12 °C / 4 °F; crisp, dry days with rare snow.
What to eat in Tokyo in December: Seasonal delicacies
December in Tokyo blends sparkling light displays with serene temple rituals and end-of-year buzz. Early December offers festive shopping and clear skies, while late December quiets for New Year traditions. Visit before the 29th to avoid closures. Illuminations peak mid-month—many turn off after Christmas.
Reserve dinners early if visiting Dec 24–25—Christmas Eve is Japan’s date night peak.
Layer smart: trains and cafes are heated; you’ll be sweating indoors if overdressed.
Bring cash—many small eateries near temples and parks don’t take cards.
Take the Yamanote Line after midnight Dec 31—extra trains run all night.
Store holiday gifts in coin lockers if shopping multiple districts in one day.
Visit parks early morning for solitude and Mt. Fuji views—December air is clearest.
Book teamLab Planets at least one week out—December weekends sell out.
Try depachika samples—many offer bite-sized osechi or mochi in December.
Yes, it averages 12 °C / 4 °C. Nights can approach freezing, especially after the 20th.
Rarely. Skies are usually dry and clear. Snow is more likely in January.
Yes. December 25 is a workday in Japan. Most places operate normal hours.
Yes—book teamLab, dinners on Dec 24–25, river cruises, and Disney Resort.
Many visit temples at midnight or stay home. Public parties are rare but a few happen in Ginza/Shibuya.
Many close Dec 29–Jan 3. Check individual sites and plan indoor visits earlier in your trip.
Yes, but it’s not great value inside Tokyo. Consider a Suica card instead for local transit.
A down coat, scarf, and boots are ideal. Dress in layers for indoor heating.
Some yes, some no. Most end Dec 25, but Caretta and Yebisu run into January.
Very. Safe, walkable, and full of cozy solo-friendly dining like ramen counters.
Simmered radish, tofu, eggs, and fish cakes in hot dashi. Found in convenience stores or izakayas.
Where to eat: Otafuku, Minato-ku
Shareable broth dishes with meats and veggies. Great for cold evenings.
Where to eat: Nabezo, Shinjuku or Kanda
Light sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries—Japan's December dessert.
Where to eat: Ginza Cozy Corner (citywide locations)
New Year foods like black soybeans and datemaki appear mid-December in food halls.
Where to eat: Isetan Shinjuku food basement
Seasonal wagashi often uses fragrant yuzu zest in December.
Where to eat: Toraya, near Tokyo Station
