Top 6 Best Places to Visit in Japan in December
Japan in December is a unique combination of winter chilly mood and active celebrations. The sceneries throughout the country change and winter gives the country a fresh coat of snow making it one of the best times for tourists to visit Japan. From visiting temple covered in snow to enjoying Christmas Market in Japan, December presents travellers with a mix of culture, sightseeing, natural beauty and celebrations. For those who like to have fun during the holidays, this country offers it all – be it shrines and onsens, mountains covered with snow and skiing resorts. This winter season, explore unique places to visit in Japan in December, offering unforgettable memories and a refreshing change from typical summer tours.
Winter is always magical in Japan and December is the beginning of the lighting up of the cities including Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is this place full of fascinating snowy streets, but there’s just so much to do for travelers if they’re here for nature, culture, or food. There are many things to do in Japan in December and tourists can celebrate, indulge in hot spring and also take part in winter celebrations. This also means that the country has well developed rail and transport networks that facilitate movement to famous tourist attractions and other winter tourist destinations in the different parts of the nation.
Those who wish to get the best out of their travel might opt to avail Japan Tour Packages as well as Japan Holiday Packages, as these will also include the tours. If you are thinking of a trip to visit the Places to Visit in Japan in December, below is a list of six best winter attractions that would definitely enhance your visit.
Here are the Top 6 Best Places to Visit in Japan in December
1. Sapporo – Winter Wonderland in Hokkaido
Sapporo is situated in the northernmost island of Japan and full of winter enthusiasts. The Sapporo is well known for its snow is decorated in December with snow, ski resorts and preparations for the Sapporo Snow Festival. Some sites include Odori Park where festival illuminations are done to make the winter season magical.
2. Kyoto – A Peaceful Winter Retreat
Kyoto for me is associated with temples and shrines which look even more mystical in the winter time. Wrapped in a thin layer of snow, such landmarks as the Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple look mystical and beautiful. It is recommended to walk in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and take a leisurely walk through the Philosopher’s Path, which is not so crowded as in high season.
3. Niseko – Skiing and Hot Springs
Well-known for its impressive ski resorts, Niseko in Hokkaido is on every winter sports lover’s list. In December, Niseko is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders enjoying fine powder snow and thus resulting in excellent skiing. The area is also well known for its onsens, or hot springs which are ideal to relax in after a day skiing on the slopes. It’s always great to visit Niseko in winter because there is always lots to do, and you can be as adventurous or as laid back as you want.
4. Tokyo – Illuminations and Festive Spirit
Tokyo also shines in December with wonderful winter lights that make the city cheerful and vibrant. The most popular locations are Shibuya and Roppongi with big light constructions and installations whereas Marunouchi district is filled with seasonal markets and special events. Except for the lights, Tokyo offers a great variety of restaurants and shopping centers that add the atmosphere of active nightlife, so it’s one of the best places to travel to in Japan in winter.
5. Hakone – Scenic Hot Springs and Lake Views
Located just an hour’s train ride from Tokyo, Hakone is a great place to relax and have a look at natural sights and hot springs. Sitting on the hills and surrounded by mountains, Hakone is a famous winter resort for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji that are especially good in December. Stroll around Lake Ashi or visit the Hakone Shrine that borders the lake for a relaxing winter vacation. This beautiful region is one of the best Japan destinations in December for tourists who prefer a combination of nature scenery and leisure.
6. Nagano – Historical Temples and Snow Monkeys
Other recommended locations include Nagano which was the host of winter Olympics in early part of this decade. One of the greatest features of Nagano in December is the Jigokudani Monkey Park where tourists can watch the snow monkeys enjoying the hot springs – an attractive and unforgettable spectacle. The area also has some historic points of interest like Zenko-ji Temple where the tourists can watch out for Japanese architecture set amidst snow and this compliments the magic of Japan December.
Conclusion:
A visit to Japan in December is a magical experience that will give tourists a taste of the winter sports, light decorations and celebrations of the Christmas holiday. From the ski fields of Hokkaido to the temples of Kyoto, Japan’s winter destinations are some of the most beautiful of any country in the world, making winter holidays in Japan one of the best things to do in that country. The season is perfect for tourists who would love to enjoy beautiful sceneries of Japan, have a taste of hot springs or enjoy the Japanese Christmas. All of these places give the different environments and I think everyone should visit this places during this cold season.
Given the numerous places to visit in Japan in December, a winter vacation here is going to be both fun and rewarding. For those who want their tour to be as comprehensive as possible, there are Japan Tour Packages, and Japan Holiday Packages, which will cover all of the hotspots and attractions. No matter whether you are going skiing in Niseko, enjoying the Christmas light up in Tokyo or exploring the historic Kyoto, winter destination in Japan offer unique experience and memories that are precious to take back home and cherish of the holiday season.
Top Winter Destinations:
Vietnam in December | Georgia in December | Switzerland in December | Thailand in December | Maldives in December | South Africa in December | Armenia in December | Austria in December | Mexico in December