Researched guide · Checked on Nov 11, 2026
This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Winter in Tokyo is cold but usually dry and sunny. The city lights up with illuminations from November, and New Year is the most important holiday of the year in Japan. Here is what to expect and how to enjoy it.
| Weather | Average highs around 10 to 12°C and lows around 1 to 4°C from December to February. Snow in central Tokyo is rare |
| Illuminations | Usually from mid-November to around February, depending on the place |
| New Year | Around December 29 to January 3. Some places close, and shrines are very crowded |
Winter illuminations
From mid-November, trees and streets across Tokyo are covered in lights. Most illuminations are free and are best seen after dark, from around 5:00 pm.
Marunouchi
The trees along Naka-dori, the street between Tokyo Station and Yurakucho, glow with champagne-gold lights. In the 2026 to 2027 season it runs from November 12, 2026 to February 14, 2027, from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm (until midnight in December), and it is free to view. It is an easy walk from Tokyo Station; see our Ginza and Tokyo Station guide.
Other popular areas
Big shopping and office complexes such as Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, Yebisu Garden Place and Caretta Shiodome hold their own illuminations every year. Dates, hours and designs change each year, so check each official website before you go.
Christmas in Tokyo
Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan. Shops and restaurants stay open, and it is seen as a romantic evening for couples rather than a family day. Many places have Christmas markets, decorations and special menus.
New Year in Tokyo
Hatsumode: the first shrine visit
In the first days of January, millions of people visit shrines and temples to pray for the new year. Meiji Jingu and Senso-ji are among the busiest, with long lines on January 1 to 3. If you want to join, go early in the morning or later in the week. See our shrine and temple etiquette guide.
The New Year greeting at the Imperial Palace
Every year on January 2, the Emperor and members of the Imperial Family greet the public from a balcony at the Imperial Palace. Anyone can attend, but there are security checks and large crowds. Check the Imperial Household Agency website for the times and rules.
What is open over New Year
- Many museums, gardens and small restaurants close for a few days, often from around December 28 or 29 to January 1, 2 or 3.
- Convenience stores, many chain restaurants and big department stores stay open, though some close early on New Year’s Eve or open late on New Year’s Day.
- Department stores hold New Year sales, with lucky bags (fukubukuro) of surprise items.
- Trains run on a holiday timetable. Some lines run extra late-night trains on New Year’s Eve, so check each railway.
Winter tips
- Wear layers. It is cold outside, but trains, shops and restaurants are warm.
- Winter is the best time to see Mt. Fuji clearly from Tokyo and the surrounding area. See our Mt. Fuji day trip.
- A hot bath is the best way to warm up. See our onsen and sento etiquette guide.
- Hotels are busy and expensive around Christmas and New Year. Book early.
Affiliate link
FAQ
How cold is Tokyo in winter?
From December to February, average highs are around 10 to 12°C and lows around 1 to 4°C. Snow in central Tokyo is rare.
When are the winter illuminations?
Usually from mid-November to around February, depending on the place. Most are free and best after about 5:00 pm.
Is Christmas a holiday in Japan?
No. Shops and restaurants stay open, and it is seen as a romantic evening for couples.
What is open over New Year?
Around December 29 to January 3 some places close, and shrines such as Meiji Jingu and Senso-ji are very crowded.
Keep reading
Sources
This guide is based on the official information below, not on our own visit. Facts last checked against official sources on November 11, 2026. Timetables, fares and dates can change, so please check before you go.
