If you are going to go sightseeing, you may want to incorporate into your itinerary things that can only be seen or experienced during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in December in Tokyo for those who are interested in such things.
*The events introduced here are subject to cancellation, so please check the official website before heading out.
To learn more about Tokyo in winter, check here!
About Tokyo in December
Weather
December is the season of winter in Tokyo, and temperatures can be quite cold. Average temperatures hover between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, and it can be cold during the day and below freezing at night. It tends to get very cold, especially early in the morning and at night, so heavy coats, scarves, gloves, and other warm clothing are necessary.
Events
Christmas and New Year’s events are held in Tokyo in December. The streets are decorated with illuminations, and shopping malls and department stores hold Christmas sales.
Travel
December is also the tourist season in Tokyo for Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Many tourist attractions and shopping areas will be crowded, but at the same time, crowds will be high, so early planning and reservations are important. Also, be aware of the cold weather, so consider heavy clothing and indoor tourist attractions.
fashion
In Tokyo in December, you will need a heavy coat, a wool sweater, and warm boots. Scarves, gloves, and hats are also useful to keep you warm, especially when going out.
You can still enjoy! 3 Recommended Autumn Foliage Spots
There are many places in Tokyo where autumn foliage is at its best from November to December. Especially since the weather has been warm for the past few years, you can still enjoy the fall foliage even in December. There are many gardens and parks that are easily accessible, so please visit them.
Hamarikyu Gardens（浜離宮恩賜庭園）
The best time to view the autumn leaves in Hamarikyu Gardens is from mid-November to early December. Around the pond, you can see the maple trees and the Japanese wax tree, as well as cherry trees and maple trees, turn into autumn colors. Why not enjoy the tasteful scenery of autumn leaves in the garden associated with the Tokugawa Shoguns?
Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens （向島百花園）
At Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens, maple and ginkgo trees turn beautiful colors from mid-November to mid-December. The garden in downtown Mukojima, where Edo merchant culture still remains, attracts visitors with its seasonal flowers.
Yoyogi Park（代々木公園）
Yoyogi Park is one of the most popular autumn foliage viewing spots in Tokyo, with approximately 1,300 trees, including zelkova, ginkgo, and maple trees, turning color from mid-November to mid-December each year. The park has a plaza and benches, so visitors can sit back and enjoy the autumn colors. Walking on the carpet of fallen leaves is also a pleasure only during this season.
Let’s go out to the illumination spot!
In December, Tokyo is abuzz with Christmas and New Year’s events, and the city is decorated with illuminations. There are many free illumination spots in Tokyo, so enjoy the romantic mood of Tokyo’s nightscape.
Yomiuriland（よみうりランド）
Yomiuriland is an amusement park where visitors can enjoy various attractions such as the Giant Ferris Wheel and roller coasters, etc. From October to April, the park is decorated with colorful illuminations to create a more glamorous nighttime amusement park. The main attraction, the Giant Ferris Wheel, is illuminated to create a romantic atmosphere. The main attraction, the Giant Ferris Wheel, is illuminated to create a romantic atmosphere, and the powerful fountain show with lasers and flames is a must-see.
Roppongi Hills （六本木ヒルズ）
From November to December, approximately 400 meters of Keyakizaka Dori will be decorated with illuminations. During this period, photo spots and other spots will appear, creating a romantic atmosphere. It is a popular spot to take pictures of Tokyo Tower and the illumination together.
Tokyo Midtown
Various themed illuminations illuminate the nights of Tokyo Midtown every year. The Midtown Garden with its dazzling gold lights is a view unique to this time of year. Find your favorite photo spot and take a commemorative photo.
Limited time only! 3 spots to enjoy skating
There are several spots in Tokyo where skating rinks are set up for a limited time during the winter event season. Since they are easily accessible and easy to enjoy, we recommend that you go there to play with your family, friends, or lover.
LaLaport TOYOSU （ららぽーと豊洲）
LaLaport TOYOSU has an outdoor ice skating rink for a limited time from November to January. Visitors can enjoy skating until nighttime in a location overlooking the ocean. This spot adds to the romantic atmosphere.
Futako Tamagawa Rise（二子玉川ライズ）
At Futako Tamagawa Rise, a skating rink will appear in the central plaza from December every year. The large ice skating rink of approximately 390 m2 offers a lively atmosphere during the daytime. The location is directly connected to Futakotamagawa Station, making access very convenient.
Edogawa Ward Sports Land （江戸川区スポーツランド）
An ice skating rink is available at Edogawa Ward Sports Land from October to May. Since it is an indoor skating rink, you can enjoy skating without worrying about the weather, and you can enjoy skating for a reasonable fee.
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