A Cold-Weather Clothing Guide for Mid-December to Early January
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
Cold, Clear, and Celebratory
From mid-December to early January, Japan enters early winter. While not yet the coldest part of the year, the air turns dry and sharp, and mornings can be quite brisk—especially in cities like Kyoto and Nagano.
This is also the season of:
- 🎄 Christmas illuminations
- 🛍️ Year-end shopping and sales
- 🎍 New Year traditions and shrine visits
You’ll need real winter clothing, but not heavy-duty Arctic gear—especially if you stay in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
Weather Overview
| Region | Daytime Temps | Nighttime Temps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka | 6–12°C (43–54°F) | 2–6°C (36–43°F) | Cold but dry with many sunny days |
| Tohoku / Nagano | 0–8°C (32–46°F) | -5–3°C (23–37°F) | Colder, some frost and occasional snow |
| Hokkaido | -5–2°C (23–36°F) | -10 to -2°C (14–28°F) | Full winter gear needed |
| Kyushu / Hiroshima | 8–13°C (46–55°F) | 4–8°C (39–46°F) | Still chilly, but more mild overall |
🌬️ Mornings are cold and crisp. If you’re going to temples, outdoor markets, or shrines early, dress warmly!
What to Pack for Early Winter
This is the time to pack for warmth and dryness, especially for long walks or sightseeing outdoors.
🎒 Clothing Checklist:
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| 🧥 Winter coat | Must-have for warmth, wind, and style |
| 🧤 Gloves | Especially needed in the mornings or while using your phone |
| 🧣 Scarf | Keeps your core temperature up and adds to your look |
| 👕 Thermal layers | Uniqlo HeatTech or similar base layers for comfort |
| 👚 Sweaters or fleece | Ideal for layering under your coat |
| 👖 Warm pants | Jeans, lined trousers, or leggings under skirts |
| 🧦 Thick socks | Wool or thermal—avoid thin summer types |
| 👟 Closed shoes / boots | Keep your feet warm and dry |
| ⛩ Optional: Dressy layer | For holiday dinners or shrine visits (New Year’s Day) |
🧳 Packing Tip: One solid winter coat + 2–3 inner layers will keep you comfortable without overpacking.
What NOT to Wear
- ❌ Light jackets or fashion coats without insulation
- ❌ Open shoes or sandals (even with socks)
- ❌ Shorts or short skirts unless paired with thermal leggings
- ❌ Clothes that can’t be layered (tight-fitting, one-piece outfits)
Day-to-Night Dressing Guide
| Time of Day | What to Wear |
|---|---|
| Morning | Coat + scarf + gloves |
| Afternoon | Layered tops + coat (can unbutton if sunny) |
| Evening | Add gloves again, hat if it’s windy |
🎒 Keep a pocketable heat pack (kairo) in your coat pocket—convenience stores sell them everywhere!
Seasonal Events and What to Wear
🎄 Christmas (mid–late December)
- Beautiful outdoor illuminations → warm outerwear, gloves, boots
- Restaurants and malls are very well-heated, so dress in layers you can remove
🎍 New Year (Dec 31–Jan 3)
- Visiting a shrine for hatsumode? Expect long waits outdoors
- Wear warm socks, insulated shoes, and bring a thermos or hand warmers
- Want to blend in? Wear neutrals or soft colors—locals tend to dress conservatively for New Year visits
What to Buy in Japan for Extra Warmth
- 🔥 Heat packs (kairo): Stick-on or hand-held; sold at conbini and drugstores
- 🧥 Winter accessories: Affordable scarves, gloves, and hats at GU or UNIQLO
- 🧦 Thermal socks & leggings: Available in all sizes
- 🛍️ Coats & boots: Late December kicks off New Year sales (fukubukuro too!)
🛍 Bonus: Many stores close on Jan 1 but reopen Jan 2 with big promotions!
Conclusion: Early Winter Is Brisk, Bright, and Beautiful
Whether you’re wandering under lights, lining up at a shrine, or sipping hot amazake in a garden café—you’ll want to be warm, mobile, and weather-ready.
Bundle up, layer smart, and let the stillness of Japan’s early winter elevate your journey.
The cold might surprise you—but so will the peace and beauty of the season.
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
