A Guide to Visiting Japan’s Golden Route in December, Based on My IRL Experiences

I wouldn’t say there’s ever a bad time to visit Japan, to be honest, because Japan is amazing. Well, you probably won’t catch me there in the peak of summer, given that I hate hot weather and dislike humidity even more, but anyway. If you’re planning to visit the Golden Route specifically, you should very much consider going in December. 

This is precisely what I did for my first trip to Japan. This was mainly because we wanted an end-of-year trip and found really good flight deals from Europe. Given that the country was at the top of the bucket list for my girlfriend and me, booking flights was a no-brainer. 

I had an awesome time in Japan on the Golden Route, and if you’re planning to visit at this time of the year, I strongly recommend it. Before going, though, you should definitely do your research. I’ve been wanting to write this guide ever since I got back, but I also wanted it to be good, which is why it took longer than I expected to do so. 

By the end of this guide, my aim is to give you all the information you need for a December visit to Japan’s Golden Route. I went to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—along with a handful of other towns and cities in the region—and also spent a few nights near Mount Fuji to write this piece. Everything I discuss here comes from my own experiences. 

What Is the Weather Like on Japan’s Golden Route in December?

Maybe it’s because I live in Northern Europe, but the weather for our trip was—for the most part—milder than I expected. This was particularly the case in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. 

We spent the bulk of our trip in Tokyo and Kyoto, especially. In both of these cities, the daytime temperature was normally between 11ºC and 15ºC (51.8ºF to 59ºF). Considering that we had just spent some time in Helsinki beforehand, this was not particularly cold for us.

The mornings were colder and generally between 4ºC and 7ºC (39.2ºF to 44.6ºF). It didn’t rain during our time in Tokyo, but we did get one day of heavy rain while we were in Kyoto. 

We also had quite a lot of rain while we were in Osaka, but there were also some sunny days with roughly the same temperatures as in Tokyo and Kyoto. However, we did a day trip to Nara, and it was 18ºC (64.4ºF) on this day. I don’t know about you, but for me—especially as a Brit abroad—that’s warm enough to wear shorts, as far as I’m concerned.

For the part of our trip where we stayed close to Mount Fuji, we stayed in Kawaguchiko. Again, we had one day of particularly heavy rain in the morning. Once it stopped, it was actually quite humid. In the mornings and evenings, however, it was noticeably colder than in any of the cities we visited. On the day we arrived, the temperature was around freezing (and I must admit that my hands certainly felt it). 

During the time it was raining in Kawaguchiko, we couldn’t see Mount Fuji. However, we also had some sunny days and—for the most part—had excellent views of the mountain.

Cool, How About the Daylight Hours Then?

December is the shortest time of the year across all of Japan, including the Golden Route. We had just under 10 hours of daylight, with the sun usually rising around 07:00 and setting before 17:00. In Tokyo, the sun sets at 16:32 on the shortest day of the year. 

Again, whether this is a lot for you or not will depend on where you’re visiting from. I live in Copenhagen, where we have just over seven hours of daylight in December. And that’s when the sun actually shines, because it’s mostly behind a thick layer of clouds. 

As I mentioned earlier, we were also in Helsinki before going to Japan. There, the sun didn’t rise until after 09:00 and was down again just after 15:00. The fact that it was light at 07:00 was, for us, a huge difference. 

How Expensive Did I Find Visiting Japan at This Time?

We were definitely helped by a favorable exchange rate between the Japanese Yen (JPY) and Danish Krone (DKK), the currency where we live. The same would have been true if we were converting JPY to EUR, USD, and so on. But in most places we visited, I have to say that the Golden Route was pretty affordable around this time of the year. 

For two people, we spent the equivalent of around $3,800 *altogether* for 14 nights. By this, I mean flights, accommodation, souvenirs, food, a Shinkansen train from Mishima to Kyoto, drinks, and so on. We weren’t eating at fancy restaurants, but we also were not really trying to watch our budget. 

Our flights to and from Japan cost around $900 each. We flew from Helsinki to Tokyo (Haneda), and then Osaka to Helsinki on the way back. Our flights between Copenhagen and Helsinki weren’t particularly expensive, either. 

In Kyoto, our hotel (which was the KAYA Kyoto Hotel Nijo Castle and also amazing) cost just over $300 excluding the tourist tax. This was for four nights. In Tokyo, we stayed at the Comfort Hotel ERA Higashi Kanda. This cost us $500 for five nights. Meanwhile, our hotel in Osaka cost around $350 for three nights. 

Once you’re actually in Japan, the cost of food and whatnot is pretty reasonable. We mostly ate ramen because, frankly, ramen tastes amazing. If you want to have high-end sushi or wagyu beef, then yes, you’ll pay a lot. But for general meals, we rarely spent over $15 per person. And if all else fails, Japanese convenience stores are incredible. 

What Were the Crowds Like?

I had read all about how popular Japan has become in recent years, and it honestly feels like everyone I talk to either has recently been or is soon visiting. I also did a lot of research on minimizing how much we were around crowds, especially at the main tourist attractions.

At the same time, I wasn’t going to avoid visiting somewhere that I wanted to just because of the crowds. For example, I was obviously going to add the orange gates at the Fushimi-Inari shrine to my Kyoto itinerary. Compared to what I was expecting, I must say that the crowds on the Golden Route in December were nowhere near what I had anticipated. 

Granted, the main tourist spots were busy. For example, I found it very crowded when we visited the Skytree in Tokyo. Similarly, we certainly weren’t the only ones at the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto and the deer park in Nara. For the most part, though, I found the crowds pretty manageable in December. 

I know that it would probably have been a different experience if we had gone at a more popular time, such as the cherry blossom season. But in December, much of the Golden Route was pretty manageable. Tokyo was busy, but that’s because Tokyo is a massive city with millions of people. It’s always going to be like that, and even then, it’s not hard to find a spot for yourself.

Actually, that brings me onto something I’ve talked about in other articles, too. In many instances, I found it very easy to go to places without the crowds in most places we went to. For example, the deer park in Nara is pretty big, but most people stay in the first part. If you go elsewhere, you will have far fewer people (and also less aggressive deer, on that note). 

Do You Need to Book Tickets in Advance at This Time of the Year?

Because I’m someone who likes to plan, I’m going to say yes. For the most part, booking tickets in advance makes sense on the Golden Route, even if you visit in December. This is particularly true for major attractions, such as the Skytree in Tokyo and tea ceremonies in Kyoto.

I also recommend booking Shinkansen trains in advance for peace of mind and to get the exact seat you want. And also for the simple fact that many Japanese rail stations are huge and pretty overwhelming. When I booked via Klook, for example, I simply had to scan the QR code rather than getting a physical ticket. 

If you’re going to take large suitcases with you on Shinkansen trains, you definitely should book these in advance. Spaces for these are limited. I also suggest booking bus tickets before you travel; this is what we did when we went to Kawaguchiko. By the time we booked ours, there was not much availability already. 

However, you don’t need to book *all* transport in advance. For example, you do not need to take the Shinkansen train between Kyoto and Osaka. Doing so makes very little sense, in my opinion. Instead, I suggest using the local trains; it’s significantly cheaper, and the journey doesn’t take too long. Ditto if you’re taking a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka to Nara.

Expect Christmas Songs in Convenience Stores

Christmas isn’t a huge deal in Japan, which isn’t surprising considering that it’s not historically a Christian country. You will, however, hear the instrumental version of some Christmas songs when you enter convenience stores.

I lost count of how many times I heard the tune to Frosty the Snowman, and it was in my mind for a good few weeks after the trip. The same goes for Jingle Bells. 

I also saw a couple of Christmas Markets in Tokyo and Osaka. It definitely wasn’t on the same level as Europe, though. It’s a cultural difference to keep in mind, more than anything else. Also, December 25th is not a public holiday in Japan—so everything will run as usual. 

The Biggest Benefits of Visiting Japan’s Golden Route in December

Since there are quite a few pros and cons to visiting the Golden Route in December, I’ll go through both of them so you’re better prepared. First, I’ll start by outlining the biggest reasons to visit at this time of the year.

1. The Weather Is Still Mild, for the Most Part

If you’re not a fan of cold weather, the Golden Route should fit your needs in December. Whereas the northern parts of Japan are significantly colder at this time of the year, the weather is still—by and large—mild on the Golden Route.

As I mentioned earlier, we didn’t really need to wear gloves for most of the trip. The temperatures were around the same as what it would be like during the Spring in much of Northern Europe. You will likely have some rainy days, but temperature-wise, you probably won’t freeze. Definitely check the forecast before you visit, though, as you can never be 100% sure 🤣. 

The only major exception to this is if you visit the region around Mount Fuji. It can get pretty cold, especially in the mornings. I’d still recommend bringing some winter clothes, but in the cities, it probably won’t be overly chilly. 

2. You Might Still See Some Fall Leaves

Fall is my favorite season, and I definitely think that most of that is because I enjoy photography. But to be honest, I did not plan my trip to Japan with the idea of seeing fall leaves at the forefront of my mind. I simply wanted to visit because it had been top of my bucket list for a while, and I finally had the golden opportunity to do so. 

Needless to say, then, I was pleasantly surprised to find some remnants of fall. The colors definitely weren’t as dramatic as they would’ve been a month or two earlier, but we still got to see some beautiful leaves on various parts of the Golden Route. 

This was particularly true at the start of our trip, since we arrived close to the beginning of December. If you’re here toward the end of the month, your luck will probably be out. I’d say keep this in mind as a nice potential bonus, but you should definitely go earlier than December if you want to see the fall leaves at their peak. 

3. Accommodation Is, for the Most Part, Cheaper

Besides flights, accommodation will be your biggest expense. Even though the Golden Route is popular year-round, you can find some excellent deals on hotels if you visit in December. 

4. Many Major Attractions Will Still Be Open

Another reason I was happy to visit the Golden Route in December was that most of what I wanted to experience was possible year-round. I got to see pretty much everything I wanted to and visit most of the big attractions.

If you’re only visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, this is especially true. All three cities have people living in them year-round, and as a result, you aren’t tied to the seasons so much. 

Obviously, if you want to go skiing and the like, you’d have to visit specific parts of the country at certain times of the year. But to see shrines, go to museums, and so on, December is a good time to do so with fewer crowds.

5. The Crowds Are Generally Smaller

… Which brings me nicely onto my next point. I have zero doubts in my mind that if I had visited Japan’s Golden Route at a more popular time, I would have experienced bigger crowds. I can deal with them if I need to, but I much prefer to travel at calmer times of the year when possible. 

December is certainly one of those “calmer times of the year” on the Golden Route. You will see crowds in some places, but it’s nothing that you either can’t manage or can’t get away from. So, if you’re like me, I can 100% recommend booking those flights you’ve been thinking of. 

6. You Can Find Some Great Deals on Air Fares

Japan isn’t too expensive when you arrive. While it’s pricey compared to other Asian countries, it’s certainly not on the same level as Switzerland or the US. However, your airfare will—in many cases—be one of your biggest expenses. 

This is particularly true if you’re visiting from Europe or North America. If you visit the Golden Route in December, you can get some excellent airfare deals. $900 for direct return flights from Finland was very good, in my opinion, when we found them. 

7. You Don’t Need to Wake Up Too Early to See a Nice Sunrise

I don’t know about you, but I love a good sunrise. It’s one of life’s simple joys, and I even more so enjoy taking photos at this time of the day. 

In December, you can see some beautiful sunrises on the Golden Route without waking up super early. In Tokyo, for example, the sun comes up at around 06:45. Comparatively, the sunrise in June is just before 04:30.

Whether you class that December sunrise time as still early or not is subjective, but you definitely don’t need to wake up as early as in the summer. And if you want to see some nice sunsets, the earlier sunset time is also a big advantage. 

8. December Is One of the Best Times to See Mount Fuji

I didn’t realize how lucky you need to be to see Mount Fuji before visiting Japan. Good thing that we dropped $1,000+ on our hotel and focused a chunk of our trip around precisely that, I guess (note the sarcasm in my voice). 

This was very evident from our first few days in Tokyo. While we couldn’t see Mount Fuji from the Skytree, we did see it from Roppongi Hills. I’m also happy that we stayed for a few nights closer to the mountain, too, because that gave us the chance to see it closer up. 

If your primary goal is to see Mount Fuji, December is one of the best times you can do so. November and February are also pretty good. And as a side note: If you can, you absolutely should watch the iconic mountain at sunset from the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. 

As a nice bonus, you can also see snow on the top of Fuji if you visit the Golden Route in December.

9. Getting Around the Golden Route Is Still Quite Easy in December

Since I do much of my traveling around Northern Europe, I’m in a good position to tell you that seasonality can absolutely impact transportation in many places. For example, it’s harder to get to certain islands in Sweden outside of the summer months. The good news is that if you visit the Golden Route, it’s very much business as usual.

We had no issues with long-distance trains or buses for our December trip. Everything ran smoothly, in true Japanese fashion, and there was also enough availability—even though we needed to book some things in advance. 

While I have my opinions of public transport in Kyoto (most of which aren’t positive), the majority of transport in the cities also worked seamlessly—like at any other time of the year.

The Cons of Visiting Japan’s Golden Route in December

While I’ve spoken extensively about what’s great when you visit the Golden Route in December, not everything is perfect. To help you make a better decision and know what to expect, I’ve listed the drawbacks of visiting at this time of the year.

1. Be Prepared for Some Rainy Days

I guess you could say that… not every day will be sunshine and rainbows? 🙂 (well, maybe some rainbows if it’s been raining and then gets sunny, I dunno. Laugh at my bad joke please, thanks.)

Anyway, yeah. We didn’t have many rainy days during our trip, but it rained quite heavily on those days when we did experience this. The rain in Osaka was, in particular, quite heavy.

Whether this is a pro or con for you will depend, I guess. I love the rain, so I personally was absolutely joyous. If you don’t, though, keep in mind that it’s something you may still have to experience.

2. The Daylight Hours Are Still Somewhat Short

I say “somewhat” because this is relevant. If you’re visiting from Iceland, they’ll probably be long. But if you’re from somewhere else, maybe not. 

Because the daylight hours are short, you’ll need to plan each day more carefully for your outdoor activities. Tokyo has plenty of fun things to do at night (ditto for Osaka), so this is more of a thing that’ll be important for other places you visit. 

Needless to say, the short daylight hours aren’t ideal for longer day trips, either. However, you’ll still find plenty of nice short ones close to wherever you’re staying. 

3. Packing Can Get Quite Complicated

While I enjoyed visiting the Golden Route in December, I have to say that packing wasn’t very straightforward. If I had visited in the summer, for example, I’m sure I’d have had an easier time (even though I’d also rather not deal with that humidity and heat). 

I pretty much had to pack for multiple seasons, which made bringing a bigger suitcase even more important. Since we were visiting multiple places, it also meant having at least some stuff that would be good for potential winter weather. 

If you want a trip that’s easy to pack for, Japan’s Golden Route isn’t necessarily it. 

4. You’ll Miss Many of the Outdoor Festivals

While each season has its pros and cons, I must say that I do like the summer atmosphere in many cities. More specifically, I like that it’s when most outdoor festivals take place. Japan’s Golden Route is no different in this respect. 

For example, Tokyo has a number of festivals in July and August. When we were there in December, we didn’t really see anything of the like. This was one of the trade-offs we expected, though, and I personally was happy to enjoy more of a quieter trip. 

This again will depend on what you want from your visit. While it wasn’t a big deal for me, it might be for you. 

Overall, Do I Recommend Visiting the Golden Route in December?

As you can probably tell if you’ve read this far, I fully recommend visiting Japan’s Golden Route in December. The lighting was beautiful, and I also really enjoyed how it was more of a peaceful time to visit. While I love cold weather, I was also quite happy that the temperatures were mostly mild during our stay. 

Most major attractions are open at this time of the year, too, which is a major advantage if you want to see the big sights with fewer people around you. We also got some really good deals on our accommodation and flights compared to if we had tried visiting at a busier time of the year. 

You can’t really go wrong with your first trip to Japan in terms of timing, but in my opinion, there are worse times to visit than December. There are certainly worse places to visit than the Golden Route at this time, too. 

What to Pack for a December Trip on Japan’s Golden Route

To help you prepare your suitcase, I’ll list some of the absolute essentials that you should pack for your December Golden Route trip below. 

• A Rain Jacket: Hotels will have umbrellas, but a good rain jacket is a smart idea. If you can get something that’s easily portable, that’s a bonus.
• A Wool Sweater: I recommend bringing a merino wool or cashmere sweater for the mornings and evenings, as it can get pretty cold. I also personally enjoy wearing turtlenecks, so if you want to be more fashionable, you can also do that. 🙂
• Good Sneakers: You will walk *a lot*. In Tokyo, especially, we walked 20,000+ steps most days. You’ll also do a lot of walking in Kyoto, so be sure to have a good pair of walking shoes. 
• Gloves and a Beanie: I recommend packing these just in case. I used these around Mount Fuji, in particular. If you’re into photography, I recommend Vallerret’s photography gloves. Otherwise, you can search for beanies here and gloves here.
• A Fleece: This was pretty handy for days when I had no idea what the temperature was going to be, and how hot or cold I felt like it would be. Definitely bring a good fleece with you.

Generally, I recommend dressing like you would for fall in most Northern Hemisphere cities. I also brought some hiking boots when I went to Kawaguchiko, which was good for walking in more rural areas. They were also handy for the Fushimi-Inari gates as we walked to the top.

Your Complete Guide to Visiting Japan’s Golden Route in December

While I suggest doing some planning for any trip to Japan, let alone the Golden Route, I even more so recommend this if you visit in December. When I arrived, I realized that I still had a lot of knowledge gaps that led to some pretty frustrating experiences. I wanted to ensure that you’re better prepared than I was, which is why I wrote this specific guide. 

If you have any further questions, you’re more than welcome to leave a comment, and I’ll do what I can to help. 🤠

More Useful Resources for Planning Your Japan Trip ⛩️

Check Availability for Accommodation: Booking.com / Hotels.com / Expedia / Agoda / Hostelworld

Check Times and Prices for Long-Distance Transport: Klook / Omio

Find Tours, Tickets, and Excursions: Viator / Klook / GetYourGuide

Compare Times and Prices for Flights to Japan: Omio / Skyscanner 

Get 10% off a Japan eSIM With My Discount Code DANNYCPH: Saily

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