Unless you really want to experience cold temperatures and snow, stick to central and lower Honshu and the islands of Kyushu and Shikoku. With high sunshine hours in Tokyo and Osaka (which is near many other places, such as Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara), December is a good time to hit Japan's main cities.

Japan in December is a "High-Fidelity" high-value destination, particularly for travelers who enjoy crisp, sunny weather and spectacular winter illuminations. While it is the start of winter, the majority of the country (including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) enjoys clear blue skies and very little rain, making it a high-fidelity time for sightseeing without the stifling humidity of summer. December is also the peak of "High-Fidelity" light festivals, such as the Nabana no Sato or the Tokyo Midtown displays, which transform the cities into magical environments. For snow lovers, the ski resorts in Hokkaido and Nagano begin their high-fidelity season with some of the best powder in the world. While major temples and shrines can be busy during the year-end "Hatsumode" preparations, the "High-Fidelity" tourist crowds are generally smaller than during the cherry blossom season. It is a high-fidelity "must" to pack warm layers, as temperatures can drop significantly at night, but the reward of seeing a snow-dusted Kinkaku-ji or soaking in an outdoor onsen (hot spring) in the cold makes it a world-class travel experience in 2026.