The winter months are generally clear and crisp in Kansai, with temperatures averaging around 5-10c by day in Osaka. Snowfalls do occur but are infrequent - it you are lucky enough to be in Kyoto at this time, prepare for picture postcard views of snow clad temples and gardens - breathtaking! Tourist numbers are generally down in winter making it a good time to explore. The first week of New Year is an exception with hundreds of thousands turning out to make shrine visits, the traditional Japanese start to the year. The setsubon events in early February are also colorful occasions well worth experiencing.