Osaka in December

Illuminations; closures Dec 29–Jan 3.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated good. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatAvoid Golden Week.
• OctoberGreatBest walking weather.
• NovemberGreatLeaves at the castle park.

• OsakaHighs around 12 °C (54 °F), lows around 5 °C (41 °F), rain on about 6 daysHighs around 54 °F (12 °C), lows around 41 °F (5 °C), rain on about 6 days
• Honshū cities, Japan · Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshimacool

  Rainy season June to mid-July; humid heat July–August; typhoon risk peaks in September.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Autumn leaves and illuminations check

  Mid-November to December · Midōsuji ginkgo avenue, Osaka Castle Park, Nakanoshima

  Ginkgo turns gold along Midōsuji; light displays from Umeda to Namba.

• Osaka Hikari Renaissance check

  Mid-December to about 25 December (check) · Nakanoshima, around the Central Public Hall

  Projection mapping and light installations; crowded weekend evenings.

• New Year

  Dec 31–Jan 3

  Shrine crowds; some restaurants closed; transport runs late on New Year's Eve.

Crowds · Japan overall

Medium

Prices · Japan overall

Medium

Japan overall: Cold and clear until the New Year shutdown from 29 Dec.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Osaka, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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