Tokyo in December
Clear skies, festive city, late spike
The short answer
December is a good time to visit Tokyo.
Early December is underrated — clear skies, no crowds, full city.
7/10 overall5–12°CLow-Moderate crowds¥¥¥ (Moderate, spikes late)
Weather7/10
Crowds7/10
Prices7/10
Events7/10
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 5–12°C
- Cold, dry and very clear
- Crowds
- Low-Moderate
- Calm until about 27 December, then the New Year rush
- Prices
- ¥¥¥ (Moderate, spikes late)
- Reasonable until the final week
+Bright, dry weather and illuminations across the city.
–Everything closes and prices jump in the final week.
My tip for December
Finish your trip before 27 December to avoid the shutdown.
- Illuminations
- Food
- Shopping
- Views
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
5th of 12 overall in Tokyo, 6th for weather, 4th for space, 4th for value. The emptiest month is January; the best value is January.
See all twelve months for TokyoPlan around
What’s on in Tokyo in December
- New Year shutdown
- Much of the city closes. From about 5 January, Tokyo is quiet, clear and cheap.
29 December – 4 January
Not set on December?
Even stronger months in Tokyo
Ready to book December in Tokyo?
Bright, dry weather and illuminations across the city.
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