Tokyo in December is a feast for the senses: crisp blue skies, sparkling illuminations, festive street scenes, and cool—not freezing—temperatures. It’s a dry, sunny month, perfect for sightseeing, day trips, and embracing Japan’s fashion-forward winter layers.
Expect chilly mornings and evenings, with mild afternoons. Snow is rare but layering is key to comfort as you explore everything from temples to tech hubs.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Tokyo in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Average highs: 12°C / 54°F
- Average lows: 4°C / 39°F
- Dry, sunny weather — low humidity
- Rare snow, especially in central Tokyo
What to Pack for Tokyo in December
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Lightweight suitcase – 🧳 Compact for metro travel.
- Daypack – 🎒 For shopping or temple visits.
- Packing cubes – 📦 Stay organized.
- Shoe bag – 👟 Separate walking shoes or boots.
- Toiletry kit – 🪥 Keep skincare in check.
- Laundry pouch – 🧺 Use coin laundry in hotels.
- Neck pillow & mask – 😴 For long flights or train naps.
👗 Clothes
- Thermal tops (2–3) – ❄️ Lightweight and essential.
- Sweaters (2–3) – 🧶 Stylish but cozy layers.
- Long-sleeve tops (3–4) – 👕 Mix of casual and chic.
- Warm coat – 🧥 Down or wool, ideal for evenings.
- Jeans/trousers (2–3) – 👖 Bring one dressier pair.
- Midi skirts with tights – 👗 For fashion + warmth.
- Fleece-lined leggings – 🧤 Great for layering.
- Beanie, scarf, gloves – 🧣🧤🧢 Useful after sunset.
- Pajamas – 💤 Medium warmth, hotels may be cold.
- Undergarments (7+) – 👙 Bring extras for laundry delays.
💆 Skincare
- Hydrating face wash – 🧼 To counter dry air.
- Thick moisturizer – 🧴 Lock in hydration.
- Lip balm – 💋 Dry lips are common.
- Sheet masks – 😷 Popular and useful!
- Sunscreen – 🌤️ Tokyo is bright even in winter.
💄 Makeup
- Moisturizing foundation or BB cream – 🧴 Looks great in dry air.
- Concealer – 🔍 Jet lag fixer.
- Blush – 🌸 Adds glow for camera days.
- Red or berry lipstick – 💄 Great contrast in winter fashion.
- Waterproof eyeliner/mascara – 💧 In case of misty evenings.
💇 Hair Care
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ Extend styles while traveling.
- Frizz serum – ✨ Helps in drier environments.
- Hairbrush/comb – 💇 With travel cover.
- Mini tools – 🔌 Straightener or curler.
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Sneakers or ankle boots – 👟 Ideal for full days walking.
- Stylish flats – 👠 For cafes and museums.
- Warm socks – 🧦 Hotels have cold floors.
- Crossbody bag – 👜 Small but safe.
- Umbrella – ☔ Occasional light showers.
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + printed copy – 🛂 Required at hotels.
- Cash – 💴 Still widely used.
- Credit card – 💳 For convenience in larger shops.
- Transit IC Card (Suica/Pasmo) – 🚇 Tap-and-go metro use.
- Hotel bookings – 📄 Print copies just in case.
- SIM or Pocket Wi-Fi – 📶 Stay connected easily.
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 For long walking days.
- Cold meds – 🤧 December flu season.
- Pain relievers – 💊 Useful any time.
- Allergy tablets – 🌸 For sensitive skin or dry air.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Toothbrush + toothpaste – 🪥 Compact kit.
- Deodorant – 🌸 Japanese brands are often light.
- Hand sanitizer – 🧴 For metro and restaurants.
- Tissues – 🤧 Bathrooms may lack paper.
- Feminine hygiene – 🩸 Bring your preferred brand.
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger – 📱 Daily necessity.
- Power bank – 🔋 Explore all day worry-free.
- Type A/B adapter – 🔌 Like US plugs.
- Apps – 🗺️ Google Maps, Translate, and Hyperdia.
🎧 Entertainment
- Book or Kindle – 📚 For trains or cafés.
- Offline playlists – 🎶 Tokyo soundtrack ready.
- Journal – 📓 For documenting your Tokyo trip.
🎁 Extras
- Shopping bag – 🛍️ Tokyo is a retail paradise.
- Reusable bottle – 💧 Stay hydrated on the go.
- Snacks – 🍫 Japanese snacks are great, but pack a few from home.
🌍 Travel Tips
- Carry coins – 💴 For vending machines and shrines.
- Plan for layers – 🧥 Weather shifts from day to night.
- Use public transit – 🚇 It’s fast, safe, and fun.
🛂 Visa Tips
- Many countries get 90-day visa-free – 🛂 Check entry rules.
- Have hotel bookings printed – 🖨️ Immigration may ask.
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport – 🛂 Required everywhere.
- Transit card (Suica/Pasmo) – 🚇 Use like a local.
- Layered outfits – 🧥 Fashionable and flexible.
👍 Good-to-Have
- Sleep mask – 😴 Long-haul jet lag helper.
- Heat packs – ♨️ For cold days out.
- Umbrella – ☔ Compact is best.
