Japan in December is quite a unique time. Unlike the Western world which is fixated on the Christmas season, Japan chooses to celebrate the beginning of the winter season, the natural beauty of the land and the end of another year. In this, by no means exhaustive, list you will be taken through some of the most unique and captivating events to make visiting Japan in December a memorable experience.
Chichibu Yomatsuri
Image credit: Chichibu-matsuri.jp
Also known as the Chichibu Night Festival, this is a two-day event taking place on December 2nd and 3rd in the city of Chichibu, just 90 minutes from central Tokyo. It is considered one of Japan’s top three festivals that feature floats, which are ornately decorated with lanterns, tapestries and gilded wood carvings and are accompanied by drum and flute music. The festival also features a fireworks display which lasts almost two and a half hours and gives you the rare opportunity to enjoy Japanese fireworks during winter. Additionally, the streets are lined with stands selling festival foods and amazake (sweet rice wine) to combat the cold December night.
Setagaya Boro Ichi
Image credit: Savvy Tokyo
Near Setagaya station in Tokyo there is a flea market that has been held bi-annually since 1578. Running December 15-16 this year, around 700 stalls will line the street showcasing their wares. While many visit for the famed Daikan-mochi rice cakes, some of the most unique items on display are various keepsakes, kimono, handwoven sweaters, old magazines, pottery, handicrafts, souvenirs and toys. The Boroichi Resource Center, located inside the thatched-roof Daikan Yashiki, a designated national cultural treasure and the former residence of a Setagaya magistrate, has a large display on the market’s colorful history, which is also well worth a visit. If you plan to go, make sure to bring lots of cash as most vendors will not accept cards.
Visit Ginzan Onsen
Image credit: Rakuten Travel
Located in Yamagata Prefecture, Gizan (literally means “silver mountain”) Onsen is a well-known hot spring destination with picturesque views of the mountainous Tohoku region that brings to mind the animated worlds of Studio Ghibli. The resort town offers old-world charms and a different pace of life, making it an excellent addition to any December travel itinerary in Japan.
The hot spring resort was initially established in the early Edo period (1603–1867). In 1913, following a disastrous flood, many of the businesses here were destroyed and rebuilt, and to this day, the area preserves the culture and style of the Taisho era (1912–1926). It’s worth noting that from December 23 until the end of March 2025, Ginzan Onsen will be limiting the number of day trippers by requiring visitors to have a ticket but this does not apply if you are planning to stay the night and have a room booking at one of the many ryokan.
Shirakawa-go
Image credit: Japan-Guide
The UNESCO’s World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture is a traditional village showcasing a building style known as gasshō-zukuri. The Ogimachi Village is the main attraction of visiting Shiragawa-go, as it is where you’ll find the gasshō-zukuri which historically were used as farmhouses.The main reason for the steep roofs and massive structure of Shirakawa-go’s farmhouses is the large amount of snow the region receives every winter. Four local bus companies, Nohi Bus, Kaetsuno Bus, Hokutetsu Bus and the local Toyama Chiho Tetsudo, offer bus tours, some of which include an admission ticket for the Shiroyama Viewpoint (pictured above). The beautiful traditional village of thatched-roof houses is picture-postcard perfect, especially in the winter months.
‘Snow Hanging’ at Kenrokuen
Image credit: Visit Kanazawa
Considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is a must-visit location in Kanazawa and during the snowy months is undoubtedly a breathtaking sight. In the late autumn, pine trees are fitted with yukitsuri, an ancient method of protecting branches from breaking under the weight of the snow. The sight of the garden blanketed in white and the beautiful symmetry of the yukitsuri in action is not to be missed.
Hakuba Mountain Harbour
Image credit: Traveloka
At around 1300 metres above sea level, nothing quite beats the mountain top terrace of the Hakuba Mountain Harbour which overlooks the majestic Northern Alps of Nagano. It’s best to take in the majestic views while enjoying a warm drink and some seasonal chestnut sweets from City Bakery.
To access the Mountain Harbor, visitors must first ride the Hakuba Iwatake Gondola ‘Noah’ – an 8-minute ride – to the top station and walk from there. While you’re in the area you could also hit up one of the 10 ski resorts within the Hakuba Valley if you fancy experiencing some of the first powder of the season.
Huis Ten Bosch
Image credit: HuisTenBosch.co.jp
Located in the southern port town of Nagasaki, holiday lights shine on Christmas Square, and a European-style Christmas Market gets you in the Christmas spirit at Huis Ten Bosch. The theme park puts on spectacular illuminations every winter, beautifully lighting up the Netherlands-inspired theme park’s buildings, canals and gardens.
This year will be no exception, with the Nagasaki prefecture attraction displaying a three-storey merry-go-round and 12-metre-tall Christmas trees. Plus, a record illumination display of 13 million lights. Running until December 25, if this isn’t enough to get you into the holiday spirit I don’t know what will.
Nabana no Sato Illumination
Image credit: Travel Yes Please
Taking place in the scenic botanical gardens of the Nagashima Onsen Resort, not far from Nagoya city, the Nabana no Sato illumination is one of Japan’s largest illumination displays Each year millions of LED bulbs transform the gardens into a twinkling wonderland complete with vibrant light tunnels, an animated light show, and stunning water reflections.
This year marks its 21st anniversary and the theme for the season is “Famous Mount Fuji.” The dynamic illumination will feature fantastic, dynamic lights and sounds, set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan that fascinates people from all over the world. The best views of the dazzling display can be seen at the Observatory or at the taller Island Fuji observation deck.
Skiing at Niseko
Image credit: Elite Havens
Sometimes called the powder capital of the world, Niseko is probably the most well-known ski spot in all of Japan. Regularly frequented by locals and tourists alike, Niseko’s resorts are very accessible and welcoming to foreign visitors. There is plenty to keep you busy with vast, long ski runs, endless powder, and a growing number of after-ski activities.
This resort is ideal for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and is home to a variety of groomed trails as well as backcountry runs where you can take advantage of fresh powder. Niseko is roughly two hours’ drive southwest from Sapporo, but there are plenty of shuttle buses and trains to get you to the area from the city or New Chitose International Airport.
Joya no Kane
Image credit: My Kyoto Machiya
The Buddhist act of ringing a temple’s bell 108 times at midnight on New Years Eve, joya no kane or “Bells for the New Year” is the perfect way to ‘ring’ in the new year. The number 108 represents shiku hakku, a Buddhist term for all of life’s sufferings. The annual ritual, performed at temples all over the country, is meant to sweep away all of the desires that have accumulated over the course of a year and purifies people for the upcoming year. Some temples may have a team of monks strike the bell, shouting “Ee hitotsu” (One more!) and “sōre”(Now!) each time the bell rings. Some temples may also allow people to stand in line and ring the bell once.
December in Japan is a month of winter sports, sparking lights and cultural traditions. Whether you choose to participate in the joya no kane, soak in a gloriously hot onsen or enjoy a couple of runs at a world-class ski resort, there is no shortage of memorable experiences waiting for you to round off the 2024 year.
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