Tokyo edges it in December. Tokyo averages 4–12°C with low-moderate crowds; Kyoto 4–12°C with moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Tokyo and Kyoto
The verdict for December
Clear skies, festive city, late spike
+Bright, dry weather and illuminations across the city.
–Everything closes and prices jump in the final week.
Early December is underrated — clear skies, no crowds, full city.
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.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month