Things to Do in Tokyo in Winter (December–February)
Tokyo Winter Weather & What to Pack
Average daily high and low in Tokyo, from the Japan Meteorological Agency’s 1991–2020 normals.
- Dress in layers and bring a thick coat and gloves.
- Evening light shows get cold, so add one more layer for the night.
Christmas in Tokyo: Markets & Illuminations
For Christmas in Tokyo, the big draws are the markets and lights in the city’s “Hills” complexes, one subway stop from our studio. Make a Christmas bento ›
Roppongi Hills Christmas Market & Keyakizaka
A recreation of the Stuttgart Christmas market under the O-yane Plaza roof, free to enter. After dark, the Keyakizaka street lights up as “SNOW & BLUE”, with more lights in Mohri Garden.
Azabudai Hills Christmas Market
The market fills the Central Plaza, over the arena and the lawn: 4 shops and 15 food and drink stalls.
Make a Christmas Character Bento in Akasaka
Make and eat your own character bento indoors. Limited Christmas design until Dec 25. 1.5–2 hrs, English, no skills needed. A 1-min walk from Exit 8 of Tameike-Sanno Station.
Adults ¥9,000 · Kids (6–15) ¥5,400 · Under 6 Free
New Year in Tokyo
Hatsumode is the Japanese custom of visiting a shrine in the first days of the year to pray for the year ahead.
Hatsumode at Hie Shrine
Famous for its tunnel of red torii gates (see our Akasaka guide). The 2027 New Year hours are not announced yet; check the official site.
January & February in Tokyo
The Christmas lights end on Dec 25, but the Midtown ice rink and light path run until Feb 23.
Tokyo Midtown Ice Rink & Lights
An outdoor skating rink on the Midtown lawn, plus a light path in Midtown Garden that stays on until Feb 23.
Christmas in the Sky & The Little Prince at Tokyo City View
Fully indoors on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills: “Christmas in the Sky” (to Dec 25) and an exhibition on The Little Prince (to Feb 14). For more indoor plans, see our Rainy Day Guide.
February
Plum Blossoms at Yushima Tenjin
A plum-blossom spot loved since the Edo period. Ueno-Hirokoji is on the Ginza Line, the same line as our station, so there’s no transfer.
EASY ACCESS TO OUR CLASS
Bento First,
Winter Lights After.
Make a limited Christmas character bento in Akasaka, then head out to the winter lights.
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