Kyoto edges it in December. Kyoto averages 4–12°C with moderate crowds; Osaka 5–12°C with moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Kyoto and Osaka
The verdict for December
Last colour, then winter hush
+Falling crowds after the autumn peak
–Cold, and a pricier, busier final week
Late maples linger in early December before the city turns quiet and cold. Arashiyama Hanatouro lights up the district in mid-month. The days around New Year get busy again as locals travel.
Winter lights and food
+Winter illuminations (Osaka Hikari Renaissance, Umeda Sky Building) make the city sparkle.
–Cold, and the New Year period at month’s end gets busy and pricey.
Winter illuminations (Osaka Hikari Renaissance, Umeda Sky Building) make the city sparkle.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month