Visiting Japan in December can range from moderately priced to very expensive, depending on when in the month you travel. For the first three weeks of December, Japan is often surprisingly affordable; this is considered a "shoulder season" where crowds are thinner and airfares from places like India or the US are generally lower than during the peak cherry blossom or summer periods. However, costs skyrocket during the final week of the year (December 27th to January 3rd). During this time, the "Oshogatsu" (New Year) holiday occurs, and almost all Japanese residents travel to visit family, leading to sold-out hotels and significantly higher prices for transport and accommodation. As of 2026, travelers also face new costs, such as the increased Kyoto accommodation tax and "dual pricing" at some tourist sites where international visitors may pay up to 150% more than residents. A typical 10-day budget trip in 2026 is projected to cost between $2,500 and $3,500, while luxury travelers can expect to spend $8,000 or more. To save money, it is best to visit in early December, use "business hotels," and utilize regional rail passes rather than the full-priced national JR Pass.