Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Japan
Japan is bucket list stuff for a reason! A vacation here feels unique, from exploring Tokyo's illuminations, visiting Kyoto's temples with winter beauty, discovering hot springs in snow, experiencing New Year traditions, and tasting seasonal foods. The holiday season means you'll see Japan when it's less crowded, experiencing authentic celebrations and cultural traditions most tourists never see.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Our family recently completed a tour of Japan with Wonderful Holidays UK, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. From the very beginning, communication through WhatsApp was outstanding. Every question was answered promptly, and we always felt informed and well taken care of throughout the trip. The itinerary was exceptionally well organized, and the hotels selected in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka were all excellent. Everything ran smoothly from start to finish, and it was clear that a great deal of thought had gone into every detail. One thing we especially appreciated was the flexibility. We made a few changes to our plans while we were in Japan, and the team accommodated us without any issues. Having that freedom made our trip even more enjoyable. The local English-speaking guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, which added so much to our experience. Every transfer, hotel, and activity was handled efficiently, and we never had to worry about the logistics. This was one of the most seamless and stress-free trips we have ever taken. We are truly grateful to the entire team at Wonderful Holidays UK for making our family vacation so memorable. We highly recommend Wonderful Holidays UK to anyone looking for a well-organized, professional, and reliable tour company. We would not hesitate to travel with them again. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
A Classic 11 Day Japan HolidayThis tour provides a great introduction to Japanese culture, customs, food and hits all the major sights in the cities covered. This experience gives me the confidence to navigate Japan myself in the future. The tour was small (~9 people) which worked well, especially when navigating busy public spaces and I got more out of the experience. Our tour guide, Daan, was fantastic, he was friendly, knowledgeable and took care of all the research, logistics and provided suggestions for extracurricular activities. Your days will be spent sightseeing as a group with the occasional half-day free to spend at your discretion, you could choose to unwind or check more things out that aren't officially on the tour. Daan let us know what our time limits were and what was feasible, we were able to make it to Nara to see the Deer one afternoon! Unlike other group tours i've been on, this one was flexible for those with dietary requirements, as there were many options to suit if you know what to look for. The tour guide didn't join us for the ski extension but they took care of all the transportation, accommodation and rental hires to ease our transition without the guide. The powdery snow in January were the perfect conditions for first time skiers to learn!
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life AdventuresVery well-organized itinerary with great local tour guides for each step of the way. The local tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, and they did superbly at ensuring we knew what to do with our major travel days. Additionally, Odynovo (our agency) was communicative throughout the months leading up to our trip in Japan. Definitely would recommend!
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10 best Christmas & New Year Japan tour packages
Compiled by
SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
- Christmas in Japan
- A Classic 11 Day Japan Holiday
- Contrasts of Japan
- Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
- 9 Days Japan Classic Tour (Private Guided)
- 7-Day Best Japan Mini Group Tour with 3/4 Stars Hotels, Max 6 People
- South Japan Express
- Capitals of Japan end Kyoto
- Essential Japan
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Ring in the holidays with a Christmas tea ceremony at a traditional Kyoto tea house, where you'll put on a kimono and make wagashi sweets before having a festive lunch. Walk through the snow-covered UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village to see the famous gassho houses with their frost-covered thatched roofs, then check out Wada House.
Duration 15 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Owakudani, Oshino, Kawaguchiko, Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, KyotoSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wendy Wu Tours From $10,763
12% Off- US$9,474
A Classic 11 Day Japan Holiday
“We are very happy with wanderful holidays team members for their guidances.”
Alok, traveled in March
Ring in the New Year checking out Japan's festive illuminations at Tokyo Sky Tree and Osaka's glittering cityscape from your hotel balcony. Walk through the atmospheric streets of Kyoto's Gion district with seasonal decorations, visit the ancient Todai-ji Temple in Nara, and have a kaiseki dinner with traditional Japanese New Year dishes like ozoni and soba noodles during your stay.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $5,046
11% Off- US$4,491
Contrasts of Japan
“This was a fantastic tour, met so many great people, never bored and never on the bus for more then 1.5 hours a day.”
Timothy, traveled in May
Winter festivities illuminate Tokyo's temples and Kyoto's seasonal celebrations. Zojoji Temple hosts New Year events, while winter views of Mount Fuji and festively decorated Dotonbori in Osaka complete the journey.
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Iyashinosato ancient japanese village, Nagoya, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Fushimi, Nara, OsakaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
11% Off- US$2,889
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
“This tour provides a great introduction to Japanese culture, customs, food and hits all the major sights.”
Karina, traveled in January
Winter magic unfolds at Kyoto's snow-covered Golden Pavilion and illuminated Kiyomizu-dera temple. Taste seasonal specialties in Osaka's Dotonbori, witness Tokyo's festive lights at Senso-ji, and soak in Nagano's hot springs while snow monkeys bathe nearby.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano Age Range Ages 18-59 Operator One Life Adventures From $2,775
10% Off- US$2,498
9 Days Japan Classic Tour (Private Guided)
“They planned most of our transportation and provided exceptional tour guides.”
Jessica, traveled in July
Duration 9 days Destinations Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Hakone, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe, HiroshimaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Odynovo From $3,566
20% Off- US$2,853
7-Day Best Japan Mini Group Tour with 3/4 Stars Hotels, Max 6 People
“It was an amazing experience and went beyond my expectations. I was able to see the breathtaking view of FUJI.”
Henry, traveled in July
Illuminated temples in Kyoto and traditional ceremonies at Meiji Shrine mark the season. Mount Fuji provides stunning winter views while Osaka Castle hosts seasonal celebrations. Premium rates apply December 30-January 2.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Odawara, Hakone, Owakudani, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From $3,359
20% Off- US$2,687
South Japan Express
“Enjoyed the places we visited, accommodations were good, close to shopping areas.”
MARIA, traveled in September
Traditional Japanese customs come alive at Kotohira Shrine and seasonal illuminations at Himeji Castle. Winter views from Naruto Bridge, New Year customs at local temples, and seasonal specialties in Kobe and Osaka create unforgettable moments.
Duration 6 days Destinations Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, Kurashiki, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Matsuyama, Kotohira, Takamatsu, NarutoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Europamundo From
20% Off- US$1,702
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours & Trips in Japan
When is the best time to book a Christmas & New Year tour in Japan?
The optimal booking window for Christmas & New Year tours in Japan runs 6-8 months before departure. Hotels like the Sotetsu Fresa Inn in Osaka and Hotel Intergate Tokyo reach capacity quickly for dates between December 15 and January 5. Prices tend to rise during this festive period particularly around popular spots like Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo and Kyoto's temples. Early planning helps secure better rates and preferred accommodation choices during this peak travel season.
What special activities and events can I experience during a Christmas & New Year tour in Japan?
The holiday season in Japan brings distinctive experiences that blend modern festivities with ancient traditions. Visitors can see the lit-up Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto join hatsumode shrine visits at Senso-ji in Tokyo and take part in New Year's Eve celebrations. Tours typically include stops at Mount Fuji and local markets. A TourRadar traveler noted: "we experienced real Japanese hospitality and felt immersed in the culture trying different Japanese foods exploring markets visiting temples and historic areas." Traditional bell-ringing ceremonies at places like Zojoji Temple add to the cultural experience.
How cold is Japan during Christmas & New Year and what should I pack?
Winter weather in Japan varies by region. Tokyo maintains temperatures between 5-10°C (41-50°F) while Hokkaido often sees temperatures below freezing. For stays at properties like the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo or New Miyako Hotel in Kyoto pack warm layers including a winter coat gloves scarf and waterproof walking shoes. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We saw snow in the Japanese Alps but Tokyo was mild - pack layers and definitely bring good walking shoes as there's lots of exploring to do."
What Japanese New Year traditions will I experience on the tour?
New Year tours showcase key Japanese traditions including joya no kane (108 temple bell rings) traditional osechi ryori meals at venues like the Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto and hatsumode shrine visits. Visitors can observe locals in kimono making temple visits and participate in New Year ceremonies. As one traveler shared: "experiencing real Japanese hospitality and being immersed in the culture was purely magical during this festive time."
How crowded are popular tourist sites during the Christmas and New Year period?
Tourist attractions see peak crowds between December 29 and January 3. The Tokyo Skytree Kinkaku-ji Temple and Osaka's Dotonbori area draw particularly large numbers. Tour operators like Europamundo often schedule early morning visits to help avoid the heaviest crowds. The Daiwa Roynet Hotel in Tokyo's Nishi-Shinjuku area serves as a practical base for reaching attractions during quieter hours.
What dining options are available during Christmas and New Year in Japan?
Holiday dining in Japan offers a mix of traditional and contemporary options. Hotels such as the Ochanomizu Hotel Shoryukan in Tokyo feature special Christmas buffets that combine Japanese and Western cuisine. New Year brings opportunities to try osechi ryori while food districts like Osaka's Dotonbori and Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market stay open with holiday specialties.
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