KyotoEarly December
Last of the autumn leaves
Kyoto
Some gardens stay red into early December, with far fewer people.
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Kansai by month · 4–12°C
December
Winter lights, year-end markets and a calm Kyoto
Crowds
December starts with the last autumn leaves and quickly moves into winter lights, Christmas markets and the year-end bustle. Early in the month is surprisingly quiet in Kyoto, while the final days are all about preparations for the New Year.
It's great for travellers who want lower prices, festive cities and a taste of Japanese year-end traditions. The trade-offs: short, cold days, and a sharp jump in crowds and prices from around the 28th as the country heads into New Year.
Festivals and big moments
OsakaMid to late December
Osaka Hikari Renaissance
Nakanoshima, central Osaka
Light art is projected onto the old red-brick Central Public Hall and along the river island.
Getting there · Near Yodoyabashi Station
Open in Google Maps ↗Kansai
Quiet before Christmas, busy at New Year
The first half of December is calm. From 29 December, Japan is on holiday.
More to do this month
1German Christmas Market
Wooden stalls, mulled wine and a giant tree under the Umeda Sky Building from late November to Christmas.
Osaka Umeda Sky Building plaza
2Hunt for bargains at the last flea markets
Kyoto's two big monthly temple markets hold their final and busiest editions of the year in December.
Kyoto To-ji (21 Dec) and Kitano Tenmangu (25 Dec)
3Year-end food shopping
Watch locals stock up for New Year at Kyoto's 'kitchen' and Osaka's seafood market street. It's crowded, lively and fun.
Kansai Nishiki Market, Kyoto; Kuromon Market, Osaka
4Hear the New Year's Eve bells
Temples ring their bells 108 times on New Year's Eve. Chion-in's massive bell is famous, but lines are very long.
Kyoto Chion-in and other temples across Kyoto
5Kobe's harbor night view
Kobe's waterfront lights and harbor tower are lovely on clear winter evenings, easy to combine with dinner at Harborland.
Kobe Meriken Park and Harborland
A ready-made route
Eat this month
Daikon-dakiSimmered radish served to visitors at some Kyoto temples in early December to ward off illness. Senbon Shaka-do's event is the best known.
Toshikoshi sobaBuckwheat noodles eaten on New Year's Eve for a long, lucky life. Most soba shops are packed on the 31st.
Kujo negi hot potKyoto's sweet green onions are at their best in winter, piled into sukiyaki and hot pots.
Good to know
- Early-to-mid December is one of the best value times of the year. The last week is expensive and busy.
- Many businesses close from around 29 December to 3 January. Check opening days for restaurants and sights.
- Christmas in Japan is a date night, not a family holiday. Book dinners around 24–25 December early.