Overview

December in Japan is a festive and atmospheric month, with winter illuminations, Christmas markets, and traditional year-end celebrations. While snow begins to blanket northern and mountainous regions, major cities glow with illuminations and seasonal events. This is a great time to experience both modern and traditional Japan, from Christmas lights to Shinto New Year preparations.

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Top 5 Events

1. Winter Illuminations

Where: Nationwide (notable in Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya)

When: Late November to early January

• Tokyo’s Marunouchi and Roppongi Hills shine with elegant light displays
• Kobe Luminarie honours earthquake victims with stunning illuminated arches
• Nabana no Sato in Mie features a famous tunnel of lights in a dazzling winter landscape

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2. Chichibu Night Festival

Where: Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture

When: 2–3 December

• One of Japan’s grandest winter festivals
• Features ornate floats and rare winter fireworks in a mountain town setting
• Over 300 years of tradition tied to Chichibu Shrine

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3. Hōnō-Ōdori (Fire Festival)

Where: Atago Shrine, Fukuoka

When: Early December

• Participants walk barefoot across burning embers in a dramatic purification ritual
• A powerful, spiritual ceremony to ensure good fortune in the year ahead

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4. Sapporo German Christmas Market

Where: Odori Park, Sapporo, Hokkaido

When: Late November to 25 December

• A snowy, European-style Christmas market with mulled wine and festive stalls
• Features seasonal gifts, roasted nuts, and German holiday fare
• Set in one of Japan’s most wintery cities, perfect for holiday atmosphere

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5. New Year’s Eve Temple Visits (Joya no Kane)

Where: Nationwide (notable at Chion-in, Kyoto & Zojoji, Tokyo)

When: 31 December

• Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times to cleanse the soul of worldly desires
• Visitors can participate in the ritual bell-ringing
• A peaceful and spiritual alternative to Western-style New Year countdowns

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Additional Events

Nara Kasuga Wakamiya Onmatsuri

Where: Kasuga Shrine, Nara

When: 15–18 December

• Historic processions and traditional dance ceremonies dating back to the 12th century

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Ōsaka Hikari Renaissance

Where: Nakanoshima, Osaka

When: Mid to late December

• Interactive light installations and festive displays across the city centre

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Yokote Kamakura Festival – Preview Event

Where: Yokote, Akita Prefecture

When: Late December

• Visitors enjoy hot amazake inside snow huts ahead of the full February festival

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Hatsumode Preparations

Where: Nationwide (notable at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo & Fushimi Inari, Kyoto)

When: Late December

• Shrines prepare for Japan’s biggest holiday – New Year’s Day
• Visitors start arriving early to purchase charms and write wishes

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Additional Tips

• Dress warmly, especially if travelling to Hokkaido or mountainous regions
• Book early – Christmas and New Year’s holidays are peak travel periods
• Check event schedules – some illuminations and markets close before 31 December
• Try seasonal foods, like osechi ryori, hot oden, and yuzu-based drinks
• Expect transport changes – trains and buses may run on reduced schedules at year-end

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