Best December Activities - Top Things to Do This Month

Begin December as you arrive early at a snow-dusted onsen town, where a quiet soak warms you from the inside. Book a dawn onsen session, then savor a hearty meal at a nearby hotel restaurant. Hotels located a short walk from the bath provide easy access to both facilities, so you can move through steam and snow without delays. This approach offers useful momentum for a cozy start to December.

During the blue hour, head to photo spots along snow-dusted lanes and river embankments. Capture crisp images at temples with lanterns and wooden bridges; these spots anchor your December album. Use an easy trail that is accessible, and check info boards for current openings.

In western regions, festive markets glow with lights and seasonal treats. Local guides have been highlighting a handful of easy routes that connect other streets, and you can sample mouth-watering bites and warm drinks as you stroll between spots. Local booths offer handmade gifts and practical info to plan the next stop. The selection stays compact, so you can cover several areas without rush.

Leisure seekers find ice skating rinks, short sled runs, and gentle hikes ideal for all levels. Try a brief snowshoe loop near a pine forest, then warm up with a hot chocolate. Pair any outdoor moment with a mouth-watering local treat to please the mouth.

To optimize the day, arrive early, reserve onsen slots, and use local passes to cover multiple spots. In addition, carry a compact map and a phone photo for quick updates on weather, access, and opening hours info. This simple prep keeps your December schedule smooth and flexible.

Practical December Adventures Around Lake Shikotsu

Book a lakeside onsen stay tonight to unwind after a day on the ice, then watching the mountains glow at dawn from your balcony.

Here are five practical December adventures you can enjoy around Lake Shikotsu, with clear steps and local tips to maximize your time and stay comfortable.

1) Lakeside viewing at sunrise: Position yourself along the lakeside promenade for reflections on the water and the snow‑capped mountains. Dress in layers, bring a thermos, and arrive early for a good view.

2) Frozen-lake activities and a short cruise: If the surface is safely frozen, join a guided walk or a short cruise along sections near the shore. Follow guides carefully, stay within marked routes, and wear traction devices for every step.

3) Lakeside bath and local dining: After outdoor time, retreat to a bath and savor fresh seafood; look for packages that include a discount on admission or a dish from the menu.

4) Snowshoeing to a lookout: Rent snowshoes from your hotel or a shop and hike to a nearby viewing point for a sweeping view of lakes and mountains. Stop at a sheltered spot to rest and take photos.

5) Riverside stroll and village exploration: Explore nearby villages by day, then return by taxis to your location. You can visit traditional structures, sample coffee, and enjoy a warm welcome from locals and shopkeepers.

If youre planning a longer circuit, you could combine this with a visit to shiretoko, as part of a broader winter itinerary. Carefully check weather windows and transport options, and look for discount bundles on multi‑day stays. Youre sure to return with memorable moments and stories you can share with yourself and friends.

What to Pack for December Visits: Clothing, Gear, and Layering Tips

Pack a warm, waterproof jacket and an insulated mid-layer for every December trip. Layering makes comfort easy: start with a breathable base layer, add a fleece or down mid-layer, and top it with a windproof outer shell that shrugs off snow-covered days. Keep one compact packable option for easy changes on the road.

Base layers should be wool or performance synthetic, with long-sleeve tops and bottoms that wick moisture. Carry 2–3 pairs of thick wool socks and a spare liner pair for damp evenings. If you expect long hours outside, swap in a dry set after your baths and hang damp items near a heater.

Outer layer essentials: waterproof, windproof, breathable shell with a snug hood; a warm mid-layer such as a fleece or lightweight down keeps your core warm in gusts. The best choice pairs durability with room to vent when you warm up indoors.

Footwear: insulated, waterproof boots with solid tread; add gaiters if you expect snow on the road or trails. Pick a size that allows thick socks, and test lacing to keep ankles supported on uneven, slippery surfaces.

Headwear and hands: knit hat or beanie, scarf or neck gaiter, and insulated gloves or mittens. For windy sections, keep your mouth tucked behind a scarf to reduce exposure and maintain warmth.

Gear for daily use: 20–30L daypack, water bottle, insulated thermos, compact first-aid kit, headlamp, power bank, spare camera battery. If you visit kussharo in winter, the road can be slick, so a small traction device fits in a jacket pocket.

Practical tips for kussharo visitors: lake kussharo area offers snow-covered scenery and quiet forests. The location and place change with the day, so layerable clothing stays comfortable from outdoor rounds to onsen stops. Pack a change of clothes for baths and easy transitions to warm interiors.

Daylight times are short in December, so plan outdoor windows for photography and easy walks around the lake and forests. Take advantage of local articles for guides on the best inns and offers, and map a route that avoids long drives in poor visibility: keep road segments short and flexible with taxi options in town centers.

Souvenirs: reserve space for handmade crafts from the region; many shops around kussharo offer small, useful keepsakes. Locally made items make great gifts, and you can stash them in a coat pocket or suitcase after a day on the road.

summer gear is unnecessary here; for December experiences you want warmth, moisture management, and flexibility. With this packing approach you stay comfortable, ready for a mix of road trips, lake views, and onsen experiences around kussharo.

Prime Scenic Drives: Route Ideas, Distances, and Best Times for Views

Choose the Oregon Coast drive from Cannon Beach to Florence for a reliable December showcase of cliffs, waters, and wide horizons, about 170 miles (275 km) with 3.5–4.5 hours of driving and plenty of pullouts to enjoy the scene.

Route idea 1: Oregon Coast – Cannon Beach to Florence Travel through Seaside, Tillamook, Lincoln City, and Newport before turning inland to Florence. Distances: Cannon Beach–Seaside ~25 miles (40 km); Seaside–Tillamook ~40 miles (65 km); Tillamook–Newport ~70 miles (110 km); Newport–Florence ~20 miles (32 km). Total around 155 miles (250 km). Best times are sunrise for crisp silhouettes and late afternoon for warm coastal tones. December can bring gusty winds and showers, so plan for 4–5 hours plus extra for a lakeside lunch or a short harbor stroll. At Newport, boats depart for whale-watching when seas cooperate, and several shops offer hot meals or grilled snacks; hours vary, so check the info boards at the harbor.

Route idea 2: Big Sur Coast – San Simeon to Carmel The CA-1 segment delivers dramatic scenery over roughly 90 miles (145 km). Key stops include Piedras Blancas, Bixby Creek Bridge, and McWay Falls, with 3–4 hours of steady driving and 1–2 hours for overlooks. Best times are dawn for clean lines against the water or late afternoon when the sun lights the sea stacks. Winter weather brings fog and occasional rain, so carry layers and allow for flexible timing. Grab a hot meal at a roadside cafe or a grilled sandwich to enjoy with the view; several facilities along the route provide restrooms and posted hours for planning.

Route idea 3: Lake Tahoe North Shore – Incline Village loop Circle the north shore for about 40–60 miles (65–95 km) and 2–3 hours of driving, with overlooks across blue waters framed by the Sierra peaks. Best times are midday when the light is bright on the lake and late afternoon for reflections in the pines. In winter, check snow and chain requirements, especially on higher passes. Towns around the lake offer lakeside cafés and shops where you can pair a light meal with a hot drink; some places feature a small bath facility or hot tub area for guests, and you may find boats or paddle options on calmer days.

Practical tips: start early to maximize light; hours vary for parks and facilities, so use the provided info at visitor centers or at each spot. Pack flexible plans, as December weather can shift views within minutes, and use the surrounding pullouts to compare differences between routes. Look for a grilled snack or a simple meal at village shops to keep energy up between viewpoints, and bring a map or device with offline info in case cellular service drops. If you travel with others, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to linger at a scenic place or move on to a new lakeside or oceanside vista.

Choosing among these routes gives visitors a choice between rugged coastline, alpine lake scenery, and cliff-backed seascapes. The surrounding towns provide various facilities, from shops and restrooms to boats and baths, with hours posted and updated by each operator. For a cohesive December loop, pair a coastal sunrise with an inland lake afternoon, then wrap up with a casual meal in a lakeside cafe–an easy way to create lasting memories without rushing the view.

Hidden Viewpoints by the Lake: How to Access Quiet Vantage Points in Winter

Plan a 3-day, guided route that hops between kussharo and jozankei to access quiet waterside views without crowds. It takes a calm plan and coordination with cooperative guides to maximize these moments.

Introducing a concise approach that prioritizes these viewpoints: start at Kussharo's eastern shore at dawn, then move to Jozankei's riverbank trails, and finish with a lakefront overlook near a cozy bathhouse. These steps help you immerse in the still scenery and collect small souvenirs along the way.

• Where to go: Kussharo Lake’s shores offer calm waters and misty spray in winter. Look for sheltered pine stands and open clearings with mountain silhouettes in the background; these spots stay quiet even on weekends.
• Next stop: Jozankei valley viewpoints along the city’s outskirts, where hot-bath facilities provide a warm break. The cooperative guides run small, well-managed tours that keep dips brief and views private.
• Best time: March mornings often deliver glassy surfaces and minimal wind; plan to shoot with tripod-friendly conditions and bring a telephoto for distant views.

How to access these vantage points:

• Choose a cooperative operator offering a 3-day package that pairs self-guided time with guided segments. They handle transport, permits, and safety checks, so your focus remains on views and experience.
• Pack layers, waterproof boots, and a compact camera. A warm bath or onsen stop after a chilly hike helps you recover and reflect on notes and souvenirs.
• Use local maps and GPS, and keep a lightweight daypack. These tools help you stay on quiet routes throughout your visit.

3-day sample itinerary (example):

1. Day 1: Start in jozankei, visit a quiet river overlook at dawn, enjoy a restorative bath, stay in a mountain lodge, and collect a small souvenir in town.
2. Day 2: Drive to kussharo area, walk a sheltered trail along the eastern shore, spray a light mist on your lens to capture the spray on the waters, then return for a magical sunset from a remote point.
3. Day 3: Combine one more overlook with a cooperative guide, finish with a traditional winter meal and a warm drink, and head home with fresh perspectives and views to remember.

Practical tips to maximize the experience:

• Choose early starts for quiet views, and keep moving to avoid crowds, especially near city-adjacent sites.
• Respect wildlife and keep a respectful distance; these places are sensitive in winter and require careful visiting practices.
• Consider March as a transition month: we still see snow but clearer skies, which makes the scenery even more magical and easier to photograph.
• Even modest lodges offer a touch of luxury with warm baths and cozy lounges to help you unwind after long views.

Winter Activities on and Around the Lake: Snowshoeing, Short Hikes, and Cozy Eateries Nearby

Begin with lakeside snowshoeing along the frozen shore at first light; this is the best way to immerse in the quiet and capture spectacular winter panoramas.

This guide offers five ways to enjoy the lake area, with practical tips on gear, timing, and where to eat afterwards, including lakeside spots that glow after a day on the trail.

1. Snowshoeing from the lakeside trailhead – a 3–5 km loop with mild elevation. The route presents outstanding scenery: frost-coated pines, peeking glimpses of the water, and crystal white banks. Begin early when the freeze is solid; conditions shift before march, so check the forecast and road status the night prior. Microspikes, waterproof boots, and layers keep you comfortable in late-male and early-morning hours. This option provides a reliable start for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.

2. Short hikes with easy overlooks – 1.5–3 miles, 150–300 ft of gain. These loops offer quick immersion and quick returns to town for a warm drink. Look for marked signs near the lakeside area, and plan for daylight to fade after about an hour. A compact map in your pocket (and a light thermos) helps you enjoy the scenery without rushing.

3. Cozy eateries nearby – five inviting options within a short drive or walk from the marina. Expect lakeside cafes and family-run bistros with hearty bowls, seasonal soups, and wood-fired pizzas. Late hours extend your post-hike wind-down; pair a hot drink with a slice of pastry or a small plate of local cheeses to refuel before you head back.

4. Onsen and bathing experiences nearby – an authentic Japanese onsen option offers a restorative soak after a day outdoors. The experience provides both indoor and outdoor baths with water temperatures suited to wind and snow. Hours vary by season, but many sites stay open late, making it easy to unwind before the road home. Learn etiquette differences to make the most of each facility, including a five-step rinse routine common to many onsens.

5. Culture and history around the lake – the area preserves Ainu history and a model of hospitality that enhances the visit. Before you leave, peek into a small local museum or information panel to catch highlights of regional history and the differences between local traditions and broader Japanese influences. This adds depth to your afternoon and makes the whole outing feel more grounded.

Please note practical tips: bring a small bag with water, a snack, and a first-aid kit; check parking hours and lake access rules; plan ahead for march weather shifts; and keep an eye on local road conditions to avoid delays.

Winter Safety and Travel Prep: Road Conditions, Daylight, and Emergency Kits

Plan around daylight and check road conditions from various sources before you depart.

In December, daylight may shrink to as little as 8 hours in northern regions; map a route that uses early daylight and set a target to arrive at must-see viewpoints while light holds, and pack a compact light kit for unscripted delays.

Test road conditions with weather forecasts, highway cameras, and municipal advisories; carry tire chains or traction devices if icy or snowy surfaces appear, especially on forests passes and near lakes.

Emergency kit essentials: flashlight with extra batteries; warm clothes; a compact reflective vest; water (2 liters per person), non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit, a power bank with car charger, cash for vending or tolls, a handmade blanket, and a small signaling tool such as a balloon or bright flag for visibility.

Prepare for daylight loss by packing a reliable light and easy-to-use map app; note that during holidays traffic increases, so allow extra time and check taxi availability if you need last-minute transport; those services may be more reliable in urban areas and can help you reach shelters quickly.

For scenery and safety, keep a short source of truth on hand – источник – with the latest advisories; respect the outstanding features of winter routes and refrain from pushing your limits; visiting remote forests or frozen lakes requires extra caution and a plan to turn back if conditions worsen, especially when spraying and spray from other vehicles affect visibility.