Things to do in Shinjuku in December

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Overview

December is a good time to visit Shinjuku. The weather is usually cold with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 35—52°F (2—11°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Shinjuku during this time. Some of our top recommendations: shop for unique holiday gifts at the Isetan Department Store, take a day trip to the nearby Mount Takao for a winter hike, explore the Omoide Yokocho alleyways and try seasonal street food, and more!

Shinjuku has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Shinjuku. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Shinjuku in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Shinjuku in December

Top experiences in December
Shop for unique holiday gifts at the Isetan Department Store
In December, the iconic department store is adorned with festive decorations and offers a wide selection of seasonal gifts, including traditional crafts, local delicacies, and stylish fashion items. It's a great place to find special souvenirs and immerse yourself in the holiday shopping experience.
Take a day trip to the nearby Mount Takao for a winter hike
In December, the mountain offers stunning winter scenery and a peaceful escape from the city, with snow-capped trails and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great way to embrace the beauty of the season and enjoy some outdoor adventure in the natural surroundings of Shinjuku.
Explore the Omoide Yokocho alleyways and try seasonal street food
In December, these narrow alleyways are adorned with festive decorations and offer a wide variety of delicious winter street food, such as hot pot dishes, grilled seafood, and warm sake. It's a great way to experience the local culinary scene and indulge in some comforting winter treats.
Visit the Shinjuku VR Zone
In December, the virtual reality entertainment complex offers special holiday-themed experiences and games, providing a unique and immersive way to celebrate the season. It's a fun and exciting activity for both locals and tourists looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure in Shinjuku.
Visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
In December, the garden is transformed into a winter wonderland with beautiful illuminations and seasonal flowers. It's a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the perfect place to take in the beauty of the season.
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Holidays in Shinjuku in December
December
  • Christmas (December 25)
  • December 31 Bank Holiday (December 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Shinjuku in December

Temperatures on an average day in Shinjuku in December

The average temperature in Shinjuku in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 52°F (11°C) to a low of 35°F (2°C). Some would describe it as cold with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Shinjuku, August, has days with highs of 89°F (32°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 47°F (8°C) and lows of 31°F (-1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Shinjuku in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
52°F
highs
35°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold with a gentle breeze
Feels like
21%
Chance of rain
0.090 in
Amount
13.1 mph
Wind speed
67%
Humidity
9.8 hrs
Daylight length
6:41 AM
Sunrise
4:29 PM
Sunset
67%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 35°F (2°C), it generally feels cold with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Shinjuku in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Shinjuku has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Shinjuku that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Shinjuku for December.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
4.4
(4814)
Government office
Sights & Landmarks
Kenzo Tange-designed City Hall complex with views from the tallest building's observation decks.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
4.6
(36732)
Garden
Nature & Parks
This former estate is now a 144-acre park with diverse garden areas, grassy expanses & a greenhouse.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
3. Shinjuku Golden Gai
4.3
(9295)
Business park
Sights & Landmarks
Festive, popular city district famed for its narrow, winding alleys & numerous snug taverns.
Samurai Museum
4. Samurai Museum
4.5
(3951)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Samurai museum featuring costumes that can be worn by visitors, regular sword battles & more.
Kabukicho
5. Kabukicho
Neighborhoods
Famed entertainment district best known for adult-oriented nightlife plus clubs, pubs & snack bars.
Isetan Shinjuku
6. Isetan Shinjuku
4.1
(22587)
Department store
Shopping
Started as a kimono store in 1886, this famous destination is now known for high fashion shopping.
Renka
7. Renka
3.9
(128)
Korean restaurant
Sights & Landmarks
Omoide Yokocho
8. Omoide Yokocho
4.1
(10383)
Sights & Landmarks
Business park
Landmark alleyway featuring a selection of food stalls for simple fare & alcoholic drinks.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
9. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
4.3
(4475)
Japanese-style business hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Relaxed rooms in a contemporary high-rise hotel featuring a cafe & an Italian eatery.
Kagurazaka
10. Kagurazaka
Neighborhoods
Cobbled-street neighborhood lined with fashionable shopping, cafes & French dining.
Meiji Jingu Gaien
11. Meiji Jingu Gaien
4.3
(13270)
Park
Nature & Parks
Well-known park with an indoor ice skating rink, driving range, baseball diamonds & tennis courts.
Hanazono Shrine
12. Hanazono Shrine
4.2
(7277)
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Compact Edo-period Shinto shrine known for its serene atmosphere & yearly festivals.
Shinjuku Station West Exit Parking Lot
13. Shinjuku Station West Exit Parking Lot
3.4
(520)
Parking garage
Sights & Landmarks
Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium
14. Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium
4.3
(12609)
Baseball field
Fun & Games
Shinjuku Chuo Park
15. Shinjuku Chuo Park
4.1
(8027)
Park
Nature & Parks
Leafy park with paths, a playground & a small pool during the summer, plus space for sports.
Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku
16. Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku
3.8
(3491)
Department store
Shopping

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