Month guide · Hakone · Japan
Hakone in December
What December is really like in Hakone: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: 663highland, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Hakone. Expect average highs of 9°C (48°F), lows of 0°C (32°F), about 6 rainy days and roughly 9.8 hours of daylight. Cold and clear, with good Fuji views and cosy ryokan stays; prices rise for the New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 9°C (48°F) / 0°C (32°F)
- Rainy days
- About 6
- Daylight
- About 9.8 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in December
December is the 10th-warmest month in Hakone: days average 9°C (48°F) against a yearly average high of 17°C (63°F), and nights fall to about 0°C (32°F). Rain falls on roughly 6 of its 31 days. Compared with November (13°C (55°F)), December is cooler; by January highs drop to around 7°C (45°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:45
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 16:33
- Daylight
- About 9.8 hours
Winter (December–February). Crisp, cold and often clear, with the best chances of seeing Mount Fuji and the most atmospheric outdoor baths.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 3 for crowds (the peak is August at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in August). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- New Year holiday peak (late December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Gallery · Kowakudani
Okada Museum of Art
This museum displays Japanese, Chinese and Korean art, from ceramics to folding screens, across several floors.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Art
- Rainy day
- Couples
Garden · Gōra
Gōra Park
Ride the cable car up to Kōen-kami station and walk down through the park to Gōra.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Nature
- Rainy day
Museum · Sengokuhara
Lalique Museum Hakone
This museum shows the glass and jewellery of René Lalique, including car mascots and perfume bottles.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- Rainy day
- Couples
Experience · Hakone-Yumoto
Tenzan onsen
Bring your own towel to save on hire, and check the tattoo policy before you go.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Couples
- Rainy day
- Nature
What to pack
For highs near 9°C, lows near 0°C and 6 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Hakone?
One of the best months to visit Hakone, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April and October–November. Compare every month.
Hakone in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Hakone?
It is one of the best months to visit Hakone. Cold and clear, with good Fuji views and cosy ryokan stays; prices rise for the New Year.
+How warm is Hakone in December?
Average highs are around 9°C (48°F) and lows around 0°C (32°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Hakone in December?
Expect rain on about 6 days of the month.