Things to do
in December 2025
Nearby Tokyo
Written by
Angus Miyaji
Things to Know
Events & Festivals
Things to Do
Places to Stay
Things to know about DECEMBER 2025
December brings the start of winter. In Tochigi, Gunma, Ibaraki, and Saitama, daytime temperatures are often crisp but manageable (around 5–12°C), while nights can dip close to freezing, especially in mountain areas such as Nikko, Kusatsu, and Minakami.
The landscapes shift to a quiet winter beauty, sometimes with the first snowfalls in higher elevations, in places like Minakami, Kusatsu, Oigami, Nasu, Nasu-Shiobara and Oku-Nikko, making hot springs even more inviting.
Most importantly, December is the prime season for winter illuminations, with dazzling light displays at gardens, parks, and town centers. These illuminations have become one of Japan’s most beloved seasonal traditions and are a highlight of visiting in December.
What to wear in DECEMBER
Warm clothing is essential in December. A winter jacket, sweaters, and thermal layers will keep you comfortable during the day, but evenings can feel especially cold, so be sure to bring a scarf, gloves, and a hat if you plan to enjoy the evening illuminations.
An insulated jacket, thermal inner wear (such as UNIQLO’s HEATTECH), and comfortable walking shoes (waterproof ones are best) are essential if you plan to visit mountain areas where frost or early snow is possible. The dry air can also be harsh on the skin, so small items like lip balm and hand cream are worth packing.
Holidays & Crowds in DECEMBER
The first few weeks of December are generally quiet, offering a relaxed atmosphere and affordable prices for hotels and attractions. However, from around December 28th, the travel mood shifts dramatically as the New Year holiday period begins. This is called the Oshogatsu (New Year) holiday in Japan and is one of the busiest travel seasons. Onsen towns, ryokan, and major tourist destinations quickly fill with visitors, and prices rise accordingly. For a more peaceful trip, it is best to enjoy the illuminations and winter landscapes earlier in the month, before the holiday crowds arrive.
Recommended Activity in DECEMBER
December is the season when winter illuminations create magical evenings across the region, with Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga, Tobu Zoo in Saitama, and the bamboo light-ups at Wakayama Bamboo Farm in Utsunomiya standing out as particularly spectacular displays. The cold weather also makes it the perfect time to warm up in a natural hot spring (onsen). World-famous onsen towns like Kusatsu, Ikaho, Shima, Oigami, Yunishigawa, Oku-Nikko, Kinugawa, and Nasu are particularly atmospheric in winter. Soaking in an outdoor bath (rotenburo) on a cold, starry night is an unforgettable experience.
Historic towns like Kawagoe and Tochigi City also take on a charming seasonal atmosphere, making them perfect for strolling, browsing cozy shops, and warming up with local dishes such as hotpot or freshly made soba.
In higher-altitude areas, snow may already be falling, providing the chance to enjoy the first ski runs of the season in areas such as Minakami and Nasu-Shiobara or even go winter hiking to see frozen waterfalls in Nikko to admire the wintry mountain scenery.
For a major cultural event, don’t miss the magnificent Chichibu Night Festival (Saitama) in early December, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event featuring enormous, lantern-lit floats.
News for MAY 2025
Japan’s Ministry of Transport has officially recognized the “North Kanto Flower Corridor” under its Garden Tourism registration system. This exciting initiative connects 12 beautiful gardens across Tochigi, Gunma, and Ibaraki prefectures, such as Ashikaga Flower Park and Hitachi Seaside Park aiming to boost regional tourism by showcasing their unique floral attractions.
Events & Festivals in DECEMBER
2nd-3rd, December *Same days every year
Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri)
2025:
2nd-3rd, December *Same days every year
1h 40min
from Tokyo
from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 秩父夜祭
Chichibu Night Festival is a traditional Japanese festival registered as a UNESCO heritage. The highlight is the beautiful floats and fireworks on both nights.
18th of October 2025 until 15th of February 2026
Ashikaga Flower Park Illuminations
2025:
18th of October 2025 until 15th of February 2026
Japanese Name: あしかがフラワーパークのイルミネーション
Come and enjoy the astonishing Ashikaga Flower Park illuminations in Ashikaga City, voted No.1 in Japan!
From the end of November until the end of February *Fri, Sat, Sun, Holidays ONLY
Bamboo Winter Lights - Wakayama Farm
2025:
From the end of November until the end of February *Fri, Sat, Sun, Holidays ONLY
Japanese Name: Bamboo Winter Lights
Visit a magical walk through a bamboo forest lit up at the Bamboo Winter Lights event, which takes place near Tokyo at Wakayama Farm. (Utsunomiya City / 宇都宮市）
Recommend things to do in December
Maenikko Brewery
Maenikko Brewery is one of the few sake breweries in Japan that offer guests an authentic hands-on sake brewing experience.
Ichigo no Sato
Visit one of the largest strawberry picking farms in Japan and enjoy fresh fruit picking all-year-round. You can pick peaches and grapes when strawberries are not in season. Don’t miss the shop, cafe and restaurant which all offer delicious menus with fresh seasonal fruits!
Kitrip Nikko
Join Rieko on one of Kitrip Nikko’s tours through Nikko’s outdoors to have a truly local experience. Unique tours include incense making to harvesting Ice from frozen lakes. See website for more.
Ashikaga Flower Park
Internationally known for their spectacular wisteria display and winter illuminations, Ashikaga flower park is beautiful to walk around at all times of year. Their 8 seasonal flower displays are ever changing and with lots to see you could easily spend a few hours here enjoying the flowers and taking lots of photos.
Honda Collection Hall
Newly renovated in 2024, the Honda Collection Hall is a must-visit museum for travelers interested in cars, motorcycles, racing machines, and the innovation and history of Honda. Visitors can now see a model of the ‘HondaJet Elite II’ and try out ‘UNI-ONE’.
Yoshimura Strawberry Park
One of the most popular strawberry picking locations in Japan. Popular with overseas visitors and suitable for children. Online booking available.
(Season is from Dec to early May)
Wakayama Farm
Experience traditional Japan in Japan’s largest bamboo forest! Stroll through the bamboo groves, capture precious memories with photos, and enjoy a Kimono experience. Exciting bamboo-themed activities for kids too! Don’t miss the impressive view that rivals Kyoto!
Shoai Samurai
Visit Shoai Samurai for a unique, eco-friendly Japanese culture experience.
Try traditional indigo dyeing (Aizome) and support the local community. Create your masterpiece while making a positive impact!
Places to stay in December
Shiroiya Hotel
Shiroiya Hotel is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel/art destination where contemporary art and rich history merge seamlessly. This innovative luxury hotel designed by Sou Fujimoto features striking installations, like Leandro Erlich’s ‘Lighting Pipes,’ and guest rooms displaying works by international artists.
Kinugawa Park Hotels
Just minutes from Kinugawa Onsen Station. With scenic river views, delicious food and amazing hot spring baths, our hotel is great for family vacations and getaways.
Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Welcoming overseas VIPs for the last 150 years. Come immerse in our rich heritage amidst Nikko’s majestic landscapes. UNESCO World Heritage sites are very close.
Contributor: Angus Miyaji
Founder of Nearby Tokyo and Japan World Link, Angus helps visitors discover off the beaten track destinations in the North Kanto regions (Tochigi, Gunma, Ibaraki & Saitama north of Tokyo). He regularly travels between Japan and the UK promoting tourism and Japanese sake.
