The one thing that you need to try in Tokyo in December is to visit the various spots of beautiful winter illuminations scattered around Tokyo where the city would transform into a magical wonderland with the dazzling displays of numerous lights that are made into stunning trees. Here are several spots where you can enjoy those Winter illuminations in Tokyo:

Location: Hibiya Step Square, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya

One of the most famous and must-visit for those of you who plan to visit Tokyo in December, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Starlight Illumination features over 200,000 lights that decorate numerous trees in the Hibiya Step Square in vibrant and romantic colors of blue, pink, and many other making a magical sight that will stay to your memories for a long time.

Location: Marunochi Naka-dori Street, Chiyoda, Tokyo

Another popular spot to enjoy December in Tokyo, located in the Marunochi area which is known for its high-end shops and office buildings has been transformed into one winter wonderland with over 30,000 lights that line up along with numerous trees making visitors feel as if walking through the magical stroll and soak up into the festive atmosphere.

Location: Roppongi Hills Complex, Minato, Tokyo

Roppongi Hills Christmas is held in one developed complex filled with numerous shops, restaurants, offices, and a museum, where during the period, the Keyakizaka street would be transformed into one beautiful illumination lined with zelkova trees. It is one popular spot to enjoy stunning sights with your friends, family, and your loved ones. Moreover, Roppongi Hills Christmas also features a Christmas market that houses various stalls that serve drinks, meals, and even Christmas gifts that you can explore.

Location: Caretta Shiodome, Minato, Tokyo

Another dazzling illumination nestled in Tokyo, at Caretta Shiodome building to be exact is another spot where you could completely immerse yourself amidst the breathtaking illumination of soft blue color that is usually held from mid-November to mid-February with different theme each year. Once in a while, there is also a light and sound show that is held several times during the night that visitors could experience.

Hokkaido, which is located on the northernmost island in Japan is well known as this winter wonderland for ski enthusiasts and snowboarders from all around the world. Housing the world-famous powder snow, and long ski seasons complete with stunning scenery. Hokkaido is truly a snow paradise that you need to visit during your trip in December. Besides, Hokkaido also houses several renowned ski resorts such as :

A group of four different resorts that offer some of the best ski resorts in Hokkaido that is located on the slopes of Mount Niseko Annupuri. Divided into four resorts which are Niseko Annupur International Ski Area, Niseko Village Ski Resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, and Hanazono Niseko Resort, Niseko United offers a vast area of terrain that is suitable for skiers and snowboarders at any levels from beginners to professionals.

Another popular ski resort in Hokkaido that has been established for a long time and has beautiful scenery as well as exceptional powder snow. Different from Niseko United which consists of four different resorts, Furano is one single resort that is divided into two zones; Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone which is connected at the top of the mountain by a common trail, allowing the skiers and snowboarders to explore the variety of terrain.

The largest ski resort in Hokkaido sprawls over three different mountains which are West Mountain, East Mountain, and Mount Isola offering over 37 trails that can be explored. Rurutsu Resort boasts of providing a variety of slopes that cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders from a beginner to professionals. The resort is also well-known as a paradise for freestyle skiers as well as snowboarders with its exciting terrain parks featuring jumps, trails, and boxes.

After a long tiring day of exploring the illuminations lights in Tokyo or skiing as well as snowboarding in Osaka, you could take a break and relax in the iconic natural hot spring of Japan, Onsen which can be found throughout Japan. It is one of the most popular ways to unwind and rejuvenate yourself which ie is believed to have a number of health benefits including relieving muscle pain, improving blood circulation, and giving visitors leisure and relaxation.

There are two types of Onsen which are Rotenburo which is known as the outdoor bath and the other one is Rotenburo which is known as the indoor bath. Most of the traditional onsen is usually a communal bath, but there are some hotels and resorts that provide private or separate sections for men and women. Here are the recommendations onsen that you might want to add to your list:

The exceptional ryokan offers a relaxed hot spring experience in the heart of Kusatsu which is known for its historical and exceptional hot springs. The Onsen provided by this ryokan is known to be high-quality and gives a relaxing effect as well as various health benefits.

Noboribetsu itself is an area that is known for its vast hot spring offerings, as for Noboribetsu Onsengo Takinoya ryokan offers easy access to one renowned hot spring named Noboribetsu hot spring. The ryokan also features an on-site onsen for visitors where they can enjoy the various spring qualities of Noboribetsu including the milky white sulfur spring and colorless springs.

Japan boasts of a variety of exciting winter festivals that offer a unique blend of cultural traditions, exciting activities, and winter fun that can only be enjoyed in Japan. One of the most popular festivals that you could participate in during your visit in December is Nakayamajinja Yamayumi Festival held at Narita, Chiba. The festival is also known as the vibrant and traditional festival that is usually held on the third Saturday of December every year. It is a Shinto festival that is held to celebrate the harvest and to pray for good fortune for the upcoming year, where the highlight of the festival is the grand portable shrines which the locals also know as mikoshi. The festival also features various food stalls offering numerous delicacies, traditional performances, and a bustling festive atmosphere that you hardly get anywhere else.

If you would like to visit Japan soon, Traveloka is more than happy to help you book some hotel accommodations, flight tickets, and tourist destinations that are mentioned above. Besides giving the best price, Traveloka also often gives out some discounts and promotions! What are you waiting for? Grab yours fast!