Tokyo in December 2026: Weather and What to Wear, Illuminations, Christmas Markets and Year-End Tips
Published: 2026-10-15
December in Tokyo means sunny days and a city glowing with illuminations. Here's what temperatures to expect and what to pack, the 2026 illumination and Christmas market dates, and the year-end closures to watch for.
The short answer
| Tokyo in December | |
|---|---|
| Temperature (average) | High about 12°C / low about 4°C |
| Weather | Mostly sunny and dry, with few rainy days |
| Sunset | Around 4:30 pm (early!) |
| What to wear | A coat and layers; gloves and a scarf help |
| Highlights | Illuminations, Christmas markets, autumn leaves until early December |
| Watch out | Many shops and sights close for the New Year from around December 29 |
Early sunsets mean long evenings of illuminations. Sightsee by day, then wander the lights from late afternoon.
Weather and what to wear
- Japan Meteorological Agency averages (1991–2020) put Tokyo's December at a high of 12.0°C and a low of 3.8°C, with plenty of sunshine.
- Mornings and evenings are cold, so bring a coat and layers you can take off: trains and shops are well heated.
- The air is dry. Lip balm and moisturizer from a drugstore help. → "Convenience store and drugstore must-buys"
- Snow in central Tokyo in December is very rare.
Illuminations in 2026
Roppongi Hills KeyakizakaA tree-lined slope of white and blue lights with Tokyo Tower at the end. November 5 to December 25, 2026.
Marunouchi IlluminationThe trees of Marunouchi Naka-dori near Tokyo Station glow champagne gold. November 12, 2026 to February 14, 2027.Lighting hours and dates can change. Check the official sites before you go.
Christmas markets
- Roppongi Hills: German-style Christmas market stalls in the Ohyane Plaza, part of "ROPPONGI HILLS CHRISTMAS 2026" (November 5 to December 25).
- Tokyo Christmas Market 2026: planned at two sites, Shin-Toyosu (November 20 to December 25) and Shiba Park (December 4 to 25).
- Expect mulled wine, sausages and ornament stalls for a taste of Europe.
Things to do in December
- Last of the autumn leaves: central Tokyo's colors last into early December. → "Autumn leaves in Tokyo"
- Clear skies and Mt. Fuji: crisp winter air makes Fuji easier to see from observation decks. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory is free.
- Winter flavors: convenience store oden and steamed buns, hot canned drinks and hot pots.
- Christmas, Japanese style: Christmas isn't a holiday; it's a day for cake and fried chicken with family or a partner. For the year-end season, see "Tokyo over New Year".
Year-end tips
📢 Late December: watch for crowds and closures
| When | What to know |
|---|---|
| Friday nights in December | Bonenkai (year-end parties) pack izakaya and trains |
| From around December 20 | Year-end travel season. Book hotels and Shinkansen early |
| Around December 29 to January 3 | Museums, government offices and independent shops close |
Check holiday hours for the shops and sights you want on their official sites or Google Maps. Convenience stores stay open as usual.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tokyo cold in December?
The average high is about 12°C and the low about 4°C. Days are often sunny, but mornings and evenings are cold enough for a coat.
Does it snow in Tokyo in December?
Snow in central Tokyo in December is very rare.
When do Tokyo's illuminations start?
In 2026, Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka starts on November 5 and Marunouchi on November 12. Omotesando is planned from December 1.
What should I watch out for in Tokyo in December?
Many shops and sights close for the New Year from around December 29, and hotels and Shinkansen get busy at year-end. Book early and check opening days.
Official websites
- Japan Meteorological Agency: Tokyo averages (Japanese)
- Marunouchi.com (Marunouchi Illumination)
- Roppongi Hills
- Tokyo Christmas Market (Japanese)
Hours, prices and rules can change. Check the official websites for the latest before you go.
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