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 Kyoto in December 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.
About Kyoto in December
Weather
December in Kyoto is very cold, with temperatures ranging from 0 to 10 degrees Celsius. It is especially cold in the mornings and evenings, so warm clothing is required.
Events
December in Kyoto is the season of winter, and many events are held in the city. Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama are lit up are typical examples. Special exhibitions are held at the Kyoto National Museum, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy tradition and culture. Especially during the Christmas season, many places are illuminated to attract tourists!
Travel
Tours to temples and shrines that are open to the public in winter are popular in Kyoto. Public transportation is excellent, so getting around is convenient. Tourists can visit historical temples and shrines at their leisure because the sightseeing spots are empty.
November Fashion
Kyoto in December is cold, so heavy coats, sweaters, gloves, scarves, and other warm clothing are necessary.
Enjoy Fallen autumn leaves
Fallen autumn leaves in Kyoto is a beautiful scene that marks the end of autumn. Autumn leaves spread over the ground in gardens and temples, creating a carpet-like scene.
Rengeji Temple（蓮華寺）
Rengeji Temple is located at the foot of Mt. Saimyoji in Kamitakano, Sakyo-ku. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from late November to early December. The temple garden is covered with autumn leaves, and visitors can enjoy the scattered leaves in a tranquil atmosphere. In particular, the beauty of the autumn leaves reflected in the pond in the garden is exceptional and attracts visitors.
Enri-an Temple（厭離庵）
Enri-an Temple are the most popular season for autumnal foliage in Kyoto. The peak of the autumn foliage season is from mid to late November, but visitors can also enjoy the scattered autumn leaves until early December. Visitors are impressed by the beautiful carpet of autumn leaves that spreads across the garden in the serene environment. The scenery when the leaves begin to fall is especially unique to Enri-an Temple.
Bishamondo-Monzeki（毘沙門堂）
Bishamondo-Monzeki is a temple located in Yamashina-ku, Kyoto. From mid-November to early December, the entire temple grounds are covered in beautiful autumn leaves. When the leaves fall, the stone pavements and moss-covered ground become a carpet of autumn leaves, attracting visitors. This is a place where visitors can fully enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves in a quiet atmosphere.
Illumination viewing
Illumination in Kyoto is an attractive event where visitors can enjoy fantastic winter scenery. The streets are beautifully illuminated, and the nighttime streets are decorated with colorful lights. Numerous LED lights are used, and various light themes can be seen in various locations. It offers an unforgettable nighttime experience for visitors to Kyoto in winter.
TWINKLE JOYO Starlight Pageant（光のページェント TWINKLE JOYO）
The Pageant of Light is an illumination event held at the Joyo City Sports Park Recreation Zone. Approximately 650,000 lights illuminate the entire recreation zone of Joyo City Sports Park. The heart bench at the Love Power Spot is very popular.
Light Fantasy（光のファンタジー）
Visitors can enjoy illuminations decorating various parts of the Kyoto Station Building, the gateway to Kyoto. The Christmas tree, which will be shown on the Grand Staircase’s Graphical Illumination Plus, as well as the Aerial Walkway, East Plaza, and other areas of the station building will be gorgeously decorated.
Participation in traditional events
In December, many shrines and temples hold special ceremonies and events. By participating in these events, you can deeply experience Kyoto’s rich traditions and seasonal customs.
Koi-age (Carp Catching) at Hirosawanoike Pond（広沢池の鯉揚げ）
The Koi-age (Carp Catching) at Hirosawanoike Pond is a traditional event that heralds the winter in Kyoto. Held every year in mid-December, the scene of catching carp raised in Hirosawa Pond is spectacular. Local residents and tourists alike gather to watch the traditional fishing process and purchase freshly caught carp. This event is a rare opportunity to experience the nature and culture of Kyoto.
Requiem services for broken needles (hari-kuyo) at Horin-ji Temple（法輪寺の針供養）
Requiem services for broken needles (hari-kuyo) at Horin-ji Temple is a traditional event in Kyoto. Many needleworkers attend this ceremony to give thanks and make offerings of used and broken needles. The ceremony is widely popular as a place to pray for the progress and safety of needleworkers.
For those who want to know more about Kyoto
