Best Places To Visit In Japan In December – Travel Video
December in Japan is a magical time. From snowy mountains to sparkling city lights, Japan turns into a winter wonderland during this month. Whether you want to enjoy festive markets, traditional hot springs, or peaceful temples dusted with snow, Japan in December offers something special for every kind of traveler. Let’s take a journey through the best places to visit in Japan in December. Saporro, Hokkaido. Saporro, the capital of Hokkaido, is famous for its powdery snow and fun winter activities. By December, the city is covered in snow, and the ski resorts are in full swing. Places like Teen Ski Resort and Saporro Kokasai offer great slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers. But skiing isn’t the only thing to enjoy. The city’s streets are beautifully decorated with lights during the Saporro White Illumination Festival. Odori Park becomes a glowing wonderland with thousands of LED lights. There are also romantic horsedrawn carriage rides, ice sculptures, and food stalls selling hot bowls of ramen and sweet snacks. Don’t forget to try Saporro’s famous Misa Ramen and the local seafood. Otaru, just an hour from Saporro, the small port town of Ataru is like stepping into a winter fairy tale. The charming canal lined with old stone warehouses becomes extra beautiful with snow and lights. At night, the lanterns reflect on the water, creating a magical scene. Otaru is known for its glasswork and music boxes. You can visit the Otaru Music Box Museum where you’ll find hundreds of delicate handcrafted music boxes playing soft old tunes. Warm up with sweet treats from Laro, a famous dessert shop known for creamy cheesecake. December is quiet in Otaru, making it perfect if you want a peaceful, romantic, or familyfriendly winter escape. Tokyo. Even though Japan doesn’t officially celebrate Christmas as a national holiday, Tokyo truly lights up in December. The city becomes a wonderland of glowing trees, colorful decorations, and festive cheer. Head to places like Shabuya, Rapongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, and Omoando to see some of the best Christmas illuminations. Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea also hold special holiday events with themed parades, shows, and decorations. Shopping in December is also exciting with holiday sales and beautifully wrapped gifts. Warm up with hot drinks from vending machines and try winter only snacks like Christmas cakes or fried chicken. Yes, KFC is a popular Christmas meal in Japan. Kyoto. Kyoto in December is quiet and calm just before the New Year rush. If you’re lucky, the city gets a light dusting of snow, turning its ancient temples and gardens into peaceful postcard perfect scenes. Visit the Golden Pavilion, King Kakuji, to see the gold temple shining in the cold winter sun. Or take a walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the green bamboo meets the pale snow. It’s truly stunning. You can also take a romantic ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway, which offers views of snowy hills and rivers. In the evening, relax in a warm rien traditional inn and soak in a hot onen bath. Kyoto is perfect for slow travel and peaceful winter moments. Shirakawago. Tucked away in the mountains of Gefue Prefecture is Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage village. In December, this small village looks like a painting. Its traditional thatched roof houses called Gasho Zukuri are covered in thick layers of snow. This is one of the best places to see a traditional Japanese winter. The quiet atmosphere, soft snow, and cozy guest houses make it feel like you’ve gone back in time. You can even stay overnight in one of the old houses for an unforgettable experience. The surrounding mountains also offer peaceful walks and views. In late December, you might catch the beginning of the winter light up event where the village glows with warm lights in the snow. Hakone. Hakone is a perfect December getaway if you want to see Mount Fuji covered in snow while soaking in a hot spring. Just a short trip from Tokyo, this mountain town is famous for its onsen, hot springs, traditional ins and lake views. Take a ride on the Hakani ropeway for amazing views of Mount Fuji and the volcanic valley of Awakadani. You can also enjoy a boat ride across Lake Ashi where the mountain reflects in the clear winter water. N close to Kyoto, N is known for its free roaming deer and ancient temples. In December, the deer still wander the parks and the temples are less crowded than in other seasons. The Great Buddha Hall at Tadaii Temple is extra peaceful in winter and the calm weather makes it a good time to explore. The colder air also brings out the smell of burning incense and cedar wood, making your temple visits feel even more special. You can also walk through Naramachi, the old merchant district, where wooden houses and narrow lanes take you back to old Japan. Mount Takao. If you want a short adventure near Tokyo, visit Mount Takao. This mountain is a popular day hike and offers beautiful views of Tokyo and even Mount Fuji on clear days. In December, the crowds are smaller and you can enjoy crisp winter air as you walk through peaceful trails. There’s also a cable car if you don’t want to hike the whole way up. At the top, visit Yakuan Temple and enjoy hot sober noodles at a mountaintop restaurant. Japan in December offers a perfect mix of snowy landscapes, peaceful temples, sparkling city lights, and relaxing hot springs. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or cozy winter memories, there’s a place in Japan for you. So, pack your warmest clothes, get your camera ready, and explore the best of Japan this winter season. Thanks for watching Top Places to Visit. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more travel inspiration from around the
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Welcome to Top Places to Visit!
In this video, we take you on a winter journey across Japan to show you the best places to visit in December. From snowy villages and hot springs to glowing city lights and peaceful temples, Japan becomes a magical place during this time of year.
Discover top destinations like Sapporo, Kyoto, Tokyo, Hakone, Shirakawa-go, and more. Whether you love snow, nature, culture, or fun city events, there’s something for everyone in Japan this winter.
Make sure to watch the full video to find the perfect spot for your December trip.
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