If you are going to go sightseeing, you want to incorporate into your itinerary things that you can only see and experience during that time of the year. In this issue, we will introduce the conditions, events, and recommended spots in December in Fukuoka for those who are interested in such things.
*The schedule of the events introduced here is subject to change. Please check the official website of the facility for the schedule.
To learn more about Fukuoka in winter, check here!
Fukuoka in December
Weather
In December, the average temperature in Fukuoka ranges from about 4 to 12 degrees Celsius, and the winter chill is in full swing. The mornings and evenings are especially cold, so warm clothing is necessary. Occasionally, cold waves cause snow to fall, but there are not many days with snowfall.
Events
In December, various events are held in and around Fukuoka City for Christmas and the end of the year. Hakata Station and the Tenjin area will be illuminated on a large scale, making the nighttime streets colorful and festive. Christmas markets are also held, where visitors can enjoy hot wine, Christmas goods, and winter delicacies.
Travel
December is a great time to visit Fukuoka for a winter spa. In the city, you can enjoy shopping and dining while feeling the bustle of the Christmas season. You can also experience Japanese culture in depth by participating in traditional year-end and New Year’s events.
December Fashion
When visiting Fukuoka in December, you will need to dress adequately for the winter cold. Make sure you have a heavy coat, down jacket, sweater, scarf, gloves, and hat. Warm socks and waterproof shoes are also useful outdoors. Also, since there is a large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, layered clothing that is easy to take off and put on is useful.
Just before Christmas! Let’s go see the illumination!
Michi no Eki Oto Sakura Kaido Illumination（道の駅おおとう桜街道イルミネーション）
大任町の「道の駅おおとう桜街道」で開催されるイルミネーション。例年11月から1月まで点灯しています。毎年テーマを変え、趣向を凝らした色鮮やかなイルミネーションが点灯されます。
Each area is decorated differently, so you can enjoy illumination with various motifs.
Kokura Illumination（小倉イルミネーション）
Various areas in Kokura will be illuminated from November to mid-February, including the JR Kokura Station area and the Murasaki River area where the river surface is illuminated. Don’t miss Kokura Castle, which stands amidst the unique illumination. Be sure to take pictures of the scenery of the city of Kokura, which is only available during this season.
Kurume Illumination Festival “Hotomeki Fantasy”（くるめ光の祭典 ほとめきファンタジー）
Illumination held around Kurume Station from December to mid-February, with many photo spots that look great on SNS. Stage events, gourmet foods, and miscellaneous goods will be on sale during the event period, so please enjoy the illumination as well.
Events to enjoy winter nights
Christmas Advent（クリスマスアドベント）
Christmas events are held in various locations in Fukuoka, such as in front of Hakata Station and in Tenjin. The period of the event varies from area to area, but basically it is held from November to Christmas.
The highlight of the festival is the many gourmet food and drink stalls! Christmas food, drinks, sweets, sundries, and various other stores will be lined up to give you a festive atmosphere in the middle of winter. The event is held in various areas, so please choose the venue that best fits your travel plans.
Official website: https://christmas-advent.jp/
Uminaka Candle Night（うみなかキャンドルナイト）
The biggest attraction of this event held in December at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is the “Candle Art,” a terrestrial painting of light created by 10,000 candles. The warm light of the candles creates a healing atmosphere that is different from that of illumination.
It’s not too late! Autumn Foliage Spots
Yusentei Park（友泉亭公園）
Yusentei Park in Fukuoka City is usually at its best from mid-November to mid-December. The park is well known as a place where visitors can experience the beauty of Japan and view both the Japanese garden and the autumn leaves at the same time. About 150 maple trees brightly decorate the park, and the view of the autumn leaves reflected in the pond is truly spectacular.
There is also a tea house where visitors can enjoy powdered green tea while admiring the autumn leaves.
Shiranoe Botanical Park（白野江植物公園）
Shiranoe Botanical Park in Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, is usually at its best in late November or early December when the autumn leaves are at their best. The park offers an original Japanese landscape that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Located on a small hill overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, the park’s approximately 800 Irohamomiji trees turning yellow and red are a sight to behold.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Hondo Garden（清水寺本坊庭園）
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Hondo Garden, where the autumn leaves are at their best in late November or early December. The garden is said to have been created by Sesshu, a Muromachi Period (1336 – 1573) monk, using techniques he learned in China. The beauty of the Iroha maple trees during the fall foliage season is a spectacular sight that must be seen at least once.
For those who want to know more about Fukuoka
