If you’re planning to go sightseeing, including seasonal activities unique to that time of year in your itinerary is ideal. In this issue, we introduce essential travel information for December in Hiroshima, including weather, appropriate fashion, key events, and recommended spots, catering to those interested in experiencing the uniqueness of the season.
To learn more about Hiroshima in winter, check here!
Hiroshima in December
Weather
December is the peak of winter in Hiroshima, and temperatures drop dramatically. Average temperatures range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, and it is especially cold in the mornings and evenings, so heavy clothing is necessary. Many days feel cold even during the daytime, so it is important to take precautions against the winter cold.
Events
In December, various Christmas and year-end events are held in Hiroshima. Commercial facilities and parks in Hiroshima City offer beautiful illuminations, and Christmas markets are sometimes held. Shopping malls and department stores sometimes hold Christmas and year-end sales. It is also a month when you can enjoy shopping at a bargain price.
Travel
December is the tourist season for Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Many tourist attractions and shopping areas in Tokyo and other urban areas are crowded, but in comparison, Hiroshima has relatively fewer tourists in winter, which is considered an off-season compared to other seasons. For this reason, Hiroshima offers visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy sightseeing during the quieter winter months. Especially at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, if it snows, you may see a beautiful collaboration with the snowy landscape. Please relax and enjoy sightseeing while feeling the unique winter atmosphere.
December Fashion
It is important to keep out the cold in Hiroshima in December. Utilize a heavy coat, down jacket, scarf, gloves, hat, etc., to ensure that you are protected from the cold. In addition, although snowfall is rare, waterproof shoes are useful. Dressing in layers is also recommended to cope with changeable weather.
3 Recommended Ski Resorts
Winter means winter sports! December marks the start of the ski season and the start of operations at various ski facilities. In this issue, we will introduce three recommended ski resorts.
Osorakan Snow Park (恐羅漢スノーパーク)
Osorakan Snow Park is a ski resort located on the eastern slope of Mount Osorakan. The birthplace of skiing in Hiroshima Prefecture, it is popular for its long runs of 2,500 meters and snow quality. Depending on the weather, you can see the Sea of Japan from the top of the mountain. The slopes consist of four areas, and the slopes that unfold on the highest peak in Hiroshima have excellent natural snowfall. There is also a family plaza and snow park for even small children to enjoy.
Megahira Ski Resort (めがひらスキー場)
At Megahira Ski Resort, beginners and advanced skiers alike can enjoy skiing on courses suited to their skills. One of the recommended points is that the artificial snow-making and snowfall machines are in operation, so the best conditions are always available. After having fun on the ski slopes, it is recommended to go to Megahira Onsen Quelle Yoshiwa, which is directly connected to the slopes, and take a hot spring bath. Please relieve yourself from the fatigue of sports.
Utopia Saioto (ユートピアサイオト)
Utopia Saioto consists of two courses each for beginners, intermediate, and advanced levels. It is also equipped with snow escalators that can easily carry sleds, making it a recommended spot for families to enjoy playing in the snow. It is also equipped with a powder room exclusively for women and a rest room for families, making it a ski resort where everyone from small children to people of all ages can enjoy skiing at a leisurely pace.
2 Winter Illumination Spots
2 great illumination spots for dates and families! Photo spots where you can also take great pictures with the twinkling scenery in the background. Be sure to visit and enjoy the winter cityscape.
Miroku-no-sato Winter Illumination (みろくの里 ウィンターイルミネーション)
Miroku-no-sato is an amusement park located in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Surrounded by the rich nature of the Seto Inland Sea, it boasts the largest scale in Hiroshima Prefecture. Every winter, from around November to December, the park holds an illumination event, in which the park is decorated with glowing attractions and more than 1 million LED light bulbs. Both adults and children are sure to be thrilled by this unusual nighttime amusement park experience!
Enjoy the view not only from the ground but also from above. The view of the illumination from the Giant Ferris Wheel is romantic itself. It is like looking at a jewel box of lights. Fireworks may be displayed on some days, so please check the schedule and enjoy a memorable time.
Hiroshima Dreamination (ひろしまドリミネーション)
This very popular illumination event is usually held from mid-November to early January. The center of downtown Hiroshima, including Peace Boulevard and Hiroshima Station, are illuminated with lights, offering a glittering winter view of the city. The glittering whole area is breathtakingly beautiful. Illuminated objects are very popular as photo spots. Please enjoy taking pictures for your winter memories.
2 Strawberry Picking Spots
December is the month that strawberry picking season begins in Japan. This fun activity is a popular date spot for couples as well as a great place to hang out with family and friends. Be sure to enjoy fresh and sweet Japanese strawberries through fruit picking.
*Please note that fruit picking requires advance reservations via the Internet, so please be careful when visiting. Please check the official website for reservations.
Hakuryuko Farm (白龍湖観光農園)
Located in Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, this sightseeing farm offers seasonal fruit picking, and strawberry picking can be enjoyed from December to May. Park golf is available year-round. Popular strawberry varieties such as Akihime and Benihoppe can be enjoyed as much as you can eat for 40 minutes. When strawberry picking starts in early December every year, many visitors come to the park.
Official website: https://hakuryuko.net/
Toyohira Donguri Farm (豊平どんぐり農園)
At Toyohira Donguri Farm, strawberry picking can be enjoyed from mid-December to late June every year. Ten varieties of strawberries can be enjoyed, and it is well known that many different kinds can be eaten. Since the strawberries are grown on raised benches, you can comfortably pick them while standing, which is a convenient feature. Enjoy freshly picked strawberries.
Official website: https://toyohira-df.jp/
2 Spots for Delicious Winter Oysters
Oysters are one of the must-try gourmet foods when you come to Hiroshima. Hiroshima boasts the largest production of oysters, and you can enjoy rich, plump, and delicious oysters. In particular, winter is the best season for oysters because it is the time of year when glycogen, the source of the oyster’s delicious flavor, is abundantly stored.
Also, during the winter season, “Kaki-goya” (oyster hut), so-called BBQ-style oyster restaurants, where you can grill and eat oysters yourself, will be open for a limited time in various parts of Hiroshima Prefecture. This is recommended for those who want to enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters. We hope you will enjoy many oysters from Hiroshima Prefecture during this season.
For those who want to know more about Hiroshima oysters
Yakigaki No Hayashi (焼がきのはやし)
Yakigaki No Hayashi is an oyster specialty restaurant that is well known among locals as the birthplace of grilled oysters since its establishment in 1948. They carefully select and purchase only the highest quality 3-year-old “Jigozen” oysters, which are large and full of flavor. Jigozen oysters are also said to be Japan’s best oyster.
The recommendation here is, after all, grilled oysters. The store is located in the Omotesando shopping street of Miyajima, a tourist attraction, so please enjoy the brand-name oysters that can only be found here.
Kusatsu oyster hut (草津かき小屋)
Kusatsu oyster hut is directly operated by an oyster producer. It is open every year from November and December to late April, the peak of the oyster season, so that customers can enjoy delicious seasonal oysters. The menu includes fresh grilled oysters, all-you-can-eat set menus, oyster rice, and more. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy oysters at a reasonable price, as they are fresh, inexpensive, and hearty.
Editor’s Comment
EditorMake happy memories by visiting recommended spots in Hiroshima, such as strawberry picking farms, ski resorts, and restaurants where you can enjoy seasonal oysters. Please dress warmly and enjoy yourself to avoid catching a cold.
For those who want to know more about Hiroshima
