December is a great time of the year to visit Kyoto for visitors wanting to avoid crowds and those who are happy to travel in colder weather. There is plenty to do: Christmas activities, light festivals to brighten up the early sunsets, and seasonal shrine ceremonies that give you insights into centuries-old Japanese traditions.
Kyoto's Weather and Climate in December
Kyoto's winter really starts in December when days are cold and nights chilly. Daytime temperature is around 10°C (50°F). The temperature drops to below 0°C (°F).
It may snow this month, but snowy days are more likely to happen in January and February. As a result, on most days the weather is clear and sunny, with some cloudy days, but due to the days shortening, there are only an average of 4 hours of wintry sunshine per day. Sunsets in December are around 4.45 pm.
Kyoto Weather in December Summary Table
| Averages | Description | |
| Temperature Range | 4–12°C (39–54°F) | Cold–cool |
| Rainfall | 6 cm (2"), 8 days | Low, infrequent |
| Humidity | 68% | Damp |
| High Feels Like | 12°C (54°F) | Cool |
| Sunshine | 4 hours | Some sun most days |
Is December a Good Time to Visit Kyoto?
Kyoto in December has lots going on, between Christmas activities such as the Nishiki Christmas Market, light festivals including at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and seasonal traditional shrine ceremonies.
The drier and cool weather is ok for travel and there are fewer tourists visiting Japan and Kyoto in December. It's thus also a good time of the year to visit the top attractions if you don't love crowds or prefer off-season prices for transportation and accommodation, even though Kyoto and Japan are relatively popular tourist destinations year-round.
The only thing to bear in mind when you are planning your trip to Kyoto is that businesses typically close for New Year's celebrations, often between December 29 and January 3. This is especially true for smaller restaurants and stores, but you might find larger chains open from January 1. Our travel advisors can help you plan ahead.
Top Activities to Do in Kyoto in December
1. Purchase Kyoto Souvenirs at Shimai Kobo, the Flea Market
Kyoto's Shimai Kobo is a popular flea market that is held every month, but its December edition is special and one of the most popular winter festivals in Kyoto.
Shimai Kobo is the biggest and the most popular iteration of the monthly flea market, with locals buying gifts and coming into the temple to worship Kobo Daishi, a revered Buddhist priest from the 9th century. This session is called Shimai Kobo, ‘the final Kobo', set up for the community to wrap up the year.
Found in Kyoto's Toji Temple, the temple's flea market is held on December 21 every year. People come to express gratitude and pray for the year ahead at the temple. It's also a great excuse to visit one of Kyoto's oldest temples, dating back to 796, which is also the highest wooden building standing in Kyoto today.
You can buy a range of things there including traditional kimonos, vintage items, handicrafts, or other souvenirs to take back home. There are also food stalls where you can try some typical Japanese snacks and drinks.
2. Walk around the Seasonally-Lit-Up Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
One of Kyoto's most beautiful natural parks is Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a gorgeous and unique bamboo forest unlike anything seen across Europe or America. In December, the grove is lit up for a festival of lights that is called the Arashiyama Hanatouro Illuminations, for approximately 10 days each year.
At the illuminations festival you will find colorful lights, AR artwork you can control with your own smartphone, rickshaw rides, and music. There are also cafés and restaurants at which to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.
We suggest wrapping up and wearing proper footwear, and heading out for a walk between the bamboo lights after sunset (around 4.45pm in December, depending on the day). Entry is free and you likely will only need an hour or two to enjoy it fully, but you can stay longer.
Dates for the illuminations event are yet to be confirmed for 2025.
3. Visit Nishiki Christmas Market to Get into the Festive Spirit
While Christmas might not be a national holiday in Japan with only a very small percentage of the population being Christian, you can still feel the Christmas spirit throughout Kyoto's shops, light displays, and seasonal products. No visit to Kyoto in December is complete without stopping off at the Nishiki Christmas Market, a popular shopping district transformed into Christmas especially for the season.
At this time of the year, you'll be able to enjoy the Christmas decorations and lights, traditional Japanese snacks, and Christmas shopping, Kyoto style!
While the Christmas market is open for most of December, with exact dates to be confirmed, there is also an official Christmas festival on one of the days before Christmas. If you're interested in attending, contact us for more information, as we can plan it into your trip to Kyoto once dates are released for 2025. Contact us for more information.
If you want more Christmas activities while you are in Kyoto, we also recommend checking out the Gion district (the geisha district). There you'll also be able to enjoy a magical festive atmosphere with Christmas decorations, shops, lit-up temples, and Japanese restaurants.
4. Attend the Susu Harai Ceremony at Kyoto's Hongan-ji Temple
On December 13 every year, Hongan-ji temple holds its Susu Harai (‘Dust Sweeping') ceremony, during which the focus is on purifying yourself to end the year on a good note and attracting good fortune for the year ahead.
Hongan-ji itself is beautiful, and it is the head temple of the Otani sect of Shinshu Buddhism. During this ceremony, you'll see people coming in to pray at the main hall, after which they are sprinkled with purifying water.
Another temple where you can enjoy a Susu Harai ceremony is Nishi Hongwan-ji, close to Kyoto Station.
What to Wear in Kyoto in December
December in Kyoto is cool to cold, and we recommend bringing a winter coat to ensure you don't get cold on your adventures throughout the city.
A thick coat or a coat with a jumper or fleece are recommended, as well as a hat, gloves, and scarf. This is particularly important if you're visiting towards the end of the month, or have plans to do lots of outdoor exploration. Bringing an additional layer in your bag is never a bad idea, as you might also hit a colder day, and multiple layers will keep you warmer.
While there is not much rain in December in Kyoto, we do suggest an umbrella just in case, as well as waterproof or sturdy shoes to keep out the cold and keep your feet comfortable.
Recommended Tours for Kyoto in December
December is a good time of the year to visit Kyoto if you are trying to avoid the crowds, and you can check out the great Japan itineraries that our Japan experts have created:
Our Japan itineraries and other tours are all customizable. If you have specific interests to see certain sights or want to attend any of the shrine ceremonies or markets, our Japan experts can help tailor your trip to Kyoto and Japan. You can leave the stress of planning and booking with our team, while you focus on getting excited about your trip and packing your suitcase! Contact us for more information.
Kyoto Weather Info by Month
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