time to visit
Japan
Fukuoka
Early cherry blossom arrives in March
Best time to visit
Japan
Tokyo
Mild cooler nights return in September
Best time to visitJapan Travel Essentials
- Currency & cards
- Japanese yen (JPY). Cards are widely accepted in cities; keep cash for smaller shops, temples, and rural stops.
- Connectivity
- eSIM or airport SIM covers maps and bookings. Free Wi‑Fi is common in stations, cafés, and hotels.
- Domestic transport
- Metros and local trains dominate cities; IC cards work on most urban transit. Intercity trips use shinkansen or highway buses.
- Etiquette & logistics
- Quiet train cars and orderly queues are expected. Remove shoes where marked indoors at temples, ryokan, and some restaurants.
- Visa / entry
- Confirm entry rules on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa pages before you book. Official source
Your whole trip,
in your pocket.
Every day, every stay, every transfer lives in the app. Pull up your canvas on the go, track where you are day by day, and never lose the thread of your trip.
Japan Travel Timing — FAQ
Everything you need to know about timing your Japan trip
Plan Japan as a multi-city trip rather than a single stop: base yourself in one hub first, then add a second region once the main sights feel covered. Match nights to the March–November weather window on this page so you are not rushing between trains.
Everything You Need to Plan Your Japan Trip
Jump to any guide, itinerary, or planning resource for Japan.
Holicay covers Japan travel planning from first idea to packed bag. Whether you are deciding the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossom, building a 2-week Japan itinerary, comparing Tokyo vs Kyoto, or looking for the best ramen in Tokyo, our AI trip planner Holi-AI builds a custom day-by-day route around your dates, pace, and budget. Use the Japan trip planner to get started. Check Japan weather by month before you book. Explore Japan itineraries from 1 day to 3 weeks. Find the best places to stay in Tokyo and best places to stay in Kyoto. And when you are ready to plan, open Holicay.
How we work this out
Temperature and rainfall figures are 30-year meteorological averages. Crowd levels come from national tourism arrival data. Price bands reflect mid-range accommodation and economy flights from major long-haul cities, sampled quarterly.
Last updated 18 July 2026 · Written by the Holicay travel team