Things to Do in Kyoto in December 2025

Kyoto in December brings a quieter, more reflective vibe. With chillier air, softly lit streets, and the glow of year-end traditions, the city invites you to slow down and soak in its timeless atmosphere. The crisp, cold air makes the zen gardens feel even more peaceful, and you can even hear the sound of temple bells ringing with a sharp clarity. From immersive light installations and night walks to festive markets and temple rituals, December is full of unique experiences you won’t want to miss.

NIWA’s Kyoto Oden BAR (Kyoto Station)

Warm up on a cold winter night at this special pop-up bar on the Art Terrace Lounge “NIWA” in the Kyoto Station Building. This “Oden BAR” offers a cozy atmosphere where you can enjoy classic, simmering oden (Japanese winter stew) along with drinks. It’s a perfect, casual stop to relax and enjoy a warm, savory treat while surrounded by the station’s modern architecture.

Date: November 1st, 2025 – December 28th, 2025

Timing: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Location: NIWA

Website: https://niwa.naked.works/kyoto/en/

Admission Fee: Reservation required https://www.tablecheck.com/ja/niwa/reserve/message

A City of Lights: Winter Illuminations

December is a brilliant time for night-time explorations, as the city offers a mix of illuminations for every taste. For a classic experience, Kiyomizu-dera’s Autumn Illumination offers a final chance to see the temple’s famous wooden stage and maple trees lit up in a stunning, traditional display. If you’re looking for a large-scale local event, the Twinkle Joyo illumination (a short trip from the city) features hundreds of thousands of LEDs in dazzling tunnels and festive scenes. For a high-tech nature walk, the Kyoto Illumination Synesthesia Hills at Rurikei Onsen is a year-round immersive event that uses light, sound, and digital projections to create a magical forest. Or perhaps you’d like to try and catch all three? No matter the choice, there is simply nothing better than the dazzling light shows found in Japan’s cultural capital this month!

Date:

• Kiyomizu-dera: November 22nd, 2025 – December 7th, 2025
• Twinkle Joyo: December 1st, 2025 – December 25th, 2025
• Synesthesia Hills: All year round

Timing:

• Kiyomizu-dera: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM)
• Twinkle Joyo: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM)
• Synesthesia Hills: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Location:

• Kiyomizu-dera: Kiyomizu-dera
• Twinkle Joyo: 34° 51′ 17.712″ N 135° 47′ 51.3816″ E
• Synesthesia Hills: Rurikei Onsen

Websites (Japanese Only):

• https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/news/yakan-haikanautumn.php
• https://xn--6oqz6c35b6zh48ipn2e0ys.jp/irumi/2025/index1.html
• https://www.synesthesia-hills.jp/

Admission Fee: All events require a paid ticket.

Kao mise Sogan (Grand Kabuki)

For a truly grand cultural experience, December is the month for Kao-mise (face-showing) at the historic Minamiza Theatre. This is an all-star Kabuki performance where the biggest names in the art form gather for a special year-end engagement. The theater itself, Japan’s oldest, is a stunning landmark in Gion. Even if you don’t follow the story, the elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and powerful performances are a visual feast. Maneki, large wooden boards painted with the actors’ names, are hung outside the theater, adding to the festive, old-world glamour.

Date: December 1st – 26th, 2025

Timing: Varies (matinee and evening shows)

Location: Minamiza Theater

Website (Japanese Only): https://www.kabuki-bito.jp/theaters/kyoto/play/895

Admission Fee: Varies by seat (Ranging from ¥6,000 – ¥28,000)

Jodo-e Ritual and Daikon Burning (Daikon-daki)

Participate in a unique and warming winter ritual at Daihoon-ji Temple (Senbon Shakado). This event commemorates the day Buddha attained enlightenment. Monks prepare large pots of daikon radish, which is then served to visitors. Eating this blessed radish is famously believed to ward off paralysis and pray for good health through the winter. The temple’s secret principal image is also often on public display during this time.

Date: December 7th & 8th, 2025

Timing: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Daihōonji (Senbon Shakadō) Temple

Website (Japanese Only): https://daihoonji.jp/annual-events

Admission Fee: Free

Hari Kuyo (Needle Memorial Service)

This is one of Kyoto’s most unique and gentle rituals, held at the Horin-ji temple in Arashiyama. Hari Kuyo is a memorial service to give thanks to old and broken needles for their hard work throughout the year. Attendees bring their used needles and respectfully stick them into large, soft blocks of konyaku jelly or tofu. The event also features a Buddhist service by the monks and a beautiful “Orihime Dance” performed by women in traditional Nara-period attire.

Date: December 8th, 2025

Timing: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Location: Hōrin-ji Temple

Website: https://www.kokuzohourinji.com/events.html

Admission Fee: Free

Winter Meals at Former Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa

Enjoy an exclusive winter meal inside a designated Important Cultural Property. On select dates in December, the historic Former Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa hosts special breakfast, brunch, and lunch plans. You can savor a “Morning Porridge Plan” (Asagayu), a fruit-sandwich brunch, or a “Special Lunch Box Plan” in a beautiful tatami-room setting overlooking the villa’s serene winter garden.

Date:

• Breakfast: December 9th, 11th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, and 26th
• Brunch: December 12th and 28th
• Lunch: December 12th, 14th, and 16th

Timing:

• Breakfast: 9:00-10:00
• Brunch: 10:00-11:00
• Lunch: 12:00-13:00

Location: Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa

Website (Japanese only): 

• Breakfast: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=13045
• Brunch: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=13046
• Lunch: https://ja.kyoto.travel/event/single.php?event_id=13047

Admission Fee: Paid Event

Kyo-ryori Exhibition

This is a fantastic event for food lovers, showcasing the high art of Kyo-ryori, or Kyoto-style elegant cuisine. Held at the Miyako Messe convention center, this annual exhibition features scrumptious and elaborate dishes from the city’s most acclaimed restaurants. You can see artful New Year’s offerings and extravagant sushi sets, and even watch cooking demonstrations, Maiko dance performances, and a traditional fish-filleting ceremony.

Date: December 13th & 14th, 2025

Timing: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Miyako Messe (Kyoto International Exhibition Hall)

Website (Japanese Only): https://kyo-ryori.com/#section2_new

Admission Fee: ¥800

Okera Mairi: Old Year’s Eve at Yasaka Shrine

This is one of Kyoto’s most essential New Year’s Eve traditions. After a 7 PM festival at the main shrine, a priest lights a purifying fire in lanterns within the grounds. This fire is fed with okera (a dried medicinal root) and okera sticks, on which parishioners have written prayers for good health. The dried root emits a strong, aromatic smoke believed to ward off evil spirits. Worshippers transfer this sacred fire to a “fire rope” and twirl it to keep the ember alive on their walk home. Traditionally, this flame was used to light the kindling for the New Year’s soup or the household altar, but today, the extinguished rope is often displayed in the kitchen as a talisman to prevent fires.

Date: December 31, 2025

Timing: From 7:30 PM until the early morning of January 1, 2026

Location: Yasaka Shrine

Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/event/shougatsu/

Admission Fee: Free

Practical Tips for December in Kyoto

• Weather: Expect cold, crisp days (3 – 10°C) and even colder evenings. Bring a warm coat, scarf, and gloves, as many events are outdoors.
• Evening Focus: Many events start after dark. Plan for earlier daytime exploring (like temples and gardens) and save the illuminations for the evening.
• Tickets & Entry: For illuminations and performances, reserving in advance is wise, especially for popular light shows or concerts that may sell out.
• Transport: Use the subway and buses. Check bus schedules ahead of time, as services may be less frequent.
• Local Etiquette: For temple markets and historic venues, dress modestly, speak quietly, and respect all signage and restricted areas.

Kyoto in December offers a mix of light, art, tradition, and local charm. Whether you’re navigating illuminated castle walls, listening to drum performances, or shopping under temple lanterns, the city invites you to slow down and savour each moment. Pack warmly, wander with a relaxed pace, and let Kyoto’s winter magic gently unfold. 

Featured Photo Credit: Shawn.ccf

Ready to discover more around the cultural capital of Japan, no matter the time of year? Check out our list of Kyoto Tours and find your next adventure for all seasons!